CANDIDATE PROFILE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPHY & PUBLIC RELATIONS POSITION TITLE
PRIMARY LOCATION
STANFORD SIERRA YOUTH & FAMILIES CREATED FOR SACRAMENTO, CA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Stanford Sierra Youth & Families What
Roles & Responsibilities
Qualifications & Compensation
Ideal Candidate & Career Track
About Sacramento, California
About the Search Process
Application Link
We envision our communities with safe, lifelong connections for all young people, built and strengthened through generations of empowered families.
about stanford sierra youth & families
StanfordSierraYouth&Familiesprovidesacontinuumofcaretoempoweryouthandfamiliestoovercomechallengestogether,aswellas connectsyouthinfostercaretothepermanentlovingfamiliestheyneedanddeserve.Wesupporttheentirefamilywithprofessional treatmentandcompassionatecare,soeveryyouthhastheopportunitytothriveathome,inschool,andinthecommunity.Thoseweserve areabletoheal,learnlifeskills,andbuildrelationshipsthroughourresearch-based,family-centered,targetedapproach.Weare determinedtogiveeachandeveryyoungpersonachanceatahealthy,productiveandself-sufficientlifewithlifelongfamilyconnections. Itisourunwaveringcommitmenttomeaningfulandsustainableoutcomesthatdistinguishesourorganizationasaleaderinthefield.
For125years,ourcommitmenttoyouthandfamilieshasneverwavered.Whileourprogramserviceshaveevolved,ourpurposehas remainedcleartoempoweryouthandfamiliestoovercomechallenges.Throughourservices,theyouthdeveloplifeskills,andgrowinto self-sufficientadults.Wesupporttheentirefamilywithprofessionaltreatmentandcompassionatecare,soeveryyouthhastheopportunity tothrive.
our mission
Transforming lives by nurturing permanent connections and empowering families to solve challenges together, so every young person can thrive.
what we do & WHO WE SERVE
programs & services
Empowerment Training Center
Enhanced Care Management
Family Advocacy & Support
Family and Youth Partnership
Foster Care & Adoption Services
Juvenile Justice Programs
Managed Care Kaiser
Mental Health Programs
Substance Use Prevention & Treatment Services
Stanford Sierra Youth & Families (SSYAF) believes each and every child deserves the love, safety, and unconditional commitment of a family and the opportunity to develop as a healthy and productive young adult.
We provide a continuum of care to empower youth and families to overcome challenges together, as well as connects youth in foster care to the permanent loving families they need and deserve. This includes the following array of comprehensive programs: family advocacy and support; behavioral and mental health services; substance use prevention and treatment; juvenile justice intervention; mentoring; foster care; adoption services; and pre- and post-adoption support.
We support the entire family with professional treatment and compassionate care, so every youth has the opportunity to thrive at home, in school, and in the community. In the coming year, our communitybased programs will benefit approximately 6,700 youth and families throughout Northern California, including Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, Yolo, Napa, and San Joaquin counties.
Empowerment Training Center
The Empowerment Training Center (ETC) is a workforce development program that is uniquely designed to strengthen skills and development of employees locally, state wide, and nationally. SSYAF’s Empowerment Training Center also provides training and support to individuals with lived experience who are on a path of recovery and are willing and able to assist others who are in earlier stages of the recovery process. These individuals’ viewpoints and experiences are included in the training, education, and support.
enhanced Care management
Enhanced Care Management (ECM) is a new, voluntary benefit designed to connect children and teens with a wide range of essential services. These include medical, behavioral, dental, developmental, housing and food assistance, employment and educational support, health and wellness, social support, and more. ECM coordinates these services to ensure youth get the right care at the right time, making it easier and less stressful for families to navigate the healthcare system.
Position Overview
The Executive Director of Philanthropy and Public Relations(Director) leads SSYAF’s philanthropic and fund development efforts. They manage the agency’s public image through strategic communication and media relations, acting as a bridge between the agency’s mission and its external perception by donors and the wider community. The position includes the supervision of 6 staff to secure foundation, grant, and charitable contributions to ultimately support the mission, vision, and values of the agency.
