Director of Development and External Affairs

Tri-Valley Career Center; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement match (403B)

Educational reimbursement

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Referral bonus program

Job summary

Axis Community Health in Pleasanton, CA, seeks a Director of Development and External Affairs to lead fundraising, grants, and external relations. You will set a comprehensive plan, manage a team, and collaborate across programs to secure major gifts and annual support.

The role requires strong writing, speaking, and strategic skills, plus a deep commitment to serving underserved populations within the Tri-Valley area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications/marketing/non‑profit management or related area is required.
• At least three years in nonprofit development, with grant writing, community relations, and fundraising experience.
• Ability to represent Axis in the community and connect with local stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and strategic skills to lead program development in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of Axis’s mission and commitment to underserved populations.
• Experience with Tri‑Valley community and local nonprofit organizations preferred.
• Must have a valid driver's license with reliable transportation.
• Excellent writing, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently or in a team and maintain confidentiality.
• Type at least 35 WPM and proficient with Microsoft Office and donor databases.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with strategic goals.
• Lead and manage the development team, including hiring and training staff.
• Maintain current grants and research new funding sources; submit proposals to foundations and entities.
• Collaborate with program directors to ensure grants align with needs and reporting.
• Oversee interfacing with federal officials for FQHC/HRSA/Title X/FTCA requirements.
• Cultivate relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders.
• Manage brand and messaging to enhance organizational profile.
• Advance donor stewardship for annual, major, and planned gifts.
• Ensure policies comply with federal/state laws on charitable gifts.
• Accurately record information in development software and issue acknowledgments.
• Travel to Axis sites as needed.

Skills

Grant writing

Community relations

Public speaking

Fundraising strategy

Donor relations

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/marketing/non-profit management or related area

Tools

Donor database software

MS Office

Job description

Company Description

Axis Community Health, a nonprofit established in 1972, provides comprehensive healthcare services to over 15,000 individuals across all age groups in the Tri-Valley area. The mission of Axis Community Health is to provide quality, affordable, accessible and compassionate health care services that promote the well-ness of all members of the community.

Our mission is rooted in delivering high-quality patient care, encompassing primary healthcare, mental health support, and dental services. We are committed to ensuring access to essential healthcare services for every member of our community, irrespective of financial status, living situation, or insurance coverage.

Job Summary

The Director of Development and External Affairs will be responsible for planning, implementing, and managing all fundraising activities for the organization. The role will work with the CEO to develop a comprehensive fundraising plan that will include major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and grants. The role will also work with the CEO to enhance the organization’s reputation, build relationships with key stakeholders, and increase awareness of the organization’s mission and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications/marketing/non‑profit management or related area is required.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in non‑profit development work, preferably in healthcare or similar safety net service, and a proven track record in grant writing, community relations, and fundraising is required.
• Ability to represent Axis in the community and to connect with local and regional stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and strategic skills and the ability to help lead in the development of programs and services in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
• Understanding of and a commitment to Axis’s mission and core values, including commitment to the needs of underserved populations.
• Experience with and knowledge of the Tri‑Valley community, local nonprofit organizations, and the surrounding region is preferred.
• Must possess a valid and current driver’s license with reliable transportation, a clean driving record and automobile insurance is required.
• Strong employee relations, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent writing, community relations, public speaking skills, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to interact effectively and in a supportive manner with persons of all backgrounds.
• Proactive, self‑motivated and able to work independently as well as on a team with the ability to exercise sound independent judgment.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and a professional demeanor and must positively represent the organization at all times.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships.
• Must be able to adjust priorities quickly as circumstances dictate.
• Must be able to be at work regularly and on time.
• Must be a dynamic self‑starter with demonstrated ability to work independently or in a group setting.
• A can‑do attitude, attention to detail, with the ability to organize.
• Ability to type a minimum of 35 WPM with minimal errors.
• Must have good computer skills using Microsoft Office, donor database software, and the ability to use Axis departmental systems.
• Must be able to use office equipment (i.e. copier, fax, etc.).

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that aligns with the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Prepare and submit annual development budget.
• Lead and manage the development team, including hiring, training, and supervising staff.
• Maintain current grants as well as research and develop new grant funding sources. Prepare and submit proposals to foundations and governmental, corporate, and private entities.
• Work in collaboration with program directors and managers to ensure grants and contracts are developed in alignment with programmatic needs and resources, which grant and contract requirements are monitored, and that required reporting mechanisms are in place.
• Oversee the ongoing interface with federal officials for Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)/HRSA/Title X/FTCA regarding contractual and reporting requirements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, community leaders, funders, non‑profit organizations and other external partners.
• Enhance relationships with federal, state and local government and regulatory officials and deepen their awareness of Axis services and patients’ needs.
• Represent Axis Community Health at government, community, association and other key stakeholder meetings.
• In collaboration with the Communications Lead and senior leadership team, manage the organization’s brand and messaging, identify opportunities to enhance the organization’s profile, and ensure consistency across all communications.
• Cultivate and steward a portfolio of prospective and current donors capable of making annual, major and planned gifts.
• Facilitate board development activities including oversight of board development committee, training, and execution of board‑driven fundraising activities.
• Develop and maintain an annual fund and a donor recognition program that promotes and enhances support for Axis’s services.
• Plan and produce fundraising or informational gatherings and events in collaboration with senior team.
• Ensure gift policies and procedures are in accordance with federal, state, and local laws pertaining to charitable gifts.
• Oversee the timely and accurate recording of pertinent information in the development software program and the production of acknowledgment communications, including accurate tax information.
• Drive to other sites and locations as needed to perform job duties or support organizational operations.
• Participate in staff meetings and attend other meetings and training events as assigned.
• May be required to perform other related duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Employer paid health, dental, and vision benefits to the employee.
• Option to participate in a 403(B) retirement plan with employer matching contribution.
• Partial educational reimbursement.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Accrued paid time off with each pay period.
• Employee discount programs.
• Colleague Referral Bonus Program.

Connect With Axis

Company Page: https://www.axishealth.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/axiscommunityhealth

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axis-community-health

Annual Gratitude Report: https://issuu.com/axiscommunityhealth/docs/gratitudereport2024

Physical, Cognitive, And Environmental Working Conditions

Work is normally performed in a typical clinic office work environment (and, in some cases, telecommuting sites). The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position if the accommodation request does not cause an undue hardship.

Physical: Occasionally required to carry/lift/push/pull/move up to 20lbs. Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing, writing, reaching over the shoulder, reaching over the head, reaching outward, sitting, walking on various surfaces, standing, and bending. Occasional travel to other Axis health centers and other occasional travel will be required.

Equipment: Frequently required to use repetitive motion of hands and feet to operate a computer keyboard, telephone, copier, and other office equipment for extended periods.

Sensory: Frequently required to read documents, written reports, and signage. Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise, as in answering the phone, interacting with staff etc. Must be able to speak clearly, understand normal communication, and be understood. Must be able to see clearly and have the ability to judge distances and spatial relationships to see objects where and as they actually are.

Cognitive: Must be able to analyze the information being received, count accurately, concentrate and focus on the given task, summarize the information being received, accurately interpret written data, synthesize information from multiple sources, write summaries as needed, interpret written or verbal instructions, and recognize social or professional behavioral cues.

Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office (medical clinic/office) environments. Rare exposure to dust and loud noises.

Disclaimer: This job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, and requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, Axis Community Health reserves the right to modify or change the requirements of the job based on business necessity.

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