Vice President, Development

About The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights:

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a 501(c)(4) organization, is the premier coalition of more than 240 national organizations that promotes and protects civil and human rights in America. The Leadership Conference has coordinated federal strategy and action, including national lobbying and regulatory 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 civil rights 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 people and advocates to push for progressive change in the US.

To learn more about the Education Fund, please visit www.leadershipconferenceedfund.org.

The Opportunity:

The Leadership Conference is seeking a VP, Development, to join our Development Department. Reporting to the President and CEO the ideal candidate will have experience forging new relationships to build The Leadership Conference’s visibility, impact, and sustainability.

This position will have leadership responsibility for 3 direct reports and is not part of the collective bargaining unit.

Candidate Profile:

• 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.
• Collaborate 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.
• 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.
• Lead, motivate, and inspire a strong and cohesive development team, ensuring high levels of professionalism, innovation, solicitation, stewardship, and accountability.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as necessary and related.

 In addition, strong candidates will offer:

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience with demonstrated success developing and implementing comprehensive and strategic development programs is required, and in nonprofits is preferred.
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience.
• 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

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. The Leadership Conference reserves the right to amend duties, responsibilities, and requirements as necessary to meet organizational needs.

Compensation & Benefits:

Our most valuable resource is the people who make up The Leadership Conference. Regardless of your position at The Leadership Conference, your efforts will impact meaningful work that positively affects individuals and communities nationwide.

The target salary range for this position is $218,272 – $269,303.

The range provided is the minimum and maximum salary. The Leadership Conference, in good faith, believes that at the time of this posting, it is willing to pay the advertised salary for the position. Exact compensation is commensurate with experience and reflects internal comparisons.

Salaries are just one component of The Leadership Conference’s total compensation package. The Leadership Conference is committed to supporting our staff’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for you, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including fifteen (15) federal holidays, as well as biweekly organization-specific holidays, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and transit benefits. You’ll also have access to professional development assistance and an Employee Assistance Program.

The Leadership Conference has formally recognized a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 2 – AFL-CIO. The Leadership Conference and the Union, guided by a CBA, work together in good faith and are motivated by a shared history and commitment to this organization.

In-Office Work Policy:

The Leadership Conference has implemented a hybrid In-Office Work Policy in three phases. As of September 1, 2025, the first phase requires staff members to work in person from the office at least 2 days per month. As of January 1, 2026, the second phase requires staff members to work in person from the office at least 1 day per week or 4 days per month. The final phase begins on April 1, 2026; staff members will be required to work in person from the office at least 2 days per week or 8 days per month.

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

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

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace

The Leadership Conference is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race/ethnicity; color; religion; national origin; citizenship or immigration status, subject to the obligation to comply with any applicable requirements of federal immigration law; sex (including pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, false pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, intersex traits and other sex characteristics, and sex stereotypes); age; marital status; personal appearance (including size and weight); family responsibilities; political affiliation; disability; matriculation; genetic information; veteran status; credit information; housing status; socioeconomic status; source of income; criminal legal involvement, unless for a legitimate business reason that is permitted under applicable law; union membership or activities; status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking; and any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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