Description

SMART JUSTICE CALIFORNIA

Smart Justice California (SJCA) is a driving force for bold, evidence-based criminal justice reform across California. We work at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and movement-building to empower legislators with the tools and knowledge they need to champion smart, effective solutions to public safety. Our work includes advancing progressive legislation, and collaborating with elected leaders, grassroots advocates, and directly impacted communities to reshape California’s justice system.

A key pillar of our strategy is Get Proximate, an initiative that brings lawmakers, donors, and community leaders inside prison facilities to witness firsthand the realities of incarceration and the potential for transformative rehabilitation. These immersive experiences shift perspectives, inspire action, and drive meaningful policy change.

At a time when justice reform faces mounting challenges, SJCA continues to ensure California leads the way in building a system rooted in dignity and safety for everyone across our state.

SJCA is a fiscally sponsored project of Tides Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3), and Tides Advocacy, a non-profit 501(c)(4).

THE ROLE

Smart Justice California (SJCA) is seeking a Development Director to play a pivotal role in sustaining and growing our philanthropic partnerships, ensuring that we remain well-resourced to defend and advance transformative criminal justice reforms. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact by securing the funding that fuels our advocacy, legislative engagement, and public education efforts at a critical moment for justice reform in California.

With a strong fundraising strategy already in place, this role is focused on executing and refining our development efforts rather than building them from scratch. SJCA raises approximately $2.5–$3 million annually across 501c3 and 501c4 funding streams, with a strong foundation of existing support. The Development Director will take the lead on grants management, donor relations, and event-based donor education, ensuring that funders remain deeply engaged in our work.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director will manage grant proposals and reports, identify new funding opportunities, support the Executive Director in stewarding donor relationships, and collaborate on strategic donor engagement initiatives. They will also work closely with communications staff to produce compelling materials that align with SJCA’s broader engagement and advocacy goals. There are no direct reports to this position.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer, highly organized, and proactive, with a commitment to criminal justice reform. This is a unique opportunity for a development professional to contribute to meaningful, systems-level change while working alongside a passionate and mission-driven team.


HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit two items as PDFs to work@smartjusticeca.org.

1) Resume
2) A 300-word response to the following prompt, please without the use of AI: What draws you to Smart Justice California’s mission, and how do you see fundraising as a tool for advancing criminal justice reform?

Applications are due Friday, April 18, 2025, by 6pm PT.  However, we will begin reviewing applications the week of April 7, 2025, so interested applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials as soon as possible.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Foundation Fundraising

• Lead and manage SJCA’s grant writing and reporting process, ensuring timely submission of compelling proposals and reports to institutional funders.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, conducting research and tracking potential foundation partners.
• Develop funder briefing materials, prospect research, and talking points to support the Executive Director’s outreach and engagement efforts.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to nurture and deepen relationships with existing and prospective funders.
• Strengthen SJCA’s relationships with existing and prospective philanthropic partners

2. Grants Management

• Maintain SJCA’s Salesforce donor and grants database, ensuring accurate records of grant deadlines, funder contacts, and reporting requirements.

3. Communications & Fundraising Alignment

• Collaborate with SJCA’s communications team to develop compelling fundraising materials, including funder-facing one-pagers, newsletters, and website content.
• Ensure that SJCA’s donor engagement aligns with broader communications and advocacy strategies, leveraging media and storytelling to advance fundraising goals.
• Support the production of impact reports, videos, and other content that highlight SJCA’s work for funders and stakeholders.

4. Event Production Support

• Collaborate with SJCA staff as needed to help develop and execute events including visits to prison facilities, donor education events, policymaker retreats, and Advisory Board meetings

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or grant writing, preferably in the social justice space.
• Knowledge of / experience with the criminal justice reform landscape is a plus.
• Proven success in foundation fundraising and grant management, including writing successful proposals and managing reporting requirements.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for funders and stakeholders.
• Experience with Salesforce and Google Workspace (docs/sheets) is preferred
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with experience managing donor databases and grant calendars.
• Experience with donor engagement events, including planning, logistics, and stakeholder coordination.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with leadership, board members, and staff.
• Deep alignment with SJCA’s mission.
• Based in California, with availability for occasional travel.