The ACLU-DC is a non-partisan, non-profit public interest organization devoted to protecting civil rights and civil liberties of those who live and work in the District of Columbia. Our 20 staff members work daily to achieve this mission through advocacy before the D.C. Council, litigation, public education, and organizing in all eight wards of D.C. ACLU-DC is an affiliate of the national ACLU, the leading defender of civil liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The ACLU works in communities, in the legislature, and in the courts to defend and expand individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.  

The ACLU of the District of Columbia’s Development Officer expands the affiliate’s fundraising capacity through direct engagement with donors. They will maintain a portfolio of donors and prospects and engage in direct cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The Development Officer also manages planning and execution events including small cultivation events and an annual Bill of Rights Celebration.   

Major Responsibilities/Activities 

Direct Donor Engagement 

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a partial portfolio of donors between $1,000 and $10,000. 

• Engage donors through one-on-one in-person meetings, events, phone, and personalized communications.  

• Solicit planned gifts as part of comprehensive donor strategy. 

• Coordinate with Director of Philanthropy and National ACLU colleagues on solicitation strategies. 

• Utilize database to identify potential prospects and analyze fundraising progress. 

Events  

• Oversee planning and execution of 2-3 stewardship and cultivation events per year and one annual event. Events will be a mix of virtual and in-person. 

• Engage in superior customer service to current and potential donors, supporters and members.  

Research/Database 

• Provide research as needed. 

• Pull lists for targeted mail, invitations, and other initiatives as requested. 

• Send acknowledgement letters in collaboration with gift processing staff. 

Other tasks in support of the Development Department may be assigned.  

Minimum Requirements  

• A personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance, and is able to work with diverse individuals within the organization and broader community.  

• Understanding of and passion for the ACLU mission.  

• Comfort with direct engagement of donors, including solicitation. 

• Impeccable organization skills and attention to detail.  

• Excellent computer and internet skills including MS Office.  

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.  

• Ability to work occasional weekends, evenings, and overtime, as needed for development events and duties.  

Essential Skills and Abilities  

• Experience with fund and membership development programs.  

• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines on concurrent projects in a fast-paced, occasionally stressful environment.  

• Ability to adhere to deadlines, problem solve, and work creatively and independently.  

• Ability to deal with a diverse group of people in a variety of settings.  

Desirable Attributes and Experience  

• Experience or educational background in database management.  

• Experience with event or project management.  

• Experience with Salesforce.  

• Familiarity with Community Centric Fundraising principles. 

• Keen eye for design, layout and presentation.  

• Knowledge of DC’s social justice issues. 

Compensation and Benefits:  

The salary range for this position is $62,000 - $88,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits include paid time off, generous paid holidays, medical and dental insurance, 401K plan, life insurance, and income replacement during illness through a combination of annual sick leave, short-term and long-term disability insurance. 

TO APPLY :

Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, and will remain open until filled. Applications must be submitted via the Smartrecruiter application page linked on our website at acludc.org. If you have a disability/ies and need accommodation regarding any part of the application process, please contact us at operations (at) acludc.org. To complete the application, you will need to upload:

• Cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position as detailed in the job description  

• Current resume  

• A brief writing sample of no more than 2-3 pages  

• Names and contact information for three professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notification).  

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis; applying sooner is encouraged.

The ACLU-DC is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU-DC encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected by the D.C. Human Rights Act or federal employment law.