Senior Development Associate

Acacia Center for Justice•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Senior Development Associate at Acacia Center for Justice is a key project lead within the Development team, taking ownership of assigned fundraising initiatives from planning through execution. The role helps ensure strong systems, timely follow-up, and meaningful engagement with Acacia’s philanthropic partners and supporters. The Associate supports fundraising across institutional, individual, and other philanthropic sources; cultivates donor relationships; maintains development operations and records; coordinates special initiatives; and plans development events and engagements. The position advances Acacia’s mission of immigration justice by mobilizing resources and supporting community-centered development.

Requirements

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.
Knowledge of community-centric development principles and practices.
Proficiency in digital campaign management and social media platforms.
Experience planning and executing events, both virtual and in-person.
Ability to manage databases and CRM systems for donor and stakeholder tracking.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Understanding of fundraising principles and strategies, with a focus on relationship building and empowerment.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice, and passion for Acacia’s mission.
Flexibility and adaptability in dynamic and evolving development initiatives.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred; applicable work or life experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree for candidates with exceptional qualifications and expertise.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in nonprofit or community development roles.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and practices.
Understanding of legal empowerment frameworks and pro se assistance programs.
Fluency in languages relevant to Acacia’s target communities.
Experience in grant writing or proposal development.
Knowledge of data analysis and reporting techniques for development metrics.
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development in community engagement and development.
Ability to work independently and take initiative in identifying opportunities for stakeholder engagement and resource mobilization.

Responsibilities

Support implementation of Acacia’s annual fundraising strategy across institutional, individual, and other philanthropic funding sources.
Independently manage assigned fundraising projects and opportunities, coordinating internal inputs, timelines, materials, and follow-up.
Research and identify prospective funders and donors aligned with Acacia’s mission, programs, and strategic priorities.
Draft and contribute to proposals, letters of inquiry, reports, concept papers, donor briefings, presentations, and other fundraising materials.
Coordinate with program, finance, research, communications, and leadership staff to develop accurate and compelling funding requests and reports.
Track funding opportunities, deadlines, deliverables, and next steps, and proactively identify areas requiring follow-up.
Support development of new funding strategies and approaches in response to emerging opportunities and changes in the immigrant justice landscape.
Support or independently manage relationships with a portfolio of donors, prospects, and philanthropic partners.
Coordinate donor cultivation and stewardship activities, including meetings, briefings, correspondence, acknowledgments, and updates.
Prepare donor research, meeting briefs, talking points, background materials, and follow-up communications for Acacia leadership.
Identify opportunities to deepen donor engagement and strengthen relationships with existing and prospective supporters.
Maintain timely and accurate CRM records of donor interactions, commitments, interests, and next steps.
Help ensure donors receive consistent, thoughtful, and mission-aligned communications about Acacia’s work and impact.
Coordinate and execute Development team projects, systems, and workflows.
Maintain accurate development records, including donor and prospect information, gift documentation, contact reports, funding pipelines, and reporting deadlines.
Help manage the Development team’s fundraising calendar and keep deadlines, deliverables, and follow-up activities on track.
Develop and maintain tools, templates, processes, and systems that strengthen Development team efficiency and effectiveness.
Track fundraising activity and assist with internal reports, dashboards, projections, and other development metrics.
Coordinate across departments to ensure Development has timely access to programmatic, financial, impact, and organizational information needed for fundraising.
Identify opportunities to improve Development processes and proactively recommend solutions.
Lead or coordinate assigned special fundraising and engagement initiatives that advance Acacia’s strategic priorities.
Develop project plans, timelines, communications, and engagement strategies for special campaigns and initiatives.
Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to move projects from concept through implementation.
Support fundraising initiatives responding to emerging needs and opportunities across Acacia and its national network.
Evaluate initiative effectiveness and recommend adjustments based on results, feedback, data, and lessons learned.
Lead special development initiatives to mobilize resources, build capacity, and foster community-centric development.
Design and execute campaigns, events, and projects that engage and empower community members, donors, and supporters.
Lead or support planning and execution of donor briefings, cultivation events, funder convenings, virtual events, and other development-related engagements.
Manage event logistics, timelines, invitations, registration, materials, vendors, and follow-up as appropriate.
Partner with Communications and other teams to develop event messaging, promotional materials, and participant communications.
Ensure events support fundraising, stewardship, and relationship-building goals.
Coordinate post-event follow-up and identify opportunities for continued donor and stakeholder engagement.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans, with some plans available at $0 cost to the employee.
Employee Assistance Program.
20 days of vacation per year.
12 days of sick time per year.
5 personal days.
4 organization-wide Wellness Days.
11 observed holidays, including the last week of December.
First-time home office setup stipend.
Internet stipend.
401(k) with a 5% employer contribution; employee participation is not required.