Connections for Children - Senior Manager of External Affairs

SENIOR MANAGER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS 

ABOUT CONNECTIONS FOR CHILDREN

Connections for Children (CFC) has long been a key community resource, empowering families and childcare providers to ensure every child has access to quality early care and education. Through comprehensive resources, referrals, and training programs, CFC strengthens the link between families, providers, and the broader community, promoting the well-being and development of all children. Committed to equity and excellence, CFC remains a steadfast advocate for the nurturing and educational needs of children, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of the community.  

Connections for Children is focused on expanding programs to serve more people throughout the Westside and South Bay communities of Los Angeles County, while investing in staff and organizational capacity to ensure mission success. By establishing a more diverse revenue base, CFC is sustaining and growing its impact, prioritizing equity and inclusivity in all efforts. This prioritization affirms CFC’s commitment to serving underserved populations and positions the organization to embrace innovation and cultivate strong partnerships for the betterment of countless children and families. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Senior Manager of External Affairs (Manager) reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serves as a member of the Leadership Team. This position is responsible for designing and leading the execution of an integrated strategy across communications, marketing, community engagement, and fund development to advance CFC’s mission and strategic plan goals. The Manager is accountable for all aspects of external communications, brand management, fundraising, community relations, and special events. The Manager will play a key role in expanding the organization’s visibility and reach, cultivating relationships, and generating revenue to support organizational growth. To inform strategy, the Manager will work closely with Leadership Team members to understand and assess the organization’s marketing and outreach needs.

The Manager will manage three full-time staff members and external consultants to execute the department’s portfolio, with the opportunity to develop the department in alignment with agency goals and available resources.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications & Marketing

• Develop and oversee implementation of a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy encompassing messaging, branding, distribution channels, digital and traditional media, and community outreach.
• Establish systems and tools to ensure consistent branding, voice, and quality control across all external communications.
• Drive the development and execution of integrated marketing plans and strategic communications aligned with programmatic, fund development, and organizational priorities and desired outcomes.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communications and marketing efforts; analyze performance metrics and return on investment to refine strategies, identify trends, and optimize campaigns.
• Collaborate with agency leadership to align and support internal communications and external crisis communications that strengthen staff cohesion, transparency, and mission alignment.

Fund Development

• Lead identification and pursuit of diverse fund development opportunities, including individual giving, corporate partnerships, planned giving, grants, and special events.
• Set and manage short- and long-term revenue goals across multiple fundraising streams; build and maintain prospect pipelines.
• Raise a minimum of $300,000 in unrestricted revenue within the first 12-18 months of hire.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic funding partnerships with businesses, foundations, and community organizations.
• Oversee portfolio of individual donors and prospects; guide development of cases for support and customized donor materials.
• Grow and maintain a sustainable donor base through donor acquisition, retention, renewal, and stewardship strategies that cultivate long-term relationships.
• Collaborate with Board members to advance resource development, including support for the Fund Development Committee.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the Leadership Team, contributing to strategic plan implementation and cross-functional collaboration.
• Manage and mentor staff, promoting a high-performance culture rooted in learning, accountability, and purpose.
• Develop and manage the department’s budget, including revenue targets and expense oversight.
• Represent the organization in external meetings, conferences, and community events.
• Advance CFC's role as a thought leader by identifying and supporting opportunities for public speaking, media engagement, and showcasing organizational expertise and impact.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in communications, marketing, fund development, or external affairs, preferably within a nonprofit environment.
• Progressive leadership experience, including direct management of staff, external consultants, grants, and budgets.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, marketing, business, nonprofit management, or a related field, desired.
• Strong leadership and team development skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams in a collaborative environment.
• Record of raising large scale revenue through a mix of major gifts, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and fundraising campaigns.
• Success in cultivating partnerships, stewarding donors, and serving as an ambassador of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, recruit, and manage external consultants and vendors.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in CRM and digital marketing technologies to support strategic outreach and engagement.
• Ability to travel locally for meetings and events and work occasional evenings and weekends; valid CA driver’s license and insurance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range is $100,000—$125,000 depending on experience. Salary is based on a minimum 35-hour workweek, and is eligible for a performance-based incentive. Competitive benefits package consisting of health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) employer contribution, paid sick leave, paid time off (PTO), holidays, and a hybrid telework work option (after a 90-day introductory period).

Connections for Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender orientation, or different ability.

Envision Consulting was retained by Connections for Children to conduct the search for their incoming Senior Manager of External Affairs.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.714.7577 to request and arrange for assistance.