Director of Community and Government Relations at Orangewood Foundation

Santa Ana, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

15 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

15 Jan, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Political Acumen, Strategic Acumen, Communication Skills, Stakeholder Management, Program Management, Logistics Management, Leadership, Team Management, Financial Management, Data Management

Industry

Non-profit Organization Management

Description

Description ABOUT THE COMPANY Our Mission: Since 1981, the Orangewood Foundation has passionately advocated for young people facing foster care, homelessness, and trafficking. Our mission is to empower these individuals by supporting the futures they envision, providing dedicated one-on-one support to help them achieve their dreams and goals. Our Programs & Services: We provide programs and services in four essential areas: Basic Needs & Support, Education, Life Skills & Employment, and Transitional Housing & Support. Our Vision: A community where every young person thrives. This is our long-term goal for young people in Orange County. We embody this goal every time we talk to a young person, a volunteer, a community member, and to each other. Our Commitment: Equal Opportunity Employer, Flexible Scheduling, Powerful Teamwork, Personal Fulfillment, Thriving Community, Professional Development, Mental & Physical Wellness, Competitive Compensation Our Values: At Orangewood, recently ranked #27 in Best Places to Work 2025, we take pride in fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture. We ask all staff to uphold the following core values: Trust, Respect, Empathy, Inclusion, and Advocacy JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Director of Community and Government Relations Employment Classification: Full-Time/Exempt Reports to: Chief Development Officer Department: Development & Marketing Program Summary: The organization seeks an exceptional Director of Community and Government Relations to manage our dual mission of advancing our impact through robust community engagement and partnerships while enhancing our role as a leading advocate for youth and young adults in Orange County. This is a senior leadership position responsible for managing and executing the organization’s external relations strategy, encompassing both high-level government relations and the management of community engagement, volunteer, and in-kind donation programs. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this Director acts as a vital bridge, driving the public’s involvement, navigating complex political landscapes, and transforming the organization's mission into a movement that creates lasting positive impact. Requirements Major Areas of Responsibility: Government Relations: Develop and execute comprehensive non-partisan government affairs strategy to strengthen the organization's reputation as a leading advocate for youth and young adults in Orange County. Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and other public stakeholders resulting in supportive policies/laws, revenue or grants, and/or in-kind support. Monitor legislative developments related to youth and young adults, housing, homelessness, social services, employment, and other key issues and oversee organization’s strategy and response to key milestones such as federal, state, and local budget processes and bill/policy development, including preparing concise, strategic briefing materials for executive leadership. Serve as an ambassador of organization and represent Orangewood Foundation at community events including Hill Day, Lobby Day, and conferences. Develop a cohesive approach to government affairs that supports the organization’s strategic and programmatic goals while also integrating the philanthropic goals of Orangewood. Community Engagement and Program Capacity: Spearhead all community capacity-building efforts, ensuring the highest level of program standards for all volunteer and in-kind donation programs. Oversee volunteer recruitment, training, tracking, and recognition, and grow the organization’s stream of in-kind and cash donations. Develop strategic partnerships with corporate stakeholders and influencers to align with the mission and build sustainable support for programs. Coordinate collaborative partners and plan major annual community events, such as the backpack/school supply drive, Winter Wonderland, and ongoing in-kind donation needs. Management and Strategy: Ensure inclusive organizational engagement and clear communication with internal and external stakeholders. Manage the assigned annual budget, oversee relevant data accuracy and reporting, and supervise a team that includes the Community Engagement Manager and Community Engagement Coordinator. Serve as a member of the Development Department’s leadership team, working collaboratively with Development Operations, Major Gifts, Marketing, and Institutional Giving to execute the annual and strategic goals of the department. Develop and maintain strong partnership with Orangewood’s Program Directors to foster cross-departmental trust and collaboration. Essential Skills and Competencies Political and Strategic Acumen: Proven ability to navigate complex legislative, media, and political landscapes, and develop strategies that align government affairs initiatives with organizational goals. Communication Mastery: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience serving as an ambassador or spokesperson. Stakeholder Relationship Management: Demonstrated success in cultivating and maintaining relationships with government officials, community leaders, corporate partners, and grassroots volunteers. Program and Logistics Management: Ability to manage and supervise programmatic aspects, including volunteer recruitment, training, tracking, in-kind donation procurement, inventory management, and event coordination (e.g., annual drives). Leadership and Team Management: Experience in supervising staff, fostering a culture of continuous enhancement and collaboration. Financial and Data Management: Proficiency in budget management and ensuring data accuracy for internal/external reporting related to donor, volunteer, and programmatic activities. Knowledge, Skill, and Experience Requirements: Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in Development, Government Relations, Communications, and/or Community Engagement, preferably in a non-profit or political environment. Bachelor's degree required, Master’s degree preferred. Demonstrated experience and mastery of political acumen and fundraising/development. Experience in or working with public office/elected role strongly preferred. Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance. Pre-employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification. A Plum.io assessment is a required part of the application process, and your application will not be considered complete until the assessment is submitted. Visit this link to learn more: https://www.plum.io/about Essential Qualities: Understanding of and passion for the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values. Enjoys working directly with youth, volunteers, community partners, etc. Passion for and enjoys working directly with TAY population. Working Environment/Physical Requirements: This role is a hybrid role with expected weekly in-person presence in the office and in the field. Remote work is secondary to in-person. Given the high-profile nature of this role, evening and weekend hours are expected, particularly during high seasons. Position may require use of personal vehicle. Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending and lifting up to approximately 50 lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.). Modification to work schedule may be made based on needs of the Foundation. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Benefits: Medical – Blue Shield HMO & PPO + HRA Delta Dental Vision (EyeMed Network) FSA – Healthcare & Dependent Care Mental Health through Headspace (virtual & in person therapy included) EAP – through Umum & Headspace Life/Disability/Accident/Critical Illness Pet Insurance 403b with company match Cell Phone Stipend Time-off Benefits: 5 Sick Days per year Up to 3 Floating Holidays per year Year one - 15 Days of PTO accrued at 5 hours per pay period 13 Company Paid Holidays Orangewood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including individuals who are transgender and/or transitioning), gender expression, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws.

Responsibilities

The Director of Community and Government Relations is responsible for managing the organization's external relations strategy, focusing on government relations and community engagement. This role involves cultivating relationships with stakeholders and overseeing volunteer and donation programs.