Development Director

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Overview

The Circle for Justice Innovation (CJI) is looking for a full-time Development Director to spearhead the execution, and management of CJI's fundraising strategy. Reporting directly to the Associate Director, the Development Director will oversee the strategic development and implementation of CJI's key fundraising activities, including overseeing fundraising events, donor engagement and retention.

About Us

The Circle for Justice Innovations (CJI) brings together community organizers and donor activists to identify, fund, and nurture grassroots organizations that engage communities in transforming the U.S. criminal legal system.

Over the last 25 years, CJI has granted over $10 million dollars to more than 275 grassroots organizations across the U.S that are impacting a diverse set of criminal justice issues from shackling imprisoned women during childbirth to mandatory minimums, stop and frisk, private prisons, bail reform, juvenile justice, and immigrant detention. We are seeking justice promoting professionals, with previous fundraising and development experience, who can position CJI as a resource hub to support organizations aiming to address the end of mass incarceration in all its forms.

Take a moment to learn more about our work at our website www.cjifund.org

The Opportunity

CJI seeks the Director of Development for the following:

• Develop and implement the department’s fundraising strategy and processes aligned with the organization’s goals. This includes identifying major donor prospects, cultivating donor relationships, fund monitoring, and reporting.
• Cultivate and manage donor relationships with individual donors, activists, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Working with Finance, prepare monthly and quarterly reports to the Associate Director and the Board of Trustees on projected and actual income, and on progress toward meeting assigned revenue goals.
• Manage and supervise the development staff, contractors and interns.
• Act as primary contact for institutional funding proposals and fundraising campaigns.
• Collect and manage development data and records (written, visual, oral, etc.) to evaluate and develop reports on the organization’s impact and opportunities.
• Monitor grant awards to ensure reporting and other grant requirements are satisfied.

What We Are Looking For

• Strong commitment to working in social justice spaces affecting marginalized populations, including Black and Brown communities, women, young people, indigenous people, immigrants, LGBTQ+, incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people, low-income communities, and others most harmed by the U.S. criminal legal and immigration systems.
• 8-10 years of fundraising experience, with a proven track record of success, particularly in individual giving and major gifts.
• A strong writer with experience in grant research, writing, and reporting.
• Experience and/or familiarity with development software (Bloomerang, Givebutter, Network for Good, a plus).
• Familiarity with diversified funding sources for non-profits, such as institutional philanthropy, corporate giving, employee giving programs, etc. a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and coordinate fundraising campaigns.
• A donor organizer or those with experience developing and maintaining relationships with new and existing donors and institutional funders.
• Someone who values regular collaboration and the unique experiences of activists, grantees, donors, and funding partners that are pivotal to CJI’s work.
• Committed learner that remains informed and knowledgeable about philanthropy’s trends and fundraising.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage simultaneous and at times competing campaign priorities.
• A strong leader who’s committed to the growth and development of their team.
• Expertise can be derived from professional and/or lived experiences.
• Individuals who are underrepresented in philanthropy, especially formerly incarcerated and directly impacted people, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation

The salary for this position is $115,000 Benefits package* includes:

• Medical, dental, vision
• Employer contributed 401K
• Four weeks paid vacation
• Twelve sick days
• Four personal days
• Twelve paid holidays
• At the time of this posting, we are currently embarking on an exciting transition as our own 501c3 and may result in some adjustments to our benefits.

Work Schedule

This is a 40 hour a week position (Monday – Friday).

Travel (<20%) and some weekends and evenings may be required for in-person meetings and other

events/conferences.

Working Location and Travel Commitments

We are a donor-activist collective supporting work across the country. We are based in Brooklyn, NY

and offer flexible work arrangements, with the possibility of remote work and periodic in-person meetings.

How to Apply

Please send all resumes and a brief letter about who you are, motivation for applying, and your

unique experiences to info@cjifund.org

Application Deadline

November 21, 2025