Development Officer (US major donors)

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a
world-leading think tank on global security, political risk and
military conflict with offices in London, Berlin, Manama,
Singapore, and Washington, DC. The IISS-Americas office in
Washington, DC is an active and important base for the IISS in the
US and elsewhere in the Americas, promoting the Institute and its
research to relevant constituencies, servicing the individual and
corporate membership and initiating events for local audiences
consistent with the IISS international reach.   

 Job Description: 

The IISS-Americas office seeks an experienced development
professional with a proven track record in major donor fundraising
to develop and implement an aggressive, high-calibre fundraising
operation within the US; this will include research, cultivation,
solicitation, engagement, stewardship, and other required functions
focused primarily on individual giving though supporting broader
efforts as appropriate.  

This is a new position and will be responsible for building an
individual donor program in the US from the bottom up. Reporting to
the Managing Director of IISS-Americas, the position will work
closely with the London External Relations and Development team and
other senior management and researchers throughout the
Institute.  

Principal Duties and
Responsibilities:  

 Strategic Planning and Donor Management in the
US:  

• Lead development of
  IISS-Americas individual donor fundraising strategy and goals in
  collaboration with the senior management team and research
  staff. 
• Advise leadership on
  development strategy and policies and on specific fundraising
  opportunities relevant to IISS research and
  activities.  
• Identify fundraising
  opportunities and create and oversee a prospect research
  strategy.  
• Build relationships with
  US-based donors and generate visibility in the US for the IISS and
  its activities.  
• Maintain awareness of
  current IISS research topics as a lever for potential fundraising
  opportunities. Monitor philanthropic trends in donor circles to
  make logical connections to the Institute’s work. 
• Represent IISS and/or
  its researchers in meetings with prospects and donors. 
• Work closely across the
  IISS to identify research ideas and projects that will excite and
  engage high value donors, both individual and possibly corporates
  and foundations, in the US. 

Implementation and Coordination of Fundraising
Efforts: 

• Develop and maintain an
  up-to-date list of prioritized potential funding
  opportunities. 
• Ensure careful
  coordination of fundraising strategy, prospect research,
  cultivation and solicitation, and donor stewardship with IISS
  leadership. 
• Collaborate across IISS
  with Directors and heads of research programs to build two-way
  communication of fundraising priorities and research
  needs.  
• Working with leadership
  and researchers, write, edit and submit concept notes, solicitation
  letters, and fundraising proposals. Ensure all proposals are fully
  coordinated within IISS and obtain relevant concurrence/approval
  prior to submission.  
• Engage with
  administrative, external relations, and global communications staff
  to develop promotional materials and other products needed for
  effective outreach.  
• Coordinate with global
  engagement/communications staff to ensure that major events and
  publications are promoted to prospective or current donors for
  maximum fundraising impact.  
• Oversee donor database
  information on IISS CRM and maintain comprehensive donor
  profiles. 

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree
  required.  
• Relevant fundraising
  experience, including recent responsibilities working with senior
  leadership.  
• Proven track record of
  success in prospect identification, relationship building and
  solicitation and closing of five- to seven-figure
  gifts.  
• Excellent oral and
  written communication skills.   
• Ability to think
  strategically; Sound judgment and discretion with strong
  influencing skills. 
• Strong interpersonal
  skills and a high degree of adaptability, ease in working with
  senior leaders and HNWI. Ability to engage effectively and build
  strong relationships. 
• Strong time management,
  organization, and project management skills, including the ability
  to work independently and meet deadlines. Able to work in a
  fast-paced environment and to successfully juggle tasks and
  deadlines. 
• An entrepreneurial
  spirit with evidence of a range of innovative ideas and thinking
  that complements and extends beyond traditional
  fundraising. 
• Interest in geopolitics
  along with a passion for international relations is highly
  desired. 

 Remuneration:  

Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience and will
attract a full benefits package including healthcare, retirement
and vacation.  

 Application:  

Candidates should submit their applications by clicking the
‘Apply Now’ blue button on the IISS careers webpage and
following the instructions to submit two documents:  

• A cover letter outlining
  what skills and experience they can bring to the role, as well as
  salary expectations.  
• A full resume, including
  details of two references. 

Candidates must be eligible to work in the USA. Unfortunately,
we will be unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Due to the expected volume of applications, only those selected for
interview will be contacted.