Careers

The North Carolina Justice Center is a progressive research and advocacy organization dedicated to expanding opportunity and protecting the rights of low-income individuals in North Carolina. For almost 30 years, the NC Justice Center has been on the front lines in the courts, at the legislature, in the media, and in communities advocating for positive changes for low-income and working North Carolinians. We hold government agencies, institutions, and other actors accountable to address the root causes of racism. We have produced major research reports that have influenced important public policy change in North Carolina. The NC Justice Center has played a primary role in most of the state’s major policy debates and successfully litigated hundreds of individual cases and class actions.

Director, Gifts and Endowment

To Apply: North Carolina Justice Center – Director, Gifts and Endowment
Upon request, The North Carolina Justice Center will provide reasonable accommodation for all candidates with disabilities.
Raleigh, NC | Hybrid | Exempt
Reports to: Executive Director | Member, Senior Management Team
Salary Range: $118-$120K

Turn Philanthropic Vision into Lasting Justice.

Strong advocacy requires strong and sustainable resources. At the North Carolina Justice Center, the Director, Gifts and Endowment leads the fundraising strategy and Development operations that help make our work possible.

Reporting to the Executive Director and serving on the Senior Management Team, the Director develops and oversees NCJC’s annual fundraising plan across individual giving, endowment, grants, events and other philanthropic revenue. The Director supervises the Development team, partners with the Executive Director to identify revenue opportunities aligned with organizational priorities, coordinates closely with project directors and Finance, and helps build the relationships and systems necessary to sustain NCJC’s work over the long term.

This role requires a strategic fundraising leader who can move comfortably between organizational planning, donor engagement, grant oversight, staff supervision, event leadership and the day-to-day management necessary to execute a successful Development program.

What You’ll Lead

Annual fundraising strategy and execution.Develop, manage and execute NCJC’s annual Development plan, including goals and strategies for individual giving, endowment, grants, fundraising events, sponsorships and other philanthropic revenue. Monitor progress throughout the year and adjust strategies as needed to meet organizational revenue goals.
Individual giving and donor engagement.Oversee annual giving, donor cultivation, stewardship, renewal and communications strategies. Identify opportunities to deepen donor relationships and coordinate meetings and engagement opportunities between the Executive Director and high-net-worth donors and prospective supporters.
Endowment and long-term sustainability.Lead strategies to grow NCJC’s endowment and encourage planned and legacy giving, including donor cultivation, communications, stewardship and special campaigns that strengthen the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.
Grants strategy and coordination.Oversee NCJC’s grants program in partnership with the Grants Manager, Executive Director, project directors and Finance. Help identify funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities; coordinate the grant pipeline and application process; support project directors with proposals and budgets; and ensure appropriate tracking, reporting and stewardship of institutional funders.
Defenders of Justice Gala and regional events.Lead the planning and execution of NCJC’s annual Defenders of Justice Awards Gala, an approximately 400-person fundraising and stewardship event, as well as three regional donor and community engagement events each year. Coordinate sponsorships, donor engagement, program development, logistics and staff participation.
Development team leadership.Supervise a two-person Development team, establish priorities and responsibilities, coach and develop staff, monitor performance and workload, and ensure strong execution of fundraising, grants, donor stewardship, events and Development operations.
Executive and Board partnership.Partner with the Executive Director on fundraising strategy, donor cultivation and identification of new revenue streams that align with NCJC’s strategic goals. Support meaningful Board participation in fundraising, donor stewardship, introductions and relationship-building.
Fundraising communications and stewardship. Work collaboratively with Communications to develop donor-facing messaging, appeals, impact communications, campaign materials and other content that connects supporters with the impact of NCJC’s work.
Financial planning and accountability.Work closely with Finance, the Executive Director and program leadership to establish fundraising goals, develop revenue projections, monitor progress against budget, reconcile grant and fundraising information, and ensure responsible stewardship of restricted and unrestricted funds.
Development systems and operations.Ensure effective use of donor and grants-management systems, accurate records, gift acknowledgement, prospect and grant tracking, reporting, compliance, and Development policies and procedures.

Who You Are

You understand how strong fundraising programs are built: through relationships, strategy, disciplined execution, collaboration and trust. You can translate complex advocacy, litigation and policy work into compelling reasons for people and institutions to invest in NCJC’s mission.

You are equally comfortable developing a fundraising plan, meeting with a donor, reviewing a grant opportunity, helping staff solve a problem, preparing the Executive Director for a donor meeting, working through revenue projections with Finance, or managing the many moving pieces of a major fundraising event.

You build trust across differences, exercise sound judgment, and bring credibility to conversations with donors, Board members, funders, colleagues and community partners. Your leadership combines strategic thinking with the willingness to ensure that the details necessary for successful execution are completed well.

