Senior Director of Development for Economic Security and Technology - Office of Development

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