On-Ramps
Chief Development Officer at Vera Institute of Justice
On-Ramps, New York, New York, us, 10261
Chief Development Officer at Vera Institute of Justice
The Vera Institute of Justice is an independent nonprofit national research and policy organization in the United States, and a leader in criminal justice reform. Vera is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and policy experts working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they are fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money does not determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. For more information, visit vera.org. With a staff of just over 200 people, Vera has headquarters in Brooklyn, New York and offices in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace. We embody values of racial equity, collaboration, respect, commitment, and independence—and we encourage people who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system to apply. About The Role What You'll Do As a member of Vera's Leadership Team, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will serve as the chief architect of the organization's fundraising strategy and culture at a pivotal moment in its history. Vera's revenue model is evolving in response to shifts in its funding strategy, and the CDO will set an ambitious multi-year vision to expand resources, diversify revenue, and accelerate impact across the justice system. The CDO and their team will be charged with growing a current program of $25M annually, with a sharpened focus on principal and major gifts. This leader will identify, cultivate, and steward new funders whose interests intersect with Vera's core justice work (e.g. champions of democracy and civic engagement, immigration justice, and economic prosperity and mobility). They will connect Vera's mission to the values and aspirations of new and existing partners, broadening the circle of those invested in systemic change. Inspiring and guiding a talented development team, the CDO will help embed a culture of philanthropy across the organization and partner closely with the Board to unlock bold new opportunities. They will also work as a trusted advisor to the President & Director, aligning fundraising strategy with Vera's programming and national leadership on urgent issues of justice and equity. For an accomplished development leader with a deep commitment to equity and systemic change, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the nation's most influential justice organizations at a dynamic and consequential time. Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To Fundraising Strategy and Vision: Design and execute an ambitious fundraising strategy to grow the program (current average: $25M) Develop and implement annual and multi-year development strategies and goals with a focus on continual growth Establish clear goals, benchmarks, and metrics to measure progress and ensure accountability, creating a results-oriented culture of philanthropy Strategize ongoing development of the principal and major gifts program Identify, cultivate, and elevate high-net-worth donors to secure principal and major gifts Manage and grow a personal portfolio of about 30 prospects Anticipate shifts in the philanthropic landscape and seize opportunities aligned with Vera's mission External Leadership and Board Management: Lead donor cultivation strategy, elevate team members as needed, and maintain funder engagement and accountability Narrate Vera's mission and vision to diverse stakeholders Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to maximize fundraising efforts and lead the Development Committee Set expectations with each board member for individual give-and-get goals Manage Vera's Board of Trustees Development Committee Team Development and Organizational Impact: Develop, mentor, and lead a high-performing development team Champion and embed a culture of philanthropy across the organization Foster alignment across the team with clear vision, priorities, and progress Balance accountability with support and empathy for staff Build systems and processes that support accountability and results, with transparent communication and ongoing collaboration Who You'll Work With: Report to President & Director, Nicholas Turner; supervise a team of 11 across four teams Required Skills and Experience At least 15 years of development experience, including: 5+ years leading a development team to meet or exceed fundraising goals Proven success securing six- and seven-figure gifts from principal major gift prospects Track record of growing a development program creatively and strategically while building a culture of philanthropy Experience with fundraising for an organization with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) activity Experience creating narratives and communicating complex program work to donors Professional commitment to social justice; prior experience in a social justice environment preferred Ability to align with Vera's vision and goals, reflecting dedication to social justice, equity and inclusion Commitment to leading by example, urgency, accountability, and sound decision-making Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams to stretch beyond what they think they can accomplish Ability to work in a evolving landscape and in an organization with growing infrastructure Compensation and Benefits The compensation range for this position is $265,000 - $300,000. Actual salaries vary based on experience and performance. This range is one component of Vera Institute's total compensation package. Location and Work Environment This role is based in the New York, NY office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office a minimum of 10 days per month. Senior leaders are encouraged to be present to support their teams more frequently. Equity at Vera Institute of Justice Vera is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status. Vera values diverse experiences and depend on a diverse staff to carry out its mission. Equal opportunity statements included here are in alignment with legal requirements.
