Director of Development

The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) seeks a creative, high-energy Director of Development to build on an already-strong financial base and take us to the next level. Founded almost 50 years ago in Washington, D.C., CLASP is a national, nonpartisan, anti-poverty 501(c) (3) organization advancing local, state, and national policy solutions for low-income people. In today’s political climate, this work is more important—and in demand—than ever. Low-income people, particularly immigrants and people of color, are more at risk today than at any time in CLASP’s history. At the same time, more and more people are interested in connecting with our work. The successful candidate will move rapidly and strategically to seize these new opportunities and support our new work while also growing and sustaining the strong, diverse foundation funding that is the core of our current base.

The ideal candidate will have significant fundraising experience with foundation and individual donors, the capacity to lead a multifaceted fundraising strategy, the ability to work closely and collaboratively with a diverse staff and board of directors, and a commitment to racial and economic justice. He/she will supervise a development team that currently includes a senior foundations manager, development associate, and consultant support, as well as work closely with board development committee, executive director (ED), deputy executive director for finance and administration, and management team. He/she will also be an effective implementer and comfortable in the environment of a small- to mid-sized nonprofit, where everyone takes on multiple roles and responsibilities, including strategy and implementation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Leadership and Strategy Development

• Develop a strategic plan to continue CLASP’s fundraising momentum and broaden its base of support with foundations and individual donors, building on the existing plan for 2017, and in consultation with CLASP’s management team and board.
• Implement the plan, set and meet fundraising goals by overseeing and guiding the work of the development team and consultant(s) and in partnership with the ED, management team, and board.
• Explore new strategies to increase revenue and make recommendations to the ED, management team, and board. Currently under discussion are online giving and strategies to seize the opportunities presented by CLASP’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2019.
• Forge and maintain strong relationships with the board development committee, including its chair and members, and work closely with them to engage the full board in supporting CLASP through outreach and networking.
• Supervise the development team (senior foundation manager and development associate), including promoting professional development and growth.

Foundation Fundraising

• Provide overall guidance and support to the senior foundations manager and development associate in developing and submitting a large volume of timely, high-quality proposals to current and new foundation funders.
• Oversee reporting on current grant and contract obligations, in partnership with the senior foundations manager and deputy ED for finance and administration.
• Support the finance and administration team in tracking foundation revenue (with lead responsibility in tracking foundation funding through the point of award), including monthly and quarterly reports and forecasts.

Individual Donor Fundraising

• Lead implementation of CLASP’s 2017 individual donor fundraising plan and strengthen, refine, and fine-tune the plan as needed during the year, partnering with board members, the development committee, and the ED.
• Work closely with board members, the development committee, and other CLASP lead donors to plan, host, and execute successful outreach activities to expand CLASP’s donor network and meet financial goals.
• Implement, refine, and strengthen the 2017 plan for online and direct mail appeals.

Development Infrastructure

• Oversee the maintenance of CLASP’s database (DonorPerfect) of current and prospective donors.
• Oversee fundraising technology, including prospect research tools and databases.
• Work closely with CLASP’s communications team on the effective use of our new website.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE MOST OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS: 

• At least five to seven years of experience in fundraising, with a proven track record in securing resources. (This is a minimum; the successful candidate will likely bring considerably more.)
• Fundraising experience in a comparable nonprofit advocacy or policy organization at the state or national level is preferred but not required.
• Experience working with both foundation and individual donors is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead a multi-pronged agenda, juggle multiple tasks under pressure, and adapt and respond quickly to opportunities.
• Highly organized, able to ensure that details stay on track even in a complex and constantly changing situation.
• Demonstrated success in managing a small team of staff and consultants to achieve results.
• Demonstrated success in working collaboratively with colleagues and external stakeholders/ funders to meet fundraising goals.
• Experience working with foundations (particularly those that support social, economic, and racial justice in the U.S.), individual donors, and board members is preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated capacity to set strategic priorities, including soliciting input, making thoughtful judgments, and communicating priorities to colleagues and partners.
• Superior oral and written communications skills.
• Demonstrated experience with, and understanding of, relational/customer relationship management (CRM) databases preferred.
• Demonstrated capacity to quickly learn and communicate the nuances of an issue area.
• Previous experience with CLASP’s issue areas (including poverty, low-income, child and family policy, economic justice) is preferred but not required.
• Commitment to improving the lives of low-income people, including immigrants and people of color.
• Bachelor’s Degree is required; postgraduate education is welcome.

COMPENSATION:

Salary is commensurate with experience. CLASP offers exceptional benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, long term care insurance, a 403(b) retirement program, flexible spending accounts and generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedules.

Please send a resume and cover letter to settleson@gmail.com, subject line: CLASP, Director of Development.

(NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE)

CLASP is an equal opportunity employer. People of color and women are particularly encouraged to apply. Resumes will be accepted until position is filled.