Development & Donor Relations Lead

Essie Justice Group; South Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) (optional)

Generous vacation package

Wellness stipend

Job summary

Essie Justice Group in California is seeking an Associate Director of Development to lead donor program design, stewardship, and major gifts. The role focuses on building relationships with donors and partners to fund decarceration and Black feminist movement work.

Based in Oakland or Los Angeles, the position offers a salary range of $110,000–$120,000 with full medical, dental, vision benefits, optional 401(k), substantial vacation, and a monthly wellness stipend.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of development fundraising and donor relationship work.
• Experience leading a staff team and directing strategy.
• Proven ability to form strategic partnerships for mission impact.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication.
• Strong organizational skills and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage donor programs, strategies, and cultivation plans.
• Oversee donor stewardship touchpoints and communications.
• Prepare materials for donor meetings and reports.
• Lead fundraising appeals and grant-related submissions.
• Supervise staff and coordinate with organizational leadership.

Skills

Donor relations

Team leadership

Strategic fundraising

Grant writing

Communication

Project management

Donor stewardship

Tools

Salesforce

Google Workspace

MS Office

Mac OS

Job description

Essie Justice Group in California is seeking an Associate Director of Development to lead donor program design, stewardship, and major gifts. The role focuses on building relationships with donors and partners to fund decarceration and Black feminist movement work.

Based in Oakland or Los Angeles, the position offers a salary range of $110,000–$120,000 with full medical, dental, vision benefits, optional 401(k), substantial vacation, and a monthly wellness stipend.