Development Director

The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), founded in 1974, isa New York-based national organization that protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans. By combining litigation, advocacy, education, and organizing, AALDEF workswith Asian American communities across the country to secure human rights for all.

Job Description:

The Development Director is responsible for planning and managing AALDEFs fund development program including major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations; planned giving; the annual fund, including leadership gifts and special events; prospect research; stewardship; marketing; and information systems. Supporting the Executive Director and board leaders development work is a critical component. As an individual contributor, this position is responsible for managing and engaging donors and prospective donors. This position is responsible for managing the Development Team, including hiring, providing orientation, supervising, and evaluating each team member. Serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this position is also responsible for collaborating with other departments to align fundraising goals with the organizations mission and strategic vision as well as helping shape the organizations future.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement a multi-year, strategic, comprehensive plan with overarching, measurable goals for the department, and specific measurable goals for each aspect of the program.
• Meet agreed upon goals; monitor progress and report monthly or quarterly on progress against goals; analyze trends and make adjustments throughout the year.
• Develop and implement a written plan for identifying, qualifying, engaging, soliciting, and stewarding a range of donors capable of giving between $1,000 to $25,000 and $25,000 or more annually.
• Manage a portfolio of 50 to 100 donors and prospective donors (individuals, corporations and foundations).
• Achieve a balanced fundraising program.
• Supervise donor research and management, donor stewardship and information systems, and report generation, making sure that all functions are covered.
• Write and oversee the preparation of grant proposals and reports; research new foundation opportunities.
• Coordinate fundraising campaigns and sponsorships for special events (e.g. annual gala, cocktail party) in collaboration with communications and events teams.
• Manage the Boards development and other relevant committees.
• Support the executive directors and board leaders major gift work with top and prospective donors.
• Manage donor database and ensure accurate records, acknowledgments, and data segmentation for targeted outreach.
• Supervise development staff by helping them plan, implement, meet goals, and gain needed skills.
• Work closely with marketing and communications teams so that donors, grantors, and clients receive integrated and appropriate messaging.
• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team by staying abreast of organization-wide issues and contributing to the overall management of the organization.

Qualifications:

• An articulated belief in the mission of the organization.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in development, fundraising, or related leadership role.
• A proven track record as a major gift officer and manager or comparable, transferable experiences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen and hear others.
• Is personally philanthropic.
• Has ability to be flexible.
• Is a strategic thinker.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in donor management software and tools (Donor Perfect experience preferred).
• Prior experience in the nonprofit sector is highly preferred.
• Bachelors degree.

Salary Range: $130,000 - $175,000

Position Location: Remote, with occasional travel. Preference for the greater New York City area.

Starting date: Spring 2026

To Apply: Email one PDF containing a cover letter, resume, two writing samples, and three references (one of which should be a supervisee) to info@aaldef.org, with Development Director in the subject line. Deadline for applications is Friday, January 30, 2026, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

AALDEF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, medical condition or disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.

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