Vice President of Development

Vice President of Development

Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

Washington, D.C. (Open to Hybrid Employment)

jointcenter.org

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies (the Joint Center) is America’s Black think tank. The Joint Center was founded in 1970 as the leading not-for-profit to support Black leaders in the movement from civil rights activism to the political establishment. Currently, the organization serves as the convening force which unites leading experts and scholars to provide compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America.

The Joint Center is at an exciting and pivotal moment of growth. Founded in 1970, the organization is presently engaged in a five-year strategic plan with the goal of dramatically expanding the organization’s impact, programs, and staff. In January 2026, the Joint Center’s goal is to serve as the nationally recognized thought leader on present and emerging issues that will shape the future of Black communities and, to meet this ambitious vision, the organization seeks to double philanthropic revenue over the next five years.

To meet its ambitious vision for the future, the Joint Center seeks a strategic, innovative, and creative development professional to serve as the Vice President of Development (VPD). The VPD will work in close partnership with the President, Spencer Overton, Board of Governors, and Leadership Team to further promote and expand philanthropy. S/he will lead a transformational fundraising effort for the Joint Center to achieve its mission of leading compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers for Black people in America.

The successful candidate will be an entrepreneurial and transformational fundraising leader with the proven ability to create constituency in an environment where the prospective donor constituency is not immediately obvious. The VPD will create and execute a strategic fundraising plan and build a highly effective team to achieve the Joint Center’s ambitious goals. The candidate will have a demonstrated track record of diversifying income sources, building strategic partnerships, and significantly expanding philanthropic revenue for a growing not-for-profit. The ideal VPD will build and mentor a highly effective development team, lead a results-oriented operation, and ensure a culture of best practices, camaraderie, clear goals, and shared accountability. 

The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of, and commitment to, the Joint Center’s mission and cultural values. S/he will build strong, collaborative relationships with the Joint Center’s leading experts and scholars to develop message and marketing strategies to expand the organization’s regional and national reputation. Working with the President and Leadership Team, the VPD will elicit information and develop persuasive cases for support which demonstrate the impact of the Joint Center’s work to individuals, corporations, foundations, and the philanthropic community.

The VPD will report to the President. S/he will serve as an active member of the Leadership Team, which is comprised of the President, Vice President of Policy, Vice President of Communications, and Vice President of Finance and Operations. The VPD will serve as the liaison to the Board of Governors regarding development.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies has retained Freeman Philanthropic Services, LLC to facilitate this executive recruitment. Please send confidential inquiries and applications directly to Freeman Philanthropic Services, LLC via e-mail at JointCenter@glfreeman.com.