Responsibilities

• Serve as Legal Aid’s chief fundraising strategist, leading the organization’s comprehensive development efforts to ensure financial sustainability.
• Design and implement an innovative, diversified fundraising strategy that expands support from major donors, institutional funders, law firms, corporations, and foundations.
• Lead high-value donor stewardship, developing and maintaining relationships with top individual and institutional funders.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to engage key stakeholders in fundraising efforts.
• Plan, develop, and implement solicitation strategies for all Major and Planned Gifts for Legal Aid.
• Oversee the development and execution of the annual development plan including foundations, law firms, corporations, individuals, and partners, and ensure fundraising targets are met.
• Evaluate performance and effectiveness of fundraising plans.
• Leverage insights from donor database and other research for donor cultivation.
• Oversee the Development & Communications Team’s compliance with regulations and organizational policies. Ensure compliance with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethics and fundraising best practices.
• Develop, implement, and execute Legal Aid’s external communications strategy, ensuring consistent messaging and brand alignment across all platforms and with the organization’s goals and objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (JD, MBA, or related field) strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in development, public relations, strategic communications, and nonprofit fundraising.
• Proven success in securing major gifts, institutional funding, and government partnerships. Strong leadership experience managing teams (5+ years), including coaching and professional development.
• Experience with fundraising database software (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and CRM systems.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage media, donors, and policymakers.
• Knowledge of legal aid, nonprofits, and access to justice initiatives is a plus.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management for fundraising and communications.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and execute in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and Legal Aid’s mission of serving marginalized communities.