September 27, 2012
Career Opportunity: DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina Legal Foundation (ACLU-NCLF) seeks experienced applicants for the position of Development Director to work out of our office in Raleigh. The ACLU of North Carolina is the state affiliate of the national American Civil Liberties Union, and the ACLU-NCLF is our 501(c)(3) arm that conducts our legal and educational work. The North Carolina affiliate is a rapidly growing organization, and over the past year, we have increased the size of our permanent staff from five to eight fulltime employees. We are looking for an experienced Development Director with the vision to build a major gifts program from the ground up and help us develop a renewable revenue stream necessary to sustain our amazing growth. For more information about the work of the ACLU-NCLF, visit our website at
http://www.acluofnc.org/
Position Overview
The ACLU-NCLF is seeking a Development Director, a fulltime senior leadership position reporting to the Executive Director, to develop and implement a strategy for building new programs that raise funds for the ACLU-NCLF’s annual budget and that strengthen the relationships between the ACLU-NCLF and its supporters. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Development Director is responsible for planning, supervising and executing the organization’s major gifts and planned giving programs and developing complementary fundraising and donor cultivation strategies. The Development Director collaborates with the Executive Director, Development Committee, and the Board to reach our annual and long-range goals.
Responsibilities
Major Gifts Program: Develop and implement an annual comprehensive work plan that will include specific fundraising goals and targets for proposals, appeals and campaigns; identify, develop and implement strategies for the cultivation of major donors; identify new major donor prospects and strategically deploy the Executive Director and Board leadership to solicit gifts; create and carry out strategies to personally cultivate and solicit major donors. In addition to supporting the solicitation of gifts made by others, the Development Director will be expected to cultivate and work directly with existing and future donors.
Planned giving: In coordination with the national ACLU Planned Giving Department, pursue strategies to expand membership in planned giving programs and cultivate existing members; market planned giving opportunities to ACLU supporters.
General staff leadership responsibilities: As a member of the senior leadership team, attend ACLU-NCLF functions, such as the annual membership meeting, quarterly Board meetings and other ACLU events; assist the Executive Director in maintaining a strong team spirit within the office.
These are not all-inclusive, but these are the priorities set by the Board of Directors and the Executive Director.
Qualifications
- At least 3-5 years of demonstrated experience in nonprofit fundraising focusing on individual major gifts; particular weight will be given to candidates who have worked for advocacy and statewide organizations. CFRE accreditation desirable.
- Successful track record of identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual major donors.
- Ability to develop and implement a comprehensive resource development plan that is sustainable.
- Firm commitment to the mission and principles of the ACLU.
- Demonstrated leadership skills; experience in working collaboratively with other team members including communications and finance. Strong interpersonal skills and confidence making donor contacts.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience developing successful written donor communications and marketing materials.
- Superb organization skills; detail-oriented with strong follow-through and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
- Computer proficiency, including list/database management.
- Creative, result-oriented, self-starting, willing to learn, can handle and prioritize multiple activities and responsibilities.
- Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Some travel required, both in-state and out-of-state.
Compensation
- Salary is commensurate with similarly situated nonprofit advocacy organizations, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Excellent benefits include: paid vacation and sick leave, health and dental insurance, life and disability coverage, 401(k).
How to apply
Applications should include a cover letter, resume, writing sample (no more than 5 pages), and list of at least three professional references, including contact information for each. Submit applications to:
Jennifer Rudinger, Executive Director
ACLU of North Carolina Legal Foundation
P.O. Box 28004
Raleigh, NC 27611-8004
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The ACLU-NCLF is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We encourage applications from all interested persons, including people of color, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ persons.
