Director of Development

Job Title: Director of Development

Organization: Equal Justice America

Location: Remote (with hybrid option in Richmond, VA)

Job Type: Full-time, Exempt

Experience Level: Mid–Senior Level

Anticipated Start Date: Early 2026

Salary Range: $85,000–$100,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications

About Equal Justice America

Equal Justice America (EJA) funds law students and lawyers to work with legal aid and civil rights organizations across the country, expanding access to justice for people in need. Since 1993, EJA has supported over 6,500 Fellows who have served with 700+ partner organizations and more than 100 law schools. Our Fellows tackle issues including housing insecurity, domestic violence, immigration, veterans’ rights, youth justice, disability rights, and more.

The Opportunity

EJA is seeking a Director of Development to lead and expand its national fundraising program. This is a senior role for a strategic, mission-driven fundraiser eager to help shape the next chapter of a respected national nonprofit.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will design and implement strategies to grow individual and institutional giving, engage EJA’s Advisory Board and alumni network, and build sustainable support for signature initiatives such as the Veterans’ Rights Project.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies across individual, major, and institutional giving.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, alumni, law firms, foundations, corporate partners, and community allies.
• Reinvigorate and expand EJA’s Advisory Board—driving engagement, giving, and recruitment of new leaders.
• Build a sustainable donor base for the Veterans’ Rights Project.
• Manage the grants pipeline (LOIs, proposals, and reports).
• Produce compelling donor communications, newsletters, and impact reports.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director to align fundraising goals with organizational priorities and budgets.

First-Year Outcomes / What Success Looks Like

• Fundraising Plan: Develop and execute a clear, data-informed fundraising plan with goals across major gifts, alumni giving, grants, the Advisory Board, and the Veterans’ Rights Project.
• Donor Relationships: Build and deepen relationships with a diverse mix of donors, alumni, and institutional partners, maintaining a consistent rhythm of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Advisory Board Engagement: Reinvigorate the Advisory Board by re-engaging inactive members, strengthening participation, and recruiting new leaders.
• Veterans’ Rights Project: Lay the foundation for a sustainable initiative, transforming early interest from individual veteran supporters into an engaged donor community and identifying pathways for growth through partnerships with veterans’ organizations, law firms, and corporate allies.
• Alumni Engagement: Launch an alumni engagement effort that fosters connection and inspires giving among former EJA Fellows.
• Grants & Communications: Strengthen the grants calendar to ensure a consistent pipeline of LOIs, proposals, and timely reports, and produce donor-ready newsletters and campaign updates highlighting measurable impact.
• Growth & Reach: Demonstrate measurable progress in increasing annual giving and broadening EJA’s base of individual and institutional supporters.

Why Work with Us

At Equal Justice America, you’ll help shape the future of access to justice in America. This is a chance to lead development at a respected national nonprofit where ideas move quickly, results are tangible, and every dollar raised opens doors for law students and communities in need.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in development or advancement.
• Proven success securing major gifts and managing donor portfolios.
• Experience with alumni engagement or cause-based networks.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and strategic planning skills.
• Strong writing and storytelling ability.
• Commitment to EJA’s mission of expanding access to justice.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $85,000–$100,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Health and dental coverage; paid time off; flexible remote or hybrid work arrangements

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and three references to applications@equaljusticeamerica.org with the subject line: Director of Development Application – [Your Name]

Applications accepted through December 31, 2025.

Equal Justice America is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Health and dental coverage; paid time off; flexible remote or hybrid work arrangements