Director of Development

 Status: Full-time, exempt position 

Reports to: Executive Director 

Location: Newark, NJ (hybrid position, with 2 days per week in the VLJ office) 

Regular work hours: 9-5 Monday-Thursday (VLJ is currently piloting a 4-day work week through the end of October 2024 and the office is closed on Fridays; a decision about the continuation of the 4-day week will be made in late 2024) 

Salary: $85,000-$120,000, commensurate with candidate’s experience 

About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice 

Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is a statewide civil legal services organization with the mission of ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty. VLJ fulfills its mission by mobilizing volunteers to work alongside staff to address critical legal needs across New Jersey, advancing racial, social, and economic justice. 

VLJ is a women-led organization that has been a pro bono leader in New Jersey for 23 years. VLJ operates 8 distinct legal programs, employs 23 staff members, has an annual budget of $2.6 million, and has a panel of more than 1,700 volunteers. Common legal issues handled include eviction defense, debt relief, criminal record expungement, family law, education law, driver’s license restoration, and estate planning. VLJ also provides holistic legal services to veterans, families in Newark’s South Ward, and survivors of human trafficking. More information about VLJ can be found at: www.vljnj.org. 

VLJ’s power is in its people, with a mission-driven team that uphold the highest standards of professionalism. We expect staff to be thought leaders in their field and innovative program managers with an eye towards effectiveness and efficiency. We are a client-focused organization that prioritizes seamless services to the people we serve. We are committed to fostering open, honest, and inclusive dialogue and attribute transparent communication as a key to our organizational success. 

Job Summary 

The Director of Development will act as a key strategic partner to VLJ’s Executive Director and Board of Trustees, leading the fundraising strategy for the organization. The Director of Development serves as a vital member of VLJ’s leadership team, helping to set the strategic vision of the organization while supporting a collaborative work environment. The ideal candidate will be skilled at zooming in on detailed operational tasks and zooming out to develop strong long-term fundraising goals for the organization. The position requires a dynamic leader who knows how to prioritize their own work and lead other staff to success. A successful candidate will be a proactive advocate who can passionately champion VLJ’s mission while managing a diversified fundraising strategy. 

Core Responsibilities 

The core responsibilities for the Director of Development include: 

 Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive fundraising strategy including annual campaigns, endowment fundraising, major gift initiatives, individual giving efforts, fundraising events, sponsorships, foundation grants, and corporate gifts 

 Successfully oversee annual fundraising events, including an annual gala budgeted to gross $600,000-$700,000 per year 

 Prospect, cultivate and manage new accounts and donors to meet fundraising goals 

 Draft, implement, and achieve annual fundraising plan goals with revenue targets 

 Ensure that donors are appropriately recognized for their support and educated about the organization’s mission and the impact of their gifts 

 Increase annual individual giving 

 Provide a strong day-to-day leadership presence throughout the organization 

 Successfully supervise and promote the professional development of a development associate to meet the organization’s and supervisee’s annual goals 

 Effectively train VLJ’s board, staff, and volunteers regarding the role of fundraising, donor stewardship, and ambassadorship in a thriving organization 

Minimum Requirements 

 Bachelor’s degree 

 6 years of demonstrated success in non-profit fundraising 

 Prefer 2 years of experience working in or with civil legal services organizations 

 Thorough understanding of all components of a diversified funding base including individual giving, corporate giving, major gifts, legacy giving, and foundation giving, with a proven record of achieving revenue targets 

 Proficiency in Microsoft and Google suites, donor databases, donor prospecting tools, social media platforms, Adobe Acrobat, and graphic design software 

 A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel regularly throughout New Jersey 

 Strong commitment and demonstrated passion for the mission and goals of VLJ 

 Ability to work in a collaborative team model 

 High level of independence, productivity, initiative, creativity, and good judgement 

 Sensitivity to the needs and problems of people experiencing poverty 

 Adherence to a high level of professionalism 

 Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills 

 Ability to adapt to the changing needs of the organization 

Compensation and Benefits 

 Health and wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans provided at no cost to the employee (employees may choose a higher levels of coverage for a cost), supplemental insurance (at employee cost), and employee assistance program to promote employee health. A recent example of VLJ’s emphasis on employee health and wellness is our current 4-day work week pilot program. Under VLJ’s model, staff are paid 100% of their salary, work 80% of a 40-hour week (32 hours), and meet 100% of their job responsibilities. The pilot runs from May-October 2024, when VLJ’s leadership will determine whether the model is continued longer term. Thus far, the pilot has shown high levels of client service, increased staff productivity, improved job satisfaction, and greater work-life balance. 

 Financial security: Competitive salary and retirement savings plan to ensure your financial well-being 

 Work-life balance: Generous paid holidays (including Christmas Eve-January 2), PTO, and sick leave. VLJ also offers a hybrid work environment with all employees working 2 days per week in the Newark office, providing great flexibility to our team. 

 Professional development: Opportunities for continuing learning and career advancement through professional development programs and access to conferences, workshops, and professional associations 

 Supportive environment: VLJ provides a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values transparency, autonomy, and ownership, ensuring an environment where you can thrive