Job Opportunity: Director of Development, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, Medford, Massachusetts

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) was founded seven years ago to provide a channel for current and former members of law enforcement who believe US drug policies have failed. Prohibition has perpetuated the problems of violent crime, drug abuse, addiction, juvenile drug use, and the illegal drug trade. LEAP is building a broad public movement to bring about the legalization and regulation of all drugs and seeks an experienced Development Director. LEAP differs from and complements other organizations in the drug-reform movement in that we are better able to reach out to a large segment of the population who may see drug-policy reform as a front for politically active drug users. However inaccurate this perception, the credibility of our speakers serves as a jumping off point from which we are able to reach people who would be otherwise unwilling to listen.

Modeled on Vietnam Veterans Against the War, LEAP has an unparalleled credibility when its current and former drug-warriors speak out about the horrors of the war on drugs. LEAP's message is well received by the public, demands the attention of the media and rings true with many other drug warriors who have grown skeptical of current U.S. drug policies. We see anyone interested in establishing a rational, ethical and effective drug policy as an ally on this issue. The positive public reaction to former drug warriors speaking out against the war confirms and strengthens this perspective.

LEAP is seeking a Director of Development who will manage and grow all aspects of its philanthropic support and outreach, and guide the advancement team and the organization through its next stage of development. This includes annual appeals, individual giving, special events, corporate sponsorship, and foundation grants. The Director of Development will develop and execute a fundraising strategy to maximize the potential of current funding sources and uncover additional avenues of revenue. One key area of focus will be to build a major gifts program. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, s/he will also collaborate with the Executive Director, senior staff, and volunteers on donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activity.

Responsibilities include the planning, structuring, implementing and monitoring of an effective development program to increase the current and permanent assets of LEAP, to include semi-annual fund appeals and other appeals as needed; working with the Chief of Staff and Executive Director to position all development activities within LEAP's mission and Strategic Plan; developing new sources of funding, especially major donors, as well as secure multi-year funding sources to ensure LEAP's long-term sustainability; working to move existing donors to the next level of involvement; identifying and cultivating new major donor prospects including individuals, corporations, and foundations throughout the country and internationally, through phone calls, correspondence, and special events in order to strengthen and nurture LEAP's donor base; developing and writing proposals continually for submission to new corporate and foundation donors; providing stewardship to major gift donors; coordinating with the Program team the management of the database for internal tracking systems and for the development and maintenance of prospect records for mailings, solicitations, etc.; and providing regular reports and updates to the Chief of Staff and Executive Director as requested.

This is a full-time position with a salary of $45,000 per year. Medford, MA is the preferred location, but exceptional applicants who desire to live/work elsewhere will be considered. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2009.

Interested persons should send a letter of intent and resume to Kristin Daley, Program Manager, at [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.