Major Gifts Officer – Acton Institute – Grand Rapids, MI

The Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty (www.acton.org) is a leading international educational organization located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Our mission is to promote a free society characterized by individual liberty and sustained by religious principles.

We are currently seeking a Major Gifts Officer to join our team and implement fundraising strategies to secure revenues for the Acton Institute. As Major Gifts Officer you will play a major role in our development operations and will: work closely with our Executive Leadership to set priorities and goals, to research and identify potential donors, cultivate donors and communicate and maintain relationships with current donors. Other duties include preparing presentations to deliver to potential donors and key stakeholders, and participating in events and other advancement activities as needed. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in generating revenue while working in a fast-paced and multi-faceted environment.  

The preferred candidate will possess: 

• Understanding and appreciation for Acton’s mission
• Minimum 7 years experience with a proven track record of setting and achieving fund raising goals  
• Prior professional experience with major donors, foundations, endowments and other advancement campaigns
• Successful relationship building skills
• Ability to give effective presentations to achieve desired results
• Persuasive communicator with excellent writing and speaking skills
• Ability to travel on a frequent basis 

Please send cover letter, including your interest in the Acton Institute mission; resume; and salary history & requirements to: claire@talentmarket.org.

President – Bill of Rights Institute – Arlington, VA

The Bill of Rights Institute (BRI) is dedicated to educating young people about the words and ideas of America’s Founders, the liberties guaranteed in the Founding documents, and how the Founding principles continue to affect and shape a free society.  Specifically, BRI develops instructional material and educational programs on America’s Founding documents and principles for high school American History and Civics teachers and students. 

Since its inception in 1999, BRI has assembled a talented team to create each of our programs, including a full-time staff with more than 120 years combined experience in the classroom. In addition, we partner with experts, including outstanding secondary school teachers; academics from the fields of American history, political science, and constitutional law; video producers; web site designers; and evaluation and curriculum experts. As a result of this combination of talent and experience, we have successfully reached more than 42,000 high school teachers who have in turn taught countless students about our country’s Founding principles. With an annual operating budget of over $4 million, the Institute is grateful to be supported by 3,000 individual, corporate, and foundation donors as we work to strengthen civic knowledge and foster civic values among the next generation of citizens.

The Bill Rights Institute, headquartered in Arlington, VA, seeks a leader who shares our passion and excitement for educating young people on the liberties and responsibilities outlined in America’s founding documents. The President will promote the mission of BRI nationwide by working effectively and creatively with board members, staff, donors, school teachers, and related constituents.

The board of directors seeks an individual with strong leadership skills who will lead a dedicated staff in implementation of the strategic plan, and who will ensure continued fiscal integrity of BRI.  We seek an individual with proven leadership ability, a positive attitude, a track record of mentoring young staff, and strong decision-making ability.  The position requires excellent communication skills; strong management skills; an understanding of the role of the governing board and a commitment to working in partnership with the board; and experience with fundraising from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other grantors. To help BRI grow, the individual must understand the importance of staying mission-focused and remaining non-partisan. The President is supported by a talented senior staff team comprised of a COO, VP of Development, VP of Education Programs, and VP of Sales.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated passion for America’s founding principles, including at least 10 years professional experience, with at least 5 years of management experience with increasing responsibility.  Candidates must demonstrate a history of positive growth in revenue, programs, and talent; have experience working with volunteer boards of directors; and have experience managing, coaching, and developing staff.  Though prior experience in the education field or with education-related nonprofits is desirable, strong candidates without such experience are also encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should submit the following application materials:

1. A resume
2. A cover letter explaining his/her philosophical interest in the mission of BRI
3. A separate page to show the individual’s salary and compensation growth and history
4. A list of at least four references who can attest to the material presented by the candidate.
5. A separate submittal, not to exceed two pages, to supplement the resume to show his/her direct experience or management in areas such as:
   1. organization and administrative skills in the nonprofit environment
   2. experience with fundraising (including specific figures on dollars raised, etc.)
   3. experience with talent management (including specific figures on numbers of individuals directly managed, mentored, etc.)
   4. ability to motivate volunteers and staff
   5. building business relationships

It is vital that all the information requested be included. To make an informed decision, the search committee must fully understand each candidate from the very first submittal. All the material reviewed and salary and compensation will be kept confidential.

E-mail all requested information to claire@talentmarket.org.  

The Bill of Rights Institute is an equal opportunity employer. www.billofrightsinstitute.org

Director of Development – Moving Picture Institute – NYC or Virtual Office

The Moving Picture Institute, an organization dedicated to identifying and nurturing promising filmmakers who are committed to protecting and sustaining a free society,  seeks a Director of Development to oversee fundraising efforts.

The Director of Development can be based in New York, NY (where MPI is based) or can work remotely. The Director of Development will report directly to the Executive Director and work with the directors of program and development.

