Director of Development

THE ORGANIZATION:

C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California (C5LA) is an award-winning youth organization providing five-plus years of leadership development and mentoring for high-potential teens from under-resourced communities across Los Angeles County. C5LA supports students through high school graduation, college enrollment, college persistence, and the transition into early careers through life-changing experiences that build the social, emotional, and cultural capital necessary for long-term success.

Serving more than 350 youth and families annually, there is no cost to participate in the program.

For many under-resourced students across Los Angeles, the journey from middle school to college and career is marked by uncertainty, limited guidance, and real barriers to access. Students often begin high school without a clear understanding of course selection, extracurricular involvement, and academic performance shape long-term opportunities. By the time they reach their junior and senior years, many feel overwhelmed by the college application and financial aid process and may lack the networks or support systems needed to navigate it successfully.

At the same time, students’ curiosity, leadership, and potential are already present, they simply need the space, tools, and affirmation to recognize and develop them.

C5LA is a youth leadership and college success program uniquely grounded in transformative outdoor leadership experiences that build confidence, resilience, and belonging, critical foundations for first-generation students navigating college for the first time. Beginning in 8th grade and working with them through college and beyond, students (Leaders) participate in a five-year, year over year journey anchored by signature summer programs and supported by year-round academic advising, social emotional support, financial aid guidance, and peer-based college persistence support.

C5LA ensures students not only graduate high school and access college but remain supported through graduation and into early career pathways. The model aims to foster resilience, nurture social-emotional intelligence, and assist Leaders and their families in setting goals.

C5LA partners closely with families, valuing their guidance and working alongside them to support each Leader’s success. By remaining responsive to community needs, C5LA has empowered multiple generations of Leaders committed to building brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

C5LA is a separate 501(c)3 and a part of the national C5 Association, alongside affiliate sites in Atlanta, Boston, and Dallas. Visit the website to learn more about C5LA.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development (DOD) will be charged with leading C5LA’s strategy to expand philanthropic support and will play a critical role in expanding the organization’s brand and impact. This is a compelling opportunity for an experienced and entrepreneurial fundraiser to lead the development of a robust, diversified, best-practice fundraising program that will strengthen C5LA’s long-term growth and sustainability.

C5LA has a staff of 17 and an annual operating budget of $3.2 million which is generated through fundraising efforts. In 2025, C5LA received a $5 million endowment gift to double the number of students served.

The DOD will lead C5LA’s fundraising strategy in partnership with the Executive Director. Managing a team of three, the DOD will support and oversee the Development Manager, Development & Operations Manager, and Data & Evaluation Manager. They will strengthen the systems and infrastructure needed to achieve ambitious fundraising goals, expand support from existing donors, and cultivate new relationships…