Vice President of Development and Communications

Vice President of Development and Communications (Sepulveda)

The pay range for this role is $214,725 - $246,934 annually.

About Didi Hirsch

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services has been a national leader in whole-person mental health, crisis care, and substance use services since 1942 and is home to the nation's first Suicide Prevention Center. We are a nonprofit organization providing care to about 270,000 people annually across our programs. Didi Hirsch has deep roots in community-based mental health and a commitment to providing culturally responsive services that are just and equitable. More than 1,000 dedicated employees and volunteers make Didi Hirsch's work possible.

Summary

As the Vice President of Development and Communications, you'll provide visionary leadership to advance Didi Hirsch's mission by overseeing all aspects of development and communication. You will advance a development plan focused on growing major and planned giving, institutional funding, annual and direct response campaigns, and special events that deepen donor engagement and strengthen relationships. You'll lead an integrated communications and outreach strategy that elevates Didi Hirsch's visibility and reputation, strengthens its brand, and reduces stigma around mental health and substance use. You will also serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board of Directors, driving both near-term results and long-term sustainability.

Primary Duties

• Partners with the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors to establish and execute short and long-term development and communications goals that will both strengthen the Agency financially and enhance its stature.
• Provides strategic fundraising updates and insights at Board meetings.
• Along with the Committee Chair, leads the Development and Communications Board Committee
• Participates in the executive management team to strengthen and support the programmatic, financial and operational goals of Didi Hirsch.
• In consultation with the Executive Team, develops annual fundraising goals based on short and long-term Agency priorities.
• Oversees a compressive individual and major gifts program as well as an institutional giving strategy, ensuring timely submissions and reporting of grants in partnership with program and finance teams.
• Develops and executes an integrated communications strategy and plan, leveraging media, digital platforms, storytelling, and thought leadership to expand visibility and engagement.
• Works with staff and consultants to develop a year-end fundraising appeal that results in increased giving from current contributors and support from new ones.
• Oversees Agency events, including selection of outside contractors, committee development and logistics coordination. Events include Cultivation events, Suicide Prevention 5K Walk/Run, Open Houses and other gatherings.
• Carries a fundraising portfolio and works to identify, cultivate, and solicit major individual and institutional donors. Serves as a visible, external ambassador for Didi Hirsch and a fundraising thought partner to the CEO.
• Coaches and assists staff, volunteers and board members in identifying potential donors and making personal solicitations
• Creates and updates individual fundraising profiles for each staff member and monitoring progress quarterly.
• Oversees planned giving program - including trust and bequest management; develops/publishes guidelines and collateral materials describing gift opportunities and methods of giving.
• Develops annual department budget for approval by Chief Executive Officer and manages projects and expenses to achieve budget objectives.
• Works closely with senior director of development operations and donor database manager to generate reports to inform Board and staff of their fundraising success and analyzes and recommends changes based on giving trends.
• Fosters a high-performing, collaborative team culture through recruitment, coaching, professional development, and succession planning.
• Ensures that donors receive timely, effective acknowledgment and supporters receive regular updates about Agency's services and successes.
• Oversees the development and updating of key policies and procedures and ensures cross-training within department.
• Manages the recruitment, performance, appraisal and development of department staff. Ensures staff are trained and are compliant with Agency policies and procedures.
• Maintains working knowledge of current fundraising and marketing practices in the nonprofit/mental health sector.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, business or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit development, with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Demonstrated success leading teams, campaigns, and major donor strategies.
• Track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts and leading successful capital and/or comprehensive campaigns.
• Proven success overseeing communications strategy, including media, digital engagement, and brand management. Comprehensive knowledge of development practices in a nonprofit environment, preferably including experience in an organization providing direct human services.
• Demonstrated fundraising skills, including major donor cultivation and solicitation, grant writing and event planning. Experience with planned giving experience highly desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including ability to simultaneously oversee and meet deadlines for multiple complex projects.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, as well as presentation skills, including the ability to tailor one's message to meet the needs of the Board of Directors, community, donors and staff.
• Ability to develop strong, long-term relationships with individual and institutional donor constituencies.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience developing and managing complex budgets.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and fundraising analytics.
• Strong computer skills including preparation of spreadsheets, routine word processing and presentation software. Experience with donor software is highly preferred.
• A commitment to team objectives and Didi Hirsch mission and values.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs by acquiring new skills and knowledge.
• Current California driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the Agency's insurance carrier.