Application Guide
How to Apply for Vice President of Partnerships
at Justice Defense Fund
🏢 About Justice Defense Fund
The Justice Defense Fund (JDF) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to defending the rights and dignity of survivors of violence and abuse through strategic legal action, advocacy, and survivor-centered programs. As a lean and impactful nonprofit, JDF offers a unique opportunity to shape its growth and make a tangible difference in the lives of those seeking justice. Working here means being part of a passionate team that values innovation, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to systemic change.
About This Role
As the Vice President of Partnerships, you will lead JDF's fundraising and partnership strategy, working directly with the CEO and COO to diversify revenue and build lasting relationships with major donors, foundations, and mission-aligned partners. This role is pivotal in ensuring JDF's long-term sustainability and expanding its impact. You'll have the autonomy to build and execute a comprehensive development plan, from cultivating transformational gifts to overseeing the infrastructure that supports growth.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual meeting with the CEO to align on strategic priorities, followed by reviewing fundraising metrics and pipeline updates in the CRM. You might then have a call with a major donor or foundation, or prepare a case for support for an upcoming pitch. Afternoons could involve working with your team on stewardship plans, meeting with a potential corporate partner, or analyzing data to refine your fundraising strategy.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Justice Defense Fund Is Looking For
- Proven track record in nonprofit fundraising, with at least 7-10 years of experience, including major gifts and institutional giving, ideally in a senior leadership role.
- Deep understanding of the legal and social justice landscape, with the ability to articulate JDF's work in a compelling way to diverse stakeholders.
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to build and execute a multi-year fundraising plan, balancing long-term vision with day-to-day tactical execution.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills, with experience stewarding high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and foundations, and a commitment to survivor-centered values.
📝 Tips for Applying to Justice Defense Fund
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific fundraising results, such as dollars raised, number of major donors cultivated, or growth in foundation funding, with quantifiable outcomes.
Demonstrate your understanding of JDF's mission by referencing their recent cases or advocacy campaigns in your application materials, showing you've done your homework.
Highlight any experience with building development infrastructure, such as implementing CRM systems, creating stewardship processes, or developing fundraising analytics, as this is a key responsibility.
Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience managing remote teams or working in a distributed environment, and your ability to build relationships virtually.
In your cover letter, explicitly address why you are drawn to JDF specifically, not just the role, and how your personal values align with survivor-centered justice.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for social justice and how JDF's mission resonates with your own values and career goals.", "Your specific experience in major gifts and institutional fundraising, with concrete examples of how you've grown revenue and built lasting donor relationships.", 'Your ability to think strategically and operationally, showing you can both set the vision and roll up your sleeves to manage development operations.', "Your collaborative leadership style, as you'll work closely with the CEO, COO, and other executives, and your experience partnering with mission-aligned organizations."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review JDF's website, including their mission, programs, and recent news, to understand their legal work and advocacy focus.
- → Look at their annual reports or financial disclosures, if available, to understand their current funding sources and revenue mix.
- → Research their leadership team, especially the CEO and COO, to understand their backgrounds and priorities, which will inform your collaboration.
- → Check their presence on social media and in the news to see their recent campaigns and partnerships, and identify potential areas for growth.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid a generic cover letter that could apply to any nonprofit; show specific knowledge of JDF's work and why you're passionate about it.
- Don't underestimate the operational aspect of the role; be prepared to discuss your experience with development operations, not just relationship building.
- Avoid focusing solely on fundraising tactics without connecting them to the mission; JDF values a survivor-centered approach, so ensure your language reflects that.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Justice Defense Fund!