About California Community Foundation
The mission of the California Community Foundation (CCF) is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. We envision a future where all Angelenos have the opportunity to contribute to the productivity, health, and well-being of our region. We believe that our common fate will be determined by how successfully we improve the quality of life for all of our residents. The impact we help create is of, by, and for Los Angeles, because the community is our foundation.
What We Fund
We are driven to find long-term, systemic solutions addressing the root causes of the most pressing issues facing Los Angeles County. Since 2000, we have given more than $200 million in discretionary grants, impacting hundreds of thousands of lives and helping to transform entire communities. Every one of those grants represented the legacy of a donor who was dedicated to creating a healthier, more prosperous, and empowered L.A.
How We Work
Every year, we and our donors invest tens of millions in transforming Los Angeles, but real change takes more than money. Through partnerships and innovative approaches, we use our tools to maximize impact, empower communities, and strengthen the nonprofit sector for generations to come. Learn more about California Community Foundation at CCF’s website.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to and working closely with the CEO, the Vice President, Marketing and Communications (VP) will be the Chief Storyteller for the organization, leading strategies to amplify and promote CCF's mission, values, benefits, and impact. This individual will lead the development and implementation of comprehensive marketing and communications strategies to engage internal and external audiences.
They will be tasked with enhancing the Foundation’s visibility and presence, driving support for CCF initiatives, programs, and fundraising. The VP will collaborate closely with internal constituents to ensure alignment with organizational goals and values, and they will play a critical role in shaping outreach strategies to all external constituents including media, community members, and donors.
Joining CCF at a thrilling juncture, the VP will be tasked with spearheading a landmark campaign as part of the foundation’s ambitious 10-year strategic framework, aiming for a public outreach campaign and groundbreaking fundraising goals announcement by July 1, 2025. This visionary framework will emphasize statewide advocacy and political insight, including impactful op-ed contributions. The role demands a candidate with formidable campaign experience and a deep understanding of the science behind advocacy and shaping public opinion.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the Greater Los Angeles region and the cultural, social, and political landscapes that shape its diverse communities. They should be committed to and prepared to shape, inform, and drive change that addresses longstanding inequities and economic challenges that prevent Angelenos from thriving. A Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field is required. Knowledge of donor-advised funds, fiscal sponsorships, and other grantmaking will be beneficial. Previous community foundation experience is preferred.
In addition, the ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
Marketing and Communications Expertise
The Vice President, Marketing and Communications should have a sharp understanding of communications and marketing, including target analysis and micro-targeting, to captivate high net-worth donors. They will be an expert in using new technologies to deliver compelling and effective messaging, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of communication trends and effectively engages its target audience. The VP will use their talent for conveying CCF’s voice to a broad audience while homing in on its growing donor base.
Additionally, using data and direct interactions to gain a nuanced understanding, the VP will be adept at using sales-based metrics and optimizing CCF’s website to attract new donors, complementing traditional referral methods. In navigating CCF’s complex work and numerous partnerships, they will play a crucial role in establishing CCF as a vibrant community hub.
Strategic and Visionary Thinker
The VP will lead the charge in setting strategy to tell the story of CCF, especially around transformative change. This role is pivotal in developing and executing cutting-edge communications and marketing strategies, utilizing the full spectrum of tools at their disposal. The ideal candidate will be resilient, thriving in a fast-paced environment, and confident in offering strategic counsel based on their own robust experience in communications and marketing. With the CEO and Board prioritizing communications, this leader will focus on elevating CCF’s visibility in the Southern California community and beyond, leveraging the existing media connections and partnerships.
Change Management
This leader will come in with a demonstrated track record of leading, implementing, and communicating large-scale communication strategies within a complex organization, with a keen understanding of how to empower and influence colleagues, and work across departments in a multifaceted organization. They will have the ability to diagnose critical areas for attention, build shared understanding, and implement clear policies and procedures related to marketing and communication. They will have an exceptional ability to manage complex organizational challenges while being open and transparent, creating trust and serving as a supportive and credible resource for all team members. This leader will be thorough, detail-oriented, and possess a wide-ranging perspective on the impacts of change on organizational communication.
Relationship Builder, Communicator, and Manager
The Vice President of Marketing and Communications will embody a multifaceted approach to leadership that fosters trust and effectively manages marketing strategies and communication initiatives. They will have high emotional intelligence and superior interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to listen and respond effectively to a diverse group of audiences. With a keen understanding of the importance of relationships, they will prioritize building strong connections with colleagues, constituents, and community partners, serving as a trusted advisor and thought partner. Their ability to inspire and empower others positions them as a leader, guiding the organization in aligning its marketing and communication efforts with its values, and promoting a supportive work environment where individual contributions are celebrated.
Passion for the Mission
The Vice President, Marketing and Communications will possess a profound dedication to justice and equity, with a strong desire to uplift and empower the diverse communities of Los Angeles. They will be driven by a personal connection to the struggles and aspirations of Angelenos, recognizing that true prosperity and freedom can only be achieved when all individuals have equitable access to opportunities and resources. This leader will be deeply inspired by the chance to leverage their skillset to affect positive change within the community, understanding that social justice is not just a goal, but a fundamental necessity for a thriving society. Through their leadership, this individual will embody the values of CCF, driving meaningful progress towards a more just and equitable Los Angeles for all its residents.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $210,000 - $240,000 with a generous benefits package.
Contact
Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.
Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
California Community Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
About Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group
Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
Diversified Search Group is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.
Learn more about Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group via the firm's website.