Build Hope, Inc., Director of Development and Communications

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Build Hope, Inc. (BHI), originally established as Kids Progress Inc. (KPI) in 2002 by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It was created to ensure low-income residents living in HACLA’s properties or receiving Section 8 assistance receive the full social, health, educational and work opportunities to which they are entitled. BHI’s mission is to advance economic equity and overall well being of HACLA’s communities.

Since its inception, HACLA has provided in-kind staffing to manage BHI’s operations. Recognizing the need for greater impact and sustainable growth, HACLA has now invested in expanding BHI’s organizational capacity, enabling the nonprofit to build its own dedicated team. This strategic investment aims to provide greater independence, empowering BHI to expand its reach and deepen its impact within the communities it serves. It does this by focusing on four key areas: education, economic mobility, resource resiliency, and service-enriched communities.

BHI serves individuals and families living in public housing, Section 8 and other residential housing units owned or operated by HACLA and is dedicated to improving life outcomes and addressing intergenerational poverty.

While BHI is affiliated with HACLA, it operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and functions autonomously. 

For more information about Build Hope, Inc. please visit www.buildhopeinc.org.

OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the BHI Executive Director, the Director of Development and Communications will lead all fundraising and communications efforts for BHI, developing and managing a strategy to raise over $2M in new revenue over the next 4 years. As the first person in this inaugural role, the Director will establish and oversee the growth and management of a portfolio of philanthropic and government funding partners, while also leading the communications strategy to enhance BHI’s brand and support long-term sustainability. This position will involve personally cultivating and stewarding high-capacity funders and working collaboratively with the Executive Director, Finance and Program teams, and the Board of Directors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Key Responsibilities of the Director of Development and Communications include:

Development Strategy & Execution

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, direct and oversee fundraising efforts from diverse sources, including foundation grants, individual donations, special events, campaigns, government contracts, and corporate partnerships.
• Develop and implement innovative strategies to establish a pipeline of donor support, building individual giving, foundation and corporate support, and untapped public funding.
• Prepare and submit concept papers, solicitation letters, proposals, budgets, and reports related to fundraising.
• Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, partners, community leaders, and elected officials, to enhance BHI’s visibility and influence.
• Lead the selection, procurement, and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising database system to support the organization's development and donor management efforts.
• Organize and manage donor and community events to cultivate relationships and foster a sense of community among supporters.
• Collaborate with HACLA and other partners on identifying and pursuing joint grant opportunities and coordinate the preparation and submission of required reports to ensure alignment with both organizations' goals and compliance with grant requirements.
• Oversee and manage all funder reporting requirements, ensuring goals and expenditures are met. Collaborate with program staff and finance to prepare reports and assist with audit responses to ensure compliance.
• Manage planning and execution of excellently produced site visits for current and prospective funding partners.

Development Operations 

• Document all fundraising-related activities in the database to ensure proper portfolio management, grants management, and institutional knowledge. 
• Ensure that all proposals, budgets, reports, and financial documents are timely, accurate, and aligned with organizational strategic priorities and grant obligations.

Communications & Marketing 

• Develop strategic communications to establish BHI as a recognizable brand and resource within the LA community, while collaborating with HACLA on joint communication efforts to ensure consistent messaging and outreach.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate the annual communications plan, integrating development and marketing strategies to maximize BHI’s exposure and fundraising opportunities.
• Oversee the creation, distribution, and maintenance of all print and digital collateral, including newsletters, brochures, annual reports, e-newsletters, and the BHI website. Manage communication platforms and tools used for these materials to ensure effective and streamlined outreach.
• Manage the design and production of donor recognition materials, as well as ongoing updates and funding solicitations via print and email.
• Develop and execute crisis communication strategies to mitigate any negative publicity and manage incidents affecting the organization.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive social media strategy to enhance BHI’s online presence, engage stakeholders, and support fundraising and communication goals.

YEAR-1 PRIORITIES

These areas have been identified as the key priorities for the Director’s first year:

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, create a multi-year development and communications plan that enables BHI to meet its ambitious strategic and fundraising goals.
• Utilize BHI’s position within Los Angeles to cultivate relationships with high-capacity donors, foundations, and corporate partners to build a robust philanthropic pipeline.
• Develop communication channels to introduce BHI to the HACLA community, as well as build awareness among external stakeholders, including donors, partners, and community leaders to elevate BHI’s visibility and its connection to HACLA’s mission.
• Select and implement a fundraising database to track and improve BHI’s development and communications efforts.

In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Director of Development and Communications candidate will have/be:

• Bachelors Degree and 7-10 years of overall nonprofit fundraising experience with at least two years serving in a management role.
• Stellar writing and communication skills, with a successful track record of conveying program impact to diverse audiences.
• Successful track record of growing a development department from the ground up.
• Database management and proficiency in leveraging it as a primary tool to enhance fundraising and communications efforts.
• Collaborate and work effectively with staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other key stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work independently and thrive in creating and implementing new initiatives.
• Experience optimizing database functionalities to meet organizational needs.
• Experience fostering effective internal relationships across all levels, including Boards of Directors, senior and line staff.
• Proven ability to build and guide relationships across institutional funders and individual philanthropists.
• Knowledge of or direct experience in soliciting government funding is a plus.
• Experience working within the Los Angeles area is required, especially focused on traditionally underserved communities; experience supporting HACLA communities is a plus.
• Must possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's License.

This is an exempt full-time position. The Director of Development and Communications is expected to be based in the Greater Los Angeles region and work in a hybrid environment. BHI is located within HACLA’s offices at 2600 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. Salary range is $110,000 - $140,000 and includes a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, dental, vision, PTO, and retirement.

TO APPLY

Edgility Consulting is pleased to support Build Hope Inc. with this mission-critical search. Please submit a resume online at https://apply.workable.com/j/3E5197FBB5/. For additional questions about this position or to speak with someone about your interest, please contact Nora Maligmat at nmaligmat@edgilityconsulting.com.

Build Hope, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. Recruiting staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications to perform the work required.