The Director of Development will:

• Develop and implement a cohesive fundraising strategy for the Moving Picture Institute, including strategies for high dollar donors, foundations, and corporate donors
• Work closely with the Executive Director, staff, and board of directors to implement the fundraising strategy, including making recommendations on how time can be most effectively utilized in a fundraising capacity
• Maintain relationships with individuals who currently support MPI and identify and develop relationships with key individual prospects
• Maintain relationships with charitable foundations that currently support MPI and regularly seek funding from new foundations
• Maintain relationships with private corporations that currently support MPI and seek funding from prospect corporations through meetings and written proposals
• Interact with donors through telephone calls, one-on-one visits, and written correspondence to keep them informed of our work
• Manage an aggressive, high dollar direct mail program
• Oversee the planning and implementation of special events
• Work with current staff to prepare grant proposals
• Gather and analyze data related to the effectiveness of various aspects of the fundraising strategy
• Maintain the fundraising database Donor Perfect to ensure current data on donors, gifts, and prospects
• Develop a planned giving program

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:

• Demonstrated ability to raise funds for organizations
• Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to be a self-starter
• A minimum of two years of experience in fundraising preferred
• Experience with individual donors, foundations, and corporate donors
• Notable relationship building skills, and an outgoing, friendly personality
• Strong organizational and management skills; ability to multi-task, organize numerous moving parts of a project, and meet deadlines
• Understanding of and commitment to the principles of limited government, free enterprise, and personal responsibility
• Experience with fundraising databases and basic Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to travel on a regular basis
• Bachelor’s degree

This position will require some travel around the country. Expected travel 25%.

Interested candidates should submit a résumé and a cover letter detailing salary requirements and his/her interest in the mission of MPI to claire@talentmarket.org.

About MPI

Mission: The Moving Picture Institute identifies and nurtures promising filmmakers who are committed to protecting and sustaining a free society, and supports their work through grants, fiscal sponsorship, promotion, marketing, internships, training workshops, networking opportunities, and production assistance. 

Background: Founded in 2005 by human rights advocate Thor Halvorssen, the Moving Picture Institute is unlike any other foundation dedicated to promoting the ideal of liberty. At MPI, we believe that film, more effectively than any other medium, can bring the idea of freedom to life. In keeping with that belief, we are working to ensure that film becomes a center of genuinely democratic art in the coming years. Our goal is to guarantee that film’s unique capacity to give shape to abstract principles—to make them move and breathe—is used to support and promote liberty. Toward that end, we fund films from development through post-production, support up-and-coming filmmakers, and serve as a high-level intern placement service. 

Historically, the film industry has been largely unconcerned with developing a distinctive and nuanced portrait of deep-seated American values such as free speech, freedom of association, and the free enterprise system. Such values have been defined and defended almost exclusively in print and through oral argument. But as visual media become increasingly prevalent, we depend more heavily upon movies for our philosophical, moral, and social guidance. If the ideal of freedom is to endure—if it is to maintain its vitality and relevance in our society—it must find its way into film, our most vital, relevant, and far-reaching art form. Freedom must be seen to be believed. 

America needs a filmography of freedom. MPI exists to meet that need.

Executive Director – Ocean State Policy Research Institute

The Ocean State Policy Research Institute (OSPRI) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization focused on crafting sound public policy based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, and traditional American values. We offer timely research and analysis on important issues to be shared with elected officials, the media, business leaders, community organizations and individual citizens. 

Since its inception in 2007, OSPRI has assembled a talented team of scholars and fellows dedicated to offering free-market policy solutions for Rhode Island.  Our policy work spans multiple topics including government transparency, economics, health/welfare, education, and energy/environment.  We also produce the Hummel Report in conjunction with Jim Hummel and WPRO 630AM & 99.7FM talkradio. 

OSPRI, headquartered in Providence, seeks a leader who shares our passion and excitement for our sound policies based on the principles of a free society. The Executive Director will promote the mission of OSPRI statewide by working effectively and creatively with board members, staff, donors, policymakers, and related constituents. 

