Executive Director

JOB DESCRIPTION

Role and Responsibilities

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for consistently achieving its mission and financial objectives. The Executive Director will:

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Take full responsibility for the agency’s day-to-day operations as authorized by the Board of Directors, reviewing and refining existing operations and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with staff, the board, and key stakeholder groups to craft, articulate, and implement a vision for DCJ’s next phase.
• Raise the visibility of an organization that has been serving Delaware’s communities for nearly 100 years by:
  • Publicizing the activities of the organization, its programs, and goals.
  • Representing the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the general public.
• Activate a long-range strategy to achieve DCJ’s mission and vision, ensuring consistent and timely progress.
• Keep the board fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it.

Fundraising, Development & Donor Relations

• Lead the organization’s fundraising strategy to ensure adequate financial resources for DCJ’s programs and operations.
• Serve as DCJ’s primary fundraising officer, leading efforts to cultivate, steward, and solicit mid- and high-capacity donors.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan, in collaboration with staff and board members, that aligns with DCJ’s mission and centers the justice-impacted community.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and community partners.
• Conduct prospect research on foundations, corporations, and individual donors to expand funding opportunities and advise the Board of Directors on potential prospects.
• Lead major donor stewardship, including regular donor engagement and recognition strategies to enhance long-term financial sustainability.
• Guide and support the fundraising efforts of the board and development volunteers, ensuring their engagement in donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Oversee grant-seeking strategies, including grant writing, compliance, and reporting, in collaboration with program and finance staff.
• Work with the Director of Communications & Engagement to coordinate fundraising communications, including campaigns, appeals, and donor messaging.
• Lead the planning of special fundraising events, including sponsorship recruitment and donor engagement activities.

Financial & Operational Oversight

• Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices.
• Work with the staff, Finance Committee, and the board to prepare a budget and ensure that the organization operates within budget guidelines, both overall and by program.
• Manage DCJ’s relationships with donors, grantors, contract holders, and community partners/coalition partners.
• Maintain official records and documents and ensure federal, state, and local compliance.
• Ensure the organization meets its reporting obligations to funders, donors, and stakeholders.

Staff & Organizational Development

• Be responsible for recruiting, employing, and releasing all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers; manage, nurture, and lead a skilled, effective, and dedicated staff, including an effective management team.
• Build a collaborative organizational culture focused on continuous learning and maintain a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse team of high-quality professionals.
• Develop job descriptions, conduct regular performance evaluations, and implement sound human resource practices.
• Encourage staff and volunteer development, education, and professional growth.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and organizations.
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the criminal justice reform.
• Represent DCJ at statewide and national events, coalitions, and forums that advance justice reform efforts.

Other Duties

• Complete other duties as needed and required for the organization's successful operation.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• At least eight to ten years of relevant leadership experience, with demonstrated success inspiring, managing, and mentoring highly talented and diverse teams.
• Extensive experience in fundraising and development, including major gifts, donor stewardship, grant writing, and special event fundraising.
• A proven track record of securing funding from diverse sources, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Experience navigating strategic communications and developing relationships required for effective fundraising and donor cultivation.
• Demonstrated deep knowledge of and commitment to the social justice issues at the core of DCJ’s work and its multi-pronged approach to reform.
• Well-established success engaging in diverse communities; lived experience that informs an authentic understanding of the challenges faced by justice-involved individuals, victims of crime, and their communities.
• Demonstrated success managing budgets and finances.
• The ability to inspire collaboration while functioning decisively.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, including public speaking and relationship management.
• An undergraduate degree is required; a degree in social work, law, or another relevant field is preferred but not required.