Director of Development

Communities for Restorative Justice (C4RJ) is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit and a national leader in the restorative justice field. In partnership with 25 police departments and three District Attorney offices, C4RJ facilitates a restorative process that rebuilds trust in the wake of crime and offers a path forward for all those affected—the person harmed, the responsible party, their families, and the community.

Restorative justice is personal, powerful, and effective. Its core values—respect and accountability—make it a highly regarded alternative to the criminal legal system.

C4RJ has grown steadily over the past 25 years, both geographically and in the complexity of cases it addresses. Learn more about our impact and evolution in our annual report linked here.

THE POSITION

C4RJ is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Director of Development to lead and expand a comprehensive fundraising program that sustains and grows our mission-driven work.

The Director of Development will be responsible for co-creating and executing a multi-faceted development strategy in partnership with the Executive Director. They will manage a portfolio of annual, leadership, and major gift prospects while overseeing core fundraising functions such as the annual appeal, donor communications and stewardship, fundraising events, corporate and foundation support, and donor data systems. They will also lead innovation in new fundraising initiatives, such as planned giving and small donor-hosted events.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled frontline fundraiser to build upon a solid foundation and create meaningful impact for individuals and communities affected by crime across Massachusetts. The Director of Development will be a key member of a small, dedicated team that believes in the power of restorative justice to foster healing and empower community members to own and respond to conflicts within their own communities.

This role reports to the Executive Director and manages the Development and Communications Associate, who supports all development operations and communications activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with the Executive Director, Board, and staff to design and lead all philanthropic initiatives, including individual donor outreach, appeals, events, board engagement, and regular tracking of fundraising progress.

• Collaborate with other Directors to set and maintain a cohesive strategy for fundraising and storytelling.

• Oversee grant prospecting, and strategize with and manage the Development and Communications Associate to write and submit grant proposals; maintain a grants calendar; and coordinate reporting.

• Manage a portfolio of individual and institutional donors, including developing a tailored fundraising strategy for donor segments and prioritizing in-person donor meetings to cultivate relationships and making solicitations.

• Coach and support stewardship efforts connected to the Executive Director and Board.

• Lead the Board Development Committee, ensuring strategic and effective board engagement in fundraising.

• Evaluate and implement new initiatives, such as a leadership annual giving program and a planned giving campaign.

• Supervise the Development and Communications Associate and ensure efficient gift processing, acknowledgment, and database management.

• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in donor outreach, with the goal of building a donor base reflective of the communities we serve.

• Set and achieve annual fundraising goals and metrics, including improved segmentation, campaign effectiveness, and donor retention.

QUALIFICATIONS 

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below:

• 4–6+ years of experience in a strategic fundraising leadership role

• Demonstrated success securing leadership or major gifts

• Proven track record in expanding and strengthening a fundraising program

• Experience writing grants and managing relationships with institutional funders

• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort working in a lean, mission-driven environment

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across functions and stakeholders

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a talent for storytelling and donor engagement

• Deep commitment to social justice and ethical fundraising practices

• Willingness to travel locally and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed

• Perform other work-related duties, as needed, by the Executive Director

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt, hybrid role. All C4RJ staff work in our Boston Financial District office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Otherwise, staff are invited to work the hours and location that best suit the needs of their roles.

• Salary Range: $85,000–$95,000, commensurate with experience

• Benefits: 13 vacation days, a SIMPLE IRA with 3% employer match, and a monthly stipend toward flexible benefits

• Occasional evening and weekend hours required

HIRING PROCESS OVERVIEW

Submit your application through our online portal at your earliest convenience. All applicants will receive a response. For questions or support with your application, email rcostello@positivelypartners.org. The application deadline is July 8, 2025.

While subject to change, candidates who advance can expect:

• Initial interview with Positively Partners

• Follow-up video interview with Executive Director, Erin Freeborn, and Director of Operations, Amanda Ruiz

• Final in-person interview and office tour

The expected start date is Late Summer 2025. If you require any accommodations during the process, please contact search@positivelypartners.org; requests will be handled confidentially.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

C4RJ is an equal opportunity employer and is deeply committed to building an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming workplace. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented communities—including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities—to apply.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

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