Director of Development & Communications

Rising for Justice (RFJ) seeks an experienced non-profit professional fundraiser with marketing and communications experience to lead its Development & Communications team. Reporting to the Executive Director, or his/her designee, the Director of Development & Communications is a management-level position, and is part of RFJ’s senior leadership team. This position is responsible for: increasing and diversifying revenue streams, enhancing RFJ’s profile within the legal community and with the community at large, managing a team of development and communications professionals, and overseeing the operations of the Development & Communications team. This is a full-time position.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Develop an annual fundraising plan, including revenue goals and budget, to further RFJ’s strategic priorities;
• Work with Executive Director, Deputy Director, and key staff to meet revenue goals through event fundraising, individual and law firm giving, grants and contracts, and law schools;
• Oversee annual Celebration of Service fundraising event, including the recruitment of Host Committee and volunteers, solicitation of donations, program planning, and logistics;
• Build a pipeline of new foundation support;
• Oversee existing foundation relationships, including applications and reporting;
• Monitor compliance with funder requirements, grant assurances and/or contract deliverables;
• Enhance annual giving program through creation of Major Gifts and Planned Giving programs;
• Develop effective donor stewardship program, including donor visits with Executive Director and other RFJ program staff and members of the client community;
• Cultivate national network of alumni as donors and friends of the organization;
• Supervises the Development Manager (Grants) and Communications/Development Coordinator and any consultants hired to assist with development and communications deliverables;
• Oversee RFJ’s website and social media accounts (i.e., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn);
• Actively communicate with and engage current donor base;
• Manage brand standards and external voice, including all marketing collateral; and
• Expand RFJ’s presence in the media as a voice for issues impacting the low-income and indigent communities and as an expert in the provision of legal services.

Position Qualifications:
• The successful candidate must be committed to RFJ’s mission, be detail-oriented; and have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• At least 5–7 years’ fundraising experience, with at least 3 years of management experience.
• A proven track record of securing major gifts; demonstrable experience securing grant support; and a strong ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and elevate issues as necessary.
• The ideal candidate will also have a J.D. and/or experience in fundraising in the legal service provider context; and have experience overseeing social media and other digital communications platforms.

Work Environment: The successful applicant will consistently operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. The applicant must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time and will need to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Applicant may occasionally be required to lift and carry objects weighing about 20-25 lbs. Applicant must possess the ability to communicate information and ideas so that others can understand and must be able to exchange accurate information via phone, email, videoconference, and instant messaging. The applicant must be available to work a weekday schedule but occasionally may be requested to work evenings and weekends for special work-related events. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Hours, Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position based on a 40-hour work week. Salary is commensurate with experience. The salary scale for this position is $100,000 to $120,000 annually. Benefits include employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous sick, annual and personal leave; life and disability insurance; and paid federal and local holidays.

To Apply: Each candidate should submit a cover letter and resume by email addressed to Linda Brooks, Director of Human Resources, at [email protected]. Please indicate “Director of Development & Communications, [your full name]” in the subject line of the email.

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

About Rising for Justice:
Created in 1969 and formerly known as DC Law Students in Court, RFJ is the oldest clinical teaching program in Washington DC. RFJ operates as a public interest legal services provider and clinical education program for law and social work graduate students and serves more than 4,000 clients per year. Much of RFJ’s work focuses on fighting eviction and displacement on behalf of low-income tenants in Washington DC. In addition, RFJ represents justice-involved DC residents in need of a fresh start by clearing their criminal records and individuals seeking family stability.

RFJ’s mission is to leverage the collective forces of students and experienced advocates to achieve justice for all. RFJ is committed to strengthening the voices of its low-income clients, working in collaboration with community partners, and rooting out the inequities that keep people in poverty. RFJ embraces equal justice and diversity as core values and strives to maintain a workplace that is vibrant, welcoming, innovative, and collaborative. The organization is committed to fostering the thoughtful exchange of ideas and to ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. Its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination includes race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, personal appearance, genetic information, political affiliation, marital status, family responsibilities, disability, status as a veteran, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law or regulation. Candidates of all identities, experiences, and communities are encouraged to apply.