Description
The Roosevelt Institute is a nonprofit organization devoted to carrying forward the legacy and values of Franklin
and Eleanor Roosevelt by developing progressive ideas and bold leadership in the service of restoring America’s
promise of opportunity for all.
The Roosevelt Institute works with brilliant thought leaders in our Four Freedoms Center; the Campus Network
and Pipeline programs work with thousands of members to drive policy solutions at the local level; and the FDR
Library maintains the historic legacy Inspired by Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s drive to redress inequality in our
nation. Our programs work together to build a New Deal for the 21st century.
The VP, External Affairs will work hand in hand with the CEO to maintain and build deep relationships with funders
to ensure we meet the Institute’s ambitious development goals and position the Institute for future financial
sustainability.
The VP, External is the primary owner of reaching our development goals. Specifically, he/she must:
• Build a strong, diversified, and stable funding base that supports all areas of the institution by the end of
2013 (2013 goal is ~$5m)
• Manage 3-person staff: support them in setting and achieving ambitious goals and build a team culture
that reflects Roosevelt’s values and supports our collective aims
• Effectively lay the groundwork for the President and CEO to make a significant portion of the requests for
support
• Meaningfully engage the Board and other volunteers and senior staff in a robust fundraising strategy
• Explore and implement opportunities for creative partnerships, events, and philanthropic investment
opportunities that promote funding at a greater scale in all areas of Roosevelt’s work
• Ensure all development materials uphold the brand of the Roosevelt Institute
• Advise on and support execution of broad communications/marketing strategy
• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team at Roosevelt, which will make strategy, capacity and
budget decisions that impact all of Roosevelt
As the owner of our development goals, the person in this role must be passionate about Roosevelt’s mission
and be able to build champions for it throughout the progressive philanthropic community. Specifically, we seek
someone with:
At least 3-5 years of experience building and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy
Exceptional level of goal-orientation, and willingness to lead by doing
Strong track record of management effectiveness, including setting and achieving ambitious goals
Savvy communication skills, with the ability to understand the stated and unstated motivations of an
audience and generate and deliver clear and persuasive oral and written communications accordingly
Deep familiarity with the key contemporary progressive issues, especially economic and social policy
Experience with building and managing fundraising systems and databases
Experience managing public cultivation and/or fundraising events
Excellent judgment when reading people, problem solving and working with others
Experience building and managing budgets
Strong fit with Roosevelt Institute’s mission and core values
Bachelor’s degree
The following are a plus but are not requirements for the role:
• Experience working with and thriving in close partnership with an engaged Board of Directors
• Advanced professional degree
The Roosevelt Institute is an equal opportunity employer and is committed
to excellence through diversity. This position offers competitive benefits and salary.