Managing Director of Development

This role is remote.

We prioritize the following locations for hiring: CA, CT, DC, GA, IL, LA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, VA, VT, but we welcome candidates from other states to apply as well.  

About the Roosevelt Institute

The Roosevelt Institute takes on today’s greatest public policy challenges by advancing bold, cutting-edge research and policy ideas. We believe that the future of the American economy and our democracy depends on a new way of thinking about markets and government—–and have successfully engaged with policymakers and the media to inform and shape public debate. Too few people hold too much economic and political power today, and we know that a stronger society is possible if we rectify this imbalance between private actors and the public. With a commitment to transforming corporations, restructuring markets, reviving democratic institutions, and reimagining the role of government, our work moves our nation toward a more resilient, equitable, and green future.

The Roosevelt Institute is a think tank, a student network, and the nonprofit partner to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum that, together, are learning from the past and working to redefine our collective future. Focusing on corporate and public power, labor and wages, and the economics of race and gender inequality, the Roosevelt Institute unifies experts, invests in young leaders, and advances progressive policies that bring the legacy of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt into the 21st century.

Our Culture

At Roosevelt, we recognize that the culture of the workplace and opportunities for career growth and development are important to all. We believe that diversity of background and experience among our people make our work to rewrite the rules of our social and economic realities stronger. Roosevelt is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, affirms in policy and practice to consider all applications in all job classifications, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, military status, height and weight, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest record, or other legally protected status. We strongly encourage people with diverse work and life experiences, diverse educational backgrounds, and diverse cultures to apply.

What You’ll Do 

Reporting directly to the Chief Development Officer, the Managing Director of Development will oversee the fundraising strategy for the Roosevelt Institute’s think tank and people development programs, with a focus on foundations and major donors. Responsibilities include managing and continuously building a robust pipeline of donors and prospects to support the organization’s work, cultivating and managing relationships with funders, managing the team toward excellent grant writing, managing and stewarding projects, partnering with organizational leadership and program staff on new program development and strategy, and other related activities. The Managing Director will manage a team of four staff: the Director of Foundation Relations, Donor Engagement Manager, Grants Manager, and Development Associate.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Manage the overall fundraising pipeline, including advising on strategy, tracking progress toward goals, and leveraging data to inform decisions, employing a combination of strategic thinking and tactical execution. The fundraising goal for 2024 is $11.2 million. 
  
• Own a portfolio of funder relationships, including by staffing principals on relationship management and stewardship, directly engaging with institutional and individual donors to represent the organization externally and to strategically position Roosevelt’s work, and serving as a thought partner to Roosevelt program staff on new program development and fundraising strategies.
  
• Work with the team to conduct the full range of activities required to research, write, prepare, and submit grant proposals and reports. This includes collaborating with executive leadership and program staff to develop, write, edit, and proofread complex grant proposals and reports; ensuring accuracy of all proposal attachments; and developing grant budgets and budget narratives.
  
• Develop and drive a comprehensive donor engagement strategy to steward donors and attract new prospects, including elements like strategic communications, cultivation events, and funder briefings.
  
• Regularly engage Roosevelt’s program and communications teams to identify programmatic work, projects, and events to leverage as opportunities to engage donors and prospects.
  
• Keep abreast of current events and other important items related to Roosevelt’s work on political economy to seek out opportunities to highlight our work to key audiences.
  
• Manage the team toward excellence, including guiding and mentoring staff to be successful in their roles and supporting their ongoing development, promoting a strong and collaborative team culture, and hiring and onboarding new talent as needed. 
  

What You’ll Have

• Minimum of 8–10 years experience in fundraising for nonprofit organizations
  
• Experience managing and supporting staff from a diversity of backgrounds and levels
  
• Understanding of the philanthropic and political environment, best practices in fundraising, and the field in which Roosevelt works. Familiarity with the progressive policy ecosystem strongly preferred.
  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
  
• Proven experience managing, prioritizing, and meeting multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  
• Ability to present complex programmatic strategies and activities in narratives and messaging that are approachable for and tailored to specific funder audiences
  
• Highly organized, with outstanding attention to detail
  
• Experience using donor databases like Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, etc.
  

Not sure if you meet all the qualifications? Please apply!

We know talent comes in many forms. Join our team and help envision a new equitable future for all. Please submit a Cover Letter with your resume. 

The salary range for this role is $146,000 – $160,000 annually. The Roosevelt Institute offers excellent benefits that include 100 percent paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and 80 percent paid for dependents; life insurance; vacation; personal and sick time; paid parental leave; professional development; healthcare, dependent care, and commuter FSA; and a 403(b) retirement plan with up to 4 percent contribution.

CANDIDATES MUST SUBMIT A COVER LETTER AND RESUME FOR CONSIDERATION.