Assistant Director, Community Impact in Irvine, California at Orange County Community Foundation

Orange County Community Foundation

The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) transforms our community’s heartfelt intention into greater impact for good by working with local donors and nonprofit partners as an expert advisor and innovator. We serve as a resource for individual and family philanthropists, facilitate grant and scholarship programs, and lead community-based initiatives. OCCF's Vision 2030, a five-year strategic plan, is designed to amplify giving and support donors’ philanthropic goals as well as address critical needs in Orange County. Since 1989, OCCF has granted more than $1.25 billion in Orange County, across the country, and around the world.Our success is driven by relationships of trust, respect, and partnership with both our donors and community partners, as well as among our dedicated board and staff. We are motivated by passion and committed to operational excellence in the fulfillment of our mission, ensuring that every action we take benefits those we serve.At OCCF, we live by our core values:

• Community: We nourish our community, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all. It feels good to be here.
• Understanding: We prioritize understanding through healthy, open communication, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration.
• Potential: We paint what's possible by providing exemplary service, always striving to envision and achieve the highest potential.
• Courage: We problem-solve with courage, approaching challenges with a unified and determined mindset.

By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that not only values your skills and contributions but also supports your personal and professional growth. We invite you to be part of a mission-driven community that makes a meaningful impact every day.

Overview of Position

The Assistant Director, Community Impact is responsible for advancing and implementing OCCF’s community impact strategy across key areas of impact. Reporting to the Senior Director of Community Impact, this role plays a critical part in developing and executing grantmaking and community initiatives aligned with OCCF’s mission and strategic priorities, exercising independent judgment in program design and implementation.

The Assistant Director, Community Impact serves as a visible representative of OCCF and engages regularly with nonprofit partners, donors, community stakeholders, and members of the Board committees by delivering strategic insights and helping convert high-level objectives into actionable plans and measurable results.

This role requires a strong relationship-builder, skilled communicator, and collaborative leader who can operate confidently with senior stakeholders while driving high-quality program execution and community engagement.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Community Impact Strategy & Leadership

• In partnership with the Sr. Director of Community Impact, develop and execute OCCF’s community impact strategy in alignment with organizational goals and board priorities.
• Identify and analyze community needs, trends, and gaps to inform grantmaking and initiative design.
• Manage the implementation and continuous improvement of discretionary and competitive grant programs.
• Oversee assigned community initiatives, ensuring strong program management and measurable results.
• Develop clear program goals, outcomes, and evaluation metrics; track and report on progress.
• Partner with the Donor Engagement team to communicate impact and support fund advisors interested in collaborative funding opportunities.
• Partner with the Philanthropic Strategy team to align donor interests with community priorities.
• Work closely with Marketing and Communications to develop compelling materials that articulate OCCF’s impact.
• Oversee the integrity and strategic use of grant and program data within Salesforce (CRM), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with OCCF standards, and leverage this information to support impact analysis, reporting, and data-informed decision-making.
• In the absence of the Senior Director of Community Impact, the Assistant Director is responsible for operational leadership and continuity.

Board & Community Engagement

• Support staffing of the Legacy Oversight Committee and Community Impact Committee, including preparation of briefing materials, data reports, and meeting summaries.
• Present program updates and strategic insights to board committees as appropriate.
• Provide thoughtful analysis and recommendations to inform board discussions and decisions.
• Engage with board members professionally and confidently, serving as a knowledgeable resource on assigned impact areas.
• Identify and coordinate subject matter experts to inform program strategy and board learning.
• Manage and facilitate community convenings that bring together nonprofit leaders, funders, and partners to address key issues.
• Represent OCCF at selected community meetings, funder collaboratives, and regional philanthropic gatherings.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with nonprofit and philanthropic partners.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Community Impact Annual Business Plan.
• Support effective workflows and cross-departmental collaboration to advance shared organizational goals.
• Participate in cross-functional strategy discussions and contribute to integrated organizational planning.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and community-centered practice.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Compensation & Benefits

The opportunity to work for an organization with a phenomenal mission and a positive, team-oriented environment.

This exempt position offers a competitive salary $84,000 - $87,5000, with placement within the range based on experience and qualifications. Our comprehensive benefits package includes Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage; a 403(b) retirement plan with an automatic employer contribution; two weeks of vacation; two weeks of paid sick leave; 10 paid holidays per year; and the opportunity to work a 9/80 schedule.

This position is eligible to work from home one day per week.

Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made. The deadline to apply is May 29, 2026. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications are received.

We aim to fill this role thoughtfully and may adjust or conclude the process as our needs evolve. We may also contact you regarding future opportunities that align with your experience and our mission.

Orange County Community Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, public policy, social sciences, or related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, or community impact roles.
• At least 3–5 years of project leadership experience.
• Experience supporting or presenting to boards or committees preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing grant programs or community initiatives.
• Strong understanding of strategic philanthropy and nonprofit sector best practices.
• Proven ability to build productive relationships with donors, nonprofit leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable program plans.
• Executive presence and professionalism in engaging board members and senior community leaders.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
• Analytical and data-informed decision-maker.
• Skilled relationship manager with political awareness and sound judgment.
• Highly organized with strong project management capabilities.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-driven approaches.
• Ability to manage complexity while maintaining attention to detail.