SWF Seeking a Director of Development

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Secure World Foundation is excited to announce the creation of a Director of Development position. This is a key leadership role, based in Washington, DC, for an experienced fundraising professional to drive SWF's mission forward by expanding our donor pool, securing major gifts, and developing strategic partnerships.

As the Director of Development, you will work closely with the Executive Director and Board to lead the Foundation’s fundraising efforts. You will help us grow a sustainable revenue stream to continue advancing space sustainability for the benefit of all. This hybrid role combines in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility.

See the full job posting here.

Key Responsibilities:

The Director will focus on several metropolitan areas where expansive research has been completed, and within these regions, help to identify, qualify, cultivate, and advance appeals in the foundation and corporate giving communities, as well as to identify and pursue grant funding opportunities aligned with the Foundation’s mission. The organization has just completed creating a powerful Case for Support and the Director will use the Case to help raise the organization’s visibility and stature in the U.S. and around the world. The Director, working with the Executive Director and the Board, will assist in planning a number of events and gatherings to generate increased awareness of the Foundation and to engage viable donors.  They will collaborate with external tax and legal experts to ensure compliance with U.S. tax codes and maximize donation opportunities. The Director will personally oversee the crafting of grant proposals and/or individual appeals to top-tier prospects.  They will also participate in cultivation calls and will help guide and assist the leadership in solicitations.  Lastly, the Director will devote some time to “back-of-house” systems to make sure the development operation is well organized and efficient in all of its fundraising work.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of a 10-year track record in non-profit fundraising in the U.S. and/or internationally and demonstrate a strong and enduring commitment to building and shaping a successful fundraising program. Candidates will be required to demonstrate:

• Experience and success in major gift work with six-figure donors and above;
• Experience and success in engaging the foundation giving community to secure grants, and proven expertise in formal grant writing and submissions;
• Experience in putting fundraising systems in place;
• Experience in organizing events and activities to engage potential donors and a strong background in stewardship and communication to key stakeholders;
• Strong organization skills and ability to work independently.

The candidate must have strong writing and speaking skills and a willingness to be part of formal presentations and meetings and to represent the organization at a variety of functions. The Director of Development should have a knowledge and background in current issues in philanthropy in the United States.  The candidate should have, or be willing to rapidly acquire, a keen and knowledgeable background and/or interest in the important and timely subject matter of the Foundation. The job will necessitate occasional travel, the costs of which shall be covered by the organization according to its travel and expense policies.

Compensation:

We offer a competitive salary range of $145,000–$160,000 and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, a 401(k) with employer match, and more.

To apply: Send your cover letter and resume to opportunities@swfound.org with the subject line “Director of Development.” The position is open until filled.

Join us in shaping the future of space sustainability!