Development Officer (Job ID: 2024-3429)

Overview

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 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: 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.

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. 

Responsibilities

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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.

Reporting to the Director of Development and serving as an integral member of a four-person development team, the Development Officer contributes to the growth and sustainability of Global. This role, in coordination with the Director of Development and Global scholars, implements strategies to raise funds and manage donor relations for Global with a primary focus on six- and seven-figure gifts.

Fundraising and Donor Relations (60%)

Works in coordination with the Director of Development and Global scholars to create and implement short and long-term fundraising strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, foundation, government, and other donors.

Serves as front-line fundraiser for a portfolio of centers, initiatives and/or scholars, as designated by the Director.

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, writing and managing correspondence, and serving as the primary contact for proposals and grant agreements.

With the input of Global scholars, conceptualizes, drafts, and submits concept notes, solicitation letters, and proposals. Drafts, edits, and coordinates materials with scholars to ensure high quality, readability, a consistent voice, and in compliance with institutional policies.

Represents the work of Global scholars to current and potential funders. Maintains and stewards relationships with prospects and donors.

Plans and implements events, meetings, and other outreach opportunities for prospects and donors; prepares principals and follows-up with participants.

Collaborates with colleagues on the Central Development team and from other research programs on fundraising efforts, including assisting with the production of multi-program or institution-wide proposals that include the work of Global scholars.

Tasks in Support of Fundraising (40%)

Develops a healthy pipeline of prospective donors for assigned portfolio.

Develops and manages, in coordination with Global scholars and staff, a stewardship strategy for existing donors.

Works with scholars and staff to draft, coordinate, and submit grant and stewardship reports.

Works with Global Finance, Central Development, the Office of the General Counsel, and Grants Admin on the review, negotiation, and execution of grant agreements with foundations, corporations, governments, and individuals.

Maintains complete files on fundraising activities in shared files and in Raiser’s Edge, including correspondence with donors, meeting notes, proposals, and background information.

Partners with Global scholars and program staff to manage grant modifications or special reporting needs; liaises with the funders if modifications are needed.

Participates in drafting public documents on the Global program, as well as other communications that are needed for effective outreach.

Maintains an understanding of Global economic and sustainable development issues and how they may affect and provide fundraising opportunities for Global.

Monitors philanthropic trends as they relate to Global’s work.

Maintains an overview and understanding of research projects within portfolio.