DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression of Charlottesville, Virginia is seeking an individual with a demonstrated record of success in fundraising to design, build, and direct the Center's development program. Although Center staff has always expended significant time on fundraising, this position represents the Center's first full-time development position. As such, the position presents an exciting opportunity for an experienced development professional to build a signature fundraising program. The Center's sole mission is the protection of the First Amendment freedoms of speech and press. Although candidates need not possess a detailed knowledge of First Amendment law, a person with a strong belief in the value of free speech will find this position especially rewarding.

Qualifications:

* Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of five years' experience in a development position of increasing responsibilities * Strong written and oral communication skills * Successful grant writing experience * Proficient online research skills * Able to work independently and with a team * Strong interpersonal and organizational skills * Experience with social media fundraising is desirable * An interest in First Amendment rights and free expression advocacy

Responsibilities:

* Report directly to the Center director in designing a multi-year fundraising plan, including an action timetable * Research and identify potential corporate and philanthropic sponsors, draft grant proposals to those identified * Research, identify, and cultivate individual donors * Stewardship of past donors * Occasional travel to meet with potential donors * Plan and supervise special fundraising events * Devise effective messages for print, web, and video that will raise public awareness of the Center's efforts

Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Thomas Jefferson Center enjoys close ties to the University of Virginia but is an autonomous, not-for-profit entity. Its independence is assured by a Board of Trustees whose members reflect a broad spectrum of views, yet share a commitment to protecting the right of others to express views different from their own. Recognizing that threats to free expression come from all parts of the political spectrum, the Center maintains a nonpartisan stance in all that it does. Since its founding in 1990, the Center has sought to fulfill its mission through a variety of programs designed to foster greater awareness of, and appreciation for, the role of free speech in a democratic society. The Center has organized dozens of conferences, programs, and presentations on timely First Amendment issues, including one that reunited formal legal adversaries Jerry Falwell and Larry Flynt. The Center also defends the right of free speech in state and federal courts across the country, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Each year on or near April 13 (the anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson) the Center focuses national attention on especially egregious or ridiculous affronts to free expression by awarding "Jefferson Muzzles" to the responsible individuals or organizations.

Apply to: fundraiser@tjcenter.org

Read this article:

Director of Development, Free Speech Nonprofit