Development Manager - Los Angeles, United States - Woodcraft Rangers

Description

Job Title: Development Manager

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 are a dedicated advocate for youth and education, motivated by the opportunity to support the growth and impact of Woodcraft Rangers through hands-on fundraising efforts. As a natural storyteller, you possess the unique ability to weave the narratives of our programs into compelling proposals that resonate with our philanthropic partners. Your enthusiasm for our mission drives you to seek innovative funding opportunities that align with our goals, ensuring that every child has access to enriching, life-changing educational experiences. You see challenges as opportunities for growth and are eager to contribute your expertise to not just meet, but exceed our fundraising objectives. With a keen eye for detail and a heart full of passion, you are ready to make a significant impact, fostering relationships that build a strong foundation for the future of Woodcraft Rangers and the communities we serve. Your creativity, strategic thinking, and dedication make you an ideal candidate to help lead our efforts in expanding the reach and depth of our programs.

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 Development Manager at Woodcraft Rangers plays a key role in executing the organization's fundraising strategies. This position is responsible for leading the grant writing process, ensuring that proposals are compelling, accurate, and align with the mission and interests of philanthropic partners. The Development Manager also collaborates extensively with various departments, gathering the necessary information to craft complete proposals, accounting for 50% of their responsibilities.

This role extends beyond grant creation and is crucial in the post-award phase. The Development Manager takes ownership of communicating with all staff involved in implementing the grant. This ensures a smooth transition from award to action, facilitating successful project launches that they helped fund.

The remaining responsibilities are divided into supporting fundraising events and engaging with donors, which include 20% focused on donor-specific communications and event support, and 10% on collaborative planning with teams to align fundraising efforts with organizational goals. Another 20% of their time is dedicated to active donor engagement.

Reporting directly to the Director of Development, the Development Manager significantly contributes to achieving fundraising targets and ensures the practical implementation of funded projects, underscoring their deep commitment to the organization's mission.

Responsibilities:

• Grant Writing: Lead the preparation and submission of grant proposals, working closely cross-functionally with teams to ensure accuracy and alignment with funder expectations.
• Donor Engagement: Support in maintaining robust relationships with donors and philanthropic partners, contributing to engagement strategies and communications.
• Event Coordination: Assist in the planning and execution of fundraising events, managing logistics and coordinating with vendors and partners to achieve event objectives.
• Strategic Execution: Collaborate with the Director of Development to implement fundraising strategies, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and align with organizational goals.
• Reporting and Compliance: Assist in monitoring and reporting on grant-funded projects, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and organizational objectives.
• Collaborative Planning: Engage in cross-functional collaboration to align fundraising activities with organizational goals, ensuring a cohesive approach to development efforts across departments.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years of experience in development, fundraising, or a related field, with a strong focus on grant writing and event management. 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 track record in securing funding through compelling grant writing, with an ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences.
• Experience in cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors, foundations, and philanthropic organizations, understanding the importance of nurturing these connections for long-term success.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking in identifying and pursuing funding opportunities that align with organizational missions and goals.
• Experience in planning, coordinating, and executing fundraising events that engage donors and raise organizational profile.
• Experience in education, expanded learning, or outdoor education sectors is an asset.
• Technically proficient in fundraising platforms like Donor Perfect, CRM, or similar systems.
• 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:

• Exceptional grant writing skills, with a proven ability to craft funding proposals that are both persuasive and reflective of the organization's needs and goals.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, ensuring the effective implementation of fundraising strategies and activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, crucial for engaging with donors, writing grant proposals, and internal collaboration.
• Ability to adapt fundraising strategies based on changing priorities, new opportunities, and feedback from donors and organizational leadership.
• Keen attention to detail, particularly in the preparation of grant applications and the management of fundraising events, to ensure accuracy and compliance with funding requirements.
• 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: $70,000-$76,000 per year

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