Available Positions

Thank you for your interest in working for Judicial Watch. We are currently hiring for the following position(s):

Manager, Major gifts and Foundation Solicitation

DEPARTMENT:  Major Gifts

REPORTS TO:  Director of Development

DIVISION:  Development

STATUS:  Exempt

SUMMARY:

Manage major gifts programs to facilitate the identification, cultivation and solicitation of major ($5,000+) and planned gifts from individuals, corporations and family foundations in support of Judicial Watch.  Spearhead foundation fundraising efforts to ensure success.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manage the President’s Circle major donor program to include overseeing mailings, developing and executing donor recognition programs and initiating and coordinating special events.

2. Prepare and manage foundation and major donor proposals and other solicitations to reach goals.  Maintain schedule of foundation solicitations to ensure deadlines are met and proposals are sent on time.  Research and identify new prospective foundation donors.

3. Continuously identify new major donor prospects.  Research and develop strategies to successfully solicit new major donors.

4. Assist the Director of Development in coordinating the major donor Top 100 list to ensure continuous “moves” are made for each major donor to achieve fund-raising goals. Implement and continuously update tracking system to ensure program success.

5. Oversee and implement major gift cultivation and stewardship program to include implementing and executing proper and timely donor acknowledgements. Develop and implement communication and marketing strategies to support major gifts program.

6. Develop strategies for upgrading donors and increasing retention of major donors.

7. Support Director of Development, President and other board members to effectively execute major donor giving programs.

8. Coordinate and organize special events as need to recognize major donors and/or introduce prospective donors to Judicial Watch.

9. Work closely with the Development Department to ensure that assigned prospects and donors have well-documented and comprehensive data records and hard files.

SCOPE:

High visibility with Judicial Watch donors and prospects.  Position functions in a fast-paced environment with minimal direct supervision.  Position requires some regional travel as well as evening and weekend work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree required.  Minimum 3 years major/planned gift fund-raising experience (sales experience can be substituted) and knowledge of fund-raising techniques and strategies, including working knowledge of planned giving techniques required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

Strong team player able to work well with others and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.  Exceptional oral and written communication skills required.  Motivated and creative self-starter with forward-thinking capability required.  Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage and implement dynamic, multi-faceted fund-raising programs essential.  High motivation for success coupled with diplomacy, tact, and consistent follow through.  Must have the ability to forge strong working relationships with others and a capacity for engaging confidence and trust among prospects and donors.  Successful experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors essential.  Knowledge of current trends in charitable giving, particularly in the areas of major and planned gifts critical.  Working knowledge or ability to learn basics of charitable gift planning essential.  Proven ability to work independently as well as a member of the Development Department team essential.  Ability to maintain confidentiality critical.  Ability to use existing technology to achieve results critical.  Excellent writing skills.  Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, internet, database systems and familiarity with Windows PC environment required.

Investigative Journalist

Judicial Watch is seeking an experienced investigative reporter to start and direct an investigative journalism program for our conservative government watchdog group. The reporter will pursue stories that advance our mission of promoting integrity, accountability, and transparency in government, politics, and the law. The ideal candidate will have 10-12 years of journalism experience, especially covering Congress and the Executive Branch.

Benefits include employer-funded health insurance (medical, dental, vision, and prescription), life insurance, long- and short-term disability insurance, and eligibility to participate in our 403(b) retirement program. Salary commensurate with experience.

To apply for a postion, please submit a resumé and cover letter, along with salary requirements to careers/at/judicialwatch.org. Please include the job title your applying for in the subject line.

Internships

Judicial Watch is now accepting applications for interns and law clerks for the Fall Semesters. All college or graduate students interested in government oversight and reform are welcomed to apply, but preference is given to college junior or seniors or law students who have a demonstrated interest in public interest law, government or non-profit work.

Although this an unpaid internship, Judicial Watch will complete any college internship-for-credit paperwork. All college or graduate students interested in government oversight and reform are encouraged to apply.

Legal

The legal department of Judicial Watch is looking for an intern with previous legal research experience to help complete document research, citation checking, proofing of briefs and Freedom of Information Act requests. Research experience can be on either Westlaw or LexisNexis. Preference is given to current law students, but recent graduates and undergraduates are encouraged to apply. Applications must include a writing sample with citations.

Media & Public Relations

The public relations department of Judicial Watch is looking for interns with excellent research, writing, editing and organizational skills. Duties may include: researching Judicial Watch legal cases; writing and editing press releases and newsletter articles; maintaining Judicial Watch’s media library; and, building relationships with DC press personalities and outlets. Public relations interns are also responsible for assisting with the upkeep and maintenance of materials on the Judicial Watch website. Preference is given to Journalism, English or Media majors, but all majors are encouraged to apply.

Investigations & Research

Assist the Judicial Watch Investigations and Research Department in its mission. Duties may include: reviewing media reports, official documents and information databases to compile material used to draft analytical reports; research and draft open records requests (“FOIA”); administration of department files; attending and reporting on hearings, public events and press conferences; and, other duties to support the department’s research, as necessary.

Development

Assist the Development Department in its fund-raising mission. Duties may include: conducting donor research; writing donor profile reports; organizing donor files; fulfillment of donor requests; updating database; and, drafting correspondence and other documents as necessary. Preference is given to students with non-profit experience, but all are encouraged to apply.

Administration & Accounting

Have you ever wanted to learn how to run a non-profit? If so, here’s your chance. Duties may include: researching employee benefit options; organize monthly financials and supporting documents; conducting a fixed asset inventory; conducting a salary survey; and, other duties as necessary.

To apply for an internship with Judicial Watch, send a cover letter and resume to internships/at/judicialwatch.org with the desired internship as the subject. To be considered for the legal internship a writing sample with citations must be submitted.