The Executive Director will work closely with the CEO, the Executive Leadership Team, and the Board of Directors to maximize agency funding and public relations potential. The Director has a high level of competency in fundraising, developing long-standing donor relationships, and supporting broader fundraising efforts such as planned giving. In addition, the Director oversees SSYAF branding and communications strategy and serves as an official spokesperson for the agency. A natural relationship builder, the Director will foster connections in the community and create strong relationships with both new and existing donors.
organizational priorities
Develop corporate and foundation relationships
Identify & foster new donors
Create stewardship for existing donors
Grow major gifts
Engage the Board in fundraising
Build & manage the development team
Enhance Storytelling & impact statements
Strategic Fundraising & Donor Engagement – Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and donor stewardship to support organizational growth.
Stakeholder & Community Relationships – Build and strengthen relationships with Board members, donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders to expand funding opportunities and advocacy efforts.
Public Relations & Brand Awareness – Enhance the organization’s visibility through strategic communications, marketing initiatives, and public relations efforts to elevate the brand and mission impact.
roles & responsibilities
Leadership and Strategic Vision
Develop and implement visionary strategies for philanthropy and public relations, positioning the agency as a sector leader
Collaborate across programs and departments to identify economic support opportunities.
Mentor staff and volunteers, fostering leadership in fund development and advocacy
Work with CEO and leadership volunteers to enable board members' fund development roles
Attend board meetings and serve on the Board Development Committee
Leverage data analytics and donor software to optimize fundraising efforts and inform-decision.
Proactively identify and manage risks in fundraising and public relations activities.
Oversee fund development and public relations activities, monitoring strategies and tactics, while developing and presenting regular reports on their effectiveness using key performance indicators.
Fund Development and Donor Relations
Create and maintain a donor-centered development plan with comprehensive relationship-building programs.
Evaluate internal and external factors affecting fund development, establishing short-and long-range plans.
Develop a balanced funding mix and innovative fundraising strategies (e g , corporate sponsorships, planned giving, digital campaigns)
Ensure proper maintenance of donor records and gift management systems
Conduct prospect research to identify new donor engagement opportunities
Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, laws, and ethical standards in fundraising
Public Relations & Marketing
Provide expertise in media relations, crisis management, and social media management.
Oversee high-quality branding and production of marketing materials.
Develop compelling narratives communicating the organization's impact
Ensure public relations efforts promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Establish collaborative relationships with community stakeholders and external entities.
Manage and implement the Crisis Communication plan, preparing Executive Leadershipas spokespeople
qualifications
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) or similar credential a plus.
Minimum six (6) years of progressive fund development experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector or a minimum of six (6) years of experience in a sales role at a for-profit company.
Minimum three (3) years of public relations experience, including social media management, crisis communication, marketing, and public speaking.
Proven ability to work with executive leadership and Board of Directors on strategic vision.
Ability to inspire and develop teams, with an intuitive, hands-on management style that fosters growth and accountability.
A demonstrated commitment to DEIB in management practices, professional development, and workplace culture.
Skilled at establishing new community connections and deepening existing relationships.
Expertise in crisis communication planning and spokesperson training.
Ability to communicate passion for the mission and values of SSYAF.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and database management systems.
Perform all duties in a manner consistent with the principles and values of SSYAF, while adhering to applicable professional codes of ethics, policies and procedures, contractor requirements, and regulatory requirements
compensation & benefits
The Executive Director of Philanthropy and Public Relations role offers a competitive base salary of $130,000-$160,000 and an excellent benefits package. This is a full-time position based out of Sacramento, California.
Stanford Sierra Youth & Families 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 Executive Director of Philanthropy and Public Relations should be an experienced fundraising and PR professional with a proven track record of securing major donations and grants This collaborative leader must be a skilled communicator, able to effectively tell the agency's story to diverse stakeholders Well-connected in the local community, the candidate should have a strong network of contacts and be knowledgeable about legislative issues impacting the agency's work. The ideal candidate will be motivated to achieve SSYAF’s fundraising goals and will create long-term donor cultivation plans.
