Fund for Justice Education - Fundraising Specialist

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security.  The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI.  Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). 
 

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

• Under the supervision of department management, this position works in close collaboration with fundraising teams to conduct research, identify prospects, develop communications, and provide general support for ABA entities raising charitable funds.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

• Conduct prospect research on foundations, law firms, and corporations and help determine the best opportunities to pursue.
• Develop highly targeted prospect lists for ABA entities across a variety of subject matters and assist with donor outreach.
• Draft compelling grant applications, letters of intent, and budgets tailored to each funder.
• Create progress reports and targeted program updates for funders that highlight programmatic success.
• Synthesize legal and compliance updates and issues into brief, donor-centric communications.
• Engage in other writing tasks, such as drafting solicitation materials, impact reports, newsletters, and talking points that share the story of the ABA’s impact.
• Record and maintain relevant information in the donor database to track grant renewals and stewardship activities; create reports to analyze data.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from four-year college or university or directly equivalent work experience of 4 years.
• At least 3 years of fundraising experience with demonstrated success in securing funding from individuals, law firms, corporations, foundations, and/or government agencies.
• Familiarity with donor databases, like Raiser’s Edge.
• At least 3 years of experience in researching, identifying, and cultivating donor prospects.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a background in communications.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite of products.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Experience working with volunteers or members of a board on fundraising strategies.

Physical Requirements

• Typical office work environment.

Extent of Travel Required in the Job

• Light travel.