Development Director - Nonprofit Serving Nonprofits
About Us
Founded in 1969, Lawyers Alliance for New York is a leader in the field of business law and transactional pro bono. It provides legal assistance to nonprofit organizations and social enterprises that improve the lives of low-income and disadvantaged New Yorkers. With a talented staff of 24, annual budget of $3.8 million, and 2,000 legal volunteers, Lawyers Alliance serves more than 1,000 organizations each year. This legal assistance translates to stronger nonprofit programs, finances, and operations.
Looking forward, Lawyers Alliance plans to provide more and better services to nonprofits working in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color throughout New York City and continue to have a positive impact on pandemic recovery and economic renewal. In the coming years, it also seeks to expand its nonprofit advocacy and national pro bono leadership roles.
Development Director Position
Lawyers Alliance seeks a Development Director to support and advance its plans. The Development Director is responsible for the management, growth, and diversification of a multi-faceted and effective development program. In addition to being a strategic, creative and methodical thinker and fundraiser, the Development Director must be an adaptive and engaged project manager. The Development Director will report to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Board and management staff to prepare and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan to achieve budgeted goals for contributed revenues from foundations, law firms, individuals, corporations, and special events.
- Lead the expansion of private foundation funding by securing contributions from new private foundation funders and increased grants from existing funders.
- Research and prepare clear and persuasive letters of inquiry, grant proposals, donor appeals, and reports to foundations, including those that emphasize Lawyers Alliance’s work with nonprofits focused on economic opportunity, housing and human services, quality education, urban health, and community arts.
- Develop and execute the Business Law & Leadership Gala, an annual celebration that raises the organization’s visibility and generally nets more than five hundred thousand dollars each year.
- Plan and direct a successful annual law firm appeal, chaired by a law firm managing partner, to raise more than nine hundred thousand dollars in annual support.
- Guide and engage current and prior Board members in meaningful development opportunities and cultivate individual donor relationships.
- Create and oversee timely individual appeals, conduct strategic outreach to banks and corporations, and pursue relevant government funding opportunities.
- Supervise the work of mid-level and junior development staff (1 to 1.5 positions) and support their professional growth.
- Assist in in preparation of the annual operating budget, financial and cash flow reports, and other development, finance, program, marketing, and management activities, as needed.
- Work collaboratively across the organization and with multiple external audiences.
Experience and Attributes
- At least seven to fifteen years of fundraising experience with increasing responsibility; Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, additional relevant education is welcome.
- Substantial experience with all aspects of private foundation fundraising.
- Demonstrated experience organizing and executing complex or multiple time-sensitive fundraising projects and events involving many participants and deadlines.
- Clear and compelling writer and speaker; strategic, creative, thoughtful, and methodical fundraiser; and constructive collaborator.
- Desire and flexibility to take on new and varied challenges, with an eye for both near-term and long-range goals.
- Technologically savvy and able to make the most of relational databases and multiple communication tools to reach donors.
- Familiarity with the legal sector and/or fundraising for a nonprofit organization providing technical assistance to other organizations is a plus.
- This position is largely in person, as part of a hybrid work environment, with flexibility for certain work to be done remotely. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required.
Compensation
If you want to join knowledgeable and passionate colleagues who enjoy making a difference, consider applying now. This position offers competitive compensation and strong benefits. Anticipated annual salary range is $115,000 to $130,000. Salary will be set commensurate with experience and responsibilities.
Next Steps
Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and salary expectations to DDsearch@lawyersalliance.org as soon as possible. The cover letter should articulate why candidate is interested in being part of Lawyers Alliance at this time.
This position is being announced in late April 2023 and will begin once filled.
If you want to join knowledgeable and passionate colleagues who enjoy making a difference, consider applying now. Lawyers Alliance for New York is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Executive and Development Assistant
About Us
Founded in 1969, Lawyers Alliance for New York (www.lawyersalliance.org) is the leading provider of pro bono legal services for nonprofit organizations and social enterprises that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods. With a talented staff of 24, annual budget of $3.8 million, and 2,000 legal volunteers, Lawyers Alliance assists more than 1,000 organizations each year. These services help organizations to improve their programs, operations, and finances.
Position
Lawyers Alliance seeks a highly organized and motivated Executive and Development Assistant to support the Executive Director with planning and executing program, management, and fundraising activities. This staff member also will be part of the Development team.
This is an exciting opportunity for an interested nonprofit professional to use and enhance their organizational, analytical, digital, and communication skills. The Executive and Development Assistant will play an integral role in Lawyers Alliance’s efforts to raise funds and improve the impact of its services.
Primary Responsibilities
Executive Support
- Provide direct and varied operational assistance to the Executive Director, helping to advance the organization’s goals and interactions with nonprofits, volunteers, donors, staff, and alumni.
