Development and Communications Director

January 31st, 2022
Development and Communications Director

Development and Communications Director

  • Full Time
  • Senior Level
  • Applications have closed
Job Category: Communications, Development
Location: Manhattan
Job Sectors: Legal
Salary Range:

Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) seeks a visionary, creative and experienced Development and Communications Director. Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Development and Communications Director will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Legal Director and Project Directors to lead all aspects of development and communications for the organization. The Development and Communications Director will serve on the VOLS Leadership Team.

 

Organizational Overview: Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) 

For over 35 years, Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) has provided free, civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers including seniors, veterans, unemployed workers, immigrant youth, children and their families, mothers in prison or jail, and small business owners. VOLS works with volunteer lawyers from over 70 law firms/ companies to multiply impact, and we partner with 150+ community groups to ensure that our services are accessible and address local needs. With a $3.2+ million annual budget, VOLS is supported by foundations, law firms, corporations, individuals, and government contracts.

  

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Leadership and Management

·         Serve as a member of the VOLS Leadership Team, providing thought partnership in the development and execution of organizational priorities

·         Collaborate with leadership team members to develop fundraising strategies to support organizational activities

·         In collaboration with the Executive Director, engage the Board of Directors as active participants in development efforts

·         Manage the Board Development Committee

·         Create budgets, establish forecasts, and prepare evaluations of fundraising activities for the Executive Director and Board of Directors

·         Develop, coach, and supervise development and communications team

Fundraising/Development

·         Create and execute fundraising strategy that advances organizational goals and priorities and ensures financial sustainability

·         Plan and execute fundraising events, including annual gala

·         Identify government and private foundation grant opportunities, write, and edit grant proposals and reports

·         Develop and manage corporate and individual giving initiatives

·         Manage government contracts

·         Collaborate with Executive Director on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts

·         Set clear benchmarks, regularly reflect on progress through data analysis, and adjust tactics as necessary to meet revenue goals

·         Create and maintain policies and procedures for development operations to ensure that scheduling, logistics, and execution of development activities are performed in a timely manner and are appropriately tracked.

Communications

·         Develop and implement a communications plan to promote the organization with external audiences

·         Oversee branding, marketing and digital engagement efforts to engage new and existing audiences

·         Lead efforts to ensure the organization “speaks with one voice” in all communications

 

Qualifications: 

·         Demonstrated track record leading an organization’s fundraising strategy, including meeting fundraising goals and generating new funding sources. Demonstrated success in fundraising from multiple donor channels

·         Experience in planning, leading, and managing development projects, including coordinating with direct reports, colleagues, and leadership to achieve desired outcomes

·         Knowledge of New York City philanthropic landscape

·         Exceptionally strong oral and written communications skills

·         Experience supervising high-performing teams

·         Strong time management skills, ability to multitask and meet deadlines

·         Ability to work at both a strategic level and perform the day-to-day tasks associated with the implementation of a development plan at a small organization

·         Organized, detail-oriented, resourceful and reliable

·         Familiarity with law firms and legal services organizations a plus

·         Ability to work flexible hours, with some evenings required for board meetings, fundraising events and other functions

·         Passion for storytelling and narrative building

·         Proficiency with fundraising databases

·         Commitment to social justice  

·         BA (required), MA (a plus)

 

Compensation and Benefits:  The annual salary range for this position is $115,000 to $125,000, commensurate with experience. VOLS offers an excellent benefits package, including health, life and disability insurance, a retirement plan to which VOLS contributes and the option to contribute to a 403(b) plan.  We provide 25 days of paid vacation, 12 days of paid sick leave, and 3 personal days annually.   

 

How to Apply: 

Please email a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to [email protected] with the subject line “Development and Communications Director.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. No phone or email inquiries, please.

 

 

VOLS is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, creed, age, disability, sexual orientation, biological sex, gender identity/expression, family status, military service or any other basis prohibited by law. We strive to build and maintain a diverse staff, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds/identities to apply for this position. 

Volunteers of Legal Service

  • 40 Worth street, Suite 820
  • New York, New York 10013
  • United States
  • Phone: