Donor Relations Officer

 Donor Relations Officer 

Full-Time; Exempt

This is an in-office position, requires on-site work (5) days per week.

Only applicants who reside in the Los Angeles Region will be considered. 

***CCF IS A MANDATORY COVID-19 VACCINATION EMPLOYER***   

California Community Foundation's mission is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. We envision a future where all Angelenos have the opportunity to contribute to the productivity, health and well-being of our region. And we believe that our common fate will be determined by how successfully we improve the quality of life for all our residents. The impact we help create is of, by and for Los Angeles, because the community is our foundation.

CCF seeks to build a strong and diverse community. We strive to be an employer of choice – offering a competitive compensation package, development opportunities and a rewarding environment. CCF believes in equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or other protected status. We consider qualified applicants in a manner consistent with federal, state, and local laws.  

Position Summary: The Donor Relations Officer is part of the Development and Donor Relations (DDR) external fundraising team responsible for developing and strengthening long-term relationships on behalf of the California Community Foundation (CCF) with key donors, prospects, and fund advisors, including leading one-on-one consultations, advising on best practices in philanthropic giving, and strategically adding value to the CCF donor experience through aligned giving opportunities. This position requires an individual who can prioritize and multi-task while maintaining a high level of client service. It also requires an individual who can identify and offer solutions to isolated and systemic problems.  

Major Responsibilities: 

• Donor and Prospect Outreach & Engagement: Proactively and systemically develops and strengthens long-term relationships with an assigned portfolio of existing donors, prospects, and fund advisors. Conducts outreach, advisory and relations activities with the end goal of establishing CCF as the preferred philanthropic vehicle in addition to cultivating donors with high potential to align with CCF priority giving areas. Collaborates with other department members to leverage opportunities, build awareness, develop value-added engagement, and facilitate meaningful engagement experiences for donors.
• Philanthropic Stewardship: Advises donors as they build a giving plan and philosophy, by assisting in the development of a meaningful vision, offering information on best practices in giving. Provides guidance, structure, and high-touch support to implement donors grantmaking projects or programs.
• Fundraising: Responsible for contributing to the CCF established annual fundraising goals as an individual contributor. Develops and manages the implementation of individualized strategies and plans for top donors and prospects. Fundraising metrics include contributions, legacy gifts and aligned giving to CCF initiatives and focus areas. Serves as a “moves manager” for a portfolio of assigned donor fund holders. 
• Campaign Management: Participates as an integral member of interdepartmental teams for the purpose of increasing legacy, discretionary and aligned giving from foundation donors and prospects. This includes co-leading, in conjunction with a grant maker, the development of at least one assigned campaign strategy, messaging and metrics, as well as donor solicitation, events and evaluation. Assigned campaigns may include but are not limited to the following subject areas: education, immigration, health, youth development, and housing.
• Mission Orientation: Passionate and fluent in describing the trends, challenges and solutions addressed within the foundation’s key areas of grantmaking. Stays current on developments affecting low-income and vulnerable populations in greater Los Angeles, with particular focus to education, immigrant integration, health, housing, and youth development issues. Skilled at connecting funders to opportunities to achieve positive social change in these areas and others, while simultaneously achieving the donor’s vision.  
• Fund and Grants Management: Understands and can speak to the laws and regulations affecting charitable grantmaking, particularly from donor advised and scholarship funds as well as supporting organizations. Proficient in the use of the foundation’s internal and external constituent and grants management technologies.  
• Management: Serves as a member of the foundation’s management team, attending management team meetings, completing assignments as required and coordinating work between departments and with external vendors, as necessary. Identifies and pursues opportunities for internal integration of work across functions and departments to make connections and leverage the strengths and efforts of CCF.  
• General: As appropriate, assists other departments and works as a member of interdepartmental teams to ensure the effective and efficient operations of CCF. At all times, demonstrates cooperative behavior with supervisors and coworkers. Other duties as assigned, dependent on organizational needs and employee skills. 

Qualifications:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential job function assigned satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Experience: 5-7 years’ experience in a donor relations, alumni relations or similar setting preferred. Experience in major gift solicitation with a proven track record in strategizing the solicitation of high-level donors.  
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree and/or applicable sales/fundraising experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Philanthropic Practices: Strong knowledge of grantmaking processes and the nonprofit community in Los Angeles County. 
• Communication and Relationship Skills: Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills. Superior and proven customer services skills. Ability to secure the confidence of top donors and prospects through long-term relationship building activities in order to facilitate contributions to donor funds and CCF initiatives.
• Technology Skills: Internet competency and strong computer proficiency, including mastery of the Microsoft Office software suite and a familiarity with database software, is required. Experience with client management databases is preferred. Willingness and ability to learn appropriate database, spreadsheet and other computer programs.
• Project Management Skills: Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.  Ability to prioritize work and adjust to multiple demands.  Demonstrated ability to follow tasks through to completion in a timely manner.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze and constantly improve on grantmaking, operations and other systems.
• Team Work & General Skills: Ability to work well independently and as team member.  Ability to take initiative and follow tasks through to completion.