Development Associate

About Acacia Center for Justice:

The Acacia Center for Justice (“Acacia”) provides legal support and representation to immigrants facing deportation through the development, coordination, and management of national networks of legal services providers serving immigrants across the country. Acacia’s goals are twofold: to support immigrant legal services and defense networks to provide exceptional legal services to immigrants; and to advocate for the expansion of these programs and the infrastructure critical to guaranteeing immigrants access to justice, fairness, and freedom. Acacia ensures accountable, independent, zealous, and person-centered legal services and representation to protect the rights of all immigrants.

Job Summary:

As the Development Associate at Acacia, you'll play a pivotal role in fostering authentic relationships, mobilizing community support, and driving positive change. You'll collaborate with diverse stakeholders to co-create solutions, amplify community voices, and advocate for social justice. Through strategic development partnerships, innovative campaigns, and impactful events, you'll empower communities, build capacity, and mobilize resources to advance Acacia's mission of immigration justice. With your passion for community engagement, commitment to equity, and dedication to empowerment, you'll help shape a more inclusive and compassionate society where all individuals can thrive and belong. Join us in our mission to create lasting change and make a meaningful impact on the lives of immigrants and refugees across the United States.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

Resource Mobilization and Community Engagement

• Collaborate with the development team to mobilize resources, secure funding, and sustain Acacia's programs and initiatives
• Identify funding opportunities, develop grant proposals, and cultivate relationships with donors, funders, and philanthropic partners
• Explore opportunities for collaboration and co-creation with external stakeholders to address community needs and drive positive change
• Empower community members to take ownership of their narratives, advocate for their rights, and participate in collective action initiatives
  
  

Relationship Building

• Cultivate authentic relationships and strategic partnerships with organizations, institutions, and individuals aligned with Acacia's mission and values
• Collaborate with partners to leverage resources, expertise, and networks to advance shared goals and initiatives
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and mutual respect among community stakeholders to co-create solutions that maximize impact and effectiveness
  
  

Implementation of Special Development Initiatives

• Lead the implementation of special development initiatives aimed at mobilizing resources, building capacity, and fostering community-centric development
• Design and execute innovative campaigns, events, and projects that engage and empower community members, donors, and supporters
• Evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives and adapt strategies based on feedback, data, and lessons learned to optimize impact and outcomes
  
  

Planning and Implementing Development Events

• Plan and coordinate development events, both virtual and in-person, to engage donors, supporters, and community members
• Manage all aspects of event planning, including logistics, budgeting, vendor coordination, marketing, social media engagement, and participant engagement
• Collaborate with the development team to ensure events align with fundraising goals, organizational priorities, and community needs
  
  

Required Skills, Knowledge, Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively
• Knowledge of community-centric development principles and practices
• Proficiency in digital campaign management and social media platforms
• Experience in event planning and execution, both virtual and in-person
• Ability to manage databases and CRM systems for donor and stakeholder tracking
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Understanding of fundraising principles and strategies, with a focus on relationship building and empowerment
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice, with a passion for Acacia's mission
• Flexibility and adaptability to navigate dynamic and evolving development initiatives
  
  

Preferred Skills, Knowledge, Abilities:

• Previous experience in nonprofit or community development roles
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and practices
• Understanding of legal empowerment frameworks and pro se assistance programs
• Fluency in languages relevant to Acacia's target communities
• Experience in grant writing or proposal development
• Knowledge of data analysis and reporting techniques for development metrics
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of community engagement and development
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in identifying opportunities for stakeholder engagement and resource mobilization
  
  

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is preferred. However, Acacia recognizes the value of diverse experiences, and applicable work or life experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree for candidates who demonstrate exceptional qualifications and expertise in the job's requirements
  
  

Compensation and Benefits:

Acacia has established an internal compensation philosophy that centers equity and pay transparency. The salary for this position is set at $80,000. The salary listed is just one component of Acacia’s total compensation package for employees. Supporting Acacia staff—both personally and professionally—is our priority.

• Medical/Dental/Vision- Some plans at $0 cost to the employee
• Employee Assistance Program
• 20 days per year of vacation time
• 12 days per year of sick time
• 5 personal days
• 4 organization-wide Wellness Days
• 11 observed holidays, including the last week of December
• $2000 Professional Development Stipend
• Home office set-up stipend
• Internet Stipend
• 401k with 5% employer contribution, no employee participation required
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Gym Reimbursement
  
  

People of color and those who have been impacted by the criminal system and immigration system are strongly urged to apply. Acacia is deeply committed to race equality, inclusion and belonging and strives to create a work culture that recognizes everyone's unique lived experience.

To Apply:

Submit your resume and cover letter through the Acacia Careers site. If you encounter technical issues or have accessibility needs, email your resume and cover letter to hiring@acaciajustice.org with Subject: ATTN: Human Resources / [Job Title], Acacia Center for Justice

PLEASE ONLY SUBMIT THROUGH ONE METHOD.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Acacia is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit persons of diverse backgrounds and support their retention and advancement within the organization. We are committed to fostering a workplace culture inclusive of people with respect to their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, marital status, age, disabilities, political affiliation, religious beliefs, or any other characteristic. Our commitment to justice and diversity also means providing a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and engaging.

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties, responsibilities and requirements but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function within our organization.

Acacia Center for Justice is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.

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Salary : $80,000