SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER
NEW YORK, NY
WWW.NAACPLDF.ORG
THE NAACP LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) is America's premier legal organization
fighting for racial justice. Founded in 1940 by Thurgood Marshall—who subsequently became the first
African-American U.S. Supreme Court Justice—LDF has been at the forefront of the most important legal
efforts to promote equal justice under law. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks
structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that
fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans. Since 1957, it has been an entirely separate organization
from the NAACP.
LDF has focused the attention of the nation and the world on issues of race and justice, working to make
America an inclusive democracy through efforts to protect the right to vote, to ensure equal access to
education and employment, and to fight systemic racial inequality that continues to plague so many
Americans. The Development Office at LDF works to secure the partners and financial resources needed to
ensure the organization can meet its historic mission, well into the future.
LDF seeks a mission-driven Special Events Manager (SEM) to join the Development team. This is a critical
role within the organization; reflecting this, the SEM will report to the Chief Development Officer (CDO).
He or she will work closely with LDF Senior Management to gain an in-depth understanding of LDF’s
current and future substantive work and needs. The successful SEM candidate will have an eye toward
identifying opportunities to advance donor relationships and fundraising initiatives.
The ideal candidate for this opportunity will be passionate about LDF’s mission and work. The SEM must
be able to plan and execute fundraising and cultivation events. The successful candidate will work
collaboratively with the CDO to plan and execute the National Equal Justice Award Dinner (NEJAD) gala,
as well as fundraising and recognition benefits, dedications, receptions, meetings and luncheons. The
qualifying candidate will create and adhere to a budget, record attendance, create briefings, remarks,
acknowledgment letters and other follow-ups as well as maintain communications between all relevant
external and internal parties.
CONFIDENTIAL INQUIRIES & HOW TO APPLY
LDF has retained Freeman Philanthropic Services, LLC to assist on this recruitment. FPS
(www.glfreeman.com) is a national leader in executive recruitment for the not-for-profit sector and brings a
proven track record of recruiting top talent to diverse organizations.
Please send confidential inquiries and applications directly to FPS via e-mail: [email protected]. To be
fully considered, applications must include: an up-to-date resume and a formal letter of intent that
specifically cites the experiences that best prepare the applicant for this role and why this particular
opportunity is desired. Additional materials and information will be requested during the search and
interview process.
LDF: Page 1
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Special Events Manager will support the Chief Development Officer, with both the capacity and the
demonstrated track record to respond effectively to the following opportunities and challenges:
 Manage the special events program through identification, cultivation, and solicitation of donors and
prospects;

In collaboration with CDO and the event host(s), facilitate goal setting for the event and structure of the
program as well as establish guest list criteria;

Manage event scheduling; choose and book the appropriate venue, caterer, photographer, and florist;
coordinate invitation design and printing as well as any additional event collateral including signage,
audio/visual needs, programs, inserts, save the dates, handouts and any other required materials;

Manage requests for proposals from caterers, printers, and other vendors;

Manage the processing of invoices and check requests, ensuring vendors are paid in a timely manner;

Work strategically and creatively with CDO to set income and attendance goals, determine format and
other details for the event that will ensure achievement of these goals;

Secure corporate sponsorship, as required;

Oversee administrative tasks, write briefings and perform guest follow-up

Attend all events, facilitate event flow, and assist with set-up and breakdown of events;

Plan and coordinate the National Equal Justice Award Dinner (NEJAD) and other award dinners as
directed by the CDO;

Edit documents for spelling and grammar;

Serve as active partner in the development of event strategy;

Provide measurements for success and post-event analysis;

Manage event and support staff, create and adhere to a budget, record attendance, work with
development staff to create briefings, remarks, acknowledgment letters and other follow-ups as well as
maintain communications between all relevant external and internal parties;

Maintain records of donors and potential donors;

Manage Development & Alumni Coordinator.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & QUALITIES
To effectively fulfill the requirements of this position, a candidate must possess the following professional
experience and person qualities:

Proven experience (five to seven years) in Development, Special Events;

Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills; experience with professional letter writing and
proofreading;

Collaborative, team player style and flexibility, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities, refine
strategies after feedback, and multi-task to meet deadlines;
LDF: Page 2

High energy, self-motivation, a sense of humor, and perspective;

Strong attention to detail and strategic vision;

Experience relating to new and existing donors;

Stature, credibility, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage and support leadership;

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment;

Intellectual curiosity with the ability to be strategic, tactical and agile;

Excellent communication and presentation skills;

