ACLU Colorado Job Vacancies
The Colorado ACLU Affiliate has two development positions open and is accepting applications, due by December 6, 2021. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is the nation’s foremost defender of constitutional rights and civil liberties. ACLU of Colorado is an affiliate of the national ACLU, and it is the state’s guardian of freedom, working in the courts, in the legislature, and in communities across the state to protect and advance civil rights and civil liberties for all. Founded in 1952, ACLU of Colorado is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to fulfilling the promise of equal justice under the law for all Coloradans . For more information about the work of the ACLU of Colorado and the civil liberties principles we uphold, please visit our website at www.aclu - co.org. Committed to Equity, Diversity, Belonging, and Inclusion ACLU of Colorado is an equitable opportunity employer. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all community members can thrive.
We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, those who have been formerly incarcerated, and other members of underrepresented and marginalized groups. ACLU of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and record of arrest or conviction. We are committed to providing a work environment that practices equitable and inclusive treatment and is quick to act to prevent and address harassment or discrimination of any kind.
Donor Relations Officer
Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, the Donor Relations Officer (DRO) works to ensure that the ACLU of Colorado meets fundraising goals by increasing philanthropic support of the ACLU’s work to defend and expand civil rights and civil liberties. The DRO will manage relationships with donors and prospective donors, each with an estimated capacity to support the ACLU with an annual gift of $10,000 or more. The DRO will be responsible for finding new prospects with the interest and capacity to support civil rights at a significant level, as well as building relationships with su pporters and within the ACLU in order to maximize financial support. In addition to soliciting major gifts, the DRO will explore ways in which donors can advance the fight for civil rights through their estate plans and transformational campaign gifts. Donor Relations Officer's work will be focused in the Denver/Boulder area, the position will require regular travel to other parts of Colorado.
Primary Responsibilities of Donor Relations Officer:
•Manage relationships with approximately 100 - 125 major gift donors.
•Qualify new prospects for assignment to the major gifts portfolio, create a comprehensive strategy for each donor/prospect in the portfolio, and execute that strategy in a manner in which donors are respected, retained, and inspired to increase their support.
•Directly solicit major and planned gifts, and partner with senior and program staff and/or volunteers on donor engagement opportunities. • Send acknowledgements to donors in and outside of portfolio to identify ne w major gift prospects.
•Qualify and disqualify major gift prospects through meetings, research and analysis. • Provide executive - level support to senior staff in preparation for donor interactions, including thoughtful, concise briefing materials in advance of meetings with donors and prospects.
•Update major donor emails and correspondence, reports that detail progress made because of a particular gift, etc.
•Develop and participate in strategic donor engagement opportunities, such as small events for select donors/prospects in the portfolio, podcast and newsletter features, and larger donor recognition events.
•Track key relationship activity and progress. Create reports as required by management that accurately reflect progress toward strengthening relations hips and increasing donor support.
•Maintain working knowledge of state and national programmatic priorities and issues as they occur. • Support ACLU - CO’s whole body of work by collaborating cross departmentally, engaging with and participating in opportunities to contribute outside of development department.
•Other duties as assigned.
Equity, Diversity, Belonging, and Inclusion:
•Frame the primary responsibilities with an equity lens to examine existing development processes and create innovative approaches that address shortcomings or inequities when necessary.
•Ensure inclusion when communicating updates, decisions, successes, and failures to the Development Department and all staff, when appropriate.
•Assure continual learning and engage in the work to dismantle systems of oppression manifested in institutions, culture, and personal bias as it pertains to the organization’s structure and personal growth.
•Promote a personal and organizational commitment to equity, belonging, and inclusion in all interactions w ith donors, supporters, and staff members.
Qualifications:
•Dedicated to carrying out the mission and goals of the American Civil Liberties Union in protecting and furthering civil rights and civil liberties.
•Willingness to apply the work of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB) and apply it to the Development Department.
•Superior skills in building relationships and comfort in asking individuals to commit their money, time, and/or energy to a cause. This experience may come from a fundraising background or through other experiences that demonstrate tenacity, creativity, follow - through, and strong relationship - building skills..
•Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills. Demonstrated ability to simplify complex themes and activities into a short, compelling presentation or written piece. The ability to discuss the use of litigation, education, and field advocacy to promote social justice is helpful.
•Strong people skills. Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully on the phone, via email/text and in person with donors, board members, volunteers, colleagues, and the general public.
•Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and to meet deadlines. Ability to develop long - term plans, set objectives, and track progress towards achieving objectives.
•Proficiency with office technology and information systems.
•Availability for travel throughout Colorado, as well as limited out - of - state travel.
•Ability to work beyond the traditional workday and workweek.
•High ethical standards, strict adherence to donor confidentiality, and genuine interest in developing authentic relationships.
•Persuasiveness and perseverance in attaining goals.
•Personal initiative and a sense of humor to maintain balance and perspective.
•Team player who inspires collaboration and functions decisively; flexible and well - organized.
Work Accommodations during the COVID - 19 Pandemic:
To ensure the safety of our employees, the ACLU of Colorado implemented a mandatory work - from - home policy . While the policy stays in effect, we acknowledge that there are special circumstances when working at the office is necessary. For these situations, we ask staff to send notification of their time in the office and to follow CDC precautionary measures to ensure staff safety . We are preparing a hybrid work accommodation in January 2021. To return to the office, it is mandatory to send a vaccination record or request a medical or religious exemption.
Compensation and Benefits:
This position is full - time; the approximate salary range is $70,000 - $80,000, and within pay scale parameters of the nationwide ACLU and the Denver area nonprofit sector and considering skills and experience. Benefits include medical and dental insurance, life and long - term disability insurance, 401k contribution, paid vacation, and holidays.
To Apply Send a cover letter, resume, and references in an email with “Donor Relations Officer, ACLU of Colorado” in the subject line to jobs@aclu-co.org. No phone calls, please. Applications submitted by December 6, 2021 will receive full consideration.
