Director of Community and Government Relations

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 organizations 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 publics involvement navigating complex political landscapes and transforming the organizations mission into a movement that creates lasting positive impact.

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Government Relations:
• Develop and execute comprehensive non-partisan government affairs strategy to strengthen the organizations 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 organizations 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 organizations 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 organizations 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 Departments 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 Orangewoods 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.
• Bachelors degree required Masters 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 drivers 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 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: Qualities:
  • Understanding of and passion for the Foundations 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.