Development Director

The Neighborhood Legal Services Program of the District of Columbia (NLSP) has an immediate opening for a Development Director with experience in all aspects of development including major gifts, foundations, individual donor databases, events and other development activities.

Opening Date: February 21, 2025. Closing Date: Open until filled. However, applicants are encouraged to submit resumes by March 21, 2025, at which time applications will be reviewed. All subsequent submissions will be reviewed as received.

ABOUT NLSP

NLSP is a non-profit law firm that has provided vigorous high quality legal assistance to low-income residents of the District of Columbia for the past 60 years. Our assistance preserves safe and affordable shelter, stabilizes family relationships, protects victims of domestic violence, secures access to healthcare and public benefits and reduces barriers to employment for our clients. As we protect fundamental necessities for individuals and families, we also seek opportunities to achieve broader change and pathways out of poverty for many. Our neighborhood-based, service delivery model -- which includes two offices in Wards 5 and 7 and a future office in Ward 8 -- allows us to bring dedicated legal services attorneys and enthusiastic pro bono lawyers into low-income communities across the city.

DESCRIPTION

The Development Director works closely with and reports directly to the Executive Director. The Development Director is responsible for the strategic direction of NLSP’s development program and manages its overall financial growth and expansion, ensuring long-term financial stability for the organization. A successful candidate must possess the desire to be on the cutting edge in developing comprehensive strategies to continue and expand the reach of NLSP’s development efforts. The ideal candidate will have a passion for helping the disenfranchised, specifically low-income (predominately minority) residents of the District of Columbia, securing access to justice and “equalizing the playing field.” The Development Director will play a significant role in building the organization’s visibility, attracting donor and grant support, securing sustainable funding, and producing successful fundraising activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide general oversight of all development activities.
• Manage the day-to-day fundraising operations and donor engagement.
• Work with the Executive Director, Finance Department and Board of Directors to develop multi-year funding strategy.
• Work with the Executive Director on developing an annual fundraising plan.
• Supervise workflow and assignments of three development professionals.
• Develop a balanced funding mix of donor sources and solicitation programs tailored to the needs of NLSP to attract and retain donors.
• Provide regular updates to the Executive Director and Board of Directors on fundraising progress and challenges and make recommendations for course correction as needed.
• Staff the Board’s development committee.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of NLSP’s website to communicate the organization’s work, accomplishments, social media sites and client successes.
• Oversee the implementation of the annual fundraising event, Jazz for Justice, and other fundraising campaigns and gatherings.
• Oversee the organizations grant prospecting, reporting and proposal writing process.
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with donors and current or potential foundation partners. Oversee the organization’s development database.
• Create and execute a strategy for increasing NLSP’s individual donor base.
• Oversee the organization’s annual report.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree.
• A minimum of five years of progressive experience in a development position with at least two of those years of experience in managing staff.
• Motivated self-starter with an ability to solve complex problems and a passion for philanthropy. Experience with managing annual fundraising events that raised at least $500,000.
• Proven ability to plan and execute effective fundraising campaigns.
• Ability to write and edit successful grant applications.
• Comfortable and adept at utilizing digital and social communication platforms.
• Experience in creating systems to increase the flow of information and streamline processes.
• Collaborative work style.
• Possess an attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with donor management software preferred.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Competitive salary commensurate with experience, ranging from $110,250 - $130,000. Benefits package includes employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; employer-subsidized family health coverage; paid vacation, holidays, personal days and sick leave; 8-week parental leave for birth or adoption of a child; employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance; 403(b) Thrift Plan (voluntary retirement savings program); and tax-free transit benefits.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, contact information for three professional references and a writing sample (no longer than 10 pages) to:

Cyntoria E. Carter,

Chief Management Specialist

ccarter@nlsp.org

Please include “Development Director Application” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, interested persons are encouraged to submit packages by March 21, 2025, at which time applications will be reviewed. All subsequent submissions will be reviewed as received.

NLSP is committed to equal employment opportunities for all workers, regardless of race, gender, disability or other protected class status. NLSP is committed to compliance with all federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws and regulations. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply.