The Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia seeks a Director of Development. Legal Aid is the oldest and largest general civil legal services program in the D.C. We were founded in 1932 to “provide legal aid and counsel to indigent persons in civil law matters and to encourage measures by which the law may better protect and serve their needs.” Since the Great Depression, Legal Aid lawyers have been making justice real, in individual and systemic ways, for persons living in poverty in D.C.
Legal Aid has more than 50 staff members, most of whom are lawyers, and a $6M budget. Our Board consists of law firm and corporate leaders from major D.C. organizations. Because the needs in our client community are so great, we are seeking a Director of Development who can expand upon the substantial growth we have achieved in recent years, with a particular emphasis on expanding our fundraising efforts with law firms and individual donors interested in poverty law and law reform issues.
The Director of Development works closely with the Executive Director and serves on Legal Aid’s management team. The Director of Development is responsible for managing all aspects of fundraising for the organization and for leading a team of development professionals, including a Deputy Director of Development and a Development Assistant.
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising;
• Strong management and leadership skills;
• Exceptional organizational and oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with Legal Aid colleagues, Board Members, volunteers, donors, and prospective donors;
• Ability to plan for and execute long and short-term fundraising campaigns and projects, including a robust grants program; our major annual event (the Servant of Justice Awards Dinner); and our major annual fundraising campaign (our Generous Associates Campaign);
• Enthusiasm for expanding our major donor and planned giving efforts;
• Patience, attention to detail, and an ability to multitask;
• An optimistic attitude with respect to new ideas and expansion;
• A desire to work in a fast-paced, positive, respectful, collaborative, friendly environment; and
• A strong commitment to Legal Aid’s mission of making justice real for D.C.’s low-income community.
Legal Aid values an inclusive, diverse workplace and does not unlawfully discriminate on any basis prohibited by law. Legal Aid strongly encourages applications from all interested persons of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Interested persons should email a cover letter and resume to: [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Position remains open until filled.
For more information about Legal Aid, see our website and blog.