Development Assistant/Associate

Position description

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) seeks to hire an energetic, proactive, and organized Development Assistant/Associate (fundraising) to join the development team in Washington, D.C. CNAS is an independent, bipartisan, nonprofit organization that develops strong, pragmatic, and principled national security and defense policies for a wide audience of experts, practitioners, and citizens.

Ideal candidates for this role will have a familiarity with fundraising principles and possess the willingness to leverage data, research, and processes to advance creative strategies that expand the Center’s donor base and yield increased revenues. This position will provide an opportunity to gain experience in nonprofit management and various aspects of the development operation. The Development Assistant/Associate will primarily work with and support CNAS’s corporate partners from the defense, energy, finance, and technology sectors and provide some support for CNAS’s individual donor portfolio. Additionally, the Development Assistant/Associate in this role will work in partnership with the Center’s research program teams in their fundraising initiatives. This position will report to the Center’s Senior Vice President (SVP) of Development and work closely with the Managing Director of Corporate Relations, Associate Director of Development, and the Senior Development Associate.

Responsibilities

The Development Assistant/Associate will be expected to perform a variety of tasks outlined below. The following is an overview of primary responsibilities. Other tasks may be required, and responsibilities will vary over time.

Corporate and Individual Giving:

• Support CNAS’s Corporate Partnership Program and work in partnership with the Managing Director of Corporate Relations to facilitate and assist with various fundraising efforts to renew and increase corporate revenue, including securing sponsorships for the organization’s annual national security conference, renewing and increasing corporate donors, and partnering with research programs to secure funding for new lines of effort.
• Conduct prospect research to identify potential corporate and individual sources of funding in support of the Center’s research agenda and mission and provide strategy memos and reports using tools like WealthEngine, D&B Hoovers, and Leadership Connect.
• Provide ad-hoc support to the SVP of Development and the Associate Director of Development regarding the individual giving portfolio, which can include, but is not limited to, our annual campaign, prospect research, and board stewardship.
• Coordinate with the Center’s executive, development, finance, and research teams to draft donor correspondence, proposals, agreements, and invoices.
• Schedule and facilitate donor meetings for the Center’s executive team, as well as development and research staff.
• In collaboration with the Managing Director of Corporate Relations, ensure corporate donors receive all benefits associated with the Center’s Corporate Partnership Program.

Development Events and Communications:

• Coordinate and staff donor stewardship briefings and calls, and handle logistics and planning for events including creating event invitations, booking venues, tracking event RSVPs, sending thank you notes, and gifts to donors. Some travel may be required outside Washington, D.C. to staff development events.
• Work with the Associate Director of Development and Managing Director of Corporate Relations to audit and update donor-related contact lists and general donor information.
• Assist with donor communications using the Center’s email marketing platform (Campaign Monitor) and direct communications using Outlook.

Development Operations:

• Record all corporate and individual communications and interactions in the department’s donor database (Salesforce), manage essential data such as invoice due dates, payments received, proposals and agreements, and donor primary points of contacts.
• Send invoices to corporate donors, follow up to ensure payment is fulfilled, and acknowledge receipt of payment.
• Provide administrative support to the department’s Senior Vice President, to include travel preparation, donor meeting requirements, prospect research, and other related tasks as needed.

Institutional Responsibilities:

• Participate in the Center’s hiring processes, including interviews and new staff orientation.
• Contribute to staffing Center-wide events as needed.
• Attend internal meetings and events.
• Represent CNAS externally.
• Execute other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Motivated self-starter and hard worker displaying high productivity, integrity, communication, and follow-through in all areas of responsibility.
• A proactive, highly organized, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic professional with proven ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work independently and in partnership with others on a small team in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and effective verbal and written communications. Respond promptly to internal and external communications.
• Possesses demonstrated professional demeanor and the ability to work with people of different backgrounds and interact positively with all levels of staff and external stakeholders.
• Possesses excellent time management and innovative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize shifting priorities and handle proprietary information with a high level of discretion.
• Interest or experience in event planning.
• A strong desire to help others succeed and a working style that is respectful, inclusive, and collaborative.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• A range of one to four years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, partnership building, sales, and/or related business experience.
• Prior experience and/or interest in corporate relations is preferred.
• At least two years plus of nonprofit fundraising experience (required for Development Associate applicants).
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite applications.
• Familiarity with CRM databases (Salesforce) and email marketing software (Campaign Monitor) is preferred but no experience required.
• Experience utilizing different resources for identifying individual and corporate prospects is preferred.
• Interest in nonprofit fundraising in a policy-oriented organization is preferred.
• Interest in U.S. national security and foreign policy issues is required.
• Legal right to work in the United States.
• Based in Washington, DC or willing to relocate upon job offer.

About CNAS

The Center for a New American Security develops bold, innovative, and bipartisan national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization, CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. CNAS is located in Washington, D.C.

CNAS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Application instructions

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