Position Description
Chief Philanthropy Officer
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Culver City, CA
Founded in 1942, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services has spent more than 80 years standing with people in their most difficult moments. A national leader in mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services, Didi Hirsch is paving the way in whole-person care. As the home of the nation’s first and most comprehensive Suicide Prevention Center and one of the largest 988 crisis centers, Didi Hirsch has been shaping the landscape of suicide prevention through innovative modalities and high-quality crisis care. Today, Didi Hirsch is a $90 million agency serving more than 270,000 people each year. Didi Hirsch is powered by more than 1,000 dedicated employees and volunteers who provide thoughtful, culturally responsive care across nine locations. From early childhood through older adulthood, the organization offers integrated mental health and substance use services designed to meet people where they are. With a strong focus on youth mental health, Didi Hirsch operates Teen Line, a nationally recognized peer-to-peer crisis line, Our Third Place, a youth wellness center, and partners with schools, youth-serving organizations, and families to support young people at risk. Through community-based services, outpatient care, crisis services, and round-the-clock residential programs, Didi Hirsch continues its mission to help people heal, find hope, and thrive.
THE ORGANIZATION
The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) is a key member of the Executive Team and a strategic partner to the CEO, responsible for leading a bold, forward-thinking fundraising and communications vision that will take Didi Hirsch to its next level of impact and growth. This leader will drive the expansion of Didi Hirsch’s philanthropic reach by building a new and diversified donor pipeline, significantly growing private revenue, and introducing innovative, creative fundraising strategies that attract new supporters and deepen engagement with the mission. Overseeing a department of 15, the CPO will lead a comprehensive development and communications program that integrates major gifts and planned giving, institutional partnerships, and high-impact events with a compelling, mission-driven communications plan. This role requires a highly entrepreneurial leader who is energized by identifying and securing new opportunities, cultivating new donor audiences, and positioning Didi Hirsch for long-term sustainability and national prominence. In fiscal year 2025, Didi Hirsch raised $5 million in private philanthropic revenue, with a funding mix of Individuals, corporations, and foundations. The CPO will be expected to significantly and strategically grow this portfolio by expanding individual and new donor contributions
To learn more please visit: https://didihirsch.org/
THE OPPORTUNITY
Fundraising Strategy
Communications & Marketing
Serves as a thought partner to the CEO and executive team on messaging, position, and external relations. Develops innovative strategies to significantly grow the reputation of Didi Hirch, positioning it as a premier resource for mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services to donors, partners, and the public. Offers strategic guidance for business growth, including client acquisition strategies for priority programs. Shapes the organizational narrative through mission-driven content that translates clinical successes into powerful philanthropic messages. Oversees department that manages media relations, digital communication, including website, email, and social media to drive engagement, awareness, and donor conversion.
Develops and manages the department budget, ensuring fiscal accountability and alignment with organizational goals. Partners with development operations to generate and analyze fundraising reports, assess donor trends, and recommend strategic adjustments. Ensures policies and procedures are maintained to support sophisticated pipeline management and donor tracking.
