Development Director

OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY

Joining SDVLP at an exciting moment of growth, the Development Director is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategy that sustains and grows revenues from a diverse portfolio, including individuals, corporations, foundations, government agencies and more. Reporting to the CEO, the Development Director provides strategic direction and leadership for all aspects of the fundraising and marketing program at SDVLP, including special events and communications.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Established in 1983, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. (SDVLP) is the oldest and most comprehensive pro bono legal services program in San Diego County.  SDVLP’s mission is to provide equal access to the justice system by serving as a bridge between indigent and other disadvantaged people in San Diego County and the volunteer lawyers who are willing to donate their time and resources.  Our team of talented and passionate employees is collegial, supportive, and committed to providing top-quality legal services to indigent, vulnerable San Diegans.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Creates an annual Advancement Plan that establishes qualitative and quantitative goals in order to increase giving to SDVLP; specifically from individuals, law firms, foundations, and corporations.  Provides progress reports, assessment and analysis on a regular basis.
• Identifies, cultivates, personally solicits, and stewards prospects for leadership level gifts ($1,000+) and major gifts ($10,000) from annual donors. Oversees the development and management of leadership/major gift portfolios.
• Assists in developing and implementing sophisticated plans and strategies to develop and increase overall participation and support to SDVLP through direct mail, e-solicitations, personal visits, and face to face solicitations. Assists with writing and coordinating all appeals to various constituencies.
• Serves as manager for all special initiatives and fundraising campaigns. This includes specialized efforts for the Justice for All Celebration sponsorships, and grants.
• Oversees execution of our major fundraising event, the Justice For All Celebration, as well as other special events throughout the year.
• Creates and manages an annual community campaign.  Collaborates with SDVLP volunteers, law firms, staff, and Board of Directors to increase participation and support to SDVLP.
• Develops and implements a plan for expanding SDVLP’s outreach.  This includes the preparation and submission of fundraising/grant writing proposals in support of SDVLP’s programs as well as overseeing the timely submission of progress reports to current funders. 
• Develops and implements a comprehensive planned giving program that engages current, prospective donors, and law firms on the importance and advantages of long-term philanthropic planning. 
• Manages stewardship program that includes oversight and contact with donors and supporters of SDVLP, especially at the leadership and major gift levels.  Researches potential donors and prepares fundraising prospects profiles.  Collaborates with Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors to plan and execute donor cultivation and recognition events, including SDVLP’s annual report to donors.
• Monitors continuous and dynamic donor increase giving and works closely with Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors to identify prospects and to develop strategies for increasing giving levels of major donors.
• Assists with writing and reviewing promotional/marketing materials including mail appeals, social media, and special event collateral (print/digital), and other related items.
• Oversees communications for the organization, including but not limited to public relations, social media, website content, and earned/paid media.
• Implements and utilizes a donor database/CRM tool, and ensures it is used consistently and accurately to inform data-driven decision making and accounting/audit gift reporting.
• Oversees the accurate processing and coding of all gift receipts and acknowledgment letters per department policy.  Reconciles all records with the accounting department. Tracks outstanding annual and campaign pledges and monitors pledge payment activity and reminders. Reports activity to the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Accounting Manager.
• Provides and presents reports at board meetings in conjunction with the CEO; provides direction and support to the board fundraising committee.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Development professional with a proven track record of successful grant writing, solicitation, and stewardship of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Capacity and creativity to engage and inspire a diverse set of donors, stakeholders, funders, community leaders and volunteers.
• Passion for SDVLP’s mission of providing pro bono legal services to low-income San Diegans.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to smoothly manage competing priorities and respond to the needs of a dynamic organization; effective problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with accuracy and minimal direction.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortability with speaking in groups and creating presentation decks or related materials for donor meetings and proposals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to successfully work as part of a team, and with funders, donors, vendors and consultants.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office programs, especially MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to maintain confidential office information, including donors, contributions, and all constituent information.
• Commitment to continued professional growth and development to maintain and upgrade relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Work Environment:

• This position is a full-time position requiring the ability to work in SDVLP’s downtown office 5 days per week.

Salary & Benefits:

• Salary range is $110,000-$120,000 DOE.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance –100% of the premium for employee medical insurance is paid in full by the employer – eligibility for health care coverage is the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment.
• 401K retirement plan with up to a 6% match after 6 months of employment.
• 15 days paid annual leave (increases to 20 days after 2 years), 10 days paid sick leave, 16 paid holidays etc.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• The opportunity to make a significant impact by building and shaping the development function for a respected organization.
• We are an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

SDVLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.