CANDIDATE PROFILE
POSITION TITLE
DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
PRIMARY LOCATION
CREATED FOR LOS ANGELES, CA
THE MIDNIGHT MISSION
about the midnight mission
Since 1914, The Midnight Mission has been a beacon of hope for those experiencing drug & alcohol abuse and homelessness in Los Angeles. Dedicated to providing a path to self-sufficiency, The Midnight Mission offers a comprehensive approach to help people regain their independence, providing basic necessities, educational and workforce development programs, and addiction recovery services. Serving thousands of individuals each year, the organization strives to break the cycle of poverty and despair through care, compassion, and accountability. With two facilities located in Southern California (Los Angeles & South Bay), The Midnight Mission continues to enhance and expand services to reach even more individuals in need.
our mission
To make available the necessities of life and offer a bridge to self-sufficiency for people experiencing homelessness through food, shelter, clothing, personal hygiene needs, medical care, recovery services, counseling, education, training, workforce development and continued care services.
our values
To offer the 12-Step approach to recovery.
To serve people experiencing homelessness with empathy and respect, without sermonizing.
To provide our services as an independent human service organization.
what we do & who we serve
drug & alcohol recovery
The Midnight Mission in Los Angeles offers a comprehensive drug and alcohol recovery program based on the 12-step philosophy. This program is designed for homeless male adults and spans 12 to 18 months. It includes sobriety support, individual counseling, health and wellness services, education, job training, and life skills development. The goal is to help participants achieve self-sufficiency and maintain long-term recovery from substance abuse.
HomeLight Family Living
HomeLight Family Living provides the path for families in crisis to reunify, rebuild and restore their lives. We provide education, career preparedness, counseling, and life skills to break the cycle of abuse & poverty and ensure independent, successful living. With a strong emphasis on achieving self-sufficiency through accountability, our families are given the opportunity to live in a clean, safe, learning-focused environment, empowering them to create a new life for themselves and their children.
Emergency Services
The Midnight Mission in Los Angeles offers essential emergency services including food, shelter, and hygiene facilities. Their programs encompass Courtyard Outreach, providing a safe place for rest. They provide a full cafeteria, showers, and basic medical care for the community in Skid Row. Community members and partner organizations also provide social and creative programming to build community and offer a welcoming place for neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Position Overview
The Midnight Mission is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Advancement. This critical leadership role is responsible for overseeing and cultivating the Advancement team, which includes a robust staff managing all facets of fundraising and public communications. The Director of Advancement will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to implement strategic initiatives, enhance donor engagement, and set the stage for sustainable growth, laying the groundwork for future initiatives. The Director of Advancement role calls for a creative and collaborative leader to synchronize and strategically develop all aspects of resource development.
First Year GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Build and lead a cohesive and motivated Advancement team, fostering a culture of collaboration.
Develop and implement a fundraising strategy to meet the annual revenue target set in collaboration with the CEO. Strengthen relationships with existing donors, corporations, and foundations to enhance donor retention through personalized engagement and stewardship strategies. Expand the major gifts program beyond special events. Develop a strategic marketing and communications plan to enhance visibility and impact.
roles & responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Implementation
Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to meet or exceed annual and long-term revenue goals.
Oversee all aspects of fundraising, including individual philanthropy, major and mid-level gifts, annual fund campaigns, legacy gifting, direct marketing, institutional giving, municipal funds, grants, corporate relations, and gift-in-kind donations.
Establish short and long-range goals for restricted and unrestricted funding sources.
Deeply understand The Midnight Mission's work and programmatic needs and build relationships with community partners to support fundraising efficacy. Prepare and manage the Advancement department’s budget, ensuring cost-effective operations and maximum ROI.
Track and report on fundraising progress, providing regular updates to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors.
Contribute to the strategic planning process, ensuring alignment of fundraising goals with The Midnight Mission’s overall mission and objectives.
Identify and pursue opportunities for innovation and growth within the Advancement department.
Staff Management
Lead, mentor, and manage the Advancement team, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.
Ensure effective coordination and integration of all fundraising and communication efforts across the organization.
Cultivate a culture that embraces innovation, empowering staff by providing clear objectives, direction, and prioritization of fundraising goals and timelines. Ensure professional accountability through clear expectations, positive and constructive feedback, and formal performance reviews.
Donor cultivation & Community Relations
Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy to enhance public awareness of The Midnight Mission’s programs and impact.
Oversee content creation and distribution through social media, the web, email marketing, press releases, and other formats.
Cultivate and steward strong relationships with existing and potential donors, ensuring consistent and personalized engagement.
Serve as a spokesperson for the organization, representing The Midnight Mission at events and to key stakeholders.
qualifications
A minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in fund development required. Bachelor's degree in business, philanthropy, marketing, communications, or any combination of academic education, professional training or work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Proficiency in using fundraising and CRM software, social media platforms, and other digital communication tools.
Ability to use interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with potential funders, Board members, and internal and external stakeholders.
Track record of building individual and major gift programs: identifying prospects, cultivating new donor relationships, and closing major and corporate gift programs.
Comprehensive staff management skills, including experience building, mentoring, and coaching a team of high-performing professionals, with a commitment to the continuous education and training of the development team.
