Fundraising Officer (Institutional Giving) (Job ID: 2024-3429) - The Brookings Institution

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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. 

We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Fundraising Officer to join the Global Economy and Development program (Global) at Brookings. This role requires a professional adept at cultivating and maintaining both internal and external relationships to maximize funding opportunities and enhance operational capacity. The Fundraising Officer will manage a portfolio of current and prospective foundation and government funders, developing and executing strategies to secure six- and seven-figure gifts. Reporting to the Director of Development and collaborating closely with Global scholars, the officer will play a crucial role in the growth and sustainability of the program. As a key member of a dedicated four-person development team, the officer will ensure effective donor relations and contribute to the long-term success of the institution.

Fundraising and Donor Relations (60%)

• Proposal Development and Grant Writing: In coordination with the Director of Development and Global scholars, conceptualizes, drafts, and submits high-quality concept notes, solicitation letters, and proposals. Ensures materials are readable, consistent in voice, and comply with institutional policies.
• Fundraising Strategy: Develops and implements short- and long-term fundraising strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation and government donors. Identifies new fundraising opportunities and researches prospective donors, assessing their potential and capacity.
• Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: Serves as the front-line fundraiser for a designated portfolio of centers, initiatives, and scholars. Moves donors through the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process, including meeting with donors, arranging meetings with Brookings scholars, preparing talking points and briefings, writing and managing correspondence, and serving as the primary contact for proposals and grant agreements.
• Donor Relations: Represents the work of Global scholars to current and potential funders, where appropriate. Maintains and stewards relationships with prospects and donors, ensuring effective communication and engagement. Plans and implements events, meetings, and other outreach opportunities for prospects and donors, preparing principals and following up with participants.
• Collaboration: Works closely with colleagues on the Central fundraising team and from other research programs on joint fundraising efforts, including assisting with multi-program or institution-wide proposals that include the work of Global scholars.

Tasks in Support of Fundraising (40%)

• Donor Communications and Events: Participates in drafting public documents and other communications needed for effective outreach, ensuring clarity and alignment with fundraising goals. Plans and implements events, meetings, and other outreach opportunities for prospects and donors, preparing principals and following up with participants.
• Grant Management: In coordination with project teams, drafts, coordinates, and submits grant and stewardship reports, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to funders. Works with Global Finance, Central Fundraising, the Office of the General Counsel, and Grants Administration on the review, negotiation, and execution of grant agreements with foundations, corporations, governments, and individuals. Partners with Global scholars and program staff to manage grant modifications or special reporting needs, liaising with funders as necessary.
• Record Keeping: Maintains complete files on fundraising activities in shared files and in Raiser’s Edge, including correspondence with donors, meeting notes, proposals, and background information.
• Trend and Project Monitoring: Maintains an understanding of Global economic and sustainable development issues and how they may affect fundraising opportunities. Monitors philanthropic trends related to Global’s work and adjusts strategies accordingly. Maintains an overview and understanding of research projects within the assigned portfolio to effectively communicate their impact and relevance to prospective and current donors

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/Expereince Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.  Master’s degree preferred in international relations, development, or a related field.  Minimum of 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 $100,000 level or higher, preferred.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

The successful candidate will share our passion for identifying solutions to international development, global poverty and economic issues.  Familiarity with research-oriented work environments preferred.  Superior oral and written communication skills required, including proven ability to successfully identify, steward, and solicit individual, corporate, and institutional donors.  Mastery of Microsoft Office (MS) Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, and Power Point) required; knowledge of Raiser’s Edge a plus. Capacity to learn other types of software programs; familiarity with on-line research resources. Experience with monitoring and evaluation processes, such as the development of results frameworks, desired.  Must possess ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously in a face-paced environment and meet deadlines. Must be able to exercise good judgement, take initiative, function independently as well as work in close collaboration with others including with high-profile individuals. 

Additional Information:

The Global Economy and Development program at Brookings aims to shape the policy debate on how to improve global economic cooperation and fight global poverty and sources of social stress. The program’s research agenda is related to policies and trends affecting developing countries including global poverty, universal education, the global middle class, fragile states, globalization, inequality, foreign assistance and development effectiveness. 

Position Location:Most Brookings positions are hybrid, combining regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC, office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week. We will prioritize candidates in or willing to relocate to the DC area for hybrid work, but will also consider remote applicants. Remote work applicants may not work from the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. 

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.  
 
Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation.  Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.  

Please note: This position is part of the union (Brookings United) and subject to the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement. 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. 

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.