A Bachelor’s Degree is required.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The SEM’s compensation and benefits package will be competitive and commensurate with the selected
candidate’s background and experience. This position is based in New York City. LDF is an Equal
Opportunity Employer. LDF is committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to
race, creed, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and
disability.
APPENDICES
MISSION
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. is
America's premier legal organization fighting for racial justice.
Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks
structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and
achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of
equality for all Americans. LDF also defends the gains and
protections won over the past 75 years of civil rights struggle and
works to improve the quality and diversity of judicial and executive
appointments.
HISTORY
LDF is the country’s first and foremost civil and human rights law
firm. Founded in 1940 under the leadership of Thurgood Marshall,
who subsequently became the first African-American U.S. Supreme
Court Justice, LDF was launched at a time when the nation’s
aspirations for equality and due process of law were stifled by
widespread state-sponsored racial inequality. From that era to the
present, LDF’s mission has always been transformative: to achieve
racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society.
Please visit http://www.naacpldf.org/history to learn more about LDF’s history, impact, and achievements.
WHAT WE DO
Working in the four key areas of Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Education, and Political Participation,
LDF seeks to:
• Diminish the role of race in the criminal justice system and the role of the criminal justice system in
community life;
LDF: Page 3
•
•
•
Increase fairness and African-American participation in all aspects of economic life;
Increase equity in education and eliminate tolerance for schools that fail students;
Achieve full African-American civic engagement and participation in the democratic process.
LDF has also leveraged its Rapid Response Fund, a donor-supported effort that provides LDF with
emergency resources to turn emerging civil rights controversies into opportunities for transformation
through advocacy and community organizing.
In 2015, LDF launched the Thurgood Marshall Institute. The Institute is a collaborative hub within LDF
that combines a multidisciplinary approach to advocacy with our traditional litigation strengths to advance
a modern vision of racial justice. The Institute’s inaugural effort was the roll-out of a Policing Reform
campaign, a donor-driven effort, in follow up to LDF’s Rapid Response work. LDF is also launching an
affirmative, multi-faceted advocacy campaign in the area of education that will transform educational
opportunities for African-American and other students of color.
LDF has focused the attention of the nation and the world on issues of race and justice, working to make
America an inclusive democracy through efforts to protect the right to vote, to ensure equal access to
education and employment, and to fight systemic racial inequality that continues to plague so many
Americans.
PROGRAM AREAS
Criminal Justice
Policing Reform
Economic Justice
Disparate Impact
Education
Affirmative Action
Few race issues confront this nation with the blunt force of the
flagrant and persistent racial inequalities of the criminal justice
system. The U.S. has the largest prison population in the world, and
the vast majority of those prisoners are African-American and
Latino. Since its inception, LDF has challenged the inappropriate
role of race in the administration of criminal justice and has
targeted such systemic injustices as inadequate legal representation,
discriminatory jury selection, biased exercise of police and
prosecutorial discretion, the death penalty and other excessive
sentences. LDF uses litigation, advocacy, organizing and public
education to eliminate the improper role of race in the criminal
justice system.
Without fair and equitable employment, housing, public
transportation and health care, those who face discrimination will
become mired in poverty. In one of its first cases in 1940, LDF
secured a vital decision that required equal pay for black and white
teachers. Through litigation, advocacy and public education, LDF
works to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for African
Americans in all aspects of the economy.
From its inception LDF has been engaged in the fight to remove
barriers to educational access and opportunity. LDF’s education
docket has involved a number of seminal Supreme Court decisions,
including Brown v. Board of Education. There is a historic and direct
link between education and full democratic, economic, political and
social opportunity. Through comprehensive legal advocacy,
legislative proposals, policy initiatives, community organizing,
coalition-building and research, LDF seeks to eliminate policies that
contribute to racial disparities in the American educational system,
from early childhood education through post-secondary schooling.
LDF: Page 4
Political Participation
Voting Rights
Thurgood Marshall Institute
Civil rights laws protect the right of African Americans to elect their
candidates of choice and to participate equally in the political
process. LDF is the preeminent voice in the struggle to protect and
expand the right to vote. LDF uses litigation, legislation, public
education and other advocacy tools to ensure that everyone has the
ability to participate fully, equally and actively in America’s
democratic process.
In 2015, LDF launched the Thurgood Marshall Institute as part of
its 75th anniversary celebration events. The Institute is a
collaborative hub within LDF that combines a multidisciplinary
approach to advocacy with LDF’s traditional litigation strengths to
advance a modern vision of racial justice.
Senior Fellows
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
National Officers
David W. Mills
Chair
Professor of Practice and Senior Lecturer, Stanford
Law School, Director of Clinical Education at
Stanford (RET.), Managing Partner of Harbourton
Enterprises
James Castillo
