Senior Director of Growth & Strategic Communications (San Jose)

Armanino is proudly partnered with LEAF on the hiring for this position, we are looking forward to hearing from you!Organization OverviewThe Latino Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF) is committed to promoting equal opportunities for Latinx students to excel in higher education and realize their career aspirations for social and economic advancement. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we offer a range of programs and education initiatives, including comprehensive support services for postsecondary enrollment and persistence, career pathways preparation, and educational equity advocacy.Since 2019, we have supported over 1400 LEAF Scholars and their families throughout their college journey. In 2023 alone, we served more than 300 LEAF Scholars and over 60 LEAF Mentors, along with more than 200 families. A remarkable 86% of our students persist in college, considering that fewer than 20% of low-income Latinx students nationally persist in earning a college degree within six years. Our comprehensive support system includes scholarships, workshops, peer mentorship, parent engagement, and college partnerships, which all work together to increase the enrollment and retention rates of Latinx students. With our unwavering commitment, we aspire to empower and uplift our community's next generation of Latinx leaders.Position OverviewLEAF is seeking a senior leader to own and elevate the organization's advancement and communications functions, bringing both strategic leadership and hands-on execution in these two critical areas.This role serves as a key partner to the Executive Director, ensuring that LEAF's story is clearly articulated, its impact compellingly communicated to funders and partners, and its fundraising efforts are focused, intentional, and aligned with organizational priorities.In addition to leading fundraising and communications, this role will lead and support select strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects that advance LEAF's goals, strengthen internal alignment, and support the organization's continued growth.This is an ideal role for a nonprofit leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, revenue generation, and initiative-based leadership in a growing organization.Core ResponsibilitiesFundraising & Development Strategy and ExecutionPartner closely with the Executive Director to lead and execute LEAF's fundraising strategyProvide strategic direction and hands-on support across the fundraising lifecycle, including:Donor cultivation and stewardshipFoundation, corporate, and institutional relationshipsIndividual giving strategy (growth area for the organization)Help prioritize funders and partners to ensure time and effort are spent where impact and return are greatestLead the development and submission of grant proposals, reports, and donor communicationsStrengthen internal fundraising systems and practices, including:Effective use of the CRMClear coordination between development, communications, finance, and leadershipConsistent stewardship and follow-up processesLead the planning and execution of donor events and cultivation activitiesLead the planning and execution of LEAF's annual fundraising event, donor engagement gatherings, and other cultivation events.Implement year-end appeals, peer-to-peer campaigns, and other special fundraising initiatives, ensuring they contribute to annual revenue and revenue diversification goals.Track progress toward fundraising goals and help leadership understand performance and opportunitiesAttend and serve as a representative of LEAF at events, meetings, conferences, and other opportunities to cultivate LEAF's presence and donor basePartner with the Board of Directors to strengthen their involvement in fundraising, including training, support, and participation in donor outreach.Manage and grow development staff as assignedCommunications Leadership & ExecutionDevelop and lead LEAF's overall communications strategy, ensuring clarity, consistency, and impact across all audiencesTranslate LEAF's strategic plan, program outcomes, and organizational vision into compelling narratives for:Funders and donorsBoard membersCommunity and institutional partnersStaff and internal stakeholdersOversee and execute external communications, including:Newsletters and donor communicationsImpact and annual reportsProgram and organizational messagingSocial media and digital content (directly or through staff/consultants)Ensure communications move beyond activity reporting to emphasize impact, outcomes, and strategic prioritiesSupervise, support, and set priorities for communications staff or contractorsServe as a steward of LEAF's voice, brand, and values across all platformsOrganizational Strategy and Project Management SupportServe as a thought partner to the Executive Director on organizational strategy, priorities, and external positioningHelp prepare for key meetings, presentations, and conversations with funders, partners, and board membersSupport select strategic initiatives and new projects that cut across teams (e.g., new partnerships, pilots, or revenue opportunities)Ensure follow-through and alignment as the organization grows and takes on new initiativesWhat Success Looks Like in This RoleLEAF's communications are clear, consistent, strategic, and funder-focusedFundraising efforts are well-coordinated, intentional, and positioned for growth—particularly in individual givingThe Executive Director is supported by a senior partner who strengthens execution and focusStaff, funders, and partners understand LEAF's impact, priorities, and long-term visionCommunications and fundraising function as integrated, mutually reinforcing systemsIdeal Candidate Profile7–10+ years of experience in communications, development, or advancement rolesDemonstrated success leading both strategy and execution in communications and fundraising and project managementStrong writer and storyteller with the ability to communicate effectively to varied audiencesExperience working closely with senior leadership or executive directorsSystems-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple prioritiesHigh level of judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligenceComfortable working in a growing organization where structure is still being builtDeep commitment to educational equity and community-centered workExperience working with Latinx communities strongly preferredBilingual Spanish/English preferredGrowth and DevelopmentLEAF is a rapidly growing organization with an ambitious goal to expand from serving approximately 940 students today to 4,000 students by 2030. The Senior Director of Growth & Strategic Communications will grow alongside the organization, with opportunities to take on increasing executive responsibility over time. For the right candidate, this role offers a meaningful pathway toward a Chief of Staff or other leadership functions as LEAF's infrastructure and team continue to develop.Additional InformationReports to: Executive DirectorDirect Reports: Development & Communications Associate