- Serve as administrative liaison to the Board of Directors. Update and maintain Board-related materials and assist with Board-related communications.
- Collect and analyze information. Prepare, modify, proofread, and maintain spreadsheets, summaries, presentations, notes, surveys, correspondence, and other documents.
- Coordinate calls, meetings, and responses to inquiries.
Fund Development and Special Events
- Participate actively in individual appeal by researching and updating donor information, distributing compelling materials, tracking results, and suggesting improvements.
- Help plan and execute annual Gala and other special events, in conjunction with other development and marketing staff.
- Assist with research, drafting, and preparation of exhibits for reports and proposals to foundations and other institutional donors.
- Draft, organize, and maintain donor communications, including letters, invoices, and gift acknowledgements.
General Support
- Conduct telephone calls, data entry, database and email management, and other work aimed at developing and enhancing external relationships.
- Support special program initiatives and strategic planning as requested by Executive Director.
- Provide periodic backup reception area coverage to greet and assist visitors and vendors.
- Assist with additional tasks as needed.
Experience and Attributes
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, plus two to four years of factual research, development, marketing, administrative, or other relevant work experience, with increasing responsibility.
- Excellent organizational, written, and oral communications skills.
- Strong database experience; proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and ability to learn new technology quickly.
- Interest in and enthusiasm for New York’s nonprofit sector.
- Ability to work independently and as a supportive team member. Effective at multitasking.
- The ideal candidate works well with varying people and constituencies, shows high attention to data and detail, and is a proactive thinker and a resourceful and personable colleague.
- This position involves certain in person activities; proof of COVID-19 vaccination required.
Compensation
Anticipated annual salary range is $57,000 to $60,000, depending on experience.
Next Steps
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to EAsearch@lawyersalliance.org as soon as possible. Please include a brief explanation of why you are interested in this position at this time.
If you want to join knowledgeable and passionate colleagues who enjoy making a difference, consider applying now. This position is being announced in May 2023 and can begin as soon as possible.
Lawyers Alliance for New York is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Lawyers Alliance for New York Internship Opportunities
Lawyers Alliance for New York's Board, staff, and volunteer attorneys are an unparalleled team of professionals who, together with our donors, are dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in low-income communities throughout New York City. By specializing in business and transactional legal services for nonprofits, Lawyers Alliance enhances our clients' performance, which translates into expanded and improved programs for the families, children, and adults who need them most. We periodically are looking for student interns to join us, as volunteers or as part of a school-funded arrangement.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate for any internship position will be a motivated, detail-oriented team player who takes initiatives. We welcome candidates who are flexible and have a positive attitude. Applicants must be able to come to the office in-person.
Lawyers Alliance for New York is committed to providing a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
School Year Undergraduate Internships
Lawyers Alliance seeks a motivated college junior or senior for a volunteer unpaid internship. The intern will be expected to work for at least 8 hours per week for at least ten weeks and will:
- Conduct online factual research related to the nonprofit sector and pro bono trends and assist Lawyers Alliance staff in gathering and analyzing research;
- Participate in Lawyers Alliance's client intake process;
- Assist in planning special events, such as pro bono clinics and volunteer awards.
- Collaborate with and observe staff members at various levels to learn more about the nonprofit and legal sectors; and
- Complete other projects as requested.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to InternSearch@lawyersalliance.org
School Year Legal Internships
Lawyers Alliance for New York offers unpaid internships for law students during the school year on the basis of student interest, staff attorney availability, and client need. Law student interns work with staff attorneys to provide legal assistance and information to nonprofits related to corporate, real estate, employment, intellectual property, tax, and other legal topics. Examples of prior assignments include assisting with client intake for a charter school with corporate law questions, assisting with a real estate construction loan closing for a supportive housing organization, and updating materials to be used in an employment law workshop for nonprofit managers.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Legal_Intern_Search@lawyersalliance.org with the subject line, “Application for [Fall/Spring] Internship.” To be considered for a Fall internship, materials must be submitted between July 1 and August 1. For Spring internships, materials must be submitted between October 1 and November 1.
Summer Legal Internships
Lawyers Alliance seeks four 1L or 2L law students for a 10-week unpaid or school-funded summer internship position each year. Summer interns will:
- Work with staff attorneys to provide legal assistance and information to nonprofits related to corporate, real estate, employment, intellectual property, tax, and other legal topics;Conduct online factual research relevant to New York nonprofits;
- Participate in Lawyers Alliance's client intake process;
- Follow up by telephone and email with clients and volunteer attorneys to obtain status information regarding all active legal matters;
- Draft and update various memos, legal alerts and other written materials; and
- Complete other projects as requested.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Legal_Intern_Search@lawyersalliance.org with the subject line “Application for Summer Internship”. To be considered for a summer internship, materials must be submitted between January 1 and February 1.
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