Chief Development Officer, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

EPIP; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil rights organization is seeking a Chief Development Officer to drive fundraising strategies and manage a team. This role offers the chance to cultivate support for racial justice initiatives while enhancing the organization’s funding infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a proven background in fundraising, strategic leadership, and a commitment to diversity and equity.

Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising within racial justice organizations.
• Proven track record of building effective teams and generating funding.
• A disciplined and innovative approach to organizational goals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all fundraising efforts and manage a $2M budget.
• Expand the organization's financial support base from various sources.
• Develop and implement creative fundraising strategies.

Skills

Fundraising

Strategic Thinking

Team Management

Clear Communication

Cross-functional Collaboration

Job description

Chief Development Officer, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Posted on May 21, 2025

Reporting to the President/Executive Director, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) is the primary development partner to the Lawyers’ Committee’s board of directors and is an integral member of the executive leadership team. The CDO oversees all fundraising efforts, leading strategy, managing a $2M budget and a team of seven, with the opportunity to grow the development team further. The CDO will maintain current sources of support; expand the organization’s base of financial support from foundations, individuals, law firms, businesses, and others; and develop and implement creative strategies to cultivate new forms of support. Finally, the CDO will identify and drive the most effective development and marketing techniques to achieve organizational goals, in collaboration with the President/CEO, the board of directors, the communications, program, and operations teams, and other valued partners.

The ideal candidate is passionate about and has experience working within organizations advancing racial justice for Black people and other people of color. They have experience working with the types and sources of funding common to the organization, including lawyers and law firms. They have a growth mindset and a demonstrated track record of success in building an effective professional team and raising funds at or above the organization’s current budget size. They are a disciplined and strategic yet innovative thinker who values and excels at clear communication (written and verbal), cross-functional collaboration, and cultivating and maintaining strong internal and external relationships. They will embrace accountability, depth of strategy, and a results-oriented approach that distinguishes activity from impact. They will also deeply understand development as both an art and a science and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned fundraising professional to grow the development infrastructure and capacity of one of the nation’s preeminent civil rights organizations.

The Lawyers’ Committee has retained the national executive search firm LeaderFit to lead this search. Interested candidates should submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume through the included link.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, parental status, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, immigration status, union activities, political affiliation, military veteran status, credit information or any other status protected under law.

Nadira Fant published this page in Job Board 3 days ago