What You’ll Bring

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, public administration, communications, business or a related field.

At least ten years of progressively responsible major fundraising, development or nonprofit advancement experience required, including five of those years in senior leadership or executive level fundraising management of multiple areas of development and supervision.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing fundraising plans involving individual giving, institutional funding, donor stewardship, events and other revenue strategies.
Experience managing or providing significant oversight of grants, including prospect identification, applications, budgets, reporting, tracking and funder stewardship.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, Board members, organizational leadership and community partners.
Experience planning and executing fundraising events and donor engagement opportunities involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
Experience supervising, coaching and developing staff and managing competing priorities, deadlines and organizational needs.
Strong knowledge of donor databases, CRM and grants-management systems, fundraising analytics, gift administration and nonprofit fundraising practices.
Exceptional writing, communication, relationship-building, organizational and project-management skills.
A demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice and to inclusive leadership, equitable decision-making and staff development.

Preferred: CFRE or relevant advanced training; experience with endowment or planned giving; and experience in nonprofit advocacy, legal, policy or other mission-driven organizations.

Why This Role Matters

Justice requires sustained investment. The Director, Gifts and Endowment helps ensure that NCJC has the resources, relationships and fundraising infrastructure necessary to respond to immediate needs while building long-term organizational strength.

The Director works across the organization – connecting leadership, programs, Finance, Communications, the Board, donors and institutional funders – to ensure that fundraising supports NCJC’s mission and strategic priorities. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director also contributes to broader organizational planning and decision-making.

Benefits

NCJC’s published benefits include six weeks of annual paid time off; paid holidays and parental leave; employer-supported 403(b) retirement savings; medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage; and flexible spending and health savings account options.

Location and Working Conditions

This Raleigh-based hybrid role requires regular statewide travel and occasional evening and weekend work, particularly in connection with donor meetings and fundraising events. The position includes extended computer work, virtual and off-site meetings and events, and occasional lifting or moving of materials weighing up to 15–20 pounds. NCJC provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities during the hiring process and in performing essential job functions.

Our Commitment to Equity

The NC Justice Center is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, personal appearance, marital or family status, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, natural hair styles, or other status as protected by State and Federal laws.

We are a Fair Chance Employer and work to reduce barriers to employment for individuals with criminal records. It is our intention to promote the full realization of equality in opportunity and employment.

Build the Relationships. Strengthen the Resources. Advance Justice.

If you are ready to lead a comprehensive Development program that helps sustain statewide work for justice, we invite you to apply.

Major Gifts Officer

Click here to apply
Upon request, The North Carolina Justice Center will provide reasonable accommodation for all candidates with disabilities.
Raleigh, NC (Hybrid)
Hiring Range: $69,281- $93,208

Justice does not happen by chance. It happens because people choose to invest in it.

Every day, the North Carolina Justice Center works to build a state where everyone can thrive—regardless of race, income, or background. We advocate for policies that expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and advance economic, racial, and social justice.

Behind every victory is someone who believed enough in that vision to invest in it. We’re looking for a Major Gifts Officer who can help cultivate those relationships and inspire others to join this work.

If you’re someone who enjoys connecting with people, listening to their stories, building trust over time, and helping them invest in meaningful change, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

As our Major Gifts Officer, you will build and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospective supporters whose generosity helps make our mission possible.
Some days you’ll be meeting with long-term supporters to learn what inspires their philanthropy. Other days you will partner with policy experts, communications staff, and organizational leaders to share stories of impact, introduce new donors to our work, or develop strategies that deepen engagement and expand support.
You’ll play an important role in helping donors see themselves as partners in creating lasting changes across North Carolina. Whether you are stewarding an existing relationship or cultivating a new one, your work will strengthen the Justice Center’s ability to advocate for families and communities throughout the state.

What You’ll Bring

You’re an accomplished relationship builder who believes that philanthropy is about people first.
You’ll bring:

A bachelor’s degree.
At least three years of successful fundraising experience in advocacy, nonprofit, political, legal services, public policy, or another mission-driven organization.
Experience working with major donors, executive leadership, board members, or philanthropic partners.
Experience managing donor portfolios, moves management strategies, and donor databases or CRM systems.
Strong communication, writing, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
A deep commitment to advancing racial, economic, and social justice.

We’d Be Excited If…

You have served at least one year as a Major Gifts officer.
You have successfully secured five-figure (or larger) individual gifts.
You’re familiar with North Carolina’s philanthropic community and enjoy cultivating relationships throughout the state.
You hold—or are pursuing—a CFRE credential

Why This Work Matters

At the North Carolina Justice Center, you’ll join colleagues who are deeply committed to making North Carolina a place where everyone can flourish.
You’ll work alongside talented advocates, researchers, organizers, communicators, and policy experts who believe that meaningful change happens through collaboration, courage, and persistence.

