The Problem: The U.S. incarcerates more people than any other nation, disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities. This system destroys lives, fractures families, and hinders economic mobility. Current “solutions” often focus on strengthening punitive aspects like police and prisons. But what if we empowered the people fighting for justice from within?
Our Solution: Partners for Justice (PFJ) transforms public defense by investing in public defenders, the crucial front line against mass incarceration. PFJ equips them to address the root causes of legal system involvement, secure better outcomes, and connect clients with restorative services. Since 2018, PFJ has grown rapidly, supporting public defender agencies nationwide with collaborative defense teams.
The Opportunity: PFJ seeks a passionate Development Associate to provide wrap-around support to PFJ’s grants program and fund development activities, including database management, donor research, grant reporting and writing, metric tracking, and donor stewardship.
What You’ll Do:
- Manage grants portfolio: Research, identify, prepare, solicit, and submit inquiries, applications, proposals, and reports for funding in partnership with development and program staff. Develop and monitor the grants calendar. Coordinate funder and prospect meetings, including scheduling, funder briefs, prepping materials, and follow-up support.
- Contribute to broader fundraising efforts: Support senior staff and/or members of the Board of Directors in preparation for solicitation and stewardship opportunities, including concise briefings for meetings with donors and prospects.
- Support and administration: Process incoming donations and grant information, including updating donor records in CRM (Bloomerang) and preparing acknowledgment letters and other correspondence. Draft and copy-edit external documents as needed.
- Other responsibilities as assigned: As a small organization, all PFJ staff will occasionally pitch in where needed so we can stay nimble and meet the moment.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least three years of relevant full-time work experience. An appropriate advanced degree may substitute for up to two years of work experience. Non-profit experience is preferred, especially in legal or social service organizations.
- Deeply committed to PFJ’s mission: Client-led, collaborative representation for low-income individuals facing the criminal legal system.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven experience creating persuasive and compelling cases for support. Ability to educate prospective funders about
PFJ’s work in clear and compelling written and spoken language and generate enthusiasm for PFJ’s work and goals.
- Exceptional project management, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
- A self-starter who enjoys working in an all-remote environment and a dynamic, mission-driven startup culture.
The Perks:
- Full-time, remote, salaried position with a competitive salary range of $55,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, 401k, and flexible work arrangements.
- PFJ prioritizes well-being: Unlimited sick leave, flexible vacation, 12 holidays, and a year-end rest period.
Ready to join the movement?
Please send your cover letter, resume, and contact information (name, email, contact number, and email) for two references to hiring@partnersforjustice.org with “Development Associate” in the subject line.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy & Fair Chance Hiring
PFJ provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Furthermore, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the fair chance ordinances of the jurisdictions we work within, including but not limited to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.