Director of Development and Communications

LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK
Director of Development and Communications
Reports to: Executive Director
Located in Albany, New York, must live in NYS
Full-time, Min 35hr/ week, with occasional work requirements outside of normal work hours
$85,000-$100,000 – DOE, plus generous benefits

Overview
The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, a nonprofit civil legal services program, is seeking an experienced Development and Communications professional. Legal Aid’s mission is to fight for fairness, dignity, and justice for those living in poverty and for a society that is inclusive and equitable for all. We transform lives, build community, and empower people by using the law to address individual and systemic wrongs and inequities. Our service area spans sixteen counties, in upstate New York, encompassing six regional offices. This position is based in our Albany, New York office. For more information about our work, our staff, and our clients, visit www.lasnny.org.

As LASNNY celebrates its Centennial Anniversary, we are looking to hire an enthusiastic Director of Development and Communications to secure financial support for our organization and to promote relationships with donors, volunteers, and outside organizations. The Director of Development and Communications will set and achieve fundraising goals, maintain knowledge of fundraisers' interests, and cultivate relationships with fellow employees outside organizations, and volunteers. You will develop and manage fundraising events and community outreach and will manage our social media and internet presence.

The successful applicant will build lasting relationships with donors and keep them informed on how their financial input is making the world a better place.

Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor's degree (or experience equivalent) in business, non-profit management, or related field;
• A minimum of five years' professional experience in development and communications with a record of accomplishment;
• Extensive experience using NEON or related CRM database;
• Extensive experience using Constant Contact or similar online marketing tools; and
• Excellent computer skills and high skill level in all aspects of Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook.

Preferred Experience
• Master’s Degree (or experience equivalent) in business, non-profit management, or related field;
• Ten years’ professional experience in development and communications;
• Expert in using NEON; and
• Expert in using Constant Contact.

Qualifications
• Excellent organizational skills including ability to multi-task and prioritize workflow;
• Excellent writing and communications skills including writing content to earn grants, new audiences and better relationships with stakeholders, and public speaking and oral presentations;
• Extensive experience with solicitation, fundraising and securing sponsorships;
• Extensive knowledge of best practices and strategies for fundraising and development;
• Ability to respond effectively to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment;
• Extensive experience with event planning, organizing, and hosting;
• Extensive experience with analyzing data reports to determine the effectiveness of fundraising efforts, and an ability to adjust the strategy to maximize giving;
• Ability to work independently and as a team;
• Enthusiasm and demonstrated commitment to serving a diverse population and working with diverse communities;
• Available to travel, work weekends and evenings as needed;
• Reliable transportation and a current NYS Driver License; and
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

Job Duties
The Director of Development manages and oversees a team of one to two unionized staff as part of the Development and Communications Department.

Development:
• Manage Development Database, including generating standard and nonstandard reports and ensuring the quality and accuracy of information entered the system;
• Plan, organize, and coordinate fundraising and outreach events and activities;
• Implement supporter and donor stewardship and cultivate strategies and activities including regular acknowledgements;
• Identify and manage a portfolio of donors and prospects
• Conduct donor research and build new relationships while maintaining ongoing ones;
• Assist with grant applications and reporting, and research additional sources of funding;
• Oversee mail and on-line appeals and other donor communications;
• Oversee research relevant foundations, law firms, corporations, and individuals for giving potential and following philanthropic trends;
• Oversee personalized donor acknowledgement letters and follow up on pledges; and
• Prepare and present board reports including visual data aids such as graphs.

Communications:
• Cultivate a respectful reputation for the organization;
• Develop and implement a communications plan;
• Oversee press releases, talking points and public statements;
• Manage website content, and ensure web functionality projects are implemented;
• Manage print jobs and publication timelines, including graphics;
• Research and remain current on relevant emerging social media tools and crowdfunding opportunities;
• Manage content and graphic creation on social media platforms;
• Manage updates and utilization of constant contact, and
• Participate in internal and external committees.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Salary and Benefits
Please note that the salary is based on experience, between $85,000-$100,000, plus generous benefits.
Generous time off, holidays, medical/dental/vision, retirement contributions, tuition reimbursement, and qualifying moving expenses. LASNNY offers flexible hybrid-remote and alternative work schedule options.
At LASNNY we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. We strongly encourage applications from women, BIPOC, LGBTQ persons, protected veterans, applicants and recipients of public assistance, older adults and people with disabilities.
If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at LASNNY and we will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.
Closing Date: April 30, 2023, or Until Filled
To apply, please go to www.lasnny.org OR
1) Complete the Application linked here, or the mobile-friendly application linked here
2) Complete the Demographic Survey linked here