Vice President, Development
Reports to:
Chief Development Officer
Staff reporting to this position:
Individual Giving team
Department:
Development
Position classification:
Exempt, full time; Nonunion - Level 9
Compensation range:
$140,000–$180,000
Work site:
Hybrid (on-site two days per week, Washington, D.C., office)
Summary
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Development Officer (CDO), the Vice President of Development will be a key member and leader of the Development department. They will be responsible for leading the Individual Giving team, work closely with the CDO on board recruitment, and manage a portfolio of 75 six-figure donors and prospective donors while leading and overseeing the management of the Individual Giving team.
This position is ideal for a dynamic, results-driven, and well-organized development leader who is committed to a progressive policy agenda and to American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country. In addition, this individual will support American Progress’ five crosscutting priorities:
- Building an economy for all
- Restoring social trust in democracy
- Advancing racial equity and justice
- Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
- Strengthening health
The Development department works with program staff at both the Center for American Progress, a 501(c)(3) organization, and the Center for American Progress Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization, to fundraise to support American Progress’ priorities and bold progressive agenda.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the Individual Giving team of five fundraisers and support staff to help them reach their combined goals.
- Support the CDO with board recruitment.
- Carry a portfolio of 75 six-figure and prospective donors.
- Enhance unrestricted funding while generating new programmatic funding.
- Serve as a key leader in the Development department and successfully balance an occasionally rigorous travel schedule to meet with potential and current funders.
- Serve as a coach, mentor, and leader to the Individual Giving team staff.
- Establish credibility within the Development department as an effective developer of solutions to business challenges.
- Develop, lead, attract, inspire, retain, and manage a diverse, talented, and high-performing team to ensure that the mission and core values of American Progress are put into practice by holding everyone accountable for quantifiable, high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
- Guide staff in their respective areas of functional expertise.
- Engage staff in strategic operations and execution through responsive and transparent communication and leadership.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements and qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or equivalent experience is required.
- A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, including at least five years of fundraising experience with principal gifts of $1 million or more from individual donors.
- Demonstrated success managing a six- and seven-figure portfolio of donors.
- Work experience and donor contacts in mission-aligned areas.
- 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 customer relationship management systems to set fundraising strategy and priorities, measure outcomes, and drive superior performance.
- Knowledge of various progressive philanthropic sectors, such as racial equity, rights, justice, international affairs, public health, education, and/or democracy preferred.
- Experience in soliciting progressive political donors preferred.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Strong interpersonal, mediation, and facilitation skills.
- Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- 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.
- Support for the mission of American Progress and commitment to a broad progressive agenda.
Applications should include a cover letter and resume. Writing samples may be requested.
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 $140,000–$180,000, which is distinct from the standard range for this level due to its unique responsibilities and requirements.
American Progress’ hybrid work policy is posted on our Jobs page. Please visit this page for updates. Any changes to this policy will also be communicated at the time of hire.
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.
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.