Treasurer
United Parcel Service
Sherrilyn Ifill
Gerald S. Adolph
President and Director-Counsel
NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund, Inc.
Principal
PwC Strategy&
Janai Nelson
Patrick A Bradford
Associate Director-Counsel
NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund, Inc.
Secretary
General Counsel, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation
National Board of Directors
William J. Bynum
CEO
Hope Enterprise
Corporation/Hope Credit Union
Judith I. Byrd
President
Byrd Retail Group, LLC
Clifford P. Case III
Of Counsel
Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP
Robyn Coles
CEO
TRATE Enterprises
Damien Dwin
Managing Partner
Brightwood Capital Advisors
Gregory Evans
Managing Partner
McGuire Woods Los Angeles
Laurie Robinson Haden
David E. Kendall
Partner
Williams & Connolly
Michael R. Klein
Co-Founder & Chairman
The Sunlight Foundation
Senior Vice President & Assistant
General Counsel
CBS Corporation
Kim Koopersmith
Partner
Covington & Burling LLP/82nd
Attorney General of the United
States
William Lighten
Eric H. Holder Jr.
LDF: Page 5
Partner & Chairperson
Akin Gump
Managing Director
Eland Capital Partners
Cecilia S. Marshall
Steven B. Pfeiffer
Civic Leader
Partner
Fulbright & Jaworski LLP
Adebayo Ogunlesi
Michele Roberts
Chairman and Managing
Partner
Global Infrastructure Partners
Executive Director
National Basketball Players
Association
Luis Penalver
Partner
Corporate Group Cahill Gordon
& Reindel LLP
Judith McCartin
Scheide
Former Development Officer
Princeton University
Jonathan Soros
CEO
JS Capital Management, LLC
Angela Vallot
President
VallotKarp Consulting, LLC.
SENIOR STAFF
Sherrilyn Ifill
V. Renée Cutting
Janai Nelson
Christina Swarns
President and Director-Counsel
Chief Development Officer
Associate Director-Counsel
Director of Litigation
For a complete listing of LDF’s staff, please visit http://www.naacpldf.org/staff.
Sherrilyn Ifill is the seventh President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP
Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. Ms. Ifill is a long-time member of
the LDF family. After graduating law school, Ifill served first as a fellow at
the American Civil Liberties Union and then for five years as an assistant
counsel in LDF’s New York office, where she litigated voting rights
cases. Among her successful litigation was the landmark Voting Rights Act
case Houston Lawyers’ Association vs. Attorney General of Texas, in which
the Supreme Court held that judicial elections are covered by the provisions
of section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
In 1993, Ms. Ifill joined the faculty of the University of Maryland School of Law, where, in addition to
teaching Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law and variety of seminars, she continued to litigate and consult
on a broad and diverse range of civil rights cases while grooming the next generation of civil rights lawyers.
In addition to teaching in the classroom, Ms. Ifill launched several innovative legal offerings while at
Maryland Law School, including an environmental justice course in which students represented rural
communities in Maryland, and one of the first legal clinics in the nation focused on removing legal barriers
to formerly incarcerated persons seeking to responsibly re-enter society. From her base in Baltimore, Ifill
emerged as a highly regarded national civil rights strategist and public intellectual whose writings, speeches
and media appearances enrich public debate about a range of political and civil rights issues.
A critically acclaimed author, her book “On the Courthouse Lawn: Confronting the Legacy of Lynching in the
21st Century,” reflects her lifelong engagement in and analysis of issues of race and American public
life. Ifill's scholarly writing has focused on the importance of diversity on the bench, and she is currently
writing a book about race and Supreme Court confirmation hearings. Ifill is the immediate past Chair of the
Board of U.S. Programs at the Open Society Institute, one of the largest philanthropic supporters of civil
rights and social justice organizations in the country. Ms. Ifill is a graduate of Vassar College, and received
her J.D. from New York University School of Law.
LDF: Page 6
V. Renée Cutting, Chief Development Officer of the NAACP Legal Defense
Fund, Inc., is responsible for developing and implementing fundraising
strategies to advance LDF’s mission.
Renée has over 18 years of fundraising experience and has held leadership
positions in development at national and international organizations. Prior to
LDF, Renée served as Chief Development Officer of Horizons National, an
education nonprofit operating programs in 15 states across the country. In this
position
she helped build the development department's infrastructure, increase
V. Renée Cutting
and
diversify
revenues, and expand Horizons’ national visibility. Previously,
Chief Development Officer
Renée served as Director of Development at the Mount Sinai Medical Center
and Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention, and as the Director of Major Gifts at The Society
of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In these roles, Renée established a track record of formulating
successful development strategies, and securing leadership gifts from individuals, corporations and
foundations. Before her career in development, Renée was an English Instructor at Phillips Exeter and a
Harvard University Administrative Fellow at the Division of Public Health Practice. Renée holds a Master's
degree in Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and American
Literature from New York University.
FUNDRAISING HIGHLIGHTS
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
In the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2015, LDF’s raised revenue included $7,202,216 in contributions,
$1,745,062 (net) from special events, $773,748 in bequests, and $237,550 from the Combined Federal
Campaign. In the same fiscal period, the end of year endowment net assets were $23,873,248, of which
$18,512,779 are permanently restricted and $5,360,469 are temporarily restricted. Please click here to view
the 2015 Audited Financial Statement. LDF’s 2016-17 budget is approximately $14 million.
LDF: Page 7