Description
Issue One is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to political reform and government ethics. Our mission is to strengthen democracy and return government to the American people. Issue One’s ReFormers Caucus of more than 180 former members of Congress, governors and cabinet officials is the largest bipartisan coalition of its kind ever assembled to advocate for solutions to fix our democracy. Learn more at issueone.org.
Position:
Issue One seeks to hire a Chief Development Officer to lead a fast-paced, high-performing fundraising department. The CDO will report to the CEO and will serve as a member of the leadership team. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced development professional who can serve as an ambassador for the cause and help shape the organizational strategy and implementing Issue One's plans and priorities.
Over the past several years, Issue One has grown to become the largest bipartisan coalition of its kind to advocate for solutions to fix our democracy. We are now poised for even greater growth and impact. This position is key in helping us achieve our goals.
Why work for Issue One:
1 - Our work matters. We are a solutions oriented organization working on the core civic issue of our time, money in politics. Your work will have a significant impact on the future of democracy in this country.
2 - Our team is dynamic. We foster a culture of entrepreneurism, we set ambitious goals and work together to meet them. Our staff is made up of kind, interesting and determined people.
3 - Our workplace is fun and flexible. We offer one month of vacation to our entire staff, we provide delicious snacks and coffee. We organize recreational staff outings and educational opportunities on a monthly basis.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Based in Washington, D.C., the CDO will help Issue One meet its goals by providing leadership in the following areas:
Organizational Management:
- Serve as the principal development officer and oversee all organizational fundraising efforts
- Collaborate with leadership team members to ensure effective overall positioning of Issue One (IO)
- Support the CEO in executing a fundraising plan to ensure IO has the resources needed for operations and programs
- Define and track fundraising milestones and metrics and identify potential challenges
- Serve as a liaison to the board of directors
Fundraising and Donor Relations:
- Execute a strategy to secure a large, sustained base of both individual and foundation donors
- Manage current portfolio of major donors and foundations
- Communicate directly with donors. Schedule and attend donor meetings
- Support CEO in communications with donors, including drafting emails and other messages
- Coordinate with Chief Communications Officer on outreach calendar and email blasts to VIPs
- Develop and maintain ongoing individual relationships with major donors and foundations; includes grant writing, stewardship reports and executing ongoing cultivation activities
- Plan and lead funder meetings and donor events, and ensure involvement of donors in key external meetings to tap their expertise and deepen engagement with IO and the reform effort
- Design and manage program or project-specific fundraising campaigns as needed
Development Operations:
- Lead, motivate and supervise a team of development staffers
- Oversee development systems and processes to support pipeline and donor management and to ensure compliance
- Develop and track proposals and reports for all foundation fundraising
- Coordinate with Chief Communications Officer on marketing materials and proposals to ensure accuracy of message and consistency of quality
- Develop and manage overall development budget in partnership with the COO
Compelling candidates will have the following experience and attributes:
- Ten plus years of experience in a development role in a nonprofit organization, with demonstrated knowledge of the unique development needs of a fast-growing social enterprise
- Proven success in front-line fundraising, working with high net worth individuals and foundations to secure significant gifts
- Knowledge of the money in politics and government ethics reform movement is ideal
- Strong skills in investor relations and stewardship, including designing and executing community events to build a donor network
- Experience and knowledge of development operations including pipeline and donor management, grants-tracking, etc.
- Knowledge of Raiser's Edge fundraising software
- Excellent writing skills and demonstrated success in proposal development
- Superb communication and presentation skills
- Ability to synthesize complexity, make informed decisions and develop strategic alternatives that help drive toward clarity and solutions in ambiguous and fast moving environments
- Outstanding organizational and project management skills with an overall execution orientation and high attention to detail
- Entrepreneurialism and resourcefulness, with the ability to deliver results in a rapidly growing, deadline-driven, fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Team oriented and collaborative; flexibility and adaptability to modify plans in line with shifting priorities
- Demonstrated experience building functions/businesses from the ground-up and the proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growing organization
Location: This will be a full-time position based in Washington, D.C. Some travel is required.
To apply: Send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: settleson@gmail.com, subject line: Issue One - CDO.