The Organization
The National Women’s Law Center fights for gender justice — in the courts, in public policy, and in our society — working across the issues that are central to the lives of women and girls.
We use the law in all its forms to change culture and drive solutions to the gender inequity that shapes our society and to break down the barriers that harm all of us — especially those who face multiple forms of discrimination, including women of color, LGBTQ people, and low-income women and families.
For more than 45 years, we have been on the leading edge of every major legal and policy victory for women, and we need you with us to continue this fight.
Position Overview
Key Responsibilities
- Conceptualize, develop, and lead the execution of a comprehensive, integrated individual giving program with a current annual revenue goal of over $2.4 million—with a particular emphasis on major and planned gifts through finalizing a compelling case for support, implementing regular moves management, and establishing and deepening donor relationships managed by the Director and by senior staff and volunteers;
- Directly manage a portfolio of individuals capable of gifts of $10,000 and over, including existing and prospective donors, securing renewals and increasing their support over time;
- Oversee the Center’s Annual Fund, including integrated multi-channel strategies and appeals—supervising the efforts of the Manager of the Annual Fund to coordinate with development, program, and communications and marketing staff to seamlessly integrate offline and online messages, fundraising collateral, and donor engagement experiences;
- Oversee individual donor-related aspects of the Center’s annual gala and regional fundraising and cultivation events, including recruiting and engaging philanthropic/culture chairs and host committees, integrating these events into the Center’s overall individual fundraising efforts, and coordinating with development and communications and marketing staff on event program and logistics;
- Support the design and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to grow the organization’s grasstops presence and influence by engaging key individual influencers and philanthropists—including those within TIME’S UP and the entertainment industry;
- Lead individual prospect research and the effective use of contact management systems and processes to staff the President and CEO, other senior staff, and volunteer leaders’ work with individual donors and prospects; oversee individual donor gift acknowledgements and reconciliation of individual revenue and projections with colleagues in Finance; oversee tracking of pertinent donor and prospect information in Raiser’s Edge, wealth screening and other research projects, and analytic reporting. Supervise the Database Manager and coordinate with other Development Team staff and colleagues in Communications to integrate these efforts with online appeals and gifts received through Every Action.
Key Relationships
The Director of Philanthropic Engagement reports directly to the Vice President of Development. The Director collaborates with the President and CEO, COO and Chief of Staff, the Senior Vice President for External Affairs, the Board of Directors, the Leadership Advisory Committee, and key program staff, as well as colleagues in Development and Communications. The Director directly supervises the Manager of the Annual Fund (who supervises the Philanthropic Engagement Associate) and the Database Manager, and oversees relevant projects delegated to the External Affairs Assistant and Development interns.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have the following experience and attributes:
- Fundraising strategist with passion for fundraising for social justice and equity-centered organizations, with at least 11 years of progressively responsible development experience, including significant experience designing and implementing integrated individual giving programs;
- Collaborative style and inclusive approach to leadership and management;
- Proven track record in fostering professional relationships with high-net-worth individuals, managing a dynamic portfolio of donors and prospects, and personally implementing sophisticated, multi-year cultivation strategies that lead to successful major gift and planned gift closures, including supporting and leveraging executive-level staff and volunteers;
- Superior communications and storytelling skills, with the ability to frame and write in compelling language about gender justice;
- Experience with fundraising galas or other high-profile special events, and with integrating these events into an organization’s overall donor relations and communications plans;
- Working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge (or similar database) and prospect research tools;
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, multi-faceted projects, meet deadlines, maintain composure and perform well independently in a fast-paced, collaborative, deadline-driven setting, with careful attention to detail;
- Sound judgment and ability to exercise discretion when dealing with confidential information regarding the Center’s business and sensitive donor information; high degree of self-motivation, personal discipline and integrity;
- Ability and willingness to travel—approximately an annual average of 30-50% of the Director’s time will be spent on travel—and ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule when required; and
- Bachelor’s degree required.
Additional preferred skills and experience:
· Progressively responsible experience in individual giving, including with a national social justice advocacy organization;
· Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential and/or a track record of active involvement in the philanthropic community;
· Working knowledge of estate planning issues and experience coordinating external consultants and/or pro bono counsel;
Compensation
A minimum salary of $101,625 will be provided to the successful candidate having at least 7 years of experience directly relevant to this role, consistent with the National Women’s Law Center’s compensation framework.
The Center offers a comprehensive benefits package, and four weeks of annual vacation. NWLC is located on Metro’s Red Line in Dupont Circle.
How To Apply
To apply for this position, please forward a resume and cover letter outlining your interests and qualifications. Resumes should include exact start and end dates of employment. Please send application materials via e-mail to: philanthropicengagement@nwlc.org and include the position title in the subject line. Electronic submissions are preferred. Hard copies may be addressed to: Human Resources Department, National Women’s Law Center, 11 Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036. Applications accepted until position is filled.
The National Women’s Law Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek applications from people with disabilities; people of all gender identities; people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals; veterans; and LGBTQI individuals.
Reasonable accommodations
As noted above, NWLC welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email us at humanresources@nwlc.org or you may send the request by mail to:
National Women’s Law Center
ATTN: Human Resources Manager – Talent
11 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036