The Executive will report to the Board of Directors. Duties and responsibilities will include: 

Operations and Finance

• Oversee the daily operations of the organization’s departments including fundraising, finance, and office administration
• Recruit, hire, fire, and manage office staff and interns – with Board consent
• Build organization with an eye toward scalability and sustainability
• Develop and implement the annual budget that aligns with objectives, periodically reporting the status of revenues, expenditures and projections to the board, and is built on realistic assumptions and provides enough flexibility for adjustment, if necessary
• Ensure that overhead and operational expenses are reasonable and restrained  

Policy Responsibilities:

• Work with the Director of Policy and Organizing to set and execute the Institute’s policy agenda and focus fundraising efforts on meeting those objectives 

Communications and Advocacy:

• Serve as a spokesman for ORPRI; interface with media, policymakers, supporters, and other audiences
• Develop and coordinate distribution of quarterly newsletter  

Fundraising:

• Develop and manage the implementation and tracking of fundraising/development plan
• Engage in major donor solicitation as defined by the plan
• Evaluate opportunities for “sponsored” projects with the Director of Policy and Organizing, and with Board approval
• Build and maintain a database of potential high-level donors through networking activities and periodic recommendations from Board members
• Process donations, including inputs (copies, software, tracking plan) and outputs (thank yous, integration into major donor plan if appropriate)
• Create and send prospect letter campaign in accordance with the development plan (may be contracted out but must be tracked)
• Create and send house file mailings in accordance with the development plan (may be contracted out but must be tracked)
• Organize and implement 4-6 events per year, depending on available funds
• Coordinate grant applications in accordance with the development plan (may be contracted out but must be tracked)  

Qualifications:

• Absolute commitment to the mission and vision of OSPRI
• Experience managing staff and building teams
• Proven success in fundraising
• Minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience
• A self-starter attitude, personal responsibility and accountability, and strong organizational skills
• Excellent reputation
• Ability to remain mission-focused and non-partisan  

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter explaining his/her philosophical interest in the mission of OSPRI along with salary requirements to: claire@talentmarket.org. 

To Learn More

To learn more about the Ocean State Policy Research Institute, visit our website, http://oceanstatepolicy.org/.

Director of New Media – Thomas B. Fordham Institute – Washington, DC

Are you passionate about education reform? A tech-savvy creative type? Do you have a great sense of humor, a way with words and images, audio and video skills, and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving media landscape? If so, we’re looking for you. 

We are the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, America’s leading source of analysis and commentary in pursuit of educational excellence for every child. We are currently seeking a Director of New Media for our Washington, D.C., office. 

The Director of New Media will report primarily to the Institute’s Vice President for National Programs and Policy but will work closely with the entire team. 

Principal Responsibilities 

• Advancing our mission of reforming America’s elementary and secondary schools;
• Developing strategies to increase Fordham’s reach, effectiveness, and impact, including widening the readership of Fordham’s e-newsletter, expanding our web traffic, implementing SEO best practices and identifying new media and social networking possibilities;
• Producing and editing professional-quality video, photograph, and audio content for the web;
• Envisioning and coordinating web campaigns for studies and other projects;
• Maintaining and troubleshooting the Fordham Institute website, edexcellence.net, and its blog, Flypaper;
• Maintaining Fordham’s database (currently switching to Convio) and leading upgrades/improvements;
• Ensuring the content on our site and blog is consistently fresh, lively, and relevant;
• Collecting and analyzing user data from the Fordham Institute website; and
• Managing and overseeing contract work on new media projects. 

Qualifications

The successful candidate should have: 

• At least a Bachelor’s degree
• Several years of experience in new media
• Excellent communications skills
• Oodles of confidence
• A passion for education reform and general agreement with our guiding principles
• Experience with mini-DV video cameras, HDSLR cameras, high-fidelity audio equipment, Flash, Photoshop, Bridge, Final Cut, Dreamweaver, InDesign and/or Quark, other relevant design software
• Experience with picture researching and editing
• Knowledge of HTML and other relevant scripting languages
• Experience with CRM software, such as Convio or Raiser’s Edge
• Experience with SLR photography and filming and editing videos
• Tremendous creativity
• Strong writing skills
• A willingness to work hard, learn, and do everything necessary to support your colleagues essential 

Additional Information: 

Office location: Downtown D.C. (Farragut Square) 

Salary: Competitive 

Benefits: Very generous. Full health and dental, 3 weeks paid vacation, retirement plan, and metro/parking reimbursement. 

To apply: Email your cover letter (which should explain your philosophical interest in Fordham and your desired salary), resume and references to Claire, claire@talentmarket.org. 

For more information on the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, visit www.edexcellence.net. 

Deadline: Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis until one is selected, so please don’t wait to apply. Candidates should be available to start no later than September. 

The Thomas B. Fordham Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

Press Director – American Majority – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

American Majority Incorporated seeks a Press Director to develop and manage a dynamic new initiative in Wisconsin. 

The project will focus on developing a 24-7 news hub for Wisconsinites.  The website-based initiative will deliver up-to-date news, including a dynamic blog and counter-stories to the opposition’s inaccurate reports. 

The Press Director will manage the development and growth of this project with the expectation of expanding responsibilities.  In addition to management responsibilities, the Director will spend a good deal of his/her time researching and writing stories, as well as blogging. In addition, the Director will develop good working relationships with the media on behalf of the organization. 

This position will be based in Milwaukee. 

