JOB SUMMARY:
At CSIS we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our
organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to
apply, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan
public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical
policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over
the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of
some 200 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing
dynamics of international security across the globe.
CSIS’s annual revenue is over $50 million a year. This revenue comes from a diversity of
sources and emphasizes scholarly entrepreneurism. The Office of Development leads
efforts to strengthen relationships and bolster financial support from corporations,
foundations, governments, and individuals to advance the Center’s institutional
objectives. As part of a long-term strategic effort to secure CSIS’s future, the
organization is investing in the growth of its central development team by recruiting key
leaders.
The Senior Director of Development for Economic Security and Technology plays a
central role in this effort by leading revenue growth and fundraising efforts in one of the
Center’s core areas of work: Economic Security and Technology. The Senior Director of
Development works closely with CSIS programs in this issue area to develop and
implement business growth strategies. The role serves as a key partner in new business
development and in tactical support for idea generation, prospect identification, proposal
development, partner relations, and more.
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Senior Director of Development will
provide leadership for strategy, support, and execution of business development and
fundraising activities related to the Economic Security and Technology Department,
which is led by the Department President and focuses on four themes: (1) U.S.
competitiveness, trade, innovation, and supply chain resiliency; (2) economic and
technological competition with global powers such as China; (3) effectiveness of U.S.
policy instruments such as sanctions, export controls and investment restrictions; and (4)
the geopolitics of energy and strategic resources, including crucial mineral supply chains.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Business Development, Fundraising (70%):
• The Senior Director of Development for Economic Security and Technology
builds and executes comprehensive business development and fundraising
strategies for the Department. The primary focus is on actively identifying,
securing, and stewarding external contracts, gifts and grants from corporations,
foundations, and governments.
• This role manages a portfolio of current and prospective corporate and foundation
partners at the six-figure level. Partners include corporations funding restricted
and unrestricted opportunities, corporate memberships, foundations, and other
entities.
• The Senior Director of Development attends visits and meetings with prospects
and donors; prepares program and development leadership for donor/prospect
meetings and executes timely follow-up.
• The Senior Director of Development grows and manages an active pipeline of
prospective partners and existing donors and implements strategies to engage and
solicit grants and gifts from a diverse range of sources, in close partnership with
the development team, program leadership and others across the Center.
• Collaborating with Department and development leadership, this role drafts
communication including letters of interest, concept papers, proposals, and MOUs
relevant to the Department’s business development and fundraising priorities.
Implements outreach strategies for current and prospective donors regarding
relevant events and publications to drive greater awareness and impact.
• Responsible for the timely compilation of donor database information especially
as it relates to documenting correspondence with donors, meeting notes,
proposals, and background information.
Department Support (30%):
• The Senior Director of Development serves as a trusted business development and
fundraising advisor, with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to empower,
guide, and support colleagues and teammates. The Department team will look to
this role to provide guidance on the execution of strategy especially on high
priority current and potential donors. This will include regularly engaging
scholars and staff, and effectively managing partners who have multiple
affiliations across the Center. Working tactfully, while remaining persistent about
culture change towards the institution’s broader strategic plan, will be an
important aspect. Developing a service-oriented approach and engaging in best
practice relationship management approaches will be essential for success.
• This role develops a deep understanding of the research issues for the
Department, especially as it relates to fundraising and business development;
understands the fundraising and business development trends as it relates to the
Department’s priority areas.
• The Senior Director of Development partners with the Economic Security and
Technology Department, the broader development team, and the finance team to
gather and report on data related to fundraising. Participates in all budget
discussions and contributes significantly to discussions related to revenue and
fundraising. Keeps Department and development leadership apprised of
fundraising activities including proposals in the pipeline, status of current grants,
and grant deliverables and expectations. Partners with development, finance, and
Department teams to track deliverables and manage grant modifications or special
reporting needs if needed. Liaises with funders to obtain grant modifications and
extensions, if needed. Collaborates with the Department team and the Associate
Director for Foundation Relations to ensure timely production of grant reports.
Submits reports to donors, as appropriate.
KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:
• (Required) Knowledge and understanding of the Washington policy ecosystem,
including the formal structures and informal networks around policymaking in
Economic Security and Technology.
• (Important) Prior experience with econ and tech leaders, senior government
officials, and government relations professionals will be helpful; a strong network
of contacts in the areas of
• national security and economics and technology; a deep interest in relevant trends
and topics.
• (Preferred) Proven skills with implementing strategic approaches to building
relationships and securing financial support and/or fundraising in the non-profit
industry. Ability to solicit six- and seven-figure grants and gifts from individuals,
corporations, and foundations.
• (Required) Understanding and familiarity with navigating complex institutions
while engaging scholars (or equivalent) and leadership.
• (Important) Entrepreneurial and goal-oriented attitude and leading through
influence will be important for success in this role. Diplomacy and collaboration
are critical.
• (Required) Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the
ability to iterate and explain complex research.
• A bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• (Required) Ten years of policy, business development, fundraising, or relevant
leadership experience.
• (Important) Solid ability to understand and interpret budget and financial reports
and related information.
• (Preferred) Ability to travel on occasion.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Performances of duties require the regular use of a computer, ability to move throughout
the building, greet guests, and occasionally serve beverages and lift up to ten pounds. The
noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,
color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or
protected veteran status.
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
OTHER:
• This position is in-person and based in CSIS’s Washington, DC office.
• This position will be supported administratively through a junior staff member.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter at http://csis.org/aboutus/careers