Development Officer

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, strengthen checks and balances, and, preserve constitutional protections in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

Position Overview 

We seek a results-driven, dynamic fundraising professional to join our New York City-based Development team to continue the successful expansion of our midlevel donor portfolio – a critical cohort of supporters for the Brennan Center. The Development Officer will join a high-performing, 15-member Development Department and serve as a key player in ensuring the Brennan Center meets its annual fundraising goal of approximately $35 million.

The Development Officer reports to and works closely with the Director, Direct Response and Donor Services to manage mid-level donors. The $4 million+ mid-level portfolio consists of more than 1,000 donors giving between $1,000 and $14,999 annually to the Brennan Center. Managing this portfolio requires a vibrant mix of individualized donor relations and savvy marketing: It is a new and growing funding stream with a track record for moving donors up the pipeline to major giving.   

Note: This is a hybrid position. Staff are currently working from home 2 days a week. This position is based in New York City. 

Key Responsibilities 

Primary role: Manage and secure gifts from the mid-level donor portfolio (1,000+ donors totaling $4M+). 

Participate as needed in stewarding and cultivating other donors in the full Direct Response portfolio (individual donors giving less than $15,000 – a mix of direct mail, recurring gifts, and planned giving)

Through analysis and use of Salesforce and other integrated tools, create and implement cultivation strategies to engage donor prospects

Collaborate/coordinate with the Major Donors team ($15,000+ donors) to identify prospects for increased support

Write compelling, succinct descriptions of programmatic milestones for varied written products and correspondence, including occasional grant proposals and reports

In collaboration with the Direct Response director, coordinate and participate in donor meetings and phone calls: effectively communicate the Center’s work and funding needs, fully prepare program leaders, and oversee donor research

Participate in and provide oversight of Direct Response planning and tracking of fundraising goals

Key Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree/training in nonprofit management, law/public policy, or marketing a plus 

At least 3-5 years of relevant experience, preferably in nonprofit development, marketing, or communications 

Demonstrable progression and advancement in career

Success in fundraising, donor relations, and/or building similar partnerships or sponsorships

Excellent writing and analytical skills, with talent at translating complex, detailed information into clear and compelling language to audiences of varying expertise

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with tight timelines and multiple deadlines, while also completing priority projects and long-term goals 

Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to respond productively to direction and feedback, and maturity to work with staff and leadership at all levels

Proactive and self-starting – able to work independently, with keen issue-spotting and problem-solving capabilities

Team player – a spirit of camaraderie, a generous collaborator, and a sense of humor 

Outstanding attention to detail and accuracy -- work product is thorough, complete, and polished

Proficient in using donor management tools, including Salesforce or similar software; and in using Excel, Word, and team communication apps

The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace.  We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true-self and feel a strong sense of belonging.  As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion.  In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.

Salary: The salary is highly competitive in the field and commensurate with experience.

To Apply: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a qualified candidate is identified. To apply, please visit this link https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/Development-Officer. Please upload the following application materials: resume, cover letter and contact information for three references. No phone calls or faxes. Please reference where you saw this posting in your cover letter.

If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with “Development Officer" in the subject line, after registering in the online system. An online application, however, is strongly preferred to ensure your application is reviewed.

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors.  As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including having a booster, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.