Passionate about the mission and a desire to inspire the team, the Director should be adept at managing staff, have a deep commitment to DEIB in workplace culture, and a enjoy collaborating with leadership. The ideal individual will possess a deep understanding of donor relationship management and moved management strategies, coupled with expertise in brand management and crisis communication. They should be comfortable serving as a spokesperson and advocating for the agency's interests in various forums. This candidate will be crucial for fueling growth, enhancing reputation, and expanding the agency's impact through innovative programs and partnerships, ultimately contributing to the organization's long-term success and stability in a changing philanthropic landscape.
CAREERTRACKleadingtoexecutiveDIRECTOR, PHILANTHROPY&PUBLICRELATIONS
The likely career track for the Executive Director, Philanthropy & Public Relations of Stanford Sierra Youth & Families involves advancing through various fundraising and communication roles in nonprofit organizations. They would have gained experience in donor relations, grant writing, and public relations before taking on this leadership position. This role represents a significant step in their career, where they will lead philanthropic efforts, manage the organization's public image, and play a key role in its growth and impact.
Professionals we may look for:
Director of Development
Director of Communications
Director of Major Gifts
Director of Donor Relations
Foundation Relations Manager
Public Relations Director
Executive Director
ABOUT sacramento, ca
Sacramento,thecapitalcityofCalifornia,isavibrantanddiversemetropolislocatedinthenorthcentralpartofthestate.SituatedattheconfluenceoftheSacramentoandAmericanRivers, about90milesnortheastofSanFrancisco,thecitycoversanareaof99squaremiles.Asof2024, Sacramento'spopulationisestimatedat526,669,withamedianageof35.2yearsandan averagehouseholdincomeof$102,258.Thecityisrenownedforitsdiversity,havingbeen named"America'sMostDiverseCity"bytheCivilRightsProjectatHarvardUniversityin2002.
Foundedin1848duringtheCaliforniaGoldRush,Sacramentohasarichhistoryandplayeda significantroleinthestate'sdevelopment.Itbecamethestatecapitalin1854andhassince beenacenterofpoliticalandeconomicactivity.Thecityboastsnumerousculturalattractions, includingtheCaliforniaStateCapitolbuilding,OldSacramentohistoricdistrict,CrockerArt Museum,andtheCaliforniaStateRailroadMuseum.Sacramento'seconomyisdiverse,with government,healthcare,andeducationbeingmajorsectors.Thecityishometoseveralhigher educationinstitutions,includingCaliforniaStateUniversity,Sacramento,andtheUniversityof California,DavisMedicalCenter.
SacramentoexperiencesaMediterraneanclimatewithlong,hot,drysummersandcool,damp winters.Knownasthe"CityofTrees,"Sacramentoisfamousforitsurbanforestandcommitment togreenspaces.Thecityhostsvariousannualevents,suchastheCaliforniaStateFairinJuly andtheFarm-to-ForkFestivalinSeptember.AsAmerica'sFarm-to-ForkCapital,Sacramentois celebratedforitsfresh,seasonalproduceandthrivingculinaryscene.Withitsblendofhistorical significance,culturaldiversity,andeconomicopportunities,Sacramentocontinuestogrowand evolve,maintainingitsstatusasakeypolitical,cultural,andeconomiccenterinCalifornia.
Envision Consulting has been retained by Stanford Sierra Youth & Families to conduct the search for their incoming Executive Director of Philanthropy & Public Relations. 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, 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 with a oneyear guarantee. To ensure candidate success, we offer ten (10) hours of executive coaching throughout the first year of employment.
Stanford Sierra Youth & Families 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 stanford sierra youth & families
Envision Consulting is a minority-owned firm specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions With offices in Denver, Lexington, New York, 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
MATT KAMIN MANAGING PARTNER
AMANDA MITCHELL SEARCH CONSULTANT
CAROL NGUYEN SEARCH & STRATEGY ASSOCIATE
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Are you a great fit for the Stanford Sierra Youth & Families ‘ next Executive Director of Philanthropy & Public Relations? We invite you to apply and share your experience with us!