The League of Women Voters of the U.S., the largest grass-roots progressive advocacy and citizen engagement organization in the country, seeks an experienced, passionate development professional to move our national development efforts to the next level. This creative, innovative person will join a dynamic and dedicated development team of four, who are now managing a robust, mature award-winning direct marketing program, a strong mid-level ($1,000-$5,000) annual donor program and a established bequest society. The successful candidate will be challenged to work with/lead current development staff, senior management and National Board members in building a nation-wide major donor program and expanding planned giving participation by League members and donors.

OUR MISSION

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization that neither supports or opposes political candidates or parties, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and to influence those policies through education and advocacy.

Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages. With over 93 years of experience and nearly 800 local and state affiliates, the League is one of America's most trusted grassroots organizations. At the national level, League activities are coordinated and staffed by two distinct but complimentary organizations. The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) is a 501(c)(4) advocacy and membership organization. Dedicated to promoting political responsibility, the LWVUS encourages active and informed participation in government. The League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF) is a 501(c)(3) citizen education and research organization. Established in 1957, the Education Fund provides research, publications, and conferences on public policy issues and disseminates information and training that help citizens, in the United States and abroad, to thoughtfully engage in the democratic process.
Position Description

Position directs a talented staff of four and oversees all fundraising strategies and activities of both the 501c3 and 501c4 and lead major donor cultivation and solicitation efforts. A member of the senior management team, this position reports directly to executive director, and works closely with the president, national Board members, and Development Committee Chair.

Responsibilities will include:

• Developing an annual and long-range plan of major development activities, the budget needed, and the estimated income. The plan should be inclusive and address all development activities, even those performed by other departments of the organization. The activities include, but are not limited to, those related to direct marketing, major donors, planned giving, foundation and corporate giving, government grants, sales, and fees for service.
• Monitors all fundraising activities, and prepares reports for management and the National Board on the status of such activities and the financial results.
• Coordinates with other departments to stay abreast of programmatic activities, to cooperate in development of communications and "message" documents, and so forth.
• Serves on the senior management team, and is involved in organization-wide planning.
• Personally leads and participates in identification and direct solicitation of major donors both alone and with the president, executive director and national board members.
• The Annual Report is also a responsibility of the Development Dept.
• Participates in the preparation of letters of inquiry, concept papers, proposals, and other materials to prospective funders. The specific responsibilities will range from assisting management and Education Fund staff in the preparation and production of submissions related to their program work, to having complete responsibility for certain submissions.
• Advises senior management and Board members on both general and specific cultivation and solicitation approaches, and assists them where necessary.
• Supervises, motivates and supports development department staff in doing their jobs effectively and efficiently.
• Trains and advises local and state League leaders on fundraising strategies and tactics.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree plus 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising, including designing and implementing fundraising and marketing strategies and demonstrated success in major donor solicitation.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, with experience in producing a variety of fund-raising materials, including proposals, solicitation letters, and reports to donors.
• Direct experience and success in raising funds or in supervising the raising of funds from a variety of sources, such as foundations, corporations, government, and individual donors.
• Energetic, organized team player, with a willingness to be held accountable for producing specific results.
• Progressively responsible, successful experience in leadership roles in organizational settings, especially with volunteers.
• Keeps abreast of relevant developments and changes in the field of responsibility that may affect the organization.

To apply: Email cover letter, resume and salary requirement to Kelli Clarke: kclarke@lwv.org