The ideal Press Director will possess the following attributes: 

• 5+ years of experience as a journalist or press secretary
• Understanding of the news cycle
• Ability to develop solid working relationships with the press
• Solid writing skills
• High-energy, highly-motivated, entrepreneurial, and determined; a “get things done” mentality
• An understanding of and deep commitment to the principles of limited government, personal responsibility, and free enterprise
• Excellent research and analysis skills
• Ability to distill complex concepts and research into cogent, concise prose
• Ability to operate digital video equipment and produce video 
• A self-starter attitude, personal responsibility and accountability, and strong organizational skills
• A bachelor’s degree
• An understand of and commitment to the principles of limited government, personal responsibility, and free enterprise 

Interested candidates should submit a résumé, three writing samples (preferably links or PDFs), and a  cover letter explaining their philosophical interest in the organization/role and salary requirements to claire@talentmarket.org. 

 

About American Majority

At American Majority, we believe that real political change begins at the local level. 

It is going to take engaged citizens working together in their communities to effectively implement freedom on a national level. We believe that individual liberty will only be achieved through limited government and free markets and that by training candidates and activists to be effective towards those goals today, we will enhance tomorrow. 

American Majority is a national non-profit, non-partisan political training institute whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market. Headquartered in Purcellville, Virginia, we currently have state offices in Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Texas, with plans to open additional state offices in 2010. 

Our organizational philosophy remains centered around the grassroots. We work hard to ensure our premier training programs are accessible to activists and candidates around the country. Since our inception in 2008, we have held hundreds of trainings in dozens of states, providing resources and education to thousands of candidates and grassroots activists. 

We continue our work through generous gifts from private citizens and foundations who understand the value of our efforts. While we have come a long way in such a short period, we are confident the best is yet to come.

Wisconsin Field Staffer – American Majority – Madison, WI

American Majority Incorporated seeks a Field Staffer based in Madison, Wisconsin.  

The Field Staffer will: 

1. Serve as a liaison with like-minded grassroots groups, including tea party organizations, 9.12 groups, and other conservative organizations
2. Facilitate and coordinate activist training events across the region.  The Field Staffer will plan and coordinate AM’s political training programs (approximately 2 per month). They will also help refine American Majority’s core curriculum when needed, and lead the activist training.
3. Work one-on-one with citizens to maximize impact. The Field Staffer will work individually with activists, citizens seeking public office, organizers, and other citizens to help them make substantial changes in their communities.
4. Identify, research, and develop ongoing best practices in political training. The Field Staffer will deliver cutting-edge, innovative, high-quality political training consistent with AM’s methodology and approach. The Field Staffer will work closely with other Field Staffers and Directors to share curricula, identify areas for collaboration, and inform the ongoing improvement of AM’s training programs. 

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes: 

• 3 years of experience in national politics with an expertise in campaign strategy, political communications, or political organizing
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience facilitating and coordinating training events a major plus
• A self-starter attitude, personal responsibility and accountability, and strong organizational skills
• A bachelor’s degree
• An understanding of state political dynamics  
• An understanding of and commitment to freedom for individuals and freedom in the marketplace 

Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter (explaining their philosophical interest in the organization and salary requirements) to claire@talentmarket.org.  

About American Majority

At American Majority, we believe that real political change begins at the local level. 

It is going to take engaged citizens working together in their communities to effectively implement freedom on a national level. We believe that individual liberty will only be achieved through limited government and free markets and that by training candidates and activists to be effective towards those goals today, we will enhance tomorrow. 

American Majority is a national non-profit, non-partisan political training institute whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market. Headquartered in Purcellville, Virginia, we currently have state offices in Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Texas, with plans to open additional state offices in 2010. 

Our organizational philosophy remains centered around the grassroots. We work hard to ensure our premier training programs are accessible to activists and candidates around the country. Since our inception in 2008, we have held hundreds of trainings in dozens of states, providing resources and education to thousands of candidates and  grassroots activists. 

We continue our work through generous gifts from private citizens and foundations who understand the value of our efforts. While we have come a long way in such a short period, we are confident the best is yet to come.

Wisconsin Executive Director – American Majority

American Majority Incorporated seeks a Wisconsin State Executive Director to help manage day-to-day operations of that state office. American Majority is a non-profit dedicated to training and equipping a national network of leadership committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market. 

The Executive Director will: 

1. Ensure that American Majority chapter in the state runs smoothly. This will include training greater numbers at greater efficiency, managing multiple staff, and conducting training sessions. The Wisconsin Executive Director will interact regularly with American Majority National and state executive directors, work to stay within budget and meet individual state goals (number of training sessions, maximizing attendance at the sessions, etc.) 
2. Manage special projects and oversee talent assessments. The Wisconsin Executive Director will ensure that various special projects are executed in a timely and effective fashion. The Wisconsