The Organization
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) is the country’s first and foremost civil and human rights law organization. Founded in 1940 under the leadership of Thurgood Marshall, LDF was launched at a time when the nation’s aspirations for equality and due process of law were stifled by widespread state-sponsored racial inequality. From that era to the present, LDF’s mission has always been transformative: to achieve racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society. LDF seeks to ensure the fundamental and basic human rights of all people to quality education, economic opportunity, the right to vote and fully participate in democracy, and the right to a fair and just judicial system. Please visit www.naacpldf.org to learn more.
In 2015, LDF celebrates its 75th anniversary with the launch of a new research and advocacy center within LDF called the Thurgood Marshall Institute. The LDF Thurgood Marshall Institute combines a multidisciplinary approach to advocacy with LDF’s traditional litigation strengths in order to advance a modern vision of racial justice. It will also enhance LDF’s use and mobilization of research. LDF has received a $5 million grant, including a $2 million matching challenge, to help launch the center.
Position Overview
As the organization embarks on this exciting next chapter, LDF seeks a mission-driven Chief Development Officer. This is a critical role within the organization; reflecting this, the CDO will report to the President and Director-Counsel and serve as a key member of the senior management team. He or she will work closely with senior staff and the Board of Directors to gain an in-depth understanding of LDF’s current and future substantive work and needs. Based on this information, the CDO will conceptualize, organize and implement a comprehensive and strategic fundraising program, aimed at increasing and diversifying income sources.
The ideal candidate for this opportunity will be passionate about LDF’s mission and work. The CDO will be a dedicated and creative fundraising leader with an established track record of increasing philanthropic revenue (with an emphasis on major giving), ideally for an advocacy or human rights organization. He or she will have the demonstrated ability to engage constituents in a manner that generates excitement, shared purpose, meaningful action, and long-term relationships. As a key advocate of LDF, the CDO will possess the stature, interpersonal skills, and communication acumen to compellingly share LDF’s goals and programs to diverse audiences. Please visit www.glfreeman.com to review the complete description of this opportunity and requirements.