Director of Development, Governance Studies (Job ID 2020-2460)

The Brookings Institution

Equal-Opportunity Employer: It is Brookings policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all of its employees and applicants without regard to their actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, citizenship status, family responsibilities, gender identity or expression, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other prohibited basis of discrimination as required by law.

Director of Development, Governance Studies (Job ID: 2020-2460)

US-DC-Washington

Job ID: 2020-2460
Type: Regular, Introductory
# of Openings: 1
Category: Development
1. Resident Employee

Overview

The Governance Studies (GS) program at Brookings aims to be the leading, independent voice in the domestic policymaking sphere. Though analyzing public policy, contemporary governance challenges, and political institutions and processes, Governance Studies aims to inform debate and provide policymakers with tools and ideas to improve institutional governance at the national level.

Please note: This position is based in Brookings' Washington, DC office. In response to COVID-19, Brookings staff are temporarily teleworking. The person hired for this position must be willing to move to or currently reside in Washington DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia.

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

Working as a member of the Governance Studies (GS) senior management team, the Director of Development creates and implements comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising strategies for GS and its centers, in coordination with the GS Vice President (VP), scholars, and other development staff, with a focus on foundation, government, and other non-profit donors. Independently develops, manages, and executes GS's foundation and government fundraising strategies, activities, and goals in close partnership with appropriate scholars. Proactively identifies prospects, cultivates and stewards relationships, and develops written proposals and materials for donor support and stewardship. With project scholars, ensures successful completion of grant objectives. Coordinates and collaborates with Central Development on institution-wide priorities that involve GS scholars. Serves as a liaison with development staff throughout Brookings.

Development and Implementation of GS Foundation and Government Fundraising Plan (60%)

• In collaboration with the GS VP, scholars, and other development staff, develops and implements GS's fundraising strategy and goals, with a specific focus on foundation and government donors.
• Oversees the day-to-day fundraising and stewardship efforts for foundation, government, and other non-profit donors; cultivates active prospects and builds a robust pipeline of potential donors; and tracks progress toward annual budget goals.
• Identifies fundraising opportunities and researches new prospects for GS and its initiatives, with a particular focus on foundations and government opportunities.
• In close partnership with scholars, develops and solicits concept notes and proposals to foundations and governments from idea creation to formal submission; edits scholar drafts to ensure compliance with institutional policies, consistency with other documents, and relevance to donor interest and intent.
• Represents GS and/or its scholars in meetings with prospects and donors; provides briefings and follow-up for donor meetings to VP and scholars; advises GS scholars on development strategy and policies and on specific fundraising opportunities.

Coordination of Fundraising Efforts within GS and with other Brookings Programs (20%)

• Coordinates prospects and fundraising activities with the Brookings Central Development (DEV) office; participates in meetings with DEV, GS's finance team, and others throughout Brookings to coordinate activities and/or discuss programmatic direction.
• Collaborate with DEV and managing/deputy directors of four other research programs to ensure the president's and programs' priorities are clearly communicated, understood, and shared.
• Collaborates with other GS, development, and communications staff to develop promotional materials and other external communication tools as needed for effective outreach.
• Collaborates with DEV and colleagues from other research programs on fundraising efforts, including helping to produce multi-program or institution-wide proposals that incorporate the work of both GS scholars.

Grant and Proposal Management and Administration (20%)

• Writes and submits concept notes, solicitation letters, and proposals. Coordinates the creation of letters or proposals with scholars. Edits concept notes and proposals drafted by scholars to ensure high quality content, including, readability and a consistent voice, as well as adherence to Brookings' policy and funder guidelines and interests.
• Routes proposals through internal systems to obtain relevant approvals.
• Works with GS scholars and staff to draft and/or direct the production of grant reports and ensure satisfactory completion of grant deliverables. Submits reports to donors, as appropriate. Works with finance and communications team to track deliverables and manage grant modifications or special reporting needs. Liaises with funders to obtain grant modifications and extensions, as needed.

Qualifications

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:

Education/Experience Requirements:

Bachelor's degree required. Minimum eight years of relevant fundraising experience, including at least four years of experience cultivating and soliciting foundations. Candidate should be able to illustrate a proven track record of fundraising success. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong writing and interpersonal skills, strategic thinking ability; possesses a high degree of adaptability. Strong time management skills including the ability to work independently and meet deadlines. Sound judgment and discretion, with entrepreneurial spirit and proactive approach. Detail oriented, with strong organization skills. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and to successfully juggle multiple tasks and deadlines. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with and gain the respect and support of various constituencies, including scholars, internal stakeholders, and donors. Interest in politics and public policy along with a passion for governance issues and policy reform is desired.

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms. We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.

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