Development Associate

The Middle East Institute, Washington, DC’s oldest institution devoted to the study of the Middle East, is seeking a Development Associate to assist with fundraising initiatives, research and assist with writing grants, help prepare for major fundraising events, and steward donors. The Development Associate supports the Vice President for Development, the Senior Vice President, the President, and consultants on a variety of fundraising initiatives. This position reports to the  Vice President for Development.

The Development Associate  provides broad strategic, logistical, financial, and research  assistance in MEI's Development office, including:

Donor Management

• Supporting activities to secure individual, corporate, and foundation support

• Creating prospect lists, conducting prospect research, producing marketing materials, maintaining action item lists for senior staff

• Tracking and ensuring fulfillment of pledges and contributions from donors and updating donor records

• Supporting financial coordination between accounting and development departments

• Assisting with the management of MEI’s individual membership program, including  benefits administration and communications

• Creating and maintaining an up-to-date, detailed year-long development calendar

• Writing and preparing letters, acknowledgments, invitations, solicitations and other  communications for digital or mail distribution

• Conducting corporate and individual prospect research as needed

• Assisting in the drafting of Annual Report and board reporting

• Conducting research for grant support and developing letters of inquiry/proposals as  directed

• Liaising between grant seekers and the development department, and orchestrating timely  distribution of information

• Compiling grant reporting as necessary

• Assisting in preparation for and execution of the Annual Awards Gala and other major  MEI events.

• Identifying and assisting with the solicitation of potential sponsors.

• Managing invitations, guest lists, ticket sales, and seating as relevant.

• Strategizing outreach and developing messaging/marketing materials.

• Organizing and providing strategic, logistical, and design support for other local/non-local fundraising events.

•  Bachelor's degree

• At least two years of relevant professional experience

• Excellent oral and interpersonal communication skills

• Outstanding written skills - this position requires significant writing and copy editing

• Experience interacting with the public in a customer service environment

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing demands and adapt to shifting priorities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, primarily Word and Excel required

• Adobe InDesign or other layout program experience required

• Familiarity with the Middle East preferred

• Facility with donor management databases (e.g. Salesforce, DonorPerfect, Raiser’s Edge) required

Salary commensurate with experience. To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@mei.edu. Please use “Development Associate” as the subject line in your e-mail.