Assistant Director, Development and Communications (Post-Conviction Justice Project)

Founded in 1896, the Gould School of Law has a distinguished past built on the principles of equity and excellence, and the courage to break new ground. USC first introduced legal education in Southern California. Today, the law school continues to make history through its philosophy of innovation and through its people. USC Gould cultivates analytical ability, ethical values, and a spirit of collegiality that prepare students for meaningful careers benefiting society. It was one of the first law schools to engage students in clinical programs and remains a leader in experiential education.

The Post-Conviction Justice Project (PCJP) at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law is seeking a talented and enthusiastic self-starter to serve in the role of Assistant Director, Development and Communications. PCJP is a clinical education program where professors and law students advocate for second chances for people serving life terms in California prisons through legal representation at parole hearings and on habeas corpus, and through criminal justice policy reform advocacy.

Reporting to the co-directors of PCJP, and working closely with USC Gould’s development and communications departments, this role will develop and oversee PCJP’s:

• Development, including seeking funding from foundations, private donors and alumni, government grants and contracts, and fundraising events;
• Communications, including promoting PCJP’s work and accomplishments through existing outlets and developing additional mechanisms via social media and public relations, collaboration with partner organizations, and special events; and
• Strategic Planning, including researching and developing opportunities for collaboration with partner organizations to support expanded opportunities for law students to represent clients and system-impacted people in the project area goals of 1) holistic re-entry legal services, (2) executive clemency representation, (3) recall and resentencing, and (4) in-prison educational programs.

The ideal candidate has experience in fundraising (including grant writing), communications, web/graphic design, and event planning. The candidate is organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, adept at social media platforms, and possesses exceptional writing and communications skills. The candidate has a personal commitment to education and social justice, and has a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of system-impacted people. System-impacted candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position will identify and cultivate relationships with potential funders to support the goals of PCJP, identify creative outlets to publicize and promote the work and accomplishments of PCJP, and develop opportunities for collaboration with other organizations who are doing related work.

This is an exempt, full-time position. This position is grant-funded for two years with the possibility of additional funding after two years.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Development:

• Review current fundraising efforts and identify areas to expand; propose and develop systems, strategies, and schedules for donor outreach, communication, cultivation, and stewardship with a focus on relationship building and the implementation of a successful major donor program.
• Research, identify and secure new funding opportunities, including foundations, alumni and private donors, and government sources through successful applications, cultivation, and prospect research.
• Assist with administrative duties as needed, including management of alumni, client, and donor databases, grant acknowledgement letters, and communication with current and prospective funders for site visits, meetings, and calls.
• Perform general grant administration, including data management (data entry, evaluation, and reporting).

Communications:

• Create and maintain marketing and communications materials that share PCJP’s work and successes in ways that deepen awareness and understanding and build support both internally and externally, including:
• Creating and maintaining content for PCJP’s website and email communications
• Developing print and digital publications, graphics and marketing collateral for key audiences, including news media
• Writing and editing newsletters and news stories; creating presentations, videos, brochures, event materials and other special communications
• Managing social-network presence, including Facebook and Instagram
• Seeking storytelling opportunities and interviewing clients and students

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Exceptional writing, storytelling and communication skills
• Strong research, analytical, and organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Adept at managing social media, websites and email marketing

Preferred:

• 2+ years experience in fundraising role
• 2+ years experience in marketing or communications role
• Knowledge and/or firsthand experience with the criminal justice and reentry fields
• Experience with shooting and editing video, and designing print and digital marketing collateral
• Experience working with WordPress and Mailchimp
• Video production and editing

Ability to:

• Compile, analyze, and interpret data and research to develop compelling proposals and reports
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines with strong skills in planning and organization
• Respond effectively to changing priorities and a fluctuating workload
• Complete tasks in an efficient and effective manner with minimal supervision
• Exercise initiative and good judgment, be proactive, and follow direction
• Conceptualize and carry out inbound marketing strategies

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, Creative Writing, Political Science, or other relevant field.
• Some experience in a similar position that includes fundraising and/or grant writing, grants management -- administrative responsibilities preferred.

ABOUT THE POST-CONVICTION JUSTICE PROJECT

The mission of the Post-Conviction Justice Project (PCJP) is to develop law students’ potential to be skilled and ethical advocates through the experience of providing deserving clients with zealous legal representation at parole hearings, on executive clemency applications, and in court on writs of habeas corpus and petitions for resentencing.  Learn more at www.uscjustice.org.

ATTENTION:  Applicants must upload a cover letter and a resume to be considered for this position.

Equity, diversity, inclusion, opportunity and access are of central importance to the Gould School of Law (Gould).  Gould holds a unique position in society, and within the university, as every aspect of these principles are influenced by and can be protected through legal rules and institutions.  At Gould, we are proudly committed to maintaining a community in which each person respects the rights of others to live, work, and learn in peace and dignity, to be proud of who and what they are, and to have equal opportunity to realize their full potential as individuals and members of society.