Director of Development

About AADAP, Inc.

Founded in 1972, AADAP (Asian American Drug Abuse Program) has grown from an Asian American–founded initiative into a vital, inclusive, community-based resource across South Los Angeles and beyond. AADAP empowers individuals, families and communities impacted by substance use disorders through transformative and comprehensive programs that promote recovery, opportunity, justice and wellness.

Rooted in compassion and a culturally affirming approach, AADAP provides holistic, person-centered care. We offer multilingual services that honor each individual’s identity while integrating support across our behavioral health, community wellness, youth development and economic and workforce advancement programs.

We believe in meeting people where they are. We embrace diversity and inclusion by offering multilingual, culturally affirming support to the diverse communities we serve. Guided by our core philosophy, “People Need People,” AADAP is dedicated to helping individuals and families heal, grow, and build healthier, more connected lives. Through our programs, we impact the lives of more than 20,000 people each year.

AADAP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving Asian Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities with substance abuse services throughout Los Angeles County. Programs and services are provided to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity.

Position Summary

The Director of Development leads AADAP's overall fundraising strategy and is responsible for growing philanthropic support, securing government and foundation funding, and raising public awareness of the agency's mission. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and partnering closely with the Board of Directors and senior leadership, the Director sets and executes an annual development plan designed to meet and exceed revenue targets.

The Director directly supervises a team of three—the Development & Communications Coordinator, Grant Writer, and Donor Relations Specialist—and is responsible for building departmental capacity over time by developing hiring plans, budget justifications, and mentoring staff as fundraising goals expand. Additionally, this role shapes AADAP's brand and external communications across Los Angeles County.

Essential Job Functions & Areas of Responsibility

Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Growth

• Develop and lead an annual, comprehensive development plan with clear revenue goals, timelines, and measurable outcomes in partnership with the CEO, Board Development Committee, and program directors.
• Research and track government funding opportunities, as well as private, corporate, and foundation trends relevant to behavioral health and substance use programs.
• Secure general operating, capacity-building, and program-specific grants and contracts.
• Identify and cultivate strategic program partnerships and alliances that expand AADAP’s reach and diversify revenue sources.
• Oversee annual giving programs, direct mail, digital appeals, major gift strategies, and cultivation events.

Grant Writing & Management

• Write and submit new and renewal grant proposals and required reports, serving as primary proposal writer when necessary.
• Assemble and lead cross-functional proposal teams across program, fiscal, and administrative departments.
• Supervise and mentor the Grant Writer, prioritizing proposals, reviewing drafts for quality and compliance, and overseeing the agency's grants calendar.

Donor Relations & Fund Development

• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership on presentations, site tours, and cultivation visits with corporate, foundation, and major donor prospects.
• Serve as primary liaison for United Way, Asian Fund, and other federated giving campaigns.
• Provide oversight to the Donor Relations Specialist and Development & Communications Coordinator on donor data management, portfolio protocols, and timely acknowledgments.
• Manage donor relationships, pipeline tracking, and revenue forecasting using Salesforce.

Marketing, Communications & Brand

• Set strategic direction for an integrated marketing and communications plan covering media relations, press releases, social media, annual reports, website, and digital newsletter campaigns.
• Build AADAP's public visibility and brand reputation with funders, business partners, and community stakeholders across LA County.
• Review and approve donor-facing collateral, digital media, and editorial calendars prepared by the Development & Communications Coordinator.

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Directly supervise, coach, and evaluate performance for the Development & Communications Coordinator, Grant Writer, and Donor Relations Specialist.
• Build out development team capacity over time—identifying organizational needs, developing hiring plans/budget justifications, and recruiting staff, volunteers, or consultants as funding expands.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven team culture centered on trust, accountability, and donor stewardship.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, public administration, or a related field (or equivalent professional leadership experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding multi-channel revenue goals (grants, major gifts, events, and appeals).
• Demonstrated success in researching, writing, securing, and managing government, corporate, and private foundation grants.
• Proven track record of direct supervision, management, and team leadership, with experience mentoring staff and building departmental capacity.
• Hands-on proficiency with donor CRMs (Salesforce preferred) sufficient to oversee database administration, pipeline management, and revenue reporting.
• Working knowledge of digital marketing tools and productivity platforms (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Mailchimp, Canva).
• Valid California Driver's License and active personal auto liability insurance.
• Employment contingent upon successful background check clearance, complete physical examination, and negative TB test within seven (7) days of hire.
• Must provide proof of legal eligibility to work in the United States upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strategic experience fundraising for behavioral health, substance use recovery, or community health programs.
• Applied experience with specialized fundraising models including planned giving, capital campaigns, or peer-to-peer digital platforms.
• Lived or professional experience with recovery-oriented systems of care and trauma-informed service environments.
• Bilingual or bicultural fluency in one or more Los Angeles County threshold languages (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Armenian, etc.).

Work Schedule, Location & Benefits

• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (40 hours/week); occasional evening or weekend hours required for events and meetings.
• Work Arrangement: On-site
• Travel: Local travel required across Los Angeles County as needed.
• Benefits: Full benefit eligibility including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off.

Physical Requirements

This position includes a combination of office, community, and event-based work. Duties may involve sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, navigating stairs and irregular surfaces, and moving or organizing agency and event supplies. The position frequently involves lifting 10–25 pounds and occasionally more than 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience.

AADAP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.