VP, Development (Interim)

VP, Development (Interim)

Who We Are:

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights,a 501(c)(4) organization, is the premier coalition of more than 240 organizations that promotes and protects civil and human rights in America. The Leadership Conference has coordinated national lobbying efforts on behalf of every major civil rights law since 1957. To learn more about The Leadership Conference, please visit www.civilrights.org.

The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, builds public will for federal policies that promote and protect civil and human rights in the US. Founded in 1969 as the education and research arm of The Leadership Conference, the Education Fund’s campaigns empower advocates to push for progressive change in the US. To learn more about the Education Fund, please visit www.leadershipconferenceedfund.org.

About the Role:

The Leadership Conference is seeking an interim VP, Development to help power that fight for justice and equity as a strategic development leader in partnership with other senior leaders across the organization.

The VP, Development serves as a key senior team member and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting the organization. In partnership with the President and CEO and EVP/COO, this position is responsible for all fundraising and development activities. The successful candidate will help forge new relationships to build The Leadership Conference’s visibility, impact, and sustainability.

The VP will have primary responsibility for designing and implementing the forward-leaning strategies to steward new donors and continue to sustain the organization’s $25M+ budget through the identification, and successful cultivation of institutional gifts, individual giving, major donors, events, and corporate support. They will expand and diversify The Leadership Conference’s national donor base and pipeline and will work collaboratively across the matrixed organization to secure funding for new initiatives. The VP manages a talented development team of six professionals.

This position will report to the President & CEO and lead a team of three staff members. This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.

What you will do:

Vision and Strategy

- Provide vision, leadership, and strategy for stewardship and sustainable growth across the Leadership Conference and The Education Fund.

- Work with the President and CEO to establish and execute long- and short-term strategic development priorities aimed at increasing support from individuals, foundations, and the corporate community.

- In collaboration with the senior leadership team, develop and implement strategies to elevate and maintain the profile of The Leadership Conference.

- Work closely with the President to develop and implement successful strategies for continued effective stewardship and growth.

- Engage with the Boards of Directors of The Leadership Conference and The Education Fund on effective cultivation and stewardship.

- Serve as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team; lead change and identify and prioritize new development opportunities.

Cultivation and Stewardship

- Strengthen existing donor relationships through authentic relationship building and passion for the mission of The Leadership Conference, to develop a strong rapport and deep understanding of individual and institutional connections to the organization.

- Increase the donor base through proactive identification, thoughtful cultivation, and acquisition of new supporters and funding sources, especially from the foundation and individual donor communities.

- Strengthen the major donor program at The Leadership Conference.

- Secure transformational level gifts and build strong revenue support through compelling, donor-centered relationship building in partnership with the President and CEO, and the c3 and c4 Boards.

Management and Leadership

- Lead, motivate, and inspire a strong and cohesive development team, ensuring high levels of professionalism, innovation, solicitation, stewardship, and accountability.

- Effectively guide and support the President and CEO and Board members through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship processes and strategies.

- Collaborate with colleagues to support the achievement of the organization’s overall mission while promoting a culture of respect and mutual support.

- Develop overall development objectives and specific goals for members of the development team and plans to ensure success.

- Implement best practices with respect to use of data, research, and analysis in identifying sources of support and in developing revenue projections and customized approaches to donors, among other issues.

- Supervise staff and vendor engagement in key events annually.

What you will bring:

- Record of commitment to civil and human rights and a deep belief in the mission of The Leadership Conference/The Education Fund

- 10+ years of professional experience with demonstrated success developing and implementing comprehensive and strategic development programs

- Strong action orientation with a spirit of creativity and innovation

- Experience expanding, cultivating, and stewarding strong donor relationships over time

- Record of team management success and the ability to mentor and motivate staff

- Ability to create a culture of philanthropy across the organization

- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships

- Flexible and entrepreneurial style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives

- Ability to work both independently but also a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority

What We Offer:

The Leadership Conference offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, and generous personal leave and vacation time. Staff can also take advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and a retirement savings account.

Salary Range – $210,891 – $260,196, dependent on years of related experience.

To apply, please visit our Career Center and submit your resume and cover letter. Cover letters are required and should be attached.

Telework Policy:

The Telework Policy is implemented in three phases.

The first phase, as of September 1, 2025; staff members are required to work in-person from the office at least two days per month. The second phase begins January 1, 2026; staff members will be required to work in-person from the office at least one day per week. The final phase begins April 1, 2026; staff members will be required to work in-person from the office at least two days per week.

All positions are subject to the telework policy summarized above. (A more detailed description of the telework policy – to include how in-office workdays are to be scheduled – is available upon request from People & Culture).

Please note staff members are exempt from working in-person if they have received medical accommodation or their position is designated as temporarily or permanently remote.

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace

The Leadership Conference and The Education Fund are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.