Donor Relations Officer (Mid-Level Giving)

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving Constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think-tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.  

The Development team is responsible for raising revenues needed for the Brennan Center to operate and remain sustainable into the future. The Brennan Center entirely relies on donations; it receives no funding from NYU or the government.

The team has raised $50-60 million in the last several fiscal years. It is organized around three principal revenue sources: major donors (individuals and family foundations); small and midlevel donors, and institutional foundations. The team also organizes an annual fundraising gala. 

The Development team is highly collaborative, including with organizational leadership and program staff. It has recently grown to 18 staffers to keep pace with steep revenues growth and a diversifying donor base – we are supported by 40,000+ donors. 

Position Overview  
We seek a results-driven, dynamic, and experienced fundraising professional to join our Development team. The Donor Relations Officer will manage and raise funds from mid-level donors – a growing funding stream for the Center. The Officer will serve as a key player in ensuring the Brennan Center’s fundraising success.  

The $6 million+ mid-level program consists of more than 1,300 donors who give between $1,000 and $14,999 annually. We seek an ambitious candidate to help further grow this program in revenues and in pipeline movement. A successful candidate will be adept at a vibrant mix of fundraising skills: individualized donor relations, donor analytics, and marketing. Besides creating and executing strategies to retain mid-level gifts, the Officer also will create and manage plans that move mid-level donors to major giving – and small donors up to mid-level and major giving.  

The Donor Relations Officer will report to the Senior Director, Direct Response and Donor Services as part of the Direct Response team. The Officer also will regularly collaborate and work with the Major Donors team to optimize pipeline giving. 
 

Note: This position is based at our headquarters in New York City.  

Key Responsibilities  

• Manage and secure gifts from the mid-level donor portfolio (1,300+ donors with gifts currently totaling $6M+)  

• Ensure systems and processes that support accurate, effective management of midlevel donor data  

• Create and project manage systems for identifying pipeline donors among the mid-level and small donor pools  

• Create and execute cultivation strategies for mid-level donor prospects  

• Produce compelling, succinct written products – including occasional grant reports and proposals – and correspondence to donors 

• Coordinate and effectively participate in donor meetings and phone calls, prepare program leaders, and oversee donor research 

• Plan and track fundraising goals 

Key Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required  

• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in nonprofit or other fundraising 

• Demonstrated success managing a comparable fundraising portfolio  

• Proficiency in donor prospecting and stewardship using data analysis and research – including use of CRM systems (preferably Salesforce), wealth screening apps, and other donor management tools 

• Highly organized and detail-oriented to create and maintain systematized approaches to fundraising 

• Strong project management skills involving multiple stakeholders 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with talent at translating complex, detailed information into clear and compelling language to audiences of varying expertise 

• Ability to deliver results in a fast-paced environment, meet tight timelines and multiple deadlines, and complete both priority projects and long-term goals  

• Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to respond effectively to direction and feedback, and maturity to work with staff and leadership at all levels 

• Strong sense of teamwork, work ethic, and humility  

• Commitment to equity and inclusion, including across racial, gender, socio-economic, and other lines  

• Alignment with the Brennan Center’s mission and work  

• Proficient in using office software such as Excel, Word, and team communication apps 

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.  

If you're uncertain about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. Therefore, please consider submitting your application. In your cover letter, please share your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.  

Application Instructions  
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as the position will be filled once a qualified candidate is found.  

To apply, visit >>LINK HERE<<.  Please upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) contact information for three supervisor references. Applications without all the previously listed materials will not be considered. 

 
Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: [email protected] with “Donor Relations Officer” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.  

Compensation and Benefits:  
The Brennan Center is a fantastic workplace! We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that is regularly assessed based on workplace trends and employee feedback.  

The salary range assigned to this position is $110,000-$125,000. We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered to a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s qualifications and internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.   

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.   

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.  

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.