Senior Vice President of Development & Communications
McKinley Children's CenterAbout the role
Senior Vice President of Development & Communications
McKinley | Southern California
125 years in—and we’re just getting started.
TURN UP THE VOLUME
On impact. On philanthropy. On possibility.
A Defining Chapter for McKinley
We are expanding programs, opening new clinics, and deepening our ecological, trauma-informed model of care across Southern California. With that growth comes the opportunity—and responsibility—to secure sustainable philanthropic investment and to tell our story with clarity, confidence, and conviction.
This is a moment that calls for ambitious fundraising, strategic communications, and bold leadership.
It is time to Turn Up the Volume—on our mission and the resources that make it possible.
A Legacy Built on Care. A Future Fueled by Investment.
Founded in 1900, McKinley has spent more than a century evolving to meet the needs of children, families, and communities. We have grown into a multi-service human-services organization providing mental health, educational, residential, and supportive services across multiple locations throughout Southern California.
Our longevity reflects trust. Our growth reflects relevance.
Our future depends on strong partnerships, engaged supporters, and visionary leadership.
OUR MODEL & VALUES:
How We Care. How We Lead. How We Build the Future.
McKinley’s work is grounded in an ecological, trauma-informed model of care—recognizing that healing happens in relationships, communities, and systems.
Our approach to philanthropy and communications mirrors this philosophy: holistic, relational, and values-driven.
Our HUMAN values guide every decision and every relationship:
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Hopeful — investing in possibility and long-term change
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Understanding — listening deeply and honoring lived experience
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Moral — stewarding trust, resources, and reputation with integrity
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Awesome — embracing creativity, excellence, and bold ideas
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Nurturing — building relationships that sustain people and mission
These values shape our culture—and the way we invite others to invest in our work.
WHY THIS ROLE EXISTS:
Why Fundraising and Communications Matter Now
For generations, McKinley has done extraordinary work.
Today, growth demands amplification and investment.
New programs, new regions, and new opportunities require us to build philanthropic momentum while ensuring McKinley’s story is told authentically and powerfully.
The Senior Vice President of Development & Communications exists to:
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Drive sustainable revenue growth aligned with mission expansion
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Position McKinley as a compelling philanthropic investment
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Strengthen donor confidence, engagement, and long-term partnership
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Ensure communications and fundraising move forward as one integrated strategy
Turning up the volume means building both voice and viability for the future.
THE VISION FOR THE ROLE:
This role sits at the intersection of philanthropy, storytelling, and strategy.
As Senior Vice President of Development & Communications, you will:
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Lead enterprise-wide fundraising across individuals, foundations, corporations, and campaigns
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Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that elevate brand visibility and donor engagement
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Partner with the CEO and Board in donor cultivation, stewardship, and advocacy
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Shape high-impact campaigns, initiatives, and signature events
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Build and lead a sophisticated, relationship-centered development and communications team
Your leadership will directly shape McKinley’s financial sustainability—and how its impact is understood and supported.
WHO THRIVES HERE:
You are a senior leader who believes that fundraising and communications are inseparable forces for change.
You are equally comfortable building donor relationships, shaping organizational narrative, and guiding teams toward ambitious goals. You bring both discipline and imagination, and you are drawn to organizations with history, momentum, and purpose.
You want your leadership to:
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Strengthen institutions
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Inspire generosity
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Leave a legacy
THE PRACTICALS & THE INVITATION:
This is a senior executive role for a leader ready to steward both legacy and growth.
Qualifications & Experience:
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