ABOUT ALLIANCE COLLEGE-READY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

The Alliance College-Ready Public Schools Foundation (Alliance Foundation) is dedicated to strengthening the community support and investment that has lifted Alliance College-Ready Public Schools (Alliance) since its inception. The Alliance Foundation raises resources and visibility for the Alliance network of schools, advocates for policies that improve quality public education for historically underserved youth, and builds partnerships to strengthen Alliance schools and the communities that the Alliance serves. We believe in the unlimited potential of our scholars and work to shine a bright light on what is possible for all public schools. 

Incorporated in 2019, the Alliance Foundation builds on the strong legacy of active and engaged civic leaders who are committed to educational justice and believe in the brilliant promise of Alliance scholars and schools. By joining the Alliance Foundation, you will join a collaborative community that will make long-lasting change across Los Angeles.

ABOUT ALLIANCE COLLEGE-READY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools (Alliance) was founded on the belief that all young people, regardless of zip code, can achieve at high levels. Alliance is now one of the largest and most successful public charter school networks in the nation, operating 26 high-performing middle and high schools serving more than 12,000 scholars in systematically oppressed communities across Los Angeles. 

Now in its 20th year, Alliance has a proven record of success. Despite the average scholar arriving at Alliance schools three grade levels behind in reading, 97% of Alliance graduates have been accepted to college, including 84% to a four-year college or university in 2024. Alliance strives to change the trajectories of our scholars and communities, with an aspiration of 75% of Alliance graduates completing a four-year college degree.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Director of Individual Giving and Stewardship is responsible for sustaining and growing the base of Annual Fund supporters, leading the work of volunteer auxiliary fundraising committees, and executing high-quality annual fundraising events to support Alliance scholars and schools. The Director reports to and works in partnership with the Vice President of Development, supervises and mentors the Manager of Development Operations and Events, and works as part of and in collaboration with a diverse, dynamic, and growth-oriented Foundation team to raise critical funds to support Alliance scholars and schools.

WHAT YOU WILL DO  

Individual Giving

  • Manage a portfolio of donors capable of contributing $2,500 to $25,000 annually through research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, focusing on multi-year, unrestricted pledge commitments.
  • Develop and execute annual fund strategies, including digital, mail, and in-person, to achieve fundraising goals, emphasizing unrestricted funds, scholarships, and event giving (individual and corporate).
  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Annual Fund, including progress monitoring of participation and fundraising goals, analyzing data, and strategy evaluation.
  • Supervise and mentor the Development Operations & Events Manager, supporting key areas of work, including gift processing, database management and reporting in Salesforce, and events support and logistics.

Stewardship

  • Lead the overall strategy, planning, and execution of the Alliance Foundation’s two annual fundraising events: Heroes Among Us celebration (major and principal gift donors, raising up to $2M with the support of an event consultant); Leaders of Change scholarship fundraiser (annual giving donors, raising up to $250K), and Board/donor events (2-3) throughout the year.
  • Partner with the Communications Manager to create compelling event, solicitation, and stewardship materials emphasizing donor impact.
  • Develop and execute the strategic direction and fundraising efforts of the Alliance Foundation Scholar Success Board, including facilitating its regular meetings and fundraising efforts.
  • Facilitate and support volunteer opportunities for the supporters, including the annual scholarship awards, in partnership with the Alliance College Success Team.
  • Support the Executive Director and VP of Development with the Foundation Board of Directors quarterly meetings, the Board Development Committee, and related activities.
  • Contribute to the overall success of the Foundation Team by assuming primary responsibility for special projects as assigned and performing all other duties and responsibilities in a timely, thorough, and professional manner.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE AND/OR BE

  • Mission-Alignment: A deep commitment to the missions of the Alliance Foundation and Alliance College-Ready Public Schools.
  • Individual Giving Track Record: A proven track record of closing 5-figure individual gifts and leading successful annual fund campaigns/efforts. 
  • Fundraising Events Track Record: A proven track record of leading high-quality fundraising events and increasing revenue from these events over time.
  • Relationships Builder: Adept at building external and internal relationships, possesses strong emotional intelligence, and excels in managing the efforts of groups toward goals.
  • Project Management and Organizational Skills: Exceptional project management and organizational skills; superior attention to detail; the ability to work efficiently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and systems thinking necessary to interpret data to inform goals and strategy, as well as build infrastructure and processes.
  • Alignment with Alliance Foundation’s mission, vision, and values: A strong desire to be a part of a team that works to lift up the communities it serves through the values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), Anti-Racism, and Pro-Blackness. 
  • Excellent Communicator: Possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit: Has an entrepreneurial spirit; able to thrive in a fast-paced, achievement-oriented environment; interested in working on a small, but mighty team with big ambitions.
  • Positive Attitude and Strong Work Ethic: A positive, can-do attitude and a willingness to go above and beyond to contribute to the success of a dynamic team.
  • Familiarity with the Software Tools We Use: Fluency with Google and Microsoft Office applications, project management software, and CRM applications (preferably Salesforce).
  • Knowledge of urban school environments and school culture is a plus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree a plus
  • A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in fundraising, events leadership, and/or sales (non-profit or for-profit), preferably in an educational setting.
  • Residency in the Greater Los Angeles area is required. Regular travel across Los Angeles is required; a valid driver’s license and automobile available for daily use.
  • Willingness to work occasional nights and weekends.

LOCATION

  • Like all positions at the Alliance Foundation, this is a remote-based role that allows for flexibility in work location in the Greater Los Angeles area. Monthly in-person meetings at the Alliance Home Office in Downtown LA, participation in events, as well as travel for donor-related activities are required. Candidates should have the ability to travel as needed to fulfill these obligations.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

In alignment with our commitment to equity for our scholars and school communities, Alliance Foundation is committed to equity and transparency and offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience, along with generous retirement and health benefits. This position is exempt.

  • Compensation: Alliance Foundation provides a competitive salary based on relevant years of work experience. The salary range for this role is $100,000 to $140,000.
  • Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision plan options that are covered at 100% of monthly
  • premiums for individual employees and partial coverage for spouses and families.
  • Retirement: Alliance Foundation employees are eligible for a 401k retirement plan, with an annual employer contribution of 6% of regular earnings plus an additional 1% match.
  • Paid Leave: Paid time off benefits include an annual accrual of 15 days vacation and 10 sick days, in addition to 19 paid holidays, including paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
  • Professional Development: We believe in supporting staff growth and development. Alliance Foundation staff are allocated $750 per year for professional development expenses.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates can apply by submitting their resume and cover letter to humanresources@laalliancefoundation.org. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

PLEASE NOTE: The Alliance College-Ready Public Schools Foundation requires that all team members be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the safety of Alliance scholars, families, staff, and supporters. Team members may apply to seek a medical exemption. Regardless of your current vaccination status, our team can advise you on how to fulfill this important requirement so that you can start the position in a timely manner.

The Alliance Foundation does not discriminate against any scholar, parent, community member, or employee on the basis of actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.