News

Immediate Opening

Director of Development

Established in 1859 Guardian Angel Settlement Association (GASA) exists to serve those living in poverty by helping them improve the quality of their lives and become economically independent. Best known for Head Start and Early Head Start Programs, GASA also offers a wide array of social services through Hosea House including emergency rental, utility, and food assistance; senior services; a tutoring program; case management services; a food pantry; and a resale shop. These programs help bring stability and hope to those in need. For more information about GASA, please visit our website at www.gasastl.org.

Guardian Angel Settlement Association is seeking a full-time Director of Development responsible for managing all aspects of development including donor solicitation, grant writing, direct mail, and special events. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will work closely with the Fundraising Committee and department heads to create a development program that is fully integrated with the many other activities of the Agency.

Qualifications include a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree with formal development training and 3 years of non-profit development experience. Ability to work with a broad range of staff, board and volunteer members in a positive manner. Excellent writing skills, organized, detail-oriented, and competent in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite also required. Previous leadership/supervisory and budgeting experience, familiarity with Razors Edge, and CFRE certification preferred, but not required. Ability and willingness to buy into the mission of the organization is essential. 

Please send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to: 

Guardian Angel Settlement Association

Development Director Search

1127 N. Vandeventer Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63113

E-mail: brandonj@gasastl.org

Fax: 314-231-8126

GASA’s board of directors is pleased to announce that it has appointed Jessica Brandon as the agency’s new Executive Director.

Brandon has served in the position of Executive Director in nonprofit organizations for more than 10 years. She joins GASA from the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois (VPC) in Belleville, IL where she served as Executive Director since February 2009. Previously Brandon served as Executive Director of the Prudence Crandall Center in New Britain, Connecticut from 2001 to 2009. “We are very pleased to have Jessica assume the leadership role at the agency. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, and a passion for serving the community,” said GASA Board President Tom O’Connell.

With VPC, Brandon reestablished partnerships with the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, St. Clair County Probation Office, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department to revitalize Project Renee, a multidisciplinary joint-agency program designed to provide coordinated support to victims of domestic violence. VPC Board President Ron Padgett expressed his gratitude for Brandon’s work, saying “She has successfully led the Violence Prevention Center for the last 2-1/2 years, during a period of economic uncertainty and unprecedented State and Federal budget cuts. Despite these challenges, and through her strong leadership, the agency implemented no cuts in services or program during this period and has continued throughout to provide the same compassionate, high-quality support to the community.” With Prudence Crandall Center, Brandon established a model transitional and permanent supportive housing program.

Brandon earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Women’s Studies, and Masters of Science in Community Counseling from Minnesota State University. She has been a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) since 2003. Additionally, she is certified as a Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP) in Illinois, and a Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor and Battered Women’s Counselor in Connecticut. She has served on a number of nonprofit Boards, including Catholic Family Services of Hartford Connecticut and the National Organization for Women. She is currently enrolled as an MBA candidate at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Please join us in welcoming Jessica to Guardian Angel and beginning a new chapter in the agency’s history!

Our deepest gratitude is extended to all those who helped us raise over $4M for our new Child Development Center which opened November 2, 2009. We have consolidated our previous two childcare centers and our administration site into this wonderful new headquarters, located at 1127 N. Vandeventer in St. Louis City.

The new Center has allowed the agency to expand services to underprivileged children from low- or non-income households in St. Louis, and combined childcare, administration, and after-school programming sites into one facility.

We are so very thankful for each of you who have helped us make this dream for a new home in our 150th anniversary year a reality. We could not have achieved this momentous goal without the support of numerous generous donors and the hard work of staff and volunteers. It is a testament to the diligence and generosity of many that we were able to exceed our fundraising goal even during difficult economic times.

We hope you will share our joy about reaching this milestone and moving into our new home! Please come by for a tour of our state-of-the-art Center and find out how you can get more involved with Guardian Angel Settlement.