Development Director: Pennsylvania Prison Society

As a critical member of the leadership team, the Development Director will set and direct the Prison Society’s strategy for revenue generation and external engagement, including major donor programs, campaigns, events, foundation and corporate partnerships, and philanthropic collaborations. This development jack-of-all-trades position involves conducting the full orchestra of fundraising activities, from cultivating and stewarding major donors, foundations, and partners to engaging board members, representing the Prison Society in key philanthropic networks statewide, elevating events, and collaborating with the communications team to craft compelling public-facing materials.

This is a unique opportunity to have a lasting impact on human rights while working alongside a remarkable team that embodies dedication, empathy, and a spirit of collaboration. Founded by Benjamin Rush and Benjamin Franklin in 1787, the Prison Society is entrusted with protecting the health, safety, and dignity of Pennsylvanians in prison, and in supporting their families while they care for loved ones behind bars. This statewide organization has a small staff of 21 and a large and growing network of 200+ volunteers.

On any given day, you will find the Prison Society inside correctional facilities, helping incarcerated people access healthcare, running virtual support groups for moms with incarcerated sons, or on the phones of our helpline fielding hundreds of calls and letters from incarcerated people and their families who are looking for basic information on issues that impact them.

Says outgoing Development Director Emily Cheramie-Walz, “It’s truly an honor to work on behalf of one of the oldest humanitarian organizations in the country. While it’s difficult and emotional work, it’s made easier because you’re surrounded by the most wonderful, empathetic and supportive coworkers and invested community members.”

Over the last four years under the leadership of Emily and Executive Director Claire Shubik-Richards, the Prison Society’s budget has tripled from $1 million to $3 million thanks to new government funding sources, major foundation commitments, and an uptick in individual giving. Emily, who has been part-time, has gotten the organization to a place where a full-time director is needed. She is excited to hand-off the reins and get her successor set up for success and, likely, one of the most fulfilling experiences of their career.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and lead a multi-year fundraising and partnerships strategy to grow and diversify revenue.
• Advise and guide the Executive Director, Board, and senior leadership, in all development matters, building a culture of giving.
• Work closely with each member of our diverse board to identify how each member can fundraise.
• Contribute to all levels of organizational strategy as a critical member of the senior staff.
• Lead cultivation and solicitation of major donors, corporate sponsors, and institutional funders, including personally managing a portfolio of individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and philanthropic partners while overseeing and guiding the relationships held by other team members.
• Identify, develop, and manage strategic partnerships that align with the organization’s goals, representing the Prison Society in philanthropic networks including the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Philanthropy Network of Greater Philadelphia, and Greater Pittsburgh Philanthropy Partnership, and at high-profile philanthropic and civic events throughout the state.
• Supervise, nurture, and grow development staff.
• Collaborate and create with our communications team on donor appeals and all varieties of collateral that help tell the full story of our impact.
• Ensure the integrity and smooth operation of our development infrastructure (CRM systems, reporting, donor communications, and compliance).
• Elevate our events, with existing staff, and the potential for contracted support, you will level-up our annual Philadelphia fundraising event while creating additional opportunities for community building and fundraising across the state.

Your Core Competencies

• You have seven or more years of nonprofit development experience, with at least three years in a leadership role.
• You are a development generalist and a strategic thinker with a strong track record in growing revenue.
• You can conduct the full orchestra of fundraising including major donors, foundations, corporate giving, campaigns, events, and philanthropic partners.
• You are a scrappy, hardworking, team player who doesn’t mind rolling up your sleeves.
• Major donor cultivation is your sweet spot.
• You are a connector with robust connections to and knowledge of the Pennsylvania philanthropic community.
• You are approachable, caring, positive, outgoing.
• You are a maestro at events.
• Data informs you.
• You are constantly evolving as an advancement professional.
• You masterfully juggle multiple tasks.
• You are a confident manager.
• You are a clear, confident verbal and written communicator who can adapt your tone and approach across audiences and platforms.

What You Need to Know

• Location – This is a hybrid position where you will work remotely and in-person out of the Philadelphia office.
• Hours – This position works 40 hours per week, primarily during regular business hours of 9am-5pm.
• Manager – You will report to Claire Shubik-Richards, Executive Director of the Prison Society.
• Travel – You will travel throughout Pennsylvania to meet with various groups—foundations, partners, donors, volunteers from diverse backgrounds, and everyone in between.
• Start date – As soon as possible.
• Salary & benefits – $90,000-$110,000. A flexible spending account, medical, vision, and dental insurance coverage provided.
• Flexible time off – We encourage a healthy work-life balance and do not cap the number of days off our employees can take. In addition, we observe 11 paid holidays.