Chief Development Officer

Reports to: President & CEO

Department: Development

Staff reporting to this position: 14+

Position classification: Exempt, full-time

Minimum compensation: $225,000 - $235,000 annually 

Summary:

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a member of the Executive Leadership team and will have overall responsibility for leading the development operation and staff. The CDO will develop an audacious development plan and fundraising strategy for the Center for American Progress. They will work closely with the CEO on board engagement and manage a portfolio of seven-figure prospects while leading and overseeing the management of the development 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 CAP’s 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 position will support CAP’s five cross cutting priorities:

• Strengthening Public Health
• Building an Economy for All
• Securing a Sustainable Climate
• Advancing Racial Equity and Justice
• Restoring Social Trust and Strengthening Democracy

The development team 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 for support for CAP’s priorities and bold progressive agenda.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a development team of 17 fundraisers and support staff to help them reach their combined goal of $50M annually
• Support the President & CEO with board engagement, management, and recruitment
• Carry a portfolio seven-figure prospects
• Ensure that strategies are clearly understood by all stakeholders and that the development office is achieving its strategic goals at an optimum pace
• Enhance unrestricted funding while generating new programmatic funding
• Serve as the Chief Fundraiser for the organization and successfully balance (at times) a rigorous travel schedule meeting with potential and current funders
• Serve the role of coach, mentor, and leader of the development staff
• Establish credibility throughout the organization and with the President & CEO 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 CAP 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:

• 15+ years of non-profit 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
• 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 sectors including racial 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
• Support for the mission of American Progress and commitment to a broad progressive agenda
• Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or equivalent experience is required.

Center for American Progress provides a competitive compensation and benefits package. This position is not represented by a union. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. The starting salary for this position is: $225,000 - $235,000 annually 

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.

To Apply

Applications should include a cover letter and résumé. Writing samples may be requested.