The Development Team

• Communications Strategy: Develops overall outward facing communications strategy including messaging, timing, storytelling and creating compelling language for use in communications. Works closely with the Development Projects Coordinator on appeals, annual report etc.  

• Donor Engagement Strategy and Implementation: Builds and implements a strategy for engaging and building relationships with donors and potential donors. This could include small events, regular one-on-one emails/calls, meetings, general cultivation resource sharing etc.  

• Corporate Partnerships: Works with new and potential corporations to build partnerships that benefit both fundraising and programmatic goals at NJ LEEP. This includes field trips, WOTJ hosts, corporate philanthropy, volunteers, mentors, internships etc.  

• Advisory Board: Manages the Advisory Board including regular meetings, supporting them in setting goals and planning events 

• Foundations: Manages a portfolio of foundation partners and regularly cultivates new foundations whose missions align with the work of NJ LEEP. Leads on all grant writing.  

• Gala: Works with the Executive Director to build the Gala Committee and confirm a gala honoree. Manages the Gala Committee including meetings, communications etc. Works closely with the development team on all other aspects of the gala. Leads on video production for the gala. 

• Volunteer and Mentor Coordination: Serves as the primary contact for volunteers and mentors, providing event logistics, sharing necessary materials, and ensuring child safety waivers are completed prior to events. 

• Event Protocols and Planning: Develops event protocols eight weeks prior to events, coordinating with program staff to finalize logistics such as room setup, schedules, volunteer roles, and run of show as needed.

• Event Execution: Oversees on-the-ground logistics during events, including nametags, signage, and volunteer support, ensuring a seamless experience for participants and staff alike.  

• Event Supply Management: Manages the inventory and ordering of event supplies, ensuring all necessary materials are available and ready for use.

• Gala Event Planning and Execution: Leads the planning and coordination of NJ LEEP's annual gala, managing event logistics, timelines, vendor communication, Gala run of show, and volunteer support to ensure a successful and impactful event.

• Summer Field Trips: Coordinates logistics for summer field trips, including snacks (catering if needed), and transportation arrangements such as buses, tickets, or rideshare services. 

• Communication Support: Collaborates with program staff to distribute external materials and ensure all event-related communication is clear and timely. 

• Social Media Management:

  • Develops and maintains a monthly social media content calendar, finalizing posts at the start of each month. 

  • Manages incoming social media requests through the Social Media Request Form, requiring submissions at least one week before the desired posting date. 

  • Captures event photos and videos to create engaging content that highlights NJ LEEP’s mission, events, and achievements. 

The Development Project Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and managing a variety of key projects within the Development Team. These include: 

• Creating External Communication Materials: Designs materials on behalf of the Development team that communicate NJ LEEP's mission, values, and program initiatives to donors, partners, and communities. 

• Managing Gala Logistics: Oversees the creation of the ad journal, posters, and RSVP management. The Project Coordinator also handles various behind-the-scenes event logistics, including coordinating auction items and other event details.

• Grant Writing and Research: Conducts research and prepares grant proposals to support organizational funding. 

• Mentor and Volunteer Engagement: Coordinates the recruitment of mentors and volunteers to help meet the needs of the program. 

• Donor Engagement: Collaborates with the Managing Director of Development to coordinate donor appeals, strengthen donor relationships, and drive engagement efforts. 

• Raiser's Edge Streamlining: Manages donor data through Raiser's Edge, streamlining processes for smoother tracking and follow-up. 

• Website Maintenance: Oversees updates and changes to the NJ LEEP website, to reflect current programs, events, and initiatives. 

• Managing the Week on the Job (WOTJ) Program: Coordinates all aspects of the WOTJ program, including communication with partners, logistics, and participant engagement.

The Development Project Coordinator manages the outreach efforts for both volunteers and mentors on behalf of the program teams. 

• Volunteer Recruitment: Once volunteers for NJ LEEP events (such as workshops, debates, etc.) are identified, the Development Project Coordinator passes their information on to the Events and Communications Coordinator. They then share event logistics with volunteers and provides event support as needed. Program Managers take over the responsibility of facilitating the events and workshops. 

• Mentor Recruitment: After conducting outreach to potential mentors, the Development Project Coordinator forwards their information to the Legal Education Team and other relevant stakeholders, who are responsible for maintaining the mentor program.

Volunteers do not currently have a designated place online to access event agendas or instructions. Any information volunteers need prior to an event should be shared with the Event and Communications Coordinator during the event protocol meeting to ensure it is included in communications sent to volunteers.

To request a website update, please use the following form. All updates should be submitted at least one week in advance to allow the Development Project Coordinator time to plan and make the changes.

Posts created by team members can be shared on NJ LEEP’s social media platforms. The Event and Communications Coordinator plans content one month in advance and finalizes the content calendar at the start of each month. 

For one-off posts, a Social Media Request Form must be submitted at least one week prior to the desired posting date to allow for review and scheduling. This ensures that all content aligns with NJ LEEP’s messaging and strategy while maintaining a consistent posting schedule. 

Please plan ahead and submit requests accordingly to avoid delays or scheduling conflicts. 

Photo Guidelines – What to Capture & What to Avoid

What to Capture:

• Candid moments of students engaged (e.g. asking questions, raising hands, collaborating with other students, presenting)

• Volunteer-student interactions that show connection and mentorship

• Student faces clearly visible (preferably not the back of their heads)

• Group shots with energy — joy, focus, movement

• Close-up details (e.g., hands writing, students presenting, reactions)

• Clean, well-lit environments

What to Avoid:

• Blurry or poorly lit photos

• Students looking away, heads down, or backs only

• Distracting backgrounds (clutter, empty chairs, visible snacks/tech wires)

• Group photos where no one is centered or looking at the camera

• Over-posed shots that feel stiff or unnatural

Tip: Before snapping, ask: “Does this photo tell a story?”