Associate Director, Special Giving

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) is seeking an Associate Director, Special Giving to drive sustainable, diversified fundraising strategies. This role requires a strategic thinker who can create, manage, and innovate, not just execute tasks. The ideal candidate will spearhead annual and recurring giving programs, redefine donor engagement models, expand digital fundraising efforts, and steer new approaches to stewarding relationships. Intrinsic motivation, adaptability, and a passion for growth are essential for success.

We are seeking candidates based in Southern California only.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment visa at this time.

Starting Hiring range: $100-115k/yr

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Strategic Outreach & Program Growth: Build upon and enhance the Thrive Alliance/Monthly Giving program through targeted outreach and creative engagement strategies.
• Explore innovative methods for de-seasonalizing giving trends, fostering consistent contributions beyond traditional fundraising cycles.
• Proactively manage a portfolio of 100+ prospects and donors annually, developing and implementing individualized moves management strategies to deepen engagement and increase overall giving.
• Develop a multi-channel digital fundraising blueprint in collaboration with leadership to maximize online outreach.
• Donor Engagement & Stewardship: Design and execute data-driven strategies for deepening donor relationships, fostering increased philanthropic investment.
• Oversee and refine President’s Council engagement ($1,000+), ensuring a compelling calendar of opportunities for members.
• Craft strategic re-engagement initiatives to bring lapsed donors back into active participation.
• Launch a pilot family giving program, cultivating donor pipelines that strengthen organizational support.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Act as a thought partner in organizational fundraising strategy, leveraging data insights to drive decision-making.
• Embrace agility in outreach, adapting tactics to meet shifting donor preferences and economic realities.
• Identify technologies and fundraising techniques to optimize donor acquisition and retention.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred

EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ years of experience non-profit fundraising, including portfolio management, appeal segmentation, and digital fundraising

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• A record of quantifiable success in donor segmentation, cultivation, and stewardship.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and proofreading skills with all levels of staff and the public.
• A track record as an effective communicator, skilled at writing and public speaking; adept at writing proposals, solicitation letters, donor correspondence, and other types of materials to enhance fundraising.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise a high level of discretion.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easterseals Southern California and/or program requirements.
• Must pass all drug testing required by ESSC.