Job Title: Director of Development
Are you passionate about giving back to your community and serving the youth?
Who We Are:
In 1922, Woodcraft Rangers opened its doors in Los Angeles and began its mission of guiding young people as they explore pathways to purposeful lives. As a progressive organization, Woodcraft has always been responsive to the evolving needs of the communities served, and is notably inclusive, youth-led, and rooted in the Woodcraft Way, a holistic framework that develops body, mind, spirit, and service. Continuously at the forefront of expanded learning opportunities, Woodcraft Rangers has a rich history of making a significant impact in the greater Los Angeles area, believing that all youth are innately good, deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential, and should be an active participant in defining their own path.
What We Do:
Woodcraft Rangers provides TK-12 expanded learning programs, including before and after school, specialty enrichment, and summer learning. In the past few years, Woodcraft has expanded its menu of services beyond traditional afterschool programs and summer camps to include early learning, environmental and social justice, college access, and inclusion services for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, we offer Lifecraft, a college and career advancement program to support the development of approximately 1,000 staff. Today, Woodcraft Rangers serves more than 20,000 youth ages 4-18 annually in and from 110 Title I schools across LA County!
Ideal Candidate:
This role is for you if you champion the transformative power of education and are driven to marshal resources toward it. You excel in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with foundations and philanthropic partners, building more than just support-building partnerships that resonate with our mission. You're inspired by growth, seeing it not as a challenge but as an expansive field for impact. With a nuanced understanding of the philanthropic landscape, you are adept at identifying strategic opportunities to further our cause. At your core, you are an innovator and a relationship-builder, passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth through strategic development initiatives. Your leadership is inclusive, fostering a team culture of excellence and creativity. If pioneering new pathways for educational enrichment and youth development excites you, stepping into the role of Director of Development at Woodcraft Rangers could be your next impactful journey.
Why Work for Woodcraft Rangers:

• Paid vacation
• Sick time
• Health Benefits
• 403(b) retirement
• Pet insurance
• Lifecraft
• Upward mobility

• Career development
• The opportunity to create a lasting positive impact on youth within your community.

Role Overview:
The Director of Development at Woodcraft Rangers stands at the forefront of the organization's fundraising strategy, tasked with driving impactful and sustainable growth. This essential leadership role extends beyond grant writing to encompass comprehensive management of donor relations and philanthropic partnerships, ensuring alignment with the mission and funding opportunities. The Director manages an annual portfolio generating $1-1.5M in revenue, primarily from foundation and government grants. Additionally, they oversee the development of grants and proposals while strategically managing the grant lifecycle to ensure outcomes meet both internal objectives and donor expectations.
The Director will also spearhead the planning and execution of corporate events and initiatives, focusing particularly on the bi-annual fundraising event that builds off the organization's Centennial Celebration in 2023. The next phase of fundraising will target corporate and individual donors, with the special event serving as a cornerstone of this strategy. Acting as the face and voice of Woodcraft Rangers in interactions with donors and partners, the Director's role is crucial in cultivating enduring relationships and securing the necessary resources to inspire, engage, and educate the communities they serve.
Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Direct fundraising strategy and cross-functional collaboration to foster a unified approach to securing strategic funding opportunities.
• Donor Relationship Management: Cultivate and foster relationships with foundations, philanthropic entities, and corporate partners.
• Grant Management Oversight: Oversee the grant lifecycle, from identification to application and compliance. Ensure grants align with organizational objectives and mission and that deliverables are met, maintaining accountability and transparency with funders.
• Event and Partnership Management: Lead the planning and execution of corporate events and initiatives, enhancing visibility and engagement with key stakeholders. Actively participate in partner events for networking and community building.
• Team Leadership: Oversee a team that includes a Development Manager and an Events and Outreach Manager. Cultivate an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and strategic thinking among team members..
• Reporting and Compliance: Ensure accurate and timely reporting on grant usage and impact. Monitor compliance with grant requirements, working closely with program staff to deliver on grant objectives.
• Strategic Planning and Analysis: Regularly analyze the philanthropic landscape and adjust strategies accordingly. Collaborate with leadership to set fundraising targets and develop plans to achieve them.

Qualifications:

• A combination of education and experience equivalent to 10 years in fundraising or development. A degree in a relevant field (e.g., Non-Profit Management, Business, Communication) is an asset. Certifications in fundraising or development (i.e. CFRE, CSPG, etc.) are considered an asset.
• Proven experience in grant writing and management, donor management and engagement, and strategic development leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and analytically about fundraising, with the capacity to develop and execute plans that meet and exceed organizational goals.
• Significant experience in planning, coordinating, and executing fundraising events that engage donors and raise organizational profiles, maximizing event impact on funding goals.
• Experience in managing teams and working within agencies of similar size is crucial.

• Experience in education, expanded learning, or outdoor education sectors is highly regarded.
• Technically proficient in fundraising platforms like Donor Perfect, CRM, or similar systems. A strong understanding of how to leverage these tools for donor management and fundraising optimization is required.
• Familiarity with relevant local, state, and federal fundraising regulations and ethical guidelines.
• While not required, bilingual abilities in English and Spanish are considered beneficial.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Demonstrated experience in working with ethnically and culturally diverse communities, along with a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs of high-need areas in Los Angeles, including knowledge of the existing educational systems, youth development principles, and related programs.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all employees engaged in in-person work with staff or clients.
• Valid LIVE Scan, TB Clearance, and CPR Certification (provided by Woodcraft Rangers).

Skills:

• Strong leadership skills with a focus on inclusivity, mentorship, and team development, encouraging a culture of innovation and shared success within the development team.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate organizational needs and successes to a variety of audiences, fostering strong relationships and compelling narratives.
• Proficient in analyzing fundraising data to inform strategic decisions, identify opportunities for growth, and solve complex fundraising challenges.
• Knowledgeable in navigating fundraising regulations and compliance requirements, ensuring all fundraising activities adhere to ethical standards and legal obligations.
• Sensitivity and understanding of diverse communities, with the ability to engage authentically and respectfully in multicultural environments, enhancing donor and community relations.
• Strong self-motivation and self-learning abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• Strong multitasking skills with a focus on managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Consistent display of poise and professionalism in all situations.

Physical Demands:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following physical demands may be essential for the effective performance of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

• Frequent standing is required during working hours.
• The ability to travel across the Greater Los Angeles area, using either a car or public transportation, is necessary several times per month.
• Regular use of hands for various tasks, such as operating a computer and handling objects, is essential.
• Effective communication skills are required, necessitating the ability to speak clearly and hear well.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of objects weighing up to 40 pounds may be required.

Work Environment and Schedule:
We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and will actively consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals to effectively perform their roles. This position operates in environments typical of the following key aspects:

• Regular working hours are from Monday to Friday, with occasional weekends and evenings required for events, training, or conferences.
• Optional weekly work-from-home opportunities.
• Travel may be necessary to various regions where Woodcraft Rangers programs are implemented, including San Fernando Valley, South Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, Southeast LA, and Downtown areas, to support or deliver in-person training.
• Regular exposure to a computer monitor during work.
• The typical noise level of a standard work environment.
• Stable internet access is required for effective work-from-home performance.

Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $95,000-$106,000 per year