Director of Development

About OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center

OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center is the leading provider of grief support services in Southern California. For more than 30 years, we have helped thousands of children, teens, and adults throughout Los Angeles County find healing after the death of someone close. Our vision is a world where grief is embraced, understood, and respected. We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Director of Development to join our team and help advance our mission.

The Director of Development will join our passionate leadership team at a time of growth and renewed vision. In the first year, success will be defined by:

• Launching a refreshed major gifts and stewardship strategy
• Expanding the leadership-level donor pipeline and deepening donor relationships
• Enhancing systems and metrics for tracking fundraising performance and impact
• Supporting, mentoring, and inspiring the Development team
• Strengthening OUR HOUSE’s visibility and fundraising partnerships with boards and community leaders

POSITION DESCRIPTION

THE OPPORTUNITY The Director of Development (DoD) serves as a senior leader on OUR HOUSE's executive team, guiding the organization’s fundraising strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. This role is responsible for leading and mentoring the Fund Development team, cultivating major donors, stewarding institutional relationships, and overseeing all aspects of fundraising operations. The DoD is a key ambassador of the agency, building meaningful relationships with community partners, institutional funders, and internal stakeholders.

PRIMARY AREAS OF FOCUS

• Major gifts and planned giving
• Fund development strategy and team leadership
• Donor engagement and stewardship

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversight of marketing and communications
• Board and community relations
• Event-based fundraising and donor cultivation

KEY OUTCOMES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fund Development Strategy & Leadership

• Lead a high-performing Fund Development team by setting strategic direction, managing team performance, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Partner with agency leadership to align fundraising goals with the organization’s strategic priorities.
• Guide the development and execution of an annual fundraising plan, incorporating diversified funding sources including individuals, foundations, corporations, and special campaigns.
• Ensure effective systems and processes are in place for donor tracking, data analysis, and reporting.

Major Gifts & Planned Giving

• Design and lead a comprehensive major gift and planned giving program that cultivates new and existing relationships.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, working closely with the Executive Director, board members, and volunteers to steward and solicit leadership-level gifts ($5,000+).
• Develop and implement donor engagement strategies that deepen commitment and increase long-term investment in OUR HOUSE.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Oversee a donor stewardship program that includes personalized outreach, timely acknowledgments, and meaningful recognition.
• Ensure best practices in donor communications, including impact reporting, storytelling, and stewardship events.
• Collaborate with Operations and Development teams to ensure accurate gift processing and data integrity.

Board & Community Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Fund Development team and agency boards.
• Engage board members and volunteers in cultivation and fundraising efforts.
• Attend board meetings and provide regular updates on fundraising progress and priorities.
• Represent OUR HOUSE at community events and networking opportunities to expand visibility and donor pipeline.

Marketing, Events & Communications Support

• Provide strategic support for agency marketing, branding, and social media in alignment with development goals.
• Support the planning and execution of key fundraising and stewardship events including Run for Hope, the House of Hope Gala, and other donor gatherings.
• Ensure events are integrated into the broader development strategy and provide meaningful donor engagement opportunities.

Organizational Participation & Professional Development

• Contribute to agency-wide initiatives, including staff meetings, retreats, and strategic planning processes.
• Stay current on philanthropic trends, tools, and best practices through professional development.

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS DESIRED: The ideal candidate is a seasoned development professional with a track record of securing major gifts of $10K-$1M+, and experience cultivating individuals, foundations, and corporations. The candidate is an exceptional communicator with strong writing, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills. This individual also brings emotional intelligence, humility, and the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups. A commitment to OUR HOUSE’s mission and values is essential.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, including major gifts and team leadership.
• Fluency in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
• Experience with donor management software such as Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or DonorPerfect.

To Apply

Please send your resume to Julia Miele, Executive Director, at julia@ourhouse-grief.org. A cover letter is optional but highly encouraged.

OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.