Director of Partnerships and Engagement

Job Title: Director of Partnerships and Engagement

Reports to: President & Executive Director

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $60,000-$70,000 annually

About Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice

Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing equal rights and systemic change for all Massachusetts residents, especially those from underserved and marginalized communities. For more than 30 years, Appleseed has championed opportunity and justice, helping children and families overcome poverty and crisis by opening doors to vital services, legal protections, and quality education. By harnessing the strength of the state’s legal community and mobilizing a powerful network of pro-bono attorneys, advocates, and expert staff, we drive bold, community-rooted solutions that deliver lasting, transformative change across the Commonwealth.

Position Summary

The Director of Partnerships and Engagement is a senior leadership role responsible for growing and stewarding strategic partnerships, supporting fundraising efforts, amplifying the organization’s voice through impactful communications, and supporting the development and dissemination of research and policy initiatives. This role is ideal for a dynamic, mission-driven leader with a proven track record in communications, policy, partnerships, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Partnerships & Communications (45%)

• • Develop and execute a strategic communications plan to increase public awareness and understanding of Appleseed’s mission and impact.
  • Oversee the creation and distribution of content across digital, print, and media platforms, including newsletters, press releases, reports, and social media.
  • Ensure messaging is consistent, inclusive, and aligned with the organization’s racial and social justice values.
  • Support grant strategy and execution, including proposal writing and reporting, in collaboration with program staff.
  • Manage donor and constituent databases and oversee engagement and stewardship processes and systems.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board on fundraising campaigns and events including Appleseed’s annual Good Apple Awards Reception.
  • Research and identify new funding opportunities. Support relationship building efforts with foundations, corporations, and individual donors aligned with Appleseed’s mission and programmatic goals.

Network Engagement and Policy Implementation (40%)

• • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with community members, organizations, legal advocates, public interest stakeholders, academic institutions, and policymakers to expand the organization’s reach and influence.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Legal Education and Policy on communications and engagement efforts for work with coalitions, working groups, legislative hearings, and public forums, to advance strategic initiatives.
  • Foster strategic partnerships and network engagement, including collaboration with advocacy groups, community members, and local organizations to integrate community-informed policy priorities into Appleseed’s communications and outreach efforts. Work alongside Appleseed’s Director of Legal Education and policy to inform the organization’s policy agenda by identifying emerging issues and aligning outreach strategies with Appleseed’s mission and core policy priorities.
  • Help identify opportunities for collaborative policy advocacy and research initiatives aligned with Appleseed’s focus areas.
  • Ensure community and partner voices are meaningfully integrated into research and advocacy efforts. Ensure that the lived experiences and needs of impacted communities are reflected in the organization’s research and policy strategies.

Leadership & Organizational Development (15%)

• • Contribute to strategic planning and organizational growth efforts.
  • Participate in board engagement and development committees and other duties/special projects as necessary.
  • Provide guidance to staff and interns involved in communications, policy, and development work.
  • Support the advancement of racial equity and equitable fundraising and funding practices by educating institutional and individual supporters and using asset-based framing.
  • Operates as a leader within the organization by identifying opportunities and risks, leading ad hoc projects, participating in goal setting processes, taking meetings, attending events, and supporting fellow staff.

Qualifications

• • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in nonprofit communications, network engagement, and public policy, preferably in social justice, legal advocacy, or public interest sectors.
  • Experience in research with a strong understanding of community outreach and policy development.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience tailoring messaging to diverse audiences.
  • Strong writer, meticulous about deadlines and details, with strong planning, project management, and follow through skills.
  • Strategic thinker with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
  • Proficiency in donor management and digital communication tools (e.g., Canva, WordPress, Constant Contact, QGiv). Applicants who do not have experience in this area will not be considered.
  • Commitment to racial equity, economic justice, and the mission of Massachusetts Appleseed.
  • This role may require occasional evening and weekend work.

Benefits Package

Health insurance with employer contribution, 401K with employer match, unlimited PTO, and 4-day work week in June, July, and August. This role is hybrid, combining in-office time at our Boston office with flexibility to work remotely

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a short writing sample (1 page maximum) all in one PDF document to [jobs@massappleseed.org] with the subject line “Director of Partnerships & Engagement Application – [Your Name].” Applications will be reviewed immediately on a rolling basis until the position is filled with an anticipated start date in late fall 2025.

Massachusetts Appleseed is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of underrepresented communities.