The Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust creates change by organizing and supporting low-income communities of color to shape the use of land in their neighborhoods. We partner with neighbors to increase access to parks and gardens while advocating for equitable park policies. As a community-based nonprofit landowner, developer, and steward of safe public spaces, we've created 28 parks and community gardens since 2002. We currently steward 13 parks and gardens, with over ten more parks, gardens and green schoolyards in development.

Our mission is driven by the belief that no person in LA County should live without access to safe parks and fresh, healthy food. We work to overcome decades of disinvestment, racism, and environmental injustice through:

Advocating for funding and resources for urban parks and green spaces
Designing, building, and managing urban parks and gardens
Organizing campaigns to improve park equity and land use policies
Developing community leaders through programming, training, and technical assistance
Building strategic partnerships with community organizations and government agencies

Position Overview

The Development Director will plan and lead all private fundraising initiatives at LANLT, reporting directly to the Executive Director. This role offers an exciting opportunity to build and grow a comprehensive fundraising program while working with a passionate and fun team, engaged board, and advisory council.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure a minimum of $1,000,000 in revenue annually through foundations, corporations, individual donors, and events.
Oversee consultants and staff working on private and foundation grants management with a goal of $500,000 annually, while cultivating relationships with foundations and other funders alongside the Executive Director.
Develop and implement corporate giving and public membership programs to ensure sustained engagement and support, including conducting site visits and attending volunteer work days at LANLT park and garden sites.
Build and maintain strong relationships with donors at all levels by identifying new prospects and deepening engagement with existing individual donors.
Work with an event planner to implement our annual 400+ person fundraising event and lead on the implementation of smaller cultivation events throughout the year.
Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors on fundraising initiatives by providing regular revenue forecasts and progress reports.
Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors and Advisory Council, engaging board members in donor cultivation through regular meetings, personalized communications, and strategic involvement.
Manage all communications including fundraising materials, impact reports, e-blasts, donor presentations, newsletters, press releases, and social media to effectively convey the organization's mission and enhance donor engagement.
Oversee donor database management to ensure accurate record-keeping, timely acknowledgments, and grant reporting compliance while maintaining data security and confidentiality.
Develop and manage the annual development budget, monitoring expenses and ROI for all fundraising activities.

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a dynamic social butterfly with demonstrated experience in strong relationship-building and networking with diverse stakeholders. They will have an entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
A bachelor's degree is required (advanced degree preferred) with a minimum of five years of successful fundraising experience in corporate sponsorships, individual giving, foundation grants, and event management. Demonstrated sales experience may be considered if other non-profit experience and interest in social justice is evident.
A proven track record of program growth and development is essential, including developing and managing fundraising budgets as well as financial forecasting.
Strong project management skills, experience with balancing multiple priorities, and the ability to manage deadlines are critical.
Experience working with nonprofit boards, supporting board-driven fundraising efforts, and successfully managing and mentoring staff.
Excellent written communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to tailor communications to various audiences.
Expertise in developing and implementing strategic fundraising plans that align with organizational goals.