Takes primary responsibility for achieving and significantly growing the $5M+ annual private revenue goal, by developing an innovative strategy and execution of a transformative fundraising plan focused on expanding and diversifying the donor base. Personally manages a high-level portfolio of principal gift prospects; identifies, cultivates, and solicits six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals and institutions. Builds and leads a new donor pipeline, identifying, cultivating, and securing relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporate partners not previously engaged with Didi Hirsch. Partners with the Board of Directors to strengthen engagement, increase giving, and activate networks to support growth. Ensures a stewardship experience where donors receive timely acknowledgment and updates on agency impact. Oversees agency events, including cultivation events, Suicide Prevention 5K Walk/Run, Open Houses, and other gatherings.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
The Executive Director (ED) provides visionary and strategic leadership to advance the organization’s mission, values, and long-term financial sustainability. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED oversees all aspects of organizational management, including staff leadership, program delivery, fundraising, financial stewardship, community partnerships, and operational infrastructure. The ED will lead a dedicated team of approximately 70 staff including the following direct reports: Clinical Director, Family Services Director, Finance Director, Human Resources Director, Management Information Services Director, Development Assistant, and Executive Assistant. The ED must be deeply committed to serving diverse, primarily low-income communities through mental health, parent education, and related supportive services. This is a pivotal time of transition for Family Paths. The ideal candidate will be an accessible, grounded, equity-driven leader who builds trust through strong communication, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to the communities served. The ED will guide the organization through this leadership change with care, humility, and purpose. Strategic and Visionary Leadership Partner with the Board and senior team to set organizational strategy, drive programmatic effectiveness, and ensure the conditions necessary for sustainability and growth within a complex, evolving landscape. Oversee projections for staffing, infrastructure, and funding needs. Formulate and administer policies and operational procedures across all departments. Monitor and evaluate progress against goals, adjusting plans as necessary to achieve results. Provide guidance, authorization, and support to staff to implement major initiatives. Financial Oversight Oversee the development and management of a $7 million operating budget. Monitor investments, expenditures, and contract compliance. Ensure financial systems meet all regulatory requirements, and that reporting to the Board and funders is timely and accurate. Fundraising & Resource Development In partnership with the Development Assistant and Board, lead the creation and execution of a robust fundraising strategy that is compatible with Family Paths’ primary role as a government contractor. Identify, pursue, and secure government contracts, foundation grants, and individual donor support. Serve as a compelling spokesperson and relationship-builder to inspire investment in Family Path’s mission. Community Partnerships & Contracts Ensure that Family Paths fulfills all obligations under its contracts with government agencies, including reporting requirements. Sustain and expand networks with key stakeholders in the community. Serve as the primary liaison with governmental agencies and community partners, advocating for Family Paths and the families it serves. Facilitate collaboration with public and private entities to develop culturally relevant and responsive programs. Oversee contract negotiations and ensure programs meet or exceed requirements. Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture Promote a culturally competent, community-centered workplace that attracts, develops, and retains top talent. Hire, mentor, and evaluate a strong leadership team, with clear succession planning. Delegate appropriately while maintaining overall accountability for performance, policy adherence, and staff well-being. Strengthen communication and coordination by leading cross-functional management meetings and maintaining clear internal and external communication channels. Foster a dynamic culture of service, engagement, and learning for all employees with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Board Engagement Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors. Keep the Board fully informed of organizational performance, risks, trends, and emerging opportunities or challenges. Support Board development, recruitment, and governance structures to ensure effectiveness and engagement. Facilities & Infrastructure Oversee facility ownership, leasing, and maintenance, including the Grove Building, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory, and loan requirements. Ensure that physical and technical infrastructure supports operational excellence. The ED will provide strategic direction and organizational leadership by articulating a clear vision, fostering a healthy and inclusive culture, setting measurable goals, and empowering the senior team to excel. As an emotionally intelligent and equity-driven leader, the ED will inspire and motivate Family Paths’ dedicated workforce while cultivating meaningful relationships across the broader community. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to build and support high-functioning teams, coach and mentor staff, and lead through influence rather than authority. They will be a strong communicator, both in writing and speaking, with the ability to navigate conflict, analyze complex challenges, and make thoughtful, data-informed decisions. With a collaborative, community-responsive approach, the ED will advance operational, programmatic, and fundraising goals aligned with the organization’s mission. The ideal candidate will know when to step back and trust the expertise of leadership and frontline teams, and when to engage directly, modeling problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement. Deeply rooted in Alameda County, the ED will bring a strong connection to the communities served and apply an equity lens to all aspects of organizational leadership and clinical practice. The ideal candidate will bring senior-level nonprofit leadership experience, including a successful track record in fundraising, managing risk, overseeing program budgets, guiding organizational growth, and ensuring compliance with state and federal contracts. Experience managing through organizational change is highly valued as well as the ability to lead remote and hybrid teams effectively. While a clinical degree is not required, the candidate should have experience managing clinical teams and working knowledge of clinical operations, including compliance with HIPAA, trauma-informed care, and systems impacting children and families. Familiarity with the Bay Area or similarly diverse, urban, and multicultural communities is highly valued, along with a deep understanding of working in and alongside communities that have been historically marginalized. This role will require a regular on-site presence, and the Executive Director will engage meaningfully with staff and community partners. A master’s degree in clinical psychology or a related field is preferred; equivalent experience may be considered. The annual salary range for this position is $195,000-215,000. Relocation assistance, if needed, is negotiable. A comprehensive benefits package will be provided. Candidates are invited to submit a resume and compelling letter of interest via Morris & Berger’s website. Please direct inquiries and nominations in confidence to: Karin Berger Stellar kstellar@morrisberger.com Managing Partner, Morris & Berger Telephone 818-507-1234 Electronic submission is required.
