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:

The Brennan Center for Justice seeks an experienced professional to join our major donor relations team as a Development Manager. Competitive candidates will have demonstrated experience working within high-performing fundraising operations – managing complex projects, coordinating a robust outreach schedule, and leveraging data and industry best practices to raise funds from major individual donors and families.

Reporting to the Deputy Director, Major Donor Relations, the Manager will join a development department of 18 that is charged with raising upwards of $40 million annually. They will play a central role in the management of a growing major gifts portfolio, strengthening operational excellence and expanding front-line fundraising capacity. In addition to overseeing projects and workflow within the team, the Manager will also steward a portfolio of donors who give in the low five figure range.

Success in this role will require outstanding project management and organizational skills. Candidates must also have excellent written and oral communication, with the ability to confidently promote the Center’s work and to tailor products to meet donors’ specific needs. Lastly, the Manager will be an enthusiastic team player who manages up, down, and across to accomplish ambitious goals in a quickly changing environment.

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

Responsibilities:

Enhance the day-to-day effectiveness of the major donor team by managing internal workflows, overseeing donor research and meeting prep, and coordinating projects within and across Development teams and other departments.
Provide ongoing stewardship for a subset of major donors who give in the low five figure range. Ensure routine communication and strategic engagement that create deepened connections and networking opportunities that lead to renewed and increased annual funding.
Serve as the major donor team lead on the planning and production of fundraising and cultivation events of varying size and scope, including virtual briefings and in-person gatherings in New York, Washington, D.C., and cities across the country.
Oversee the major donor grant writing docket and assist with drafting and editing an array of compelling written products, such as donor updates, event invitations, talking points, pitch materials, and other correspondence.
Expand the use of data and analytics for major donor fundraising, working in coordination with the direct response/donor services and CRM teams.
Partner with Managing Director, Deputy Director, Senior Donor Relations Officer, and other Development leaders to advance ongoing work and projects.
Informally supervise, train, and advise Development Associates, interns, and other staff on high-quality donor research, database projects, and other work.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree
At least 5-7+ years of relevant work experience in nonprofit fundraising, public relations, or similar field. Demonstrated progression in prior roles is a significant plus. Candidates with more experience will be considered, but please note this is not a director-level position
Successful track record working with major individual donors highly desirable
Strategic thinker and strong editor with outstanding attending to detail and accuracy
Proficiency with managing complex projects involving multiple staff and teams, including senior leadership and external stakeholders
High-level fluency in the Center’s mission, strategies, and goals – with ability to explain and promote the work verbally and through excellent written product
High EQ and interpersonal skills needed to build and maintain positive relations with donors, philanthropic advisors, and others
Able to manage toward deadlines on multiple projects – both immediate and long-term – in a fast-paced environment
Generous team player who can productively give and receive direction and feedback
Independent worker who is proactive, self-starting, and able to issue spot and problem solve
Reliable discretion to strictly maintain privacy and confidentiality
Proficiency with office systems and databases, including but not limited to CRM proficiency (Salesforce preferred), Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel

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.  To apply, please visit

Applications without all the previously listed materials will not be considered. We prefer applications to be submitted through our website.

If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to:  Please no calls or faxes.

Compensation and Benefits: 

The salary range assigned for this position is $98,000-$110,000. 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 experience, education, and qualifications, along with 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, 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.

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Development Manager