CHIEF DEVELOPMENT AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Company Description: 

Axis Community Health, a nonprofit established in 1972, provides comprehensive healthcare services to over 15,000 individuals across all age groups in the Tri-Valley area. The mission of Axis Community Health is to provide quality, affordable, accessible and compassionate health care services that promote the well-being of all members of the community.

Our mission is rooted in delivering high-quality patient care, encompassing primary healthcare, mental health support, and dental services. We are committed to ensuring access to essential healthcare services for every member of our community, irrespective of financial status, living situation, or insurance coverage.

Job Summary:

The Chief Development and External Affairs Officer (CDEA) is a senior executive who leads the organization's fund development strategy and is accountable for growing and diversifying its philanthropic revenue including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and grants. In addition to driving fundraising performance, the CDEA builds and protects the organization's external reputation and relationships, overseeing the communications and public relations function and government and community advocacy efforts to ensure a unified external voice. The CDEA serves as a key spokesperson and relationship-builder on behalf of the health center and is a member of the senior leadership team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications/ marketing/non-profit management or related area is required.

• Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in non-profit development work, preferably in healthcare or similar safety net service, and a proven track record in grant writing, community relations, and fundraising is required.

• Excellent writing, community relations, and public speaking skills.

• Ability to represent Axis in the community and to connect with local and regional stakeholders.

• Analytical and strategic skills and ability to help lead in the development of programs and services in a fast-paced, changing environment.

• Understanding of and a commitment to Axis’s mission and core values, including commitment to the needs of underserved populations.

• Experience with and knowledge of Tri-Valley community, area non-profits, and surrounding region is desired.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism and to establish positive working relationships.

• Must possess a valid and current driver’s license with reliable transportation, a clean driving record and automobile insurance is required.

• Strong employee relations and excellent interpersonal skills.

• Strong business communication skills, including editing and proofreading.

• Ability to interact effectively and in a supportive manner with persons of all backgrounds.

• Proactive, self-motivated and able to work independently as well as on a team with the ability to exercise sound independent judgment.

• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and a professional demeanor and must positively represent the organization at all times. 

• Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships.

• Must be able to adjust priorities quickly as circumstances dictate. 

• Must be able to be at work regularly and on time.

• Must be a dynamic self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently or in a group setting.

• A can-do attitude, attention to detail, with the ability to organize.

• Ability to type a minimum of 35 WPM with minimal errors.

• Must have good computer skills using Microsoft Office and Donor Database software, and the ability to use Axis departmental systems. 

• Must be able to use office equipment (i.e. copier, fax, etc.).

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that aligns with the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.

• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, and institutional funders.

• Lead and manage the development and communications team, including hiring, training, and supervising staff.

• Maintain current grants as well as research and develop new grant funding sources. Prepare and submit proposals to foundations and governmental, corporate, and private entities.

• Work in collaboration with program directors and managers to ensure grants and contracts are developed in alignment with programmatic needs and resources, that grant and contract requirements are monitored, and that required reporting mechanisms are in place.

• Oversee the ongoing interface with federal officials for FQHC/HRSA/Title X/FTCA regarding contractual and reporting requirements.

• In collaboration with the communications lead and senior leadership team, manage the organization’s brand and messaging, identifying opportunities to enhance the organization’s profile, and ensure consistency across all communications.

• Develop and execute a proactive PR strategy to raise the organization's visibility and reputation in the community.

• Represent Axis Community Health at government, community, association and other key stakeholder meetings.

• Oversee and manage internal communication channels (staff newsletters) to keep employees informed and engaged,  supporting internal culture-building efforts.

• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials and policymakers at the local, state, and federal level.

• Monitor legislative developments affecting Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and civic leaders.

• Represent the health center at community events, coalitions, and public forums.

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organization-wide strategic planning.

• Oversee the timely and accurate recording of pertinent information in the development software program and the production of acknowledgment communications, including accurate tax information.

• Drive to other sites, locations, and organizational events as needed to perform job duties or support organizational operations.

• Participate in staff meetings, and attend other meetings and training events as assigned.

• May be required to perform other related duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned.

Benefits:

• Employer paid health, dental, and vision benefits to the employee.

• Option to participate in a 403(B) retirement plan with employer matching contribution.

• Partial educational reimbursement.

• 12 paid holidays.

• Accrued paid time off with each pay period. 

• Employee discount programs.

• Colleague Referral Bonus Program.

Connect with Axis:

Company Page: https://www.axishealth.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/axiscommunityhealth 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axis-community-health

Annual Gratitude Report: https://issuu.com/axiscommunityhealth/docs/gratitudereport2024

Physical, Cognitive, and Environmental Working Conditions:

Work is normally performed in a typical clinic office work environment (and, in some cases, telecommuting sites). The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position if the accommodation request does not cause an undue hardship.

Physical: Occasionally required to carry/lift/push/pull/move up to 20lbs. Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing, writing, reaching over the shoulder, reaching over the head, reaching outward, sitting, walking on various surfaces, standing, and bending. Occasional travel to other Axis health centers and other occasional travel will be required. 

Equipment: Frequently required to use repetitive motion of hands and feet to operate a computer keyboard, telephone, copier, and other office equipment for extended periods. 

Sensory: Frequently required to read documents, written reports, and signage. Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise, as in answering the phone, interacting with staff etc. Must be able to speak clearly, understand normal communication, and be understood. Must be able to see clearly and have the ability to judge distances and spatial relationships to see objects where and as they actually are.

Cognitive: Must be able to analyze the information being received, count accurately, concentrate and focus on the given task, summarize the information being received, accurately interpret written data, synthesize information from multiple sources, write summaries as needed, interpret written or verbal instructions, and recognize social or professional behavioral cues.

Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office (medical clinic/office) environments. Rare exposure to dust and loud noises. 

Disclaimer: This job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, Axis Community Health reserves the right to modify or change the requirements of the job based on business necessity. 

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