Vice President, Development

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Staff reporting to this position: Individual Giving team

Department: Development

Position classification: Exempt, full time; Nonunion - Level 9

Compensation range: $140,000–$180,000 per annum

Summary

American Progress has an immediate opening for a Vice President of Individual Giving in its Development department. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), the Vice President of Individual Giving will be a key member and leader of the Development department. They will be responsible for leading and overseeing the management of the Individual Giving team, while working closely with the CDO on board recruitment and managing a portfolio of 75 six-figure and prospective donors.

This position is ideal for a dynamic, results-driven, and well-organized development leader who is committed to a progressive policy agenda and to American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country. In addition, this individual will support American Progress’ five crosscutting priorities:

• Building an economy for all
• Restoring social trust in democracy
• Advancing racial equity and justice
• Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
• Strengthening health

The Development department works with program staff at both the Center for American Progress, a 501(c)(3) organization, and the Center for American Progress Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization, to fundraise to support American Progress’ priorities and bold progressive agenda.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the Individual Giving team of five fundraisers and support staff to help them reach their combined goals.
• Support the CDO with board recruitment.
• Carry a portfolio of 75 six-figure and prospective donors.
• Enhance unrestricted funding while generating new programmatic funding.
• Serve as a key leader in the Development department and successfully balance an occasionally rigorous travel schedule to meet with potential and current funders.
• Serve as a coach, mentor, and leader to the Individual Giving team staff.
• Establish credibility within the Development department as an effective developer of solutions to business challenges.
• Develop, lead, attract, inspire, retain, and manage a diverse, talented, and high-performing team to ensure that the mission and core values of American Progress are put into practice by holding everyone accountable for quantifiable, high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
• Guide staff in their respective areas of functional expertise.
• Engage staff in strategic operations and execution through responsive and transparent communication and leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or equivalent experience is required.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, including at least five years of fundraising experience with principal gifts of $1 million or more from individual donors.
• Demonstrated success managing a six- and seven-figure portfolio of donors.
• Work experience and donor contacts in mission-aligned areas.
• A proven track record in fundraising from a variety of sources, including government agencies, private foundations, individuals, and the private sector.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial ability to develop alliances and coordinate shared interests of all parties.
• Excellent problem-solving skills designed to meet the challenges of the organization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with considerable experience in writing and presenting information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to use data and customer relationship management systems to set fundraising strategy and priorities, measure outcomes, and drive superior performance.
• Knowledge of various progressive philanthropic sectors, such as racial equity, rights, justice, international affairs, public health, education, and/or democracy preferred.
• Experience in soliciting progressive political donors preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal, mediation, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) regulations is a plus.
• Ability to work additional hours as needed to meet deadlines and manage workflow.
• Support for the mission of American Progress and commitment to a broad progressive agenda.

Applications should include a cover letter and resume. Writing samples may be requested.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union and has a salary range of $140,000–$180,000, which is distinct from the standard range for this level due to its unique responsibilities and requirements.