Director of Fundraising & Major Gifts

POSITION SUMMARY

The SoLa Foundation is seeking a results-driven Director of Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships to lead revenue generation through grants, corporate sponsorships, institutional partnerships and high networth individuals. This is not a maintenance role. This is a builder role.

The ideal candidate is a proven fundraiser who knows how to identify opportunities, build relationships with decision-makers, write or oversee compelling proposals, and most importantly—close funding. You must be comfortable with urgency, accountability, and ambitious goals. Understand that fundraising is both relationship-driven and execution-heavy.

This role will work closely with the Chief Impact Officer to translate vision into funded programs.

SALARY: $150,000-$185,000 PER YEAR

SCHEDULE: M-F IN-OFFICE/ON CAMPUS

LOCATION: The Beehive, 1000 E. 60th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001

What Success Looks Like (This Matters)

In the first 12 months, this role will:

• Build and manage a robust grants and partnerships pipeline
• Secure six- and seven-figure funding commitments
• Increase annual institutional and corporate revenue
• Work with and manage a Partnerships Associate to create clear systems for tracking opportunities, submissions, and outcomes
• Establish SoLa Foundation as a fundable, high-impact partner across sectors

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The SoLa Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit affiliate of SoLa Impact, works to improve the lives of South LA residents and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by providing opportunities for education, economic mobility, & community development. SoLa provides the community with skills-based technology programming, as well as scholarships and career development opportunities for underinvested communities to ensure Black and brown Angelenos get increased access to jobs, mentorship, and placement in the most competitive fields of businesses.

Four Key Pillars of Change: Career Development & Entrepreneurship, Education & Tech Innovation, Financial Literacy & Economic Mobility, and College Readiness & Scholarships.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

The SoLa Foundation is the community-centered platform advancing equitable economic mobility in historically disinvested communities across South Los Angeles, working to deliver lasting, measurable outcomes. Led by Chief Impact Officer Sherri Francois, The Foundation focuses on designing and implementing workforce development initiatives, education and career pipelines, youth and internship programs, and resident-centered services that expand access to opportunity and economic participation.

Guided by a data-driven, people-first approach, our social impact focus works collaboratively with The Foundation, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, civic leaders, and private-sector partners to ensure accountability, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

Requirements

RESPONSIBILITIES

Revenue Generation & Strategy

• Own institutional and individual fundraising targets, with clear quarterly and annual dollar goals
• Identify, pursue, and close grants, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships
• Develop a focused pipeline of foundations, corporations, high networth individuals and public funding sources aligned with SoLa’s mission
• Drive opportunities from prospecting through award 

Grants & Proposals

• Lead or oversee the development of high-quality grant proposals and sponsorship decks
• Ensure timely submission of proposals, renewals, and reports
• Partner with program and finance teams to align budgets, outcomes, and compliance
• Maintain a grant calendar with deadlines, submission goals, and reporting requirements

Partnerships & Relationship Management

• Build and steward relationships with foundation officers, corporate leaders, institutional partners and high networth individuals
• Represent SoLa Foundation in external meetings, funder briefings, and site visits
• Collaborate with c-suite leadership to deepen existing partnerships and expand giving

Systems & Accountability

• Track pipeline activity, dollars submitted, dollars awarded, and conversion rates
• Provide regular fundraising reports to leadership with clear metrics
• Create scalable systems that support future fundraising growth

What This Role Is Not

• Not a passive grant-writing-only role
• Not a slow, traditional nonprofit fundraising position
• Not a role where success is measured by meetings instead of money

REQUIREMENTS:

• 7+ years of experience in grants, institutional fundraising, strategic partnerships and individual major and/or principal gifts
• Demonstrated track record of closing grants, gifts or sponsorships of $100K+
• Experience building a fundraising pipeline from scratch or scaling one significantly
• Strong writing, storytelling, and proposal development skills
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, founder-led environment
• High integrity, follow-through, and ownership mentality

PREFERRED:

• Experience in growing business development pipelines.
• Multi-sector experience encouraged Experience in workforce development, education, housing, or community-based nonprofits. 
• Multi-sector capital raising experience, including political fundraising, corporate business development and philanthropy a plus
• Familiarity with corporate philanthropy and public-private partnerships
• Salesforce, Asana, or similar CRM/project management experience

Benefits

SoLa Impact offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as pet insurance, sick leave, 10 paid holidays, and bereavement days. This package is designed to provide employees with a range of important benefits that help to support their physical and emotional well-being, while also providing financial protection and peace of mind.

At SoLa Impact, we believe work environment, culture, and the opportunity to learn and grow are key elements when considering a new job. We are just the right size to provide the resources and support you need without the bureaucracy of a large corporate environment. We foster a family-friendly and supportive workplace, collaborative and employee-focused with an emphasis on quality, integrity, trust, and accountability. We are looking to bring someone on board as soon as possible. We provide a rewarding and challenging environment. We expect a lot, but give a lot in return. Strongly prefer candidates local to Los Angeles as no relocation assistance will be provided. All qualified candidates will be contacted directly.

SoLa Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SoLa does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

The SoLa Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as pet insurance, sick leave, 10 paid holidays, and bereavement days. This package is designed to provide employees with a range of important benefits that help to support their physical and emotional well-being, while also providing financial protection and peace of mind.

At The SoLa Foundation, we believe work environment, culture, and the opportunity to learn and grow are key elements when considering a new job. We are just the right size to provide the resources and support you need without the bureaucracy of a large corporate environment. We foster a family-friendly and supportive workplace, collaborative and employee-focused with an emphasis on quality, integrity, trust, and accountability. We are looking to bring someone on board as soon as possible. We provide a rewarding and challenging environment. We expect a lot, but give a lot in return. Strongly prefer candidates local to Los Angeles as no relocation assistance will be provided. All qualified candidates will be contacted directly.

The SoLa Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SoLa does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

**The submission of your job application certifies that all information provided in this application is true, accurate, and complete to the best of your knowledge. You understand that any false statements, misrepresentations, or omissions—including those related to education or employment history—may result in rescission of an employment offer or termination of employment.**