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The Vera Institute of Justice is an independent nonprofit national research and policy organization in the United States, and a leader in criminal justice reform. Vera is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and policy experts working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they are fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money does not determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. For more information, visit vera.org. With a staff of just over 200 people, Vera has headquarters in Brooklyn, New York and offices in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace. We embody values of racial equity, collaboration, respect, commitment, and independence—and we encourage people who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system to apply. About The Role What You'll Do As a member of Vera's Leadership Team, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will serve as the chief architect of the organization's fundraising strategy and culture at a pivotal moment in its history. Vera's revenue model is evolving in response to shifts in its funding strategy, and the CDO will set an ambitious multi-year vision to expand resources, diversify revenue, and accelerate impact across the justice system. The CDO and their team will be charged with growing a current program of $25M annually, with a sharpened focus on principal and major gifts. This leader will identify, cultivate, and steward new funders whose interests intersect with Vera's core justice work (e.g. champions of democracy and civic engagement, immigration justice, and economic prosperity and mobility). They will connect Vera's mission to the values and aspirations of new and existing partners, broadening the circle of those invested in systemic change. Inspiring and guiding a talented development team, the CDO will help embed a culture of philanthropy across the organization and partner closely with the Board to unlock bold new opportunities. They will also work as a trusted advisor to the President & Director, aligning fundraising strategy with Vera's programming and national leadership on urgent issues of justice and equity. For an accomplished development leader with a deep commitment to equity and systemic change, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the nation's most influential justice organizations at a dynamic and consequential time. Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To Fundraising Strategy and Vision: Design and execute an ambitious fundraising strategy to grow the program (current average: $25M) Develop and implement annual and multi-year development strategies and goals with a focus on continual growth Establish clear goals, benchmarks, and metrics to measure progress and ensure accountability, creating a results-oriented culture of philanthropy Strategize ongoing development of the principal and major gifts program Identify, cultivate, and elevate high-net-worth donors to secure principal and major gifts Manage and grow a personal portfolio of about 30 prospects Anticipate shifts in the philanthropic landscape and seize opportunities aligned with Vera's mission External Leadership and Board Management: Lead donor cultivation strategy, elevate team members as needed, and maintain funder engagement and accountability Narrate Vera's mission and vision to diverse stakeholders Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to maximize fundraising efforts and lead the Development Committee Set expectations with each board member for individual give-and-get goals Manage Vera's Board of Trustees Development Committee Team Development and Organizational Impact: Develop, mentor, and lead a high-performing development team Champion and embed a culture of philanthropy across the organization Foster alignment across the team with clear vision, priorities, and progress Balance accountability with support and empathy for staff Build systems and processes that support accountability and results, with transparent communication and ongoing collaboration Who You'll Work With: Report to President & Director, Nicholas Turner; supervise a team of 11 across four teams Required Skills and Experience At least 15 years of development experience, including: 5+ years leading a development team to meet or exceed fundraising goals Proven success securing six- and seven-figure gifts from principal major gift prospects Track record of growing a development program creatively and strategically while building a culture of philanthropy Experience with fundraising for an organization with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) activity Experience creating narratives and communicating complex program work to donors Professional commitment to social justice; prior experience in a social justice environment preferred Ability to align with Vera's vision and goals, reflecting dedication to social justice, equity and inclusion Commitment to leading by example, urgency, accountability, and sound decision-making Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams to stretch beyond what they think they can accomplish Ability to work in a evolving landscape and in an organization with growing infrastructure Compensation and Benefits The compensation range for this position is $265,000 - $300,000. Actual salaries vary based on experience and performance. This range is one component of Vera Institute's total compensation package. Location and Work Environment This role is based in the New York, NY office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office a minimum of 10 days per month. Senior leaders are encouraged to be present to support their teams more frequently. Equity at Vera Institute of Justice Vera is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status. Vera values diverse experiences and depend on a diverse staff to carry out its mission. Equal opportunity statements included here are in alignment with legal requirements.
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