Our Mission: to establish a fair and just criminal justice system in Texas,
with an emphasis on improving the quality of representation afforded those facing the death penalty.
Texas Defender Service
Development Director Search
About Texas Defender Service Texas Defender Service (TDS) has been working to improve the quality of representation provided to those facing the death penalty in Texas since 1995. TDS directly represents death row inmates, consults in capital cases at all phases of the proceedings, participates in attorney training and conducts research and data collection projects regarding the application of the death penalty in Texas. Texas Defender Service has represented inmates or consulted on more than 200 death penalty cases per year in 2006 and 2007. TDS is a nonprofit organization with offices in Houston and Austin and supporters nationwide. The Development Director will be based in Austin.
TDS has a long and successful track record of obtaining income from national foundations and to a lesser extent, individual and corporate donors. The organizations' budget has doubled over the past few years and currently is $1.3 million yearly. The growth and diversification of this income stream is a key organizational goal.
The Development Director Position
Texas Defender Service seeks a Development Director who can build on its successful fundraising past and move the organization into a new phase of sustainability and impact.
Desired Experience and Attributes.
Ideal candidates will bring to the position a variety of attributes, knowledge and skills:
Proven track record of fundraising success with individual, corporate, and foundation support
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write and speak persuasively before diverse audiences
Detail-oriented approach with experience using one or more of the major development software packages to track fundraising activities
Concern for social justice and interest in our mission
An open-minded attitude and good sense of humor
Preferred knowledge and skills include:
Knowledge of the legal system and legal issues
Experience working with major donors
Grant-writing experience
Job Description.
The Development Director will report to the Executive Director and work with the Development Committee of the Board of Directors to achieve fundraising goals.
Job Duties include:
Execute the existing strategic long-term fundraising plan involving the Board, staff, and volunteers
Analyze and make recommendations to the Executive Director on revenue producing strategies
Prospect public, private and corporate funding sources to determine which are the most likely targets for TDS proposals
Oversee or actively participate in the writing and preparation of all grant proposals
Implement annual fund program
Research and recommend strategies for special events
Implement strategy for identifying donors and managing donor cultivation strategies, and assist the Executive Director and Board members in direct solicitations
Create and implement strategy of community networking to raise public awareness of Texas Defender Service
Organize and maintain efficient operational procedures and record-keeping such as recording donations and receipting gifts in a timely manner
Work collaboratively and as a team member with staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders
Salary and Benefits Package.
Texas Defender Services is pleased to offer a very competitive salary and benefits package. Salary is commensurate with experience Benefits include full health and dental coverage, life insurance, a 401K plan, and generous vacation.
Application Process. To apply, please send letter of interest, resume, three references, and 3-year salary history to search@texasdefender.org by March 31, 2008.
Texas Defender Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
TEXAS DEFENDER SERVICE
JOB DESCRIPTION
MITIGATION SPECIALIST
Texas Defender Service (TDS) is a non-profit organization established in 1995 by experienced Texas death penalty attorneys. Our mission is to establish a fair and just criminal justice system in Texas. TDS strives towards its mission through three core programs: (1) post-conviction litigation and consulting; (2) trial litigation, attorney training, and consulting; and (3) policy reform, which includes issue advocacy and research. TDS aims to improve the quality of representation afforded to those facing a death sentence.
TDS seeks an experienced mitigation specialist to assist in the representation of those facing the death penalty in Texas. The mitigation specialist is primarily responsible for supporting the development of the mitigation aspect of TDS' cases, including locating and interviewing witnesses, developing thorough life histories of the client, requesting, reviewing and summarizing records relevant to mitigation, locating and retrieving documents and other evidence, and assisting TDS attorneys in preparing for evidentiary hearings.
Applicants must possess substantial investigative and mitigation experience, including the investigation and development of defense mitigation presentations in capital trials or post-conviction cases. Those without demonstrated mitigation experience will be considered if the applicant possesses significant experience with mental health or social work. Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well with others in a team-based approach. This position is located in Houston but the ability to engage in significant travel is required.
This is a full-time position with generous benefits and salary based on qualifications and experience.
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and references to Sally Sepulveda, at araceli@texasdefender.org, or 412 Main Street, Suite 1150, Houston, Texas 77002.
