Job Description

Director of Development & Communications

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS

ABOUT STANFORD SIERRA YOUTH & FAMILIES

Stanford Sierra Youth & Families (SSYAF) believes that each and every child deserves the love, safety, and unconditional commitment of a family, and the opportunity to develop as a healthy and productive young adult. SSYAF provides a continuum of care to empower youth and families to overcome challenges through the following array of comprehensive programs: family advocacy and support; behavioral and mental health services; substance use prevention and treatment; juvenile justice intervention; mentoring; foster care; adoption services; and pre- and post-adoption support.

For 125 years, our commitment to youth and families has never wavered, supporting the entire family with professional treatment and compassionate care, so that every youth has the opportunity to thrive at home, in school, and in the community. In the coming year, our community-based programs will benefit approximately 6,700 youth and families throughout Northern California, including Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, Yolo, Napa, and San Joaquin counties.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Development and Communications (Director) leads SSYAFs philanthropic and fund development efforts. They manage the agencys public image through strategic communication and media relations, acting as a bridge between the agencys mission and its external perception by donors and the wider community. The position includes the supervision of 6 staff to secure foundation, grant, and charitable contributions to ultimately support the mission, vision, and values of the agency.

The Director will work closely with the CEO, the Executive Leadership Team, and the Board of Directors to maximize agency funding and public relations potential. The Director has a high level of competency in fundraising, developing long-standing donor relationships, and supporting broader fundraising efforts such as planned giving. In addition, the Director oversees SSYAF branding and communications strategy and serves as an official spokesperson for the agency. A natural relationship builder, the Director will foster connections in the community and create strong relationships with both new and existing donors.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Strategic Vision

• Develop and implement visionary strategies for philanthropy and public relations, positioning the agency as a sector leader.
• Collaborate across programs and departments to identify economic support opportunities.
• Mentor staff and volunteers, fostering leadership in fund development and advocacy.
• Conduct staff meetings and employee training and development, including hiring, growth opportunities, and performance reviews.
• Work with CEO and leadership volunteers to empower Board members' fund development roles.
• Attend Board meetings and serve on the Board Development Committee.
• Leverage data analytics, key performance indicators, and donor software to optimize fundraising efforts and inform decision-making.
• Proactively identify and manage risks in fundraising and public relations activities.

Fund Development and Donor Relations

• Create and maintain a donor-centered development plan with comprehensive relationship-building programs, including major gifts, annual giving, and grants.
• Evaluate internal and external factors affecting fund development, establishing short- and long-range plans.
• Develop a balanced funding mix and innovative fundraising strategies, including corporate sponsorships, major gifts, planned giving, and digital campaigns.
• Ensure proper maintenance of donor records and gift management systems, including informational reports with the Finance Department.
• Conduct prospect research to identify new donor engagement opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, laws, and ethical standards in fundraising.

Public Relations & Marketing

• Provide expertise in media relations, crisis management, and social media management.
• Oversee high-quality branding and production of marketing materials.
• Develop compelling narratives communicating the organization's impact.
• Ensure public relations efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Establish collaborative relationships with community stakeholders and external entities.
• Manage and implement the Crisis Communication Plan, preparing Executive Leadership as spokespeople.

QUALIFICATIONS

• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) or similar credential is a plus.
• Minimum six (6) years of progressive fund development experience, preferably in the non-profit sector or a minimum of six (6) years of experience in a sales role at a for-profit company.
• Minimum four (4) years of public relations experience, including social media management, crisis communication, marketing, and public speaking.
• Proven ability to work with executive leadership and Board of Directors on strategic vision.
• Ability to inspire and develop teams, with an intuitive, hands-on management style that fosters growth and accountability.
• A demonstrated commitment to DEIB in management practices, professional development, and workplace culture.
• Skilled at establishing new community connections and deepening existing relationships
• Expertise in crisis communication planning and spokesperson training.
• Ability to communicate passion for the mission and values of SSYAF.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and database management systems.
• Perform all duties in a manner consistent with the principles and values of SSYAF, while adhering to applicable professional codes of ethics, policies and procedures, contractor requirements, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience serving on a board of directors is a plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The Director of Development and Communications role offers a competitive base salary of $135,000 - $160,000 and an excellent benefits package. This is a full-time hybrid position based in Sacramento, California.

Stanford Sierra Youth & Families is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining a diverse community with a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and encouraging to all. We foster a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, out-of-home care, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience. We encourage applications from those who identify as people of color and/or as first-generation college graduates.

Envision Consulting was retained by Stanford Sierra Youth & Families to search for their incoming Director of Development & Communications.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.

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