Director of Development

Are you interested in the role of the courts in preserving our democracy? Do you believe the law can be used to advance progressive values? Then join us at the Constitutional Accountability Center (CAC) as our first-ever Development Director. CAC is seeking a highly motivated and effective individual to lead our development and fundraising efforts. In this new role, you can create and build out a development department and approach that ensures continued growth with institutional supporters and works to expand individual giving over time.

CAC is a nonprofit, public interest law firm, think tank, and action center dedicated to making real the progressive promise of our Constitution’s text, history, and values. We work in our courts, through our government, and with legal scholars to preserve the rights and freedoms of all in America and to protect our judiciary from politics and special interests.

We have 15 full-time staff currently and an annual budget of about $3 million. Even with conservative federal courts, including the Supreme Court, CAC has realized important victories for LGBTQ and worker rights, and our work is cited by judges and Justices.

We view the Constitution as an inherently progressive document—amended over the generations to become more just, equitable, and inclusive. To make real the promises of our national charter, we must honor and celebrate different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds, and especially the contributions of historically marginalized communities. As an organization, we make every effort to live by these ideals and help create the conditions that will allow all individuals and communities to thrive.

We are committed to the recruitment, development, and retention of talented and diverse staff who believe in true justice and equality for all people. The Constitutional Accountability Center is an equal opportunity employer, and we

particularly encourage people who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latino/Latina or Latinx, Asian American or Pacific Islander, and from other underrepresented communities to join us.

To learn more about the Constitutional Accountability Center, please visit www.theusconstitution.org.

Position Summary

The Development Director will work in partnership across the organization to secure funding to grow, diversify, and sustain the revenue base. This new position reflects our commitment to strategic fundraising. At the start, approximately 75% of the Development Director’s time will be focused on foundation strategy and implementation and 25% on individual strategy and implementation. The Development Director will create and successfully implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports the strategic and financial growth of the organization. They will collaborate with organizational leadership, Board members, communications staff, and program staff to ensure the fundraising strategy is consistent with the organizational priorities, needs, and messaging. The Director of Development is responsible for all aspects of fundraising and development operations. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Writing/editing and supervising the submission of grant proposals and grant reports;
  • Developing and pursuing a pipeline of foundation prospects;
  • Leading donor meetings and soliciting as appropriate;
  • Working with the President and the Board to increase Board fundraising support;
  • Developing and implementing an approach to increase funding from individual donors and soliciting donors/prospects as appropriate;
  • Shaping fundraising communications in light of the upcoming completion of CAC’s strategic plan; and
  • Ensuring efficient and effective use of development systems and protocols.

The Director of Development is part of the senior management team and reports to CAC’s President. They will supervise a development associate.

Qualifications

We’re seeking candidates who have:

  • Increasingly responsible fundraising experience within the democracy, legal, or social justice sector;
  • A Bachelor’s degree, with an outstanding academic record;
  • A minimum of seven years of direct fundraising experience (predominantly with foundations); 2+ years of managerial, supervisory, and/or team leadership experience;
  • Knowledge of and experience with individual giving and how to grow a program incrementally;
  • Strong and persuasive communication skills, including verbal presentation and writing skills and the ability to take technical subject matter and make it compelling and relevant;
  • Drive, follow through, and a demonstrated commitment to a collaborative, team-oriented work style with the ability to train and coach staff to increase their comfort level and success in fundraising;
  • Exceptional organizational skills and ability, including with Every Action, to successfully develop and manage organizational fundraising systems, develop fundraising strategies, and manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
  • Ability to travel for donor meetings on occasion.

Salary, Benefits, and Location

Salary: The salary range for the position is $130,000-$160,000, depending on experience.

Benefits: CAC offers a generous salary and benefits package including 100% covered health, dental, and vision insurance, 15 days paid vacation, 5 personal days, and 5 days sick leave, as well as a 4% retirement match after the first year.

Location: CAC has adopted a hybrid work schedule with all staff working in the Washington, DC office Tuesdays and Wednesdays. All staff working in the office are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

How to Apply

We are excited to hear from you. In lieu of a cover letter, please complete this response form (it will also give you the ability to upload your resume). Please, no phone calls. This is a top priority position for us. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until May 15, 2022, or until the position is filled.