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, D.C. Our mission is to equip decision-makers with nonpartisan research and policy strategies to create a more prosperous and secure country and world.
To advance our mission, we are committed to the following four goals:
At the core of our mission is the quality, independence, and impact of our research. We are dedicated to finding bold, pragmatic solutions for societal challenges through open-minded inquiry, diverse perspectives, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of scholastic rigor.
Beyond the pursuit of excellence and intellectual rigor, Brookings places immense value on creating a supportive and collaborative environment where every individual can do their best work, learn, and grow. Because of this, Brookings has been at the forefront of public policy for more than a century.
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:
In everything we do, strive for excellence, act with integrity, communicate with honesty, show respect and collegiality, be proactive, collaborative, creative, and solutions-oriented.
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.
Ready to contribute to Brookings' success?
The Director, Individual Giving is a vital member of the Brookings Institution’s Development team, responsible for raising funds and managing donor relationships with individual donors. Reporting to the Managing Director, Individual Giving, the Director works closely with scholars and colleagues across the organization to execute a comprehensive plan aimed at growing revenue, acquiring new major gift and principal level donors, and deepening engagement with existing supporters. This includes managing a portfolio of up to 100 major gift prospects, with a focus on securing six-figure and higher commitments—particularly for Core Needs and program-unrestricted support, while aligning proposals with donors’ interests in specific initiatives. In addition, the Director will partner with the Managing Director on the overall strategy of the individual giving team, including stewardship strategies and pipeline building.
Fundraising (70%)
Fundraising Strategy and Alternative Revenue Streams (30%)
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. Minimum of six years of successful fundraising experience with individuals required. Demonstrated experience in developing fundraising strategies; proven history of outright solicitation for gifts of at least $100,000 from individuals. A record of success in meeting financial goals, analyzing and identifying problems, and formulating creative solutions. Experience developing solid working relationships with a senior leadership team, high-level volunteers and donors. Experience working in complex organizations.
Knowledge/Skill Requirements
Comprehensive understanding of institutional development (including campaigns, annual giving, major gifts fundraising, planned giving, encompassing the management of fundraising information systems, prospect-research, stewardship and related activities). Ability to conceptualize, plan and implement a strategic approach to building relationships and securing philanthropic support from individuals; setting realistic goals, prioritizing activities, soliciting gifts and orchestrating the involvement of institutional leadership. Excellent oral and written communications and listening skills. Articulate, persuasive, polished and sophisticated with ability to successfully interact with high-net worth individuals in diverse settings. A collegial style and an appreciation for the work of Brookings scholars and the vital national policy questions their work addresses; Must be a team player who welcomes collaborative decision making. Strong project management, analytical, and organizational skills: leading, negotiating and delegating abilities while managing multiple projects and deadlines and maintaining disciplined adherence to program goals. Decisive, diplomatic, nimble, and resourceful while possessing professional maturity, credibility, patience, good judgment, honesty, integrity and trust; able to motivate others. Energetic and willing to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of fundraising activities ranging from routine to the highly creative and visible.
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. We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, 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.
Please Note: Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
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