Executive Search

Director of Development and Community Relations

Irvine, CA

Sterling Search Inc. has been exclusively retained to recruit the new
Director of Development and Community Relations
fr Council on Aging - Southern California (The Council)

OR MISSION

Promoting the independence, health and dignity of older adults
through compassion, education and advocacy.

The Council on Aging – Southern California traces its roots to 1973, when three civic-minded women and a group of local leaders recognized the urgent need to advocate for and protect older adults in Orange County. Over the decades, the organization expanded its reach beyond county borders, prompting a name change in 2016 to reflect its broader regional impact.

Today, the Council has grown into a dynamic nonprofit with an annual revenue of approximately $7.5 million. Its mission is powered by the tireless dedication of more than 400 volunteers, 92 skilled staff members, and a passionate Board of Directors, all united in service to older adults. The Council operates from 93 locations, including senior centers and serves more than 100,000 older adults through free programs and services spanning nearly 42,000 square miles across Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono counties

In 2012, the Board of Directors appointed Lisa Wright Jenkins as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), bringing with her a distinguished background in the private sector, where she led global teams and built multi-million-dollar enterprises across the printing, technology, and chemical industries. A passionate advocate and the organization’s most enthusiastic champion, Lisa combines a strategic business mindset with a deep commitment to mission-driven excellence. Her leadership is marked by relentless innovation, continuously developing new programs that enrich and transform the lives of those the Council serves.

“Aging My Way” is their newest educational program, aimed at empowering older adults to take charge of their aging experience. Through educational workshops and resources, this program encourages older adults to actively participate in shaping their future, helping them maintain independence and quality of life as they age.

PROGRAMS

 

Other programs offered include:

• Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
• ReConnect EISOA Program
• Friendly Visitor Program
• PEARLS OC
• Senior Protection Program (SPP)
• Answers Resource Guide
  

Please see Impact Report

www.coasc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FY24_25-COASC-Impact-Report.pdf

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Council on Aging – Southern California has cultivated a strong foundation of philanthropic support which includes:

• Signature fundraising events: An Evening of Comedy and Remarkable Lives
• SmileMakers Holiday Gift Program
• Aging My Way, My Life, My Plan
• Support from year-end gifts, giving days, a $3,000 Board give/get commitment, and additional contributions from individuals and foundations.
  

The Council acknowledges that fundraising represents a significant area of untapped potential. Guided by the Board of Directors and CEO, one of its core strategic initiatives is to substantially increase investment in philanthropy. As a key pillar, the function has defined objectives, yet the process to achieve them remains in the early stages of development.

The new Director will enter a well-established operational environment, supported by robust reporting systems and a dedicated, mission-driven team. While a strong foundation is already in place, there remains significant opportunity to further advance the mission through a state-of-the-art philanthropic function, one that fully harnesses the community’s deep desire to engage and contribute. With many innovative programs now serving older adults in their greatest time of need, this is a powerful moment to align philanthropic strategy with community momentum and mission impact.

This moment in time offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned philanthropy leader to partner closely with the CEO and Board of Directors in building upon and advancing the philanthropic program.

The new Director reports to the CEO and will be charged with the strategic direction and leadership of the vision, mission and strategy for the philanthropy program. They will be responsible for increasing the Council’s fundraising capacity through a strengthened culture of philanthropy. The Director will be both a visionary leader for the fund development program as well as a hands-on professional conducting the day-to-day fundraising including donor identification, engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Director of Development and Community Relations will support the CEO and Board of Directors to initiate and implement outreach and development strategies to build agency awareness and increase financial support from key individuals, foundations, and corporate donors. The Director will lead a team of two professionals responsible for fundraising, database management, special events, volunteer engagement, and corporate philanthropic support. While working closely with the Marketing Manager, the Director will not have direct oversight of that role. As a member of the Council’s leadership team, the Director will collaborate across departments to achieve defined organizational goals and advance the Council’s mission.

The new Director, with the CEO, will serve as the public face of the Council, representing the organization with authenticity, integrity, and vision to the community and all its stakeholders. Internally, the Director will foster strong connections with staff and the Board of Directors, cultivating a culture of collaboration of philanthropy and shared purpose. This is a highly visible leadership role that requires a team-oriented mindset, unwavering dedication to the mission, and a willingness to step in and “do what needs to be done.”

• Develop and execute a philanthropic plan, incorporating the key fundraising objectives identified in the strategic plan, to build a sustainable fundraising program with year after year growth
• Lead and execute all fundraising through annual events, direct mail, major gifts, giving days and planned giving
• Lead a strong board-driven, volunteer-supported, fundraising & development team, which includes the SmileMakers Program Manager and Database & Grants Manager.
• Develop, execute and lead agency’s fundraising strategy & tactical plans in conjunction with CEO
• Identify major prospective contributors, develop approach strategies, and lead processes to solicit, cultivate and build relationships with contributors and grantors
• Identify and cultivate a broad portfolio of major contributors, grantors and sponsors, including individuals, foundations, corporations and government entities
• Actively solicit new opportunities for revenue generation and strategic partnerships
• Create a new framework for estate plan giving, in conjunction with the CEO, CFO and Board
• Working with event & task force committees, develop and execute highly visible fundraising events including “An Evening of Comedy” and “Remarkable Lives"
• Collaborate with SmileMakers Program Manager to develop a multi-year strategy for the SmileMakers Program, including sponsorship, fundraising and impact plans
• In conjunction with the Marketing Manager, develop and implement outreach campaigns to help nurture and increase the total numbers of contributors to the organization
• Oversee solicitation appeals, development collateral and social media in conjunction with the CEO
• Develop grant strategies and oversee the grant writing and reporting process in collaboration with the Program Directors, Database and Grants Manager, CEO and CFO
• Partner with the CFO and accounting team to facilitate financial tracking and reporting processes
• Collaborate with the Database and Grants Manager to ensure donor records, communication and reporting systems are current and effective, utilizing eTapestry and Constant Contact
• Serve as a visible spokesperson for the Council’s mission and programs in the community
  

  QUALIFICATIONS
  

• Seasoned non-profit development leader with proven track record of consistently exceeding business and financial goals aligned with strategic plans and budgets
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and forging relationships with contributors, corporations, grantors, board members, philanthropists and foundations, driving increased grants, contributions and sponsorships
• Experience in collaborating and inspiring volunteers, as well as board and event committees
• Experience in successfully managing and developing team members’ skillsets and driving results
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
• Bachelor’s degree required, CFRE a plus
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
• Successfully complete a Live Scan fingerprinting background check
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Highly entrepreneurial, resourceful and flexible, noted for forging outstanding donor relationships
• Strategist adept at prioritizing, organizing and executing development strategic plans
• A confident leader and team builder, focused on attainment of budgeted goals
• A catalyst capable of creating excitement and energy regarding COASC’s programs. Persuasive, persistent, and determined in the pursuit of the organization’s fundraising goals
• Direct, honest, self-motivated, and diplomatic
• Understanding of the highly confidential and ethical nature of fundraising
• Energetic and willing to work hands-on in developing and executing multiple fundraising activities
  

The position offers a salary range of $140,000 to $160,000 with a comprehensive benefits package.

TO APPLY, CLICK HERE

Please send resumes to

Sterling Search, Inc.

Sarah@sterlingsearchinc.com

Cell phone: 949 903 2891

Direct all correspondence emails and telephone calls to Sterling Search, Inc. Any resumes sent or telephone calls made to the Council on Aging – Southern California will be redirected to Sterling Search, Inc.

The Council on Aging – Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer