ACLU of Southern California
JOB DESCRIPTION

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The ACLU of Southern California was founded in 1923, three years after the national ACLU office was established in New York. Since its inception, the ACLU of Southern California has been fighting to preserve and expand the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. For the past 85 years, it has served Californians as an organization that inspires and reinforces the rights of all Americans.

The Development Officer has overall responsibility for writing and managing all aspects of grants from local recognized foundations as well as family foundations, supporting the writing needs of the Development Department and working with our young professionals group to grow support from a new base of donors.

REPORTS TO: Director of Development

CLASSIFICATION: Fulltime, exempt

GENERAL INFORMATION:

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research, write, submit and manage foundation grants, reports and budgets to both large local foundations and family foundations.
• Steward and cultivate foundation prospects and donors, including family foundations as assigned.
• Liason between the ACLU of Southern California and the Foundation Relations department at the National ACLU.
• Collaborate with Legal, Field, Communications and Finance departments to develop grants and budgets.
• Must develop a strong understanding of all facets of ACLU program and track program developments to seek funding as new opportunities arise.
• Manage the foundation grants in a fiscally sound manner by ensuring that annual goals are met and anticipating funding needs as grant cycles end.
• Fulfill writing needs of development department such as one-pagers, talking points and other materials for a donor audience, language for event invitations and other needs as assigned.
• Write donor appeal letters and donor ‘thank you’ correspondence as assigned.
• Manage “recapture” mailings for lapsed members approximately 2x per month.
• Provide content to keep website updated with general development department and annual fund information; including progress against goals, event highlights and other pro-active innovations to keep the website current with regard to fundraising at the ACLU of Southern California.
• Manage the Foundation Advisory Board, our young professionals group, in conjunction with the Director of Development including:

  o plan and oversee monthly meetings
  o develop leadership of the FAB
  o develop strategic plan and goals
  o recruit and train FAB Committee members
  o develop new outreach events to engage younger membership and donors for ACLU-SC

• Must be able to work evenings and nights frequently.
• Occasional day trips throughout Southern California to expand donor base.
• Work as a team with all development staff and accept duties as assigned.
• Other job functions as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least three years of proven experience managing and writing grants within a sophisticated institution or organization, with a reputation for quality and excellence.
• A track record of meeting or exceeding goals.
• Must be able to work effectively with and quickly gain the respect and support of various constituencies, including board members, national and affiliate staff members, consultants, potential donors and other leaders.
• Demonstrated record of being an effective and persuasive communicator through written grants, department and prospect presentations, correspondence, acknowledgements and development collaterals.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with staff and supervise volunteers, including providing inspiration for increased involvement and productivity, demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills.
• Highly entrepreneurial, resourceful and flexible.
• Understands the highly confidential nature of fundraising and can keep confidences.
• Good judgment and conflict-resolution skills.
• A strategist and team builder who is adept at planning, prioritizing, multi-tasking,
  organizing and following through, while remaining highly energetic and focused.
• A commitment to diversity; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion.
• Commitment to the mission and programs of ACLU, with a broad appreciation for and a sensitivity to the culture and traditions of the organization.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Event operations experience
• A successful track record of personally identifying, cultivating and soliciting individual foundations and annual fund donors.
• A track record of database experience and knowledge that supports development operational systems, such as that needed to monitor progress against goals, provide for a variety of individualized and departmental reports, and staff performance; knowledge of Raiser’s Edge a plus.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

REVIEWS: Six month evaluation and performance reviews scheduled annually.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Applicants should respond with their salary requirements. The ACLUF/SC offers an exceptional benefits package which includes health, pension, vacation and holidays.

APPLICATION: Submit cover letter, resume and writing sample of a successful grant (redacted to maintain privacy of organization) to:

Jenni Luke
Director of Development
ACLU of Southern California
1313 W. 8^th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
jluke@aclu-sc.org

NO FAXES OR TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE!

The ACLU/ACLU Foundation of Southern California is an affirmative action employer. Women, people of color, lesbians and gay men, people with disabilities and other minorities are encouraged to apply.