In-depth and current knowledge of fundraising practices and procedures, with a strong understanding of donor management systems.
Experience in producing successful and meaningful special events.
Proven experience fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging.
Experience working with a volunteer-driven, community-based organization and a deep passion for the mission and values of The Midnight Mission.
Outstanding written and oral communications skills.
compensation & benefits
The salary range for the Director of Advancement is $140,000 – $165,000, commensurate with experience. The role is located in Los Angeles in the Skid Row neighborhood and will be in-person for the first 6-12 months, with the option for hybrid schedule in the future. Midnight Mission offers a generous benefits package including vacation and sick time, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, 401K contributions, life insurance, accident insurance, long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and more.
The Midnight Mission is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including persons with disabilities and veterans.
the ideal candidate
The ideal candidate for the Director of Advancement position at The Midnight Mission is an experienced fundraiser with a track-record of success in multiple development disciplines, who is looking to move into a position of strategic leadership and team building. They demonstrate exceptional communication skills and have a natural instinct for organizational strategy, nonprofit marketing, and fostering relationships. This individual will thrive in the person-centered environment of the headquarters in Skid Row, building strong partnerships with program staff and fostering a cohesive team culture. With a deep understanding and passion for The Midnight Mission's vision and programs, the candidate will effectively articulate the organization's mission and impact to donors, stakeholders, and the broader community.
A dynamic strategist, the ideal candidate will be capable of designing and implementing a multifaceted fundraising plan. They will excel in coordinating special events, engaging donors, securing in-kind donations, and overseeing direct mail campaigns. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be adept in leveraging marketing, communications, and advocacy efforts to enhance Midnight Mission's visibility and impact. With a proven track record of successful fundraising initiatives, the candidate will bring creativity and innovation to the role, driving the organization’s resource development to new heights.
The likely career track for the Director of Advancement of
The Midnight Mission involves being a fundraising generalist at some point in their career, with a track record in building a comprehensive strategy that includes major gifts, special events, direct mail, corporate and foundation giving, volunteer events, and marketing and communications.
Professionals we may look for:
Executive Director
Director of Development
Director of Philanthropy
Director of Major Gifts
Development Manager
About Skid Row - Los angeles
Skid Row, a 54-block area in downtown Los Angeles, has a long and complex history dating back to the late 1800s. This area became a natural congregating spot for transient workers, rail riders, and people seeking to escape their past lives. The area catered to this transient culture with daily rate hotels and various entertainments, including bars and brothels.
As Los Angeles developed and the industrial markets grew, particularly the flower and fashion districts adjacent to Skid Row, efforts to improve the area arose. In 1975, a Redevelopment Plan was adopted, which included a “Policy of Containment.” This policy aimed to stabilize and centralize the area by concentrating social service agencies and people experiencing homelessness in one section of the city. The goal was to make services more accessible, not to crowd the area or fence in the homeless population.
Since the adoption of this policy, Skid Row has seen improvements in terms of services for people experiencing homelessness. The area now includes rehabilitated parks, nonprofit-owned single-room occupancies (SROs), and renovated or relocated service facilities. Several shelters now offer 24-hour services, rehabilitation programs, and safe spaces for people during the day.
Working on Skid Row is an experience like no other. It is both challenging and deeply rewarding, offering a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and the community. Midnight Mission is often referred to as an oasis within this complex environment. It provides a safe, welcoming space for those in need and a supportive, mission-driven workplace for its staff.
At Midnight Mission, you will be part of a dedicated team that works tirelessly to provide comprehensive services, from basic needs to rehabilitation programs. The work environment is dynamic and heartfelt, requiring resilience, empathy, and a strong commitment to humanity.
Envision Consulting has been retained by the Midnight Mission to conduct the search for their incoming Director of Advancement. We follow a comprehensive and structured approach that begins with a needs assessment to understand the organization's position and culture. We source candidates using various strategies, such as leveraging networks, industry-specific databases, and targeted research. Our evaluations are designed to assess qualifications, experience, cultural fit, and leadership potential.
After two stages of interviews with Envision Consulting, we work with the organization's search committee to select the individuals they wish to meet and then curate that interview experience We support the final selection process, including negotiation and offer formulation and offer onboarding support to ensure a smooth leadership transition. To ensure candidate success, we offer clients a one-year guarantee and executive coaching throughout the first year of employment.
The Midnight Mission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law with respect to employment opportunities.
search team for sbss
Envision Consulting is a minority-owned firm specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions With offices in Denver, New York, Lexington and Los Angeles, our partners and consultants are former executive leaders within nonprofit organizations who are truly inspired by our collective power to lift up the communities we serve Our broad spectrum of services helps increase revenues, expand awareness and strengthen service delivery to the clients who need us the most. Learn more at www.envisionnonprofit.com.
MELISSA MONTOYA DIRECTOR OF SEARCH SERVICES
ALLISON FULLER MANAGING PARTNER
MATT KAMIN MANAGING PARTNER
VALERIE LORD MANAGING DIRECTOR
Are you a great fit for The Midnight Mission’s next Director of Advancement?
We invite you to apply and share your experience with us!