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