Development Director, Public Interest Law Center

Posted by on March 25, 2013

The Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia,  a nationally-renowned public interest law firm devoted to equality and systemic change, seeks a full-time Development Director. The Development Director will be responsible for all aspects of the fundraising strategy for the organization, which includes preparing and implementing the annual development plan and fundraising budget; developing and overseeing events; developing solicitations of individual donors, law firms and corporations; preparing foundation proposals and reports; overseeing communications (including website, social media, and media relations); engaging the Board of Directors in fundraising; and executing special projects.

The Development Director reports directly to the Executive Director and supervises a Communications Associate who has responsibility for certain communications and event planning responsibilities. The Director works closely with the Director of Finance in tracking fundraising revenue and developing foundation proposals, and coordinates and provides support to the Development Committee of the Board of Directors. The Development Director can take advantage of regular volunteer and intern assistance to perform appropriate tasks.

Specific responsibilities include:

1. Budget & Development Plan. Create annual development plan, including goals and strategies, with Executive Director prior to the end of the calendar year. Provide projected income and expenses related to fundraising for annual budget to Director of Finance. Provide regular status reports on goals and activities to Development Committee of Board of Directors. With Development Committee, develop strategies to increase fundraising revenue and further engage full Board of Directors in fundraising activities.

2. Solicitation of donors. Develop written solicitations for individual donors, law firms and corporate supporters on schedule set forth in development plan; Oversee the creation of timely acknowledgements and maintain information in development database; Assist Executive Director and Development Committee in scheduling meetings with donors, expanding current list of donors, and in creating strategies and plans for donor cultivation. Provide support and information to board members in their solicitation efforts.

3. Preparation of foundation proposals and reports. Primary responsibility for identifying prospects from which to seek funding and creating calendar of proposals for annual development plan; generating foundation proposals according to development plan, which includes gathering necessary information from Director of Finance, Executive Director and/or lawyers involved in project; communicating with foundation officers to create relationships, understand viability of project and, if project is not accepted, suggestions for improvements; responsible for keeping track of reporting deadlines, along with Director of Finance, and coordinating the preparation of reports.

4. Events:

Annual Fundraising Gala. Primary responsibility for all aspects of event. Tasks include providing support to Event Committee; overseeing the design, printing and mailing of invitations; finding and contracting for venues, food, music, decorations; overseeing and supporting the solicitation of sponsorships; overseeing implementation of marketing strategy; arranging for and processing ticket sales and program book; gathering items for and organizing live and silent auction; assigning responsibilities to Law Center staff; developing and managing event budget.
Annual “Symposium on Equality”: All of tasks described above (excluding auction); overseeing Communications Associate in the development of the symposium program (see below).

5. Direct Mail/Communications:

Annual report. Arrange for publication and mailing of annual report on the schedule set forth in the development plan; with the Executive Director and designer, establish content and oversee the production.
Communications Materials: In 2013, oversee project, with professional design firm and Communications Associate, to develop communications materials (brochures, fact sheets, etc) for the Law Center. Over time, update materials as necessary and use style guide, to be provided by designers, to maintain a consistent look and feel to all future materials.

6. General outreach. Along with Executive Director, board members and staff, attend and participate in opportunities for outreach, such as on-campus fairs, community events, United Way speaking engagements.

7. Supervising Communications Associate: Responsible for supervising and supporting full-time Communications Associate, whose responsibilities include:

Website: Maintaining and updating website, including writing or procuring from staff timely, well-written and useful content for the site.
Social Media: Regularly updating the Law Center’s Facebook, Twitter and any other social media outlets
Newsletters: Compile content for and write monthly e-newsletters to the Law Center’s constituents and donors; write and develop quarterly newsletters for the Law Center’s Advisory Board
Press: Maintaining an updated list of press contacts, developing relationships with members of the media, writing concise and timely press releases; organizing press conferences
Special Education Workshops: Marketing monthly special education workshops; tracking ticket sales and attendance; compiling program materials; and ensuring logistical arrangements for the day of the events, including webinar.
Annual Symposium: Primary responsibility for coordinating with panelists, including inviting them to participate, arranging travel, gathering presentation materials, and organizing planning sessions
Young Friends: Develop a strategy for and launch a Young Friends of the Law Center group

8. Special Projects:

Provide support for developing and implementing planned giving program.
Support Board of Directors in executing 5 year financial plan (adopted in late 2012), which will include tracking “give or get” requirements for Board members, and coordinating 5 year plan efforts with annual fundraising campaigns.

Qualifications

Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in nonprofit development or management, including experience in individual, foundation, and corporate fundraising. Experience in event planning or Board development is a plus. The ideal candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills, an ability to manage several projects at once; initiative; strong analytical skills; experience supervising others; and an ability to work well with teams. A Bachelor’s Degree is required.

The position is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The salary and benefits are commensurate with experience. Desired start date is May 6-13, 2013.

The Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates who are minorities or with a disability to apply.

To Apply

To apply, submit a cover letter with salary requirements, resume, and at least three references by mail or email to:

Jennifer R. Clarke
Executive Director
Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia
United Way Building
1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

jclarke@pilcop.org