This is an opportunity to build authentic relationships with people who want to make a difference—and to help connect their generosity with work that transforms lives. If you’re looking for a career where your relationships have purpose and your work has lasting impact, you’ll find it here.

Where You’ll Work

This is a hybrid position based in Raleigh, North Carolina with frequent statewide travel to meet donors, attend events, and strengthen relationships across North Carolina. Most of the donor community is currently in the Triangle metro area.

Join Us

If this opportunity excites you, we encourage you to apply. If you believe your experience, skills, and passion align with our mission, we hope you’ll introduce yourself. Help build the partnerships that make justice possible.

Equal Opportunity & Fair Chance Employer

The North Carolina Justice Center is committed to building a workplace where people of every background, identity, and experience are welcomed, respected, and valued. We believe our organization is strongest when it reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process and employment.
We also believe that talent, potential, and character cannot be measured by a person’s past alone. Consistent with applicable law, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will receive fair consideration for employment.
Every candidate is evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to contribute to our mission

Policy Analyst, Health Advocacy Project

Help Shape the Future of Health Care in North Carolina

Every North Carolinian deserves access to quality, affordable, and equitable health care. At the North Carolina Justice Center’s Health Advocacy Project (HAP), we work to make that vision a reality.

Our Health Advocacy Project works to ensure that individuals and families with low incomes, rural communities, and communities of color have meaningful access to comprehensive, high-quality health care. Through policy analysis, legislative advocacy, coalition building, public education, and strategic communications, HAP advances policies that improve health outcomes and create lasting change across North Carolina. (ncjustice.org)

We’re looking for a Policy Analyst who is energized by using research, data, and persuasive advocacy to improve people’s lives.

What You’ll Do

As a member of the Health Advocacy Project, you’ll help drive policy initiatives that influence health care access across North Carolina. You’ll work alongside experienced advocates, researchers, community partners, and policymakers to identify challenges, develop solutions, and communicate why effective public policy matters.

Your work will include:

Researching emerging health policy issues, legislative proposals, and administrative actions affecting North Carolinians.
Developing policy reports, issue briefs, fact sheets, testimony, blog articles, and other materials that translate complex policy into clear, compelling information.
Analyzing state and federal health policy and identifying opportunities to improve access, affordability, and health equity.
Building relationships with legislators, state agencies, coalition partners, health care organizations, advocates, and community leaders.
Representing the Justice Center in meetings, public forums, legislative discussions, and stakeholder convenings.
Supporting advocacy campaigns through research, communications, and strategic policy
Helping educate community members, partners, and decision-makers about health policy issues affecting low-income and historically marginalized communities.
Contributing to collaborative projects that strengthen North Carolina’s health care system and promote equitable public policy.

Who You Are

You are curious, analytical, and committed to public service. You enjoy digging into complex policy issues, communicating ideas clearly, and working collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds.

What You’ll Bring

Bachelor’s degree in public policy or related ﬁeld.

Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in health policy, advocacy, and research.
Strong research, analytical, writing, and verbal communication
The ability to communicate effectively with policymakers, partners, community members, and the media.
An understanding of how public policy affects health outcomes and
Experience working with coalitions, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or advocacy organizations is preferred.
Demonstrated commitment to racial

Preferred Qualiﬁcations

Advanced degree in public policy or related ﬁeld.
Five or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in health policy, advocacy, or research.
Work experience in a non-proﬁt

Physical Requirements

The employee should have the ability to maintain focus and productivity while performing at a workstation for prolonged periods, including working on a computer, managing documents, or engaging in virtual meetings.

Work Environment

Hybrid work environment, including home and office.

Benefits

Six weeks paid time off annually
Paid parental leave and holidays
Employer contributions to a 403(b)-retirement plan
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Disability and life insurance
Flexible spending and health savings account options
Part of the Bargaining unit

Why Join the Health Advocacy Project?

For more than three decades, the Health Advocacy Project has been a leading voice for equitable health policy in North Carolina. Our team has helped advance transformative policy changes, expanded access to health coverage, educated thousands of North Carolinians, and worked alongside communities to ensure that health policy reflects the needs of the people it serves. (ncjustice.org)

At the North Carolina Justice Center, you’ll join colleagues who believe that lasting change happens through thoughtful research, meaningful partnerships, and courageous advocacy. Your work will directly contribute to improving the lives of people across North Carolina.

Our Commitment

The North Carolina Justice Center is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds and encourage candidates from all communities to apply.

Ready to lead meaningful change?
If you’re passionate about advancing health equity through policy and advocacy, we’d love to hear from you.