Fundraising & Community Engagement Lead na undefined

Program: Community Fundraising

Department: Development

Reports to: Director, Community Fundraising

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Los Angeles, CA

CENTER’S MISSION: Building a world where LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society.

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: The Development department is responsible for the fundraising to support the Center’s many programs and services that are not financially supported by government grants. The department raises nearly $20 million through individual gifts, private foundation grants, corporate donations, estate and legacy gifts, as well as several fundraising events such as the annual Vanguard Awards Gala.

JOB SUMMARY: The Fundraising & Community Engagement Lead is a relationship-driven fundraiser responsible for stewarding a portfolio of 500+ peer-to-peer cycling fundraiser participants, each committed to raising between $2,500 and well beyond. This role is central to cultivating an inclusive and motivated community culture while ensuring participants meet and exceed their fundraising goals. Reporting to the Director of Community Fundraising, the Lead will conduct fundraising strategy sessions, host community events, and provide individualized support—always with the end goal of maximizing fundraising revenue and deepening engagement with the Center’s mission. 

In addition to fundraising, the Lead will serve as the on-the-ground point person for seasonal recruitment events and community activation, working closely with internal teams driving digital marketing and recruitment strategy. This position will host virtual and in-person gatherings—such as info sessions, social rides, and open houses—to attract new riders, volunteers, and supporters into the Ride community. 

As a key community liaison, they will also build and maintain partnerships with local bike shops, LGBTQ+ groups, and neighborhood businesses to strengthen grassroots support, extend the Ride’s reach, and foster a vibrant, locally rooted culture of participation and fundraising. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Fundraising Strategy & Donor Stewardship

•    Serve as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of 500+ riders; drive engagement and ensure participants reach their individual fundraising goals

•    Develop and implement personalized stewardship plans to support participants at various fundraising tiers – this is inclusive of riders who have a fundraising minimum as well as any volunteers who choose to fundraise 

•    Coach participants on best practices for peer-to-peer fundraising, including storytelling, donor outreach, social media strategy, and corporate matching

•    Monitor individual fundraising progress and conduct proactive outreach to offer support, troubleshoot obstacles, and celebrate milestone

•    Build relationships with returning participants and alumni to encourage re-engagement

•    Maintain regular touchpoints with participants via email, phone, and social media to keep them informed and motivated

•    Collaborate with internal teams to create fundraising collateral that drives participant success

•    Regularly report on participant fundraising performance and identify opportunities for growth

Participant Recruitment & Engagement

•    Host seasonal virtual and in-person events—such as info sessions, meet-and-greets, and social rides—to attract new riders, fundraisers, and community supporters

•    Act as the face of the Ride in local communities, building authentic, grassroots relationships that complement the broader recruitment strategy led by the Director and Content Marketing and Communications Lead

•    Attend community gatherings, Pride events, and relevant meetups to build visibility and recruit participants

Community Engagement

•    Plan and execute in-person and virtual events that strengthen participant connection and support fundraising success—including training rides, team socials, team captain meetups, and community celebrations

•    Build partnerships with local bike shops, fitness studios, LGBTQ+ organizations, and small businesses to expand awareness of the Ride, foster community support, and secure grassroots ambassadors

•    Leverage events and partnerships to drive retention, deepen community ties, and encourage continued fundraising engagement

•    Champion a culture of inclusivity, joy, and purpose within the Ride community, ensuring participants feel seen, supported, and inspired

•    Gather feedback from participants to help shape engagement strategies and improve experiences

QUALIFICATIONS

•    Strong logistical, interpersonal, and organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail

•    Minimum 3+ years of experience in development, fundraising, with direct experience supporting individual fundraisers preferred

•    Proven ability to manage and motivate a large portfolio of stakeholders to meet ambitious fundraising targets

•    High-level organizational and project management skills including the ability to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders in a deadline-driven environment

•    Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with diverse communities.

•    Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and strong familiarity with CRM databases (preferably Salesforce, but not required), and aptitude for learning new software

•    Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

•    Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed during event season

•    Must live in the Greater Los Angeles area and be available for regular in-person events and meetings

•    Knowledge of or experience working with the LGBTQ community and familiarity with issues of relevance to LGBTQ people

•    A passion for the Center’s work and its mission to make the world a better place for LGBTQ people

•    Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expression, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages, English-speaking abilities, immigration status, and physical abilities in a multicultural environment

The hiring range for this position in Los Angeles, CA is $78,861 - $87,814 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. The full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, dependent on the position offered.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering diversity within its staff. Applications are encouraged from all persons regardless of their race, color, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, religion, disability, age, military or veteran status, including status as a victim of domestic violence, assault or stalking, genetic information (including family medical history,) political affiliation or activities, medical or health conditions, or marital status.

The Center has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy as a condition of employment for all employees who work on the Center’s premises, subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please contact [email protected].