Vice President, Development

United Way of Greater Los Angeles (UWGLA) is home to the change makers and justice seekers. We're individuals from various walks of life making collective steps towards a better future for our community. Our focus is on bringing about real and sustainable change by unleashing the collective power of people to open minds, unite diverse communities, and convert compassion into action for a more just, inclusive, and thriving L.A. County. Together, we make tangible impact on some of our toughest community issues including poverty, homelessness, education equity, and economic mobility. For us, being 'united' isn't just in reference to our organization but to our hope for the future of Los Angeles. Regardless of race, gender, orientation, or self-identification - we do our part as one by making room for all.  

 

The Vice President, Development will be a senior executive leader responsible for designing and driving a comprehensive fundraising strategy to generate $30M+ annually in support of United Way’s mission to reduce poverty and expand economic opportunity across Los Angeles County.

 

This leader will build an integrated, data-informed development program spanning:

·  Corporate & Employee Giving

·  Foundation & Institutional Funding

·  Major Donors and Giving Societies

·  Mid-Level Individual Giving

·  Broad-Based Annual Giving

·  Donor Stewardship and Lifecycle Strategy

 

You will have the opportunity to partner closely with the CEO, Board, and senior leadership to deepen donor engagement, grow revenue, and position the organization as a leading force for systems change and economic mobility.

                     o   Set a clear strategic vision for fundraising and translate it into measurable growth plans, defined revenue targets, and performance accountability

                     o   Develop and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy to grow and sustain $30M+ in annual revenue

                     o   Establish and hold accountability for clear revenue goals by channel: corporate, foundation, major gifts, mid-level, direct response, and digital

                     o   Oversee development of integrated annual and multi-year revenue projections and dashboards

                     o   Identify new revenue opportunities, partnerships, and philanthropic trends

                     o   Lead campaign strategy, special initiatives, and high-impact funding efforts

                     o   Champion innovative, creative fundraising approaches by leveraging data, emerging technology, and donor engagement to unlock new revenue opportunities

                     o   Own and grow a portfolio of top individual and institutional donors and prospects, providing high touch stewardship and engagement

                     o   Partner with the Board Fundraising Cabinet Chair to plan and facilitate quarterly cabinet meetings

                     o   Build strategic partnerships with corporations aligned to the mission

                     o   Drive growth in employee engagement programs including workplace campaigns, matching gifts, and volunteer integration

                     o   Oversee foundation strategy, proposal development, and relationship management in conjunction with the Vice President, Impact & Equity

                     o   Position the organization for large, multi-year institutional investments

                     o   Align institutional funding priorities with program strategies

                     o   Major Donors & Giving Societies ($10K+)

                     -   Lead strategy for major donors at $10K+ and higher tiers

                     -   Support CEO and Board in major donor cultivation and solicitation

                     -   Ensure personalized high-touch engagement and stewardship experiences

                     -   Secure new principal gifts and steward existing donors to increase gifts to six-figures or more

                     o   Mid-Level Giving ($1K–$10K)

                     -   Develop scalable cultivation strategies and upgrade pathways

                     -   Leverage segmentation and storytelling to deepen engagement

                     o   Broad-Based Annual Giving (<$1K)

                     -   Advance the growth of direct mail and digital fundraising channels in partnership with the marketing department

                     -   Expand donor acquisition and retention strategies

                     -   Leverage data analytics to improve response rates and lifetime value

                     o   Shape a cohesive donor journey across all levels of giving

                     o   Ensure meaningful, mission-driven stewardship and impact reporting

                     o   Lead recognition strategies that strengthen loyalty and long-term commitment

                     o   Build, coach, and mentor a high-performing Development team, developing staff into confident, relationship-based fundraisers and future leaders 

                     o   Create a culture of accountability, equity, and continuous improvement

                     o   Provide clear, respectful, and timely feedback to drive performance, accountability, and results

                     o   Ensure strong coordination between fundraising, marketing, programs, and finance

                     o   Lead through change with poise under pressure, strengthening team morale and cohesion while driving sustained performance

                     o   You bring a minimum 10 years’ experience in fundraising and progressive leadership roles.

                     o   You have a minimum 3 years’ experience leading, developing, and holding accountable senior fundraising leaders and managers.

                     o   You have led complex, multi-channel fundraising programs with annual revenue targets of $10M+

                     o   You have a proven track record of securing and stewarding six- and seven-figure gifts from major donors and institutional funders.

                     o   You hold a bachelor’s degree or relevant graduate-level degree.

                     o   You enjoy a hybrid environment that includes both in-person and remote work styles and are able to work from our DTLA office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

                     o   You understand the value of racial equity as an organizational operating principle and are committed to continued learning on issues related to race, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

                     o   You bring executive presence and are confident partnering with CEOs and boards on fundraising strategy and donor engagement.