Senior Director of Development & Public Affairs

Company Overview:

211 LA is a dynamic, forward-thinking organization committed to fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and professional growth. As a leader in Information and Referral Services, we take pride in providing our employees with a supportive, collaborative environment where they can thrive and contribute to our company's success.

Position: Senior Director of Development and Public Affairs
Note: This position is conducted remotely; occasional in-person meetings are required. This role requires the candidate to be local to Los Angeles.

Reports To: Chief Program Officer

Department: Senior Director

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Development and Public Affairs serves as a key

member of the leadership team responsible for advancing the organization's fundraising strategy, communications, external relations, and public presence. This position leads the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising and development plan that includes foundation and corporate giving, government funding opportunities, major gifts, donor engagement, and strategic partnerships.

The Senior Director will also oversee public affairs, including

communications, marketing, media relations, community engagement, and brand strategy to elevate the organization's visibility, influence, and impact. The role works closely with the C-Suite, Board of Directors, funders, community partners, and external stakeholders to strengthen relationships and secure resources that advance the organization's mission.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Strategic Leadership & Resource Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising and development strategy aligned with the organization's strategic priorities and long-term sustainability goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with foundations, corporations, government agencies, individual donors, and philanthropic partners.
• Oversee the development of compelling grant proposals, funding requests, sponsorship opportunities, and donor communications.
• Research and evaluate new funding opportunities, emerging philanthropic trends, and strategic partnerships.
• Establish annual fundraising goals, monitor progress, and provide regular reports and analysis to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Build systems, processes, and infrastructure to strengthen donor cultivation, stewardship, data management, and fundraising effectiveness.

Public Affairs, Communications & External Relations

• Develop and oversee a strategic communications and public affairs plan that increases organizational visibility, credibility, and community engagement.
• Lead organizational messaging, storytelling, branding, and reputation management to ensure consistent and compelling communication of the organization's mission and impact.
• Oversee media relations, public awareness campaigns, digital communications, social media strategy, and external publications.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, government agencies, community organizations, and strategic partners.
• Represent the organization at public meetings, conferences, community events, and stakeholder convenings.

Executive and Organizational Leadership

• Collaborate with program and operational leaders to identify funding opportunities and effectively communicate program outcomes and impact.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and materials for executive leadership, the Board of Directors, funders, and community stakeholders.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, goals, performance metrics, and work plans.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate development, communications, and public affairs staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements, grant reporting obligations, and organizational policies.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, communications, marketing, business, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in fundraising, development, communications, public affairs, or external relations.
• Demonstrated success securing major grants, corporate sponsorships, government funding, and philanthropic investments.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications, media, and public engagement initiatives.
• Experience managing staff, departmental budgets, and cross-functional initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop compelling narratives and communicate organizational impact.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor cultivation strategies, and grant management processes.
• Ability to analyze data, track outcomes, and use metrics to guide strategic decision-making.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to the organization's mission, values, and a collaborative, equity-centered workplace culture.

Compensation: $130,000 annually

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements
• Employee assistance program

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

211 LA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.