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EJS will review applications on a rolling basis; the review process will close by March 31, 2024.
The Equal Justice Society is in search of a dynamic Director of Development to spearhead the creation and execution of strategic plans spanning various revenue streams and donor demographics. As a key strategic leader reporting directly to the President, this position plays a crucial role in charting a course and implementing innovative approaches to fortify EJS’s mission and overall sustainability.
The Director of Development will be tasked with overseeing the formulation and continuous management of pivotal funding strategies. These strategies will encompass a range of areas, including individual and major gifts, corporate and foundation grant applications, as well as annual campaigns.
We are seeking a candidate with comprehensive expertise in development operations, encompassing proficiency in CRM software, adept goal setting, budget management, and supervision of grant submissions. A proven track record of successfully setting and achieving fundraising goals is paramount.
The ideal candidate will bring seasoned experience and a focused approach to the role, demonstrating exceptional analytical and interpersonal skills. The ability to inspire and influence a genuine commitment to community transformation through social justice strategies rooted in equity and repair is a critical aspect of this position. If you are passionate about driving positive change and possess the requisite skills, we invite you to join us in our mission at the Equal Justice Society.
Key Job Responsibilities
Individual Giving and Major Gifts: Lead EJS individual donor solicitation through direct mail, email appeals, and other methods to cultivate donors; manage stewardship of individual donors including new donor welcome packets, timely gift acknowledgements and identification of engagement activities; expand EJS monthly sustainer program; and solicit and track in-kind donations. Support cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors by assisting President and COO, including following up on information requests, arranging periodic one-on-one meetings, recording donor interactions, and helping to identify engagement activities for major donors.
Institutional Giving: Work with the President to manage foundation, government, and corporate partners, including drafting letters of intent, grant applications, and reports; facilitate timely communication with program leadership; manage grant calendar for new and renewal applications; conduct research on institutional prospects; work with President and Development Team on submission of proposals and reports.
Events: Support EJS fundraising (virtual and in-person) events, including assisting with logistics and production tasks for events, producing event communications and collateral, and tracking event RSVPs; in coordination with President and COO, identify and solicit event sponsors.
Communications: Coordinate with organization leadership on the overall vision and strategy for donor all communications, such as social media posts, donor emails and newsletters, website, and annual report. Draft and develop messaging and materials that support fundraising goals, including communications collateral for appeals, events, and donor stewardship. Work with the communications team to finalize all communications.
Development Operations: Maintain donor information, such as accurate record of donor interactions; process online/offline donations; manage EJS online giving platform; create fundraising reports for organization leadership.
Desired Experience and Qualifications
- Five to seven years of experience in development, especially in individual giving campaigns and grant seeking/management.
- Proven ability to build/lead philanthropic relations and meet or exceed revenue targets of over $1 million.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentations.
- Deep understanding of fundraising tools, strategies, and best practices across revenue categories.
- Experience in database management, tracking, and campaign execution.
- Existing connections with and ability to cultivate relationships with individual and institutional funders and experience stewarding relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
- Ability to organize and execute the logistics of events and programs, including materials, information, and people power to optimize efficiency.
- Entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to foster a collaborative and positive environment.
- Proficiency in proofreading and editing grant proposals.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse populations authentically and professionally.
- Personal warmth and ability to build trust and a track record of cultivating long term relationships.
- The drive to achieve results while respecting others.
- The ability to take initiative while remaining open to ideas of others.
- Experience building strong relationships with board members and ability to communicate fundraising goals and inspire board engagement.
- Attention to detail.
- Negotiation and follow-up skills to close donations, sponsorships, and funding
- Budgeting and financial planning
- Experience running a small development office.
- An understanding and commitment to social and racial justice issues and being realistically optimistic will help you succeed in this position.
Compensation: The annual salary range is $110,000-$115,000; Equal Justice Society’s benefits package includes a 401k employer contribution, medical, vision, dental insurance coverage, and other ancillary benefits.
Application Instructions: Please email a (1) cover letter, (2) resume, (3) writing sample (for example, a successful grant proposal no more than 10 pages in length or donor solicitation letters), and (4) a list of three references that includes past supervisors of your work to info@equaljusticesociety.org with “Director of Development” in the subject line.
EJS will review applications on a rolling basis; the review process will close by March 31, 2024.
EJS is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals. People with lived expertise in communities affected by our work are strongly encouraged to apply. We value the unique experiences, strengths, and perspectives that the applicant will bring to this position. We look at each applicant’s full experience and consider each applicant. We encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.
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