Assistant Director of Operations & External Affairs

Location: Santa Barbara, CA (In-office 3 days/week)
Salary: $70,000–$90,000 annually
Employment Type: Full-time, flexible hours

About Unite to Light:
Unite to Light is a nonprofit providing solar light and power to students, families, and healthcare providers in communities without reliable electricity. Our work transforms lives, enabling learning, healthcare, and economic opportunity after dark. With an agile structure and a hands-on approach, every team member has a direct impact on our mission.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a versatile, highly motivated Assistant Director of Operations & External Affairs to join our core team. Unite to Light operates with a nimble structure with just two full-time staff but also a team of consultants, volunteers and both paid and unpaid interns. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment and is excited to roll up their sleeves to make an impact across multiple areas. Candidates should bring at least five years of experience in one of the following core areas—Operations & Logistics, Development, or Communications—and be willing and eager to work across all three.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Logistics

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including inventory, shipping, and order fulfillment.
• Manage administrative functions that keep the organization running efficiently.
• Support event planning, execution, and follow-up.
• Coordinate interns and consultants as needed.

Fundraising & Development

• Support and lead fundraising initiatives including donor stewardship, campaigns, appeals, and grant writing.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Collaborate with the team to set and achieve fundraising goals.
• Participate in events and campaigns that occasionally require evening or weekend availability.

Outreach & External Affairs

• Contribute to communications across email, social media, and the website.
• Support storytelling efforts to highlight program impact and organizational achievements.
• Represent Unite to Light in community settings, at events, and with partners and stakeholders.

Partnerships & Impact Tracking

• Assist in identifying, recruiting, and managing partnerships with corporate, nonprofit, and community groups.
• Track and report on impact data from programs and partnerships.
• Maintain positive, mission-aligned relationships with partners.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in one of the following:
  • Operations & Logistics
  • Development/Fundraising
  • Communications/Outreach

• Willingness and capability to work across all three areas in a small, dynamic team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter who takes initiative and enjoys both strategic thinking and hands-on work.
• Flexibility to work outside typical 9–5 hours for events or partner interactions across time zones.
• Able to lift and move 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in Santa Barbara in-office at least three days per week.

Why Join Us

• Make a tangible, global impact every day.
• Work in a flexible, creative environment where your ideas matter.
• Be part of a supportive, mission-driven team.
• Competitive salary with opportunities for professional growth.

To Apply

​​Flexible Hiring Approach
Strong experience in Operations & Logistics, Development, or Communications is what matters most. If you fit one of these primary categories, please apply. We are also open to hiring two part-time team members if one full-time candidate is not the right match.

Please send a resume and cover letter describing your experience and interest in this role to admin@unite-to-light.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To be considered in the first round, please submit your materials by January 7th, 2026.

Unite to Light is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.