Director of Institutional & Corporate Giving

LA’s BEST Afterschool Enrichment Program is seeking a talented fundraising professional to join our team as our DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL & CORPORATE GIVING. Apply today to contribute to our mission!

About LA’s BEST

Established 35 years ago, LA’s BEST is a safe and engaging afterschool enrichment program for elementary school students in neighborhoods with the highest needs yet fewest resources. Beyond academics, our programming nurtures social and emotional connections with trained and caring adults. LA’s BEST prepares and inspires staff to empower children to create lives full of choices and supports working families across Los Angeles.

LA’s BEST is a unique partnership between the private and public sectors providing afterschool enrichment. Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) operates the program. Advocating for public, government allocations and fundraising from the private sector comprise the nonprofit entity. These branches collaborate to maintain, expand and enhance equitable programming that benefits staff, children and working families living across Los Angeles.

At LA’s BEST, we believe that diversity fuels innovation, creativity, and success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual’s unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are valued and celebrated. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Join us in our mission to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to thrive and contribute their best work. Your voice matters, and we invite you to bring your authentic self to our team.

Job Overview and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Vice President (VP) of Development, the Director of Institutional & Corporate Giving is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing institutional and corporate funding opportunities to support the organization’s operations, programs, and projects. This role involves developing and executing a comprehensive grants solicitation strategy, preparing high-quality grant proposals, managing grant reporting and compliance, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and grant partners to enhance organizational visibility and credibility. Core responsibilities may include:

Grant Writing & Proposal Development (approximately 60%):

• Preparing and submitting high-quality grant requests, including letters of inquiry, proposals, and applications, ensuring alignment with funders’ guidelines and requirements.
• Leading the development of and drafting compelling grant proposals and applications, articulating the organization’s mission, goals, programs, and impact effectively to secure funding.
• Collaborating with program staff and other departments to gather relevant data, stories, and outcomes for inclusion in grant submissions.

Grant Management & Reporting (approximately 25%):

• Utilizing database software (SalesForce) to track, manage, and maintain accurate records of grant requests, awards, and reporting deadlines.
• Developing, implementing, and maintaining the annual grants revenue budget and the internal grants master calendar.
• Ensuring timely submission of grant requests and reports, including financial and programmatic narratives, adhering to deadlines and providing accurate and comprehensive information in accordance with grant-making partners’ requirements.
• Monitoring and tracking grant performance metrics and outcomes to demonstrate impact and fulfill reporting obligations to funders.
• Performing additional tasks and duties related to grants management and fundraising efforts as needed to support the organization’s overall goals and priorities.

Grant Acquisition & Strategy Development (approximately 10%):

• Identifying, cultivating, and securing institutional funding opportunities (grants) to support general operations, programs, and projects.
• Developing and executing a comprehensive institutional grants solicitation strategy aligned with organizational goals and funding priorities.
• Researching potential grant-making partners, including foundations, corporations, and other institutional donors, to expand funding opportunities.
• Continuously assessing and improving grant-seeking strategies, processes, and tools to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of institutional giving efforts.
• Remaining consistently informed about trends, best practices, and changes in institutional giving and philanthropy, participating in relevant professional development opportunities and networking events.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Relationship Management (approximately 5%):

• Collaborating with the Central Operations LAUSD office and Finance department to assess programmatic and organizational needs and develop funding strategies to address them through grants.
• Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including program staff, board members, and external partners, to support grant-seeking efforts and promote organizational visibility and credibility.
• Partnering with the Central Operations LAUSD office and Finance department to gather necessary information and documentation for grant reporting purposes.
• Cultivating and stewarding relationships with institutional donors, including regular communication, updates on programmatic achievements, and opportunities for donor engagement.
• Acknowledging and recognizing grant-making partners for their contributions and impact on the organization, ensuring donor recognition and stewardship efforts are conducted effectively.

Core Competencies

• Ability to maintain regular and consistent attendance.
• Collaboration with other departments on key initiatives or special projects as assigned.
• Ability to develop and execute a comprehensive institutional grants solicitation strategy.
• Expertise in identifying and cultivating funding opportunities to support organizational goals.
• Proficiency in preparing and submitting high-quality grant requests, letters of inquiry, proposals, and applications.
• Capability to articulate the organization’s mission, goals, programs, and impact effectively.
• Competence in researching potential grant-making partners, including foundations, corporations, and other institutional donors.
• Ability to stay informed about trends, best practices, and changes in institutional giving and philanthropy.
• Skill in utilizing database software (e.g., SalesForce) to track, manage, and maintain accurate records.
• Efficiency in managing and adhering to deadlines for grant requests and reports.
• Understanding of financial documentation and reporting to ensure compliance with grant terms and conditions.
• Ability to monitor and track grant performance metrics and outcomes.
• Strong collaboration skills with internal teams (Operations, Finance, Program staff) to develop funding strategies and gather relevant data for grants.
• Ability to work effectively with external stakeholders, including donors and grant-making partners.
• Excellent communication skills for maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, donors, and partners.
• Competence in regular communication, updates, and engagement with institutional donors.
• High attention to detail in grant writing, reporting, and compliance.
• Ability to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness in all submitted information.
• Flexibility to assess and improve grant-seeking strategies, processes, and tools.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of institutional giving.
• Ability to acknowledge and recognize grant-making partners for their contributions and impact.
• Skill in conducting effective donor recognition and stewardship efforts to foster long-term relationships.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts,  nonprofit management, communications, business administration, or a related field is required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, or institutional giving within a nonprofit organization.
• Extensive experience in grant writing and institutional giving, with a demonstrated ability to secure significant institutional funding annually.
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful grant solicitation strategies.
• Strong experience in managing grant reporting, compliance, and performance metrics.
• Experience using database software (e.g., SalesForce or Raiser’s Edge) for grant tracking and management.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and maintaining relationships with institutional partners and stakeholders.
• Previous experience collaborating with internal departments to align funding strategies with organizational needs.

Compensation 

$95,000 – $110,000; commensurate with experience.

Work Location

Currently, there is a hybrid work environment with two days per week required at the office in downtown Los Angeles. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required throughout the year. Candidates must also be able to travel to school sites and meetings/events within LA County on a semi-regular basis and have access to reliable and timely transportation.

Company Benefits

LA’s BEST provides Employer paid medical, dental, & vision insurance for employees, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match after six months of continuous employment, paid time off, cell phone stipend, and other benefits.

Equal Opportunity

LA’s BEST is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability or veteran status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request (LA’s BEST is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request).

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until this position is filled. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.