Chief Development Officer
Reports to:
President and CEO
Department:
Development
Position classification:
Exempt, full time
Compensation range:
$210,000–$260,000 per annum
Work site:
On-site (Washington, D.C., office)
Summary
American Progress comprises two tax-exempt mission-driven organizations—the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund—and is dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through ideas and action. American Progress is creating an affirmative vision for America—a vision that policymakers, legislators, and thought leaders can use to shape the national debate and drive lasting change. The Chief Development Officer will work closely with the President and CEO to develop the fundraising strategy for American Progress. They will work closely with the CEO on board engagement and manage a portfolio of six- and seven-figure prospects while leading and overseeing the management of the Development department.
American Progress comprises two tax-exempt mission-driven organizations—the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund—and is dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through ideas and action. American Progress is creating an affirmative vision for America—a vision that policymakers, legislators, and thought leaders can use to shape the national debate and drive lasting change. The Chief Development Officer will work closely with the President and CEO to develop the fundraising strategy for American Progress. They will work closely with the CEO on board engagement and manage a portfolio of six- and seven-figure prospects while leading and overseeing the management of the Development department.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a development team of 12 fundraisers and support staff to help them reach the combined CAP and CAP Action goals of more than $60 million annually.
- Develop and execute an integrated fundraising strategy that increases CAP’s and CAP Action’s contributed support and diversifies the types of donors to both organizations.
- Carry a portfolio of six- and seven-figure prospects.
- Support the President and CEO in soliciting high-level donors and with board engagement.
- Partner with the Executive Vice President, Policy, and Executive Director, CAP Action, to ensure the fundraising success of various policy and advocacy department team leads.
- Partner with the Executive Vice President, Communications, and Executive Vice President, External Relations and Programs, to promote impact and create exceptional donor engagement opportunities.
- Ensure that fundraising strategies are clearly understood by senior leadership across the organization and that the development office is achieving its strategic goals at an optimum pace.
- Manage both general support and restricted funding development opportunities.
- Develop, attract, and lead a diverse, talented, and high-performing team, including holding everyone accountable for quantifiable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
- Serve as coach, mentor, and leader of the development staff.
- Serve as effective developer of solutions to business challenges as a member of American Progress’ executive team.
- Successfully balance a robust travel schedule for meeting with potential and current funders with day-to-day department oversight.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements and qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or equivalent experience is required.
- 10+ years of nonprofit leadership experience, managing a large, comprehensive, national fundraising program, or comparable work with a nonprofit advocacy or policy-oriented organization is required.
- Demonstrated success leading a team, managing a seven-figure portfolio of individual and/or foundation donors, and managing relationships with internal and external partners to create the conditions for success.
- Demonstrated work experience and donor contacts in mission-aligned areas.
- The ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment.
- A proven track record in fundraising from a variety of sources, including government agencies, private foundations, individuals, and the private sector.
- Demonstrated entrepreneurial ability to develop alliances and coordinate shared interests of all parties.
- Excellent problem-solving skills designed to meet the challenges of the organization.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with considerable experience in writing and presenting information to a variety of audiences.
- Ability to use data and CRM systems to set fundraising strategy and priorities, measure outcomes, and drive superior performance.
- Knowledge of various progressive philanthropic and political sectors including equity, rights, justice, international affairs, public health, education, or democracy is desirable.
- Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
- Familiarity with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) regulations is a plus.
- Ability to work additional hours as needed to meet deadlines and manage workflow.
- Commitment to American Progress’ goals and mission.
American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union and has a salary range of $210,000–$260,000 per annum. Final salary may be above the posted range commensurate with experience.
Apply Now
This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.
Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this position will be considered applicants and will receive responses from American Progress.
This is not a remote position.
Thank you for your interest in American Progress.
Additional information
American Progress operates two separate nonprofit organizations to maximize the progressive agenda: the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “American Progress.” The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) tax-exempt research and educational institute. It undertakes research, public education and a limited amount of lobbying. The Center for American Progress Action Fund is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization dedicated to achieving progress through action. It works to transform progressive ideas into policy through rapid-response communications, legislative action, grassroots organizing, political advocacy, and partnerships with other progressive leaders. The organizations share office space and employees.
American Progress is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity is more than a commitment at American Progress—it is the foundation of what we do. American Progress recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, and all the other characteristics that make us unique.
For more information on the Center for American Progress, please go to www.americanprogress.org. For more information on the Center for American Progress Action Fund, please go to www.americanprogressaction.org.