Type: Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried

Location: San Francisco/Los Angeles preferred, Palm Springs, San Diego, Sacramento applicants will be considered.

Reports to: Director of Development

Direct reports: Yes

Start date: As soon as possible

Application closing date: Open until filled

Salary Range: $80,460.90 – $96,278.00 commensurate with experience. This position is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) as the exclusive collective bargaining representative for this role.

About Equality California and Equality California Institute:

Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization with over 900,000 members. Equality California brings the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating, and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. Learn more at https://www.staging8.eqca.org/.

 Equality California Institute is a 501(c)(3) organization that has a parallel mission to Equality California, its 501(c)(4) counterpart. Equality California Institute works to achieve full, lived LGBTQ+ equality by reducing disparities in LGBTQ+ health and well-being, developing a pipeline of LGBTQ+ leaders and increasing civic participation within the LGBTQ+ community.

Position Overview:

The Associate Director of Donor Relations oversees a comprehensive, relationship-based individual giving program of over $1 million annually by managing the research, identification, cultivation, solicitation, acknowledgment, and stewardship of sustaining and major donors.

The Associate Director of Donor Relations will manage the Donor Relations Manager and Senior Associate and work alongside a three-person special events team as well as the Director of Development and the Managing and Executive Directors to plan and execute successful, communication campaigns and events in which to engage individuals with the capacity and passion to advance the Equality California mission.

The Associate Director of Donor Relations manages day-to-day operations for their own projects, larger project teams, and the department as necessary; provides detailed recommendations and drafts regarding departmental or organizational processes, policies, and staffing.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Individual Giving Programs

• Oversee the Capitol Club and Leadership Circle individual giving programs to ensure budgeted revenue goals are achieved. Lead identification and research for new major donors and sustaining donor prospects. Create and customize cultivation and ask strategies.
• Conduct in-person meetings to solicit and secure both new and renewal donors, with the participation of the Executive Director, Managing Directors, and Director of Development as appropriate.
• Work with Board and Development Committee members to schedule, plan, and execute cultivation and stewardship events throughout the state.
• Manage donor acknowledgment, stewardship, and benefit fulfillment to maximize donor engagement and continued support.
• Creation, coordination, design and print management of all printed and digital materials and list management needed for Membership Programs including, but not limited to, direct mail pieces, brochures, newsletters, text-to-give campaigns, etc.
• Provide support to Board members for achieving their annual give/gets.

Staff Management

• Ensuring direct reports are properly onboarded, oriented, and understand EQCA’s policies, procedures, and logistics.
• Lead and develop direct reports professional growth while supporting a culture of respect; provide feedback in an ongoing and timely manner to ensure improved performance.

Reporting and Financial management

• Oversee maintenance of current, accurate records of all donor information and correspondence.
• Provide regular progress reports to the management staff and Board.
• Track monthly expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets.

Representing Equality California

• Foster a positive and professional public image which includes ensuring all donors receive regular communications and updates in accordance with their preferences.
• Representing EQCA at community and/or professional activities and events.
• Maintaining professional relationships with local, statewide, and national LGBTQ and allied agencies and collaborators.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your role within the organization and the overall operational needs of the organization.

Qualifications: 

Applicants for this position should bring the following knowledge, abilities, and attitude:

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• At least three to six years of experience in managing donor relations, individual giving, major donors, and/or sponsorships.
• One year of experience managing direct reports is required.
• A valid driver’s license and active auto insurance. Reliable transportation with the ability to travel frequently to major markets throughout California and Nevada is required. Travel is expected at least 25% of the time.
• Knowledge, passion, and commitment to addressing issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community as well as advancing equity and social justice generally.
• Highest level of professionalism when working with both internally and external stakeholders.
• Capacity to work outside normal business hours to meet the stewardship needs of the organization.
• Database management experience required (EveryAction and Actblue Preferred, Asana a plus)
• An understanding of and strong commitment to the mission of the organization and proven ability to work effectively across cultures, positions, and industries with the highest degree of professionalism and grace.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time position union position, with a salary range of $80,460.90 – $96,278.00 commensurate with experience with a competitive benefits package, including:

• 13 paid holidays
• 2 floating holidays
• 2 personal holidays
• 1 day for civic participation
• 5 days off at the end of the year
• 15 days of vacation accrued per year

EQCA also provides health insurance (health care, dental, vision), long/short term disability, life insurance and 401K option for staff.

To apply:

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three updated professional references to jobs@eqca.org with “NAME: Associate Director of Donor Relations” in the subject line. Of note, we will not contact references without consent from the applicant.

Policies at Equality California:

Equality California is an equal employment opportunity employer. Equality California does not make employment decisions or discriminate based on protected characteristics including, but not limited to, race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles (which includes, but is not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, locks, and twists)), creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, gender (including gender identity and/or gender expression), sexual orientation, age, disability (physical or mental, citizenship, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision making, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state, and federal law. We strongly encourage diverse candidates to apply, including, but not limited to, women, people of color, people of diverse gender identities, and non-LGBTQ+ allies.

Qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the California Consumer Reporting Agencies Act and Los Angeles’s Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

All employees must be up to date on their vaccination status in compliance with Equality California’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. New employees must provide documentation as to their vaccination status 48 hours before their start date unless they are approved for an accommodation due to a medical reason or a sincerely held religious belief.