Director of Development

Aviva Family and Children’s Services Mission Statement

Aviva believes every child and every family in our Los Angeles community deserves the chance for a bright er future. We provide compassionate support, therapeutic services and guidance to at-risk children and families. We work to promote and support justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion at all levels in the organization.

Aviva seeks an accomplished, seasoned fundraising professional to serve as Director of Development. This proactive and strategic leader will shape and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy that grows revenue, builds brand awareness, and deepens donor and community relationships. Reporting directly to and working closely with the VP of Development, the Director will oversee individual giving, corporate partnerships, and special events while managing a portfolio of individual annual donors.

The Director will ensure fundraising programs are strategic, effective, and aligned with organizational goals, supporting the broader development strategy set by the VP of Development and CEO.

• Strategic Fund Development Leadership

• Shape and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy that grows revenue, builds Aviva’s visibility, and deepens donor and community relationships.

• Lead Aviva’s individual giving program, including annual fund donors, stewardship strategies, and donor pipeline development.

• Develop and implement strategies to increase donor retention and acquisition, ensuring year-over-year revenue growth.

• Manage and lead the strategy for Aviva’s donor database (CRM) to ensure data integrity and maximize the impact of fundraising communications.

• Collaborate with the VP of Development to establish and monitor performance metrics, evaluate progress, and adjust strategies as needed.

• Help grow and sustain a culture of philanthropy across Aviva, engaging staff and volunteers.

• Manage a portfolio of individual annual donors, with responsibility for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

• Design and implement strategies to move donors through the pipeline, upgrading annual donors toward major giving levels.

• Identify and qualify new prospects and create tailored engagement strategies.

• Ensure timely and accurate entry, acknowledgment, and reporting of all donor interactions.

• Partner with the VP of Development to secure corporate sponsor ships and business partnerships.

• Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events (including Aviva’s gala), ensuring strong revenue results and meaningful donor experiences.

• Collaborate with the communications team to align fundraising campaigns and events with Aviva’s brand and messaging.

• Supervise and mentor Development staff, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

• Provide strategies, tools, and staff support that enable organizational leadership (VP of Development and CEO) to engage the board and volunteers effectively in fundraising.

• Partner with program and communications staff to ensure fundraising strategies are aligned with Aviva’s mission and impact.

• Represent Aviva in philanthropic and community networks to strengthen visibility and partnerships.

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of the Development Department and organizational goals.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success in individual giving, corporate partnerships, and events.

• Strong background in fundraising best practices with the ability to design, implement, and evaluate effective strategies and systems.

• Proven track record of managing donor portfolios and achieving revenue growth.

• Demonstrated experience in building donor pipelines and implementing strategies that lead to sustainable fundraising growth.

• Strong management experience with the ability to supervise staff and support senior leadership in engaging board members and volunteers.

• Excellent project management skills and ability to prioritize competing deadlines.

• Outstanding written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Knowledge of the Los…