Development Coordinator

Status: Full-time,exempt position

Reports to: Director of Development

Location: Newark, NJ (hybrid position, with 2 days per week in the VLJ office in Newark, NJ)

Regular work hours: 9-5 Monday-Thursday (VLJ operates a 4-day work week; closed on Fridays)

Compensation: $58,000-65,000 commensurate with experience; generous benefits

Start date: October 14 (can be flexible)

About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice

Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is a statewide civil legal services organization with the mission of ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty. VLJ fulfills its mission by mobilizing volunteers to work alongside staff to address critical legal needs across New Jersey.

VLJ has been a pro bono leader in New Jersey for 24 years. VLJ operates 9 distinct legal programs, employs 24 staff members, has an annual budget of $2.7 million, and has a panel of more than 1,600 volunteers. Common legal issues handled include eviction defense, debt relief, criminal record expungement, family law, legal name changes, education law, driver’s license restoration, immigration law, and estate planning. VLJ also provides holistic legal services to veterans, families in Newark’s South Ward, and survivors of human trafficking. More information about VLJ can be found at: www.vljnj.org.

VLJ’s power is in its people, with a mission-driven team that upholds the highest standards of professionalism. We expect staff to be thought leaders in their field and innovative program managers with an eye towards effectiveness and efficiency. We are a client-focused organization that prioritizes seamless services to the people we serve. We are committed to fostering open, honest, and inclusive dialogue and attribute transparent communication as a key to our organizational success.

Job Summary

The development coordinator will be an integral member of VLJ’s fundraising team and will also work with the leadership team to forward VLJ’s communications strategies, support VLJ’s Board of Trustees, and advance VLJ’s mission of volunteerism. This is an exciting time to join VLJ’s development team as the organization continues to increase its fundraising activities.

Duties include:

• Working in partnership with VLJ’s Director of Development on VLJ’s fundraising efforts (processing donations, coordinating donor mailings, managing donor database, supporting fundraising campaigns, and assisting VLJ’s fundraising committees)
• Taking the lead on VLJ fundraising event planning and logistics, including serving as the primary lead on at least two annual events
• Managing VLJ’s grant calendar (applications and reports), working with VLJ’s Executive Director to coordinate 20+ grants, and conducting grant prospecting for new funding opportunities
• Partnering with the Director of Communications to increase VLJ’s visibility (administering VLJ social media accounts, reviewing analytics, updating content on VLJ’s website, and drafting content for social media posts, internal newsletter and more)
• Supporting VLJ’s Executive Director with tasks relating to VLJ’s Board of Directors (administrative onboarding, scheduling meetings, organizing reports, and tracking data)
  • Performing administrative tasks vital to the smooth operation of the organization, including providing back-up assistance to other members of the support staff team when needed
  • Staffing occasional events for the organization, including fundraising events, trainings, and outreach events

Minimum Requirements

• Strong commitment and demonstrated passion for the mission and goals of VLJ
• A bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of development experience OR 5 years of development experience is required
• Sensitivity to the needs and problems of people experiencing poverty
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative team model
• High level of independence, productivity, initiative, creativity, and good judgment
• Adherence to a high level of professionalism
• Candidates should be detail-oriented and have the ability to work both as part of a team and independently
• Ability to adapt to the changing needs of the organization
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously
• Proficiency in applicable computer applications including, but not limited to, Microsoft and Google suites, Adobe Acrobat, social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook), Constant Contact, Canva, and fundraising databases is required
• Flexibility to attend occasional early morning or evening meetings/activities
• Ability to travel occasionally to off-site meetings, community events, and fundraising events

• Health and wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, supplemental insurance (at employee cost), and employee assistance program to promote employee health. A recent example of VLJ’s emphasis on employee health and wellness is our current 4-day work week. Under VLJ’s model, staff are paid 100% of their salary, work 80% of a 40-hour week (32 hours), and meet 100% of their job responsibilities, providing staff with more time to live their lives while having a greater focus on productivity while working.
• Financial security: Competitive salary and retirement savings plan to ensure your financial well-being.
• Work-life balance: Generous paid holidays (including Christmas Eve-January 1), PTO, and sick leave. VLJ also offers a hybrid work environment with all employees working 2 days per week in the Newark office, providing great flexibility to our team.
• Professional development: Opportunities for continuing learning and career advancement through professional development programs and access to conferences, workshops, and professional associations.
• Supportive environment: VLJ provides a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values transparency, autonomy, and ownership, ensuring an environment where you can thrive.