Director of Development and Communications

About the Job:
Based in our administrative office in Towson, MD, the Director of Development plays a central
role in advancing the mission of the Women’s Law Center of Maryland through strategic
fundraising and organizational growth. Approximately 80% of the role focuses on development—
including implementing and managing the organization’s fundraising plan, cultivating donor
relationships, identifying new funding opportunities, and securing financial support from
individuals, foundations, and institutions. The remaining 20% involves communications, such as
donor engagement messaging, development-related content, and collaborative public outreach
efforts that support fundraising goals.
While we offer a hybrid-remote work policy, the Director of Development will be expected to
work primarily in the office during an initial probationary period to ensure a strong onboarding
and collaborative experience. The Director will lead the execution of fundraising strategies,
coordinate with program staff to align development efforts with organizational goals, and support
the Board of Directors in its fundraising responsibilities. The role also includes researching,
drafting, and submitting grant proposals to advance key initiatives and expand the organization’s
impact.
About the Women’s Law Center of Maryland:
The Women’s Law Center of Maryland (WLC) is a dynamic nonprofit law firm whose mission is to
ensure the physical safety, economic security, and bodily autonomy of women in Maryland.
Established in 1971, the WLC has a rich history of advocating for gender equality, women’s rights,
and social justice. We provide legal services, education, and advocacy to empower women and
families to navigate the legal system effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising Strategy and Implementation:
▪ Develop and execute the organization’s annual fundraising plan.
▪ Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors, foundation support, and corporate sponsors.
▪ Create and oversee a calendar of development activities to meet fundraising goals.
Membership, Individual Giving and Major Gift Solicitation:
▪ Donor cultivation – build on existing relationships to grow support (specifically their level of
giving) from current donors.
Updated 7/25/25
▪ Donor acquisition – identify new individual prospects and grow WLC’s audience of
supporters.
▪ Major giving – strengthen relationships with major donors and grow WLC’s base of this level
of support.
▪ Membership – Draft written materials to support development activities, coordinate and
implement individual giving campaigns, including membership mailings, solicitations, thanka-thons, pro bono giving, and workplace giving efforts.
▪ Oversee timely acknowledgment of gifts and ensure accurate donor records and manage
donor communications.
Private Foundation/Corporate/Law Firm Giving and Grants Solicitation:
▪ Research, identify, prioritize, and solicit grants, businesses, and law firms that are likely to
provide financial support for WLC’s mission.
▪ Perform outreach and develop relationships with potential grantors and donors.
▪ Cultivate existing private foundation and grantor relationships.
▪ Securing support and substantially increase the number of businesses providing financial
support and the level of corporate contributions.
▪ May assist the Administration with researching and writing grants to support organizational
priorities.
Events:
▪ Plan, coordinate and implement fundraising and cultivation events, including two signature
events – Annual Celebration & Awards Ceremony and October Domestic Violence Awareness
Month event, and occasional other events such as giving days, or campaigns.
Responsibilities include logistics, promotions, coordination of ticket sales, and sponsorship
solicitations.
▪ Work with event committees, vendors, and volunteers to ensure successful event execution.
▪ Develop content for donor communications, social media, and website updates to promote
events
Planned Giving
▪ Manage the organization’s planned giving designations.
▪ Educate donors and prospects about planned giving opportunities such as bequests,
charitable trusts, and beneficiary designations.
▪ Cultivate relationships with legacy donors and maintain strong stewardship to encourage
long-term support.
Board Support:
▪ Coordinate development of an annual fundraising strategy.
▪ Facilitate board and volunteer participation in cultivating, soliciting, and acknowledging
donors.
▪ Provide staff support to relevant board committees, including the development committee
and communications committee.
▪ Provide regular reports to the board regarding development activities.
Data Management and Reporting:
▪ Maintain accurate donor records and generate regular reports using the donor database
(e.g., DonorPerfect).
▪ Analyze fundraising performance and recommend improvements.
Updated 7/25/25
Communications:
▪ Website and Marketing – expand and maintain the WLC website, ensuring content is up-todate, accessible, and engaging, ensure marketing materials are up to date and available at
resource centers including courthouses, libraries, etc.
▪ Social Media – generate engaging multimedia content (text, graphics, video) that reflects
WLC’s mission and work; develop and publish social media posts across relevant platforms
▪ Publications – Lead the writing and production of WLC’s Annual Report, including content
development, layout coordination, and dissemination
▪ Media Relations – Manage media placements for WLC and the Executive Director, including
interviews, op-eds, and press coverage; draft and distribute press releases and media kits as
needed