Leadership & Management
Partners with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Executive Team to set and execute development and communications strategies that strengthen financial sustainability, visibility, and organizational reputation. Servesas a strategic partner to the CEO by identifying and cultivating funder opportunities, shaping communications, and ensuring effective external positioning to advance philanthropic goals. Attendsall Board meetings and presents fundraising updates, strategic vision, and insights. In partnership with the Committee Chair, leads the Development and Communications Board Committee. Serves on the Executive Team to align fundraising and communications with programmatic, financial, and operational prioritiesand strategic goals. Builds and sustains a high-performing, collaborative team through recruitment, performance management, coaching, professional development, and succession planning. Maintains current knowledge of best practices in fundraising and marketing within the nonprofit and mental health sectors.
Operations, Budgeting, & Analytics
The CPO will be a creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial fundraiser who thrives on building state-of-the-art development plans. The ideal candidate will be energized by the challenge of expanding reach, cultivating new donor communities, and developing bold strategies that drive measurable growth. A champion of Didi Hirsch’s mission, this leader will be an empathic leader who can authentically embody and promote the agency’s vision of providing compassionate mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services to individuals and families, especially in communities where discrimination and injustice have limited access to care. Top candidates will be entrepreneurial development leaders with a track record of executing forward-thinking strategies across major gifts, campaigns, annual giving, special events, planned giving, foundation relations, and government relations. They will have considerable experience in designing, presenting, and negotiating high-level gift arrangements, including significant individual and institutional gifts from foundations, corporations, and government funding. Exceptional verbal and written communications skills are essential to advance the agency’s message and deepen supporter relationships. This role requires a results-oriented leader with strong management abilities and the skill to execute multiple complex projects under deadlines without sacrificing quality. The ideal candidate will be a master storyteller, capable of influencing outcomes through active listening and fostering collaborative relationships across all organizational levels. They must lead with transparency, maintain high expectations and accountability for their team, and foster a culture of creativity, focus, and follow-through.
EDUCATION
Leading candidates will have a proven record of raising significant support and proven success with major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate giving, foundation grants, special events, and campaigns. A minimum of 8–10 years of senior executive-level leadership experience is required. A track record of personally securing six- and seven-figure gifts is essential. Knowledge of best practices and trends in healthcare, advocacy, data-driven marketing, brand management, and public relations is preferred. Candidates should have a proven record of success in leadership positions that plan and operate strategically, build public support, strengthen infrastructure, and inspire staff and board members. Candidates with experience in healthcare, education, human service, social justice, or other pertinent environments would be ideal.
TRAITS & CHARACTERISTICS DESIRED
An advanced degree in social work, human services management, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field is preferred.
CAREER PATH LEADING TO THIS POSITION
COMPENSATION
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and compelling letter of interest via Morris & Berger’s website. Please direct inquiries and nominations in confidence to: Karin Berger Stellar kstellar@morrisberger.com Morris & Berger 1 (818) 507-1234 Electronic submission is required.
The annual salary is $275,000-300,000 based on experience. This position is also eligible for a 15% performance-based bonus. A comprehensive benefits package will be provided. Relocation assistance is available and negotiable. This is a hybrid position. The CPO is expected to be available for frequent in-person meetings, including evenings and weekends with donors, board members, and community members.
TO APPLY