Development Associate

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 American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, strengthen checks and balances, and preserve constitutional protection in the fight against terrorism. 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, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.                

Position overview:

We seek an energetic, motivated, and organized individual to serve in a vital position to advance the Brennan Center’s mission. The Development Associate will join a high-performing, fast-moving Development department of 16 charged with raising $35+ million annually from a diverse base of donors.

The Development Associate will provide essential support across the Development team to ensure efficient and productive functioning. In this highly collaborative role, the Associate will conduct donor and prospect research; edit donor correspondence and other written materials; assist with event logistics; and perform other supportive, coordinating duties that contribute to the success of the entire department.

The Associate will partner closely with the team’s Development Associate and Senior Development Associate to cover responsibilities, and will report directly to the Director, Direct Response and Donor Services. Although many duties will encompass support for the full team, including working with the Center's President and other leaders and staff across the organization, the Associate will provide regular assistance to the Direct Response and Institutional Relations fundraising teams.

Note: Brennan Center employees adhere to a hybrid schedule that is subject to change, with most employees currently working in the office a minimum of three days per week. This position is based at our headquarters in New York City and may require occasional travel.

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Support coordination of regular working meetings with the Center’s leadership as needed, including managing correspondence and proofreading final products
• Conduct donor and prospect research, including helping to implement a systematic individual donor research program for the department
• Coordinate the management of the Development department’s schedule of regular internal meetings, including working with staff across the organization
• Use Salesforce to manage logistics for large outreach campaigns, create and update contact lists, and ensure integrity of donor and prospect information
• Advance the planning and production of donor events and program briefings
• Collaborate with program staff to bolster and inform the Development department’s written materials and donor outreach
• Support Direct Response team in ensuring gift entry and donor materials are up-to-date and distributed in a timely manner; assist with editing of donor outreach and communications     
• Support Institutional Relations team with research, providing foundation updates, and coordinating special projects
• Other departmental support, which may include the following:
  • Prepare mailings to donors and prospects
  • Track incoming gift coding and acknowledgement system for subset of team
  • Manage Development leadership calendars and the departmental team calendar

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 1-2 years of work experience, preferably at a mission-driven organization – fundraising experience is a plus
• Highly organized with outstanding attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency with office systems and databases, including but not limited to:
  • CRM proficiency (Salesforce preferred)
  • Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Ability to multi-task, track “next steps,” and thrive in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment
• Maturity to work effectively with staff and leadership at all levels
• Sound judgment and discretion to maintain privacy and confidentiality
• Generous team player who responds productively to direction and feedback and seeks opportunities for growth and learning
• Proactive and self-starting – able to work independently, problem solve, and issue spot
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to the Brennan Center’s mission, and commitment to our organizational core values

The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true self and feel a strong sense of belonging. As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.

Applications: Applicants will be interviewed on a rolling basis, and decisions will be made as soon as appropriate candidates are identified.  We hope to expeditiously move through the recruitment process; therefore, we strongly encourage interested applicants to apply early. To apply, please visit https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/dPuflK7NXg/Development-Associate and upload the following application materials: (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) contact information for three references. Applications without all of the previously listed materials will not be considered. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: [email protected] with “Development Associate” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range assigned for this position is $59,000-$62,000. We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s qualifications and internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as 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, including having a booster, 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. To this end, Brennan Center

• Welcomes applicants with disabilities and applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities, sexual orientations, and national origin or citizenship, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
• Hires diverse candidates and works to improve our recruitment practices to allow for such
• Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
• Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and
• Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.