Job Description:
Who We Are:
The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization working to ensure a fair, inclusive financial marketplace that creates opportunities for all. Through research, legal analysis, policy development, and state and national advocacy engagement, CRL fights for economic equity for underserved communities—including Black and brown communities, low-to-middle-income families, and rural families. CRL’s staff, allies, and funders reflect a collective commitment to eliminating systemic injustice in America’s financial services.
CRL provides a strong voice on both the state and national levels for these families to expand family wealth and financial stability through sustainable homeownership, affordable higher education, and support for small businesses. We also protect their financial stability by preventing harmful products that trap families in debt and strip away their income, including predatory high-cost lending and other unfair financial practices. CRL is an affiliate of Self-Help, a community development lender founded in 1980.
The Julian Bond Institute (JBI) produces research that illuminates the financial barriers families face, builds the evidence base for policy change, and holds the financial system accountable to the communities it must serve — with the rigor of academic research and the urgency of a civil rights mandate. JBI was launched in early 2025 as part of CRL.
We are seeking a Director of Philanthropy to join our team. This is a hybrid role based in our Durham, NC or Washington, DC office.
What You’ll Do:
This is a chance to be the driving force behind the fundraising that powers CRL’s work. As CRL’s lead fundraiser, reporting to the President, you’ll shape our philanthropy strategy and help raise more than $3 million each year for research and advocacy that protects families from predatory lending and helps them build lasting wealth. If you’re a strategic, energetic leader who loves building relationships and wants your work to lead directly to real change for families, this role is for you.
Lead Our Fundraising Strategy
You’ll own CRL’s annual and multi-year revenue goals across grants and individual giving, and build and carry out the plan to reach them through foundation, major individual, and corporate giving and endowment growth.
You’ll position our philanthropy program to advance CRL’s broader goals, making sure the dollars we raise line up with our research, policy, and advocacy priorities.
You’ll manage the fundraising calendar and staff roles, working closely with colleagues across CRL to meet our goals and deadlines.
Grow and Deepen Funder Relationships
You’ll find new funders and grow the number of foundations and individual donors who support our work.
You’ll lead meetings with current and prospective funders and represent CRL at conferences and other events.
When it makes sense, you’ll bring CRL Board and Advisory Board members into the work of building support.
Tell CRL’s Story to Funders
You’ll write, or guide the writing of, proposals, reports, and stewardship communications that show funders what their support makes possible.
Keep Fundraising on Track
You’ll track solicitations, expected gifts, pledges, and income, and give executive leadership and the Board monthly fundraising updates on progresstoward goals, including projected versus actual revenue and expenses.
You’ll coordinate grant tracking and reporting with CRL staff, Self-Help’s resource development team, and accounting staff.
Build a Culture of Fundraising
You’ll lead and coach the Philanthropy Manager, helping them grow their skills and do their best work.
You’ll serve as the go-to advisor and coach for CRL leaders, Board members, and staff on fundraising, helping everyone play a part in building support.
You’ll take on other duties as needed to help CRL meet its goals.
What You'll Need:
A bachelor’s degree and at least 5 to 7 years of fundraising experience with foundations,…