Who we are

The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and activists working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re 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 doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. Vera’s headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York, with offices in Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. Learn more about life at Vera; click here.

What you'll do

The Director works with Vera’s Vice President of Development to help create and then implement Vera’s fundraising plans, which include both quantitative and qualitative goals. The Director collaborates closely with Vera’s Development staff on plan implementation, helping to ensure the cohesion and smooth operation of a rapidly expanding team. The Director leads Vera’s West Coast fundraising. They will carry a portfolio of individual and institutional donors based in California or other Western states, and partner with Vera’s executives and program leaders to cultivate and solicit those donors. The Director will identify and engage new prospective contributors to Vera in the Western states and produce cultivation events in those states. The Director manages day-to-day Development activity in the Vice President’s absence.

The Director of Development's responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage a portfolio of individual and institutional donors based in Western states, partnering with Vera’s executives and program leaders to cultivate and solicit those donors Provide monthly updates about the financial status of all funded programs.
• Collaborate with Development staff to smoothly and successfully implement fundraising plans, help build and maintain Development team cohesion and effectiveness Budget Modification & Proposal Submissions.
• Produce cultivation events in California and the West.
• Work with the VP of development to craft annual and multi-year fundraising plans and goals.
• Oversee Development activities in the Vice President’s activities.
• Other duties as assigned

What qualifications you will need

The Director of Development, Western Region will have the following qualifications: 

• 8+ years of fundraising experience, with demonstrated success with hands-on major gifts and foundation relations work, as well as experience with multiple elements of non-profit development work
• Management experience on a fundraising team
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor relations
• Grant proposal and report writing skills, plus strong editing and communications skills
• Self-starter, willing to pitch in on any aspect of development in the spirit of hands-on collaboration with teammates
• Hands-on experience with donors in California and the West, and significant knowledge of the California philanthropic landscape
• Capable of working remotely - but collaboratively - with Vera Development teammates based in New York
• Comprehensive attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent assignments while meeting deadlines

Other Important information:  

• This is a full-time position available immediately
• This position is based in our Los Angeles, CA office
• Salary is competitive plus excellent benefits

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Online submission in PDF format (through Vera’s career page) is preferred.  No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.  

ATTN: Human Resources / Development, Director of Development, Western Region
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Fax: (212) 941-9407
Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

As a federal contractor, and in order to ensure a healthy and safe work environment, Vera Institute of Justice is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccine before their start date. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.

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 works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission. 

For more information about Vera, please visit www.vera.org