Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!
The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.
We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy.
With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors.
The Office of Development manages fundraising across the institution. Focused on a constituency based fundraising model, our team works directly with the research programs and executive office to set an overarching fundraising strategy that supports the important work of our scholars.
In Brookings Development, we aim to:
Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.
Please Note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
Ready to contribute to Brookings Success?
The Development Officer is a member of the Institutional Giving team and develops and implements strategies to raise funds and manage donor relations. Reporting to the Senior Director, and in coordination with scholars and the greater Development team, manages, prioritizes, and carries out the Institutional Giving team fundraising activities. The Development Officer will develop and execute a plan including both revenue growth and solicitation and acquisition of new donors, with a focus on acquisition strategies and securing new funding from foundation and government donors. The Development Officer maintains detailed awareness of institutional policies and guidelines, as well as professional best practices, and operates consistently within this framework.
Fundraising and Donor Relations (70%)
Works in coordination with the Institutional Giving team to create and implement fundraising strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation and government donors.
Manages, implements, and tracks day-to-day fundraising operations of their portfolio. Advises scholars on fundraising opportunities.
Identifies fundraising opportunities and researches new prospects for support; assesses the potential and capacity of existing and prospective donors.
Moves donors through the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process, including meeting with donors, identifying and arranging meetings with Brookings scholars, preparing talking points and briefings, managing correspondence, and serving as the primary contact for grant negotiations and gift agreement processes.
Represents the work of scholars to current and potential funders. Maintains and stewards relationships with prospects and donors.
With the input of scholars, conceptualizes, writes, and submits concept notes, solicitation letters, and proposals, and supports scholars on assembling relevant proposal materials. Coordinates with scholars and edits documents to ensure high quality, readability, a consistent voice, and adherence to donor guidelines, interests, and programs.
Collaborates with colleagues in development and research programs on fundraising efforts.
Plans and implements events, meetings, and other outreach opportunities for prospects and donors; prepares principals and follows-up with participants.
Fundraising Support (30%)
Works with scholars and staff to draft and/or direct the production of grant and stewardship reports.
Works with colleagues in Development, Finance, and the Office of General Counsel on the review and negotiation of grants agreements with foundations and governments.
Maintains complete files on fundraising activity in Raiser’s Edge NXT, including correspondence with donors, meeting notes, proposals, and background information.
Partners with scholars and program staff to track grant deliverables and manage grant modifications or special reporting needs; liaises with the funders if modifications or extensions are needed. Works with the Senior Director to track the progress of scholars toward completing tasks consistent with commitments made to funders.
Monitors philanthropic trends as they relate generally to Brookings's work.
Maintains an overview and understanding of research projects within portfolio.
Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:
Education/Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required. Five years of relevant fundraising experience required (preferably within a think tank or international non-profit organization). Experience with grants and direct solicitations from donors at the $25,000 level or higher, preferred.
Please Note: Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
Knowledge/Skill Requirements
Familiarity with research-oriented work environments preferred. Superior oral and written communication skills required, including proven ability to successfully identify, steward, and solicit institutional donors. Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required; knowledge of Raiser’s Edge NXT a plus. Capacity to learn other types of software programs; familiarity with online research resources. Must possess ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines; ability to work well with others; initiative; discretion; mature judgment; entrepreneurial spirit; and professional demeanor and high level of comfort working with high-profile individuals.
Additional Information
What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.
Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.
Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background. We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.
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