Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships

Title: Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships

Reports to: CEO

Date: January 2025

Location: Sherman Oaks, CA In Person, with remote work flexibility

Salary: $135K- $145K with performance-based bonus potential and competitive benefits.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Focus: Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships for Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum

Exceptional Minds is a non-profit academy and studio preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in animation, visual effects, 3D gaming and other related fields in the entertainment industry. We provide technical and work readiness training customized to help students achieve their full artistic and professional potential.

We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships to assume the primary responsibility for managing and driving the ongoing success of our development programs. This role is integral to our organization's mission, focusing on enhancing fundraising efforts and securing critical financial support for our future. The ideal candidate brings a positive, solutions-focused mindset, is adaptable to changing priorities, and can pivot strategies effectively to drive results.

OVERVIEW

I. Development & Revenue Generation:

Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate with the CEO and the Board of Directors to prepare and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan.

Major Gifts & Cultivation:

• Conceptualize strategic initiatives to build, curate, and expand the portfolio of major gift prospects, foundations, corporations, and high net worth individuals.
• Deepen relationships with current major donors and partners while launching systematic initiatives to identify and target other high-capacity financial contributors and the next generation of donors.

Strategic Partnerships:

• Build and drive strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, and nonprofit organizations to advance EM’s mission and impact.
• Align collaborative opportunities with organizational goals, ensuring measurable value and long-term sustainability.
• Serve as primary liaison, coordinating joint initiatives, programs, and events to maximize partner engagement.
• Track and evaluate partnership outcomes to inform strategy and optimize results.
• Represent the organization externally, enhancing visibility, credibility, and stakeholder relationships.

Campaigns & Appeals:

• Create special campaigns for fundraising to support highest priority needs for capital programs and scholarships.

Donor Administration:

• Oversee donor/prospect research as well as database management, continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on fundraising progress. Implement and oversee a comprehensive relationship management program.

Donor Communications:

• Prepare, manage, and deliver compelling written materials and persuasive presentations for donor engagement. Additionally, oversee the development and management of partner agreements.

II. Visibility & Mission Storytelling (Donor-Focused Communications)

Communications Strategy:

• Develop a communications plan focused on supporting the growth andfundraising goals of the organization.

Messaging & Engagement:

• In collaboration with the CEO and Marketing, craft effective communications and messages which help engage, educate, and steward various audiences, primarily prospective supporters, partners, and donors.

Brand Alignment:

• Develop, adapt, and oversee all external communications related to development, including content for annual reports, year-end appeals, and other donor collateral.

Public Relations:

• Identify opportunities to tell Exceptional Minds story in traditional broadcast or print media, positioning the CEO as a mission-driven thought leader focused on impact and funding needs.

Events:

• In coordination with the team, CEO, and Board, conceive, plan, and budget for special events to advance the organization's goals, retain current donors, and engage wider audiences of potential supporters.

III. Leadership & Management

Organizational Alignment:

• Consult with the CEO and leadership teams on organizational priorities to ensure alignment in communications and development plans; provide the CEO with regular updates.

Culture of Philanthropy:

• Help build a culture of philanthropy internally by providing education and training, where appropriate.
• Team Leadership:
• Lead with optimism and flexibility, turning challenges into opportunities and aligning strategies to achieve measurable success.

Performance Metrics:

• Analyze and track key metrics, identifying trends and proactively addressing partner and donor needs. Establish and manage metrics to accurately measure and report on the efficacy of the department’s personnel, programs, and systems.

Research & Analysis:

• Conduct in-depth market research to stay abreast of industry trends, competition, and potential funding sources and strategic partners.

Team Oversight:

• Oversee Development Coordinator and department contractors, consultants, and fundraising committees.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Senior-level nonprofit major gift fundraising.
• Proven track record of soliciting, securing, and stewarding five to six figure gifts.
• Must have strong knowledge or personal passion for the autism philanthropic landscape, including experience with major donors and foundations locally and nationally.
• Proven success in health and human services focused fundraising, with preferred experience within entertainment or creative programs.
• Proven track record of collaborating within senior management teams and contributing to organizational strategy.
• Prior experience in development, strategic initiatives, or fundraising for non-profit, foundation, campaign organizations, or similar organizations.
• Strong negotiation skills and history working with high-level executives to secure partnerships and major gifts.
• Proficiency in budgeting and projection techniques.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in philanthropy, business, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

We are an equal-opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Pay: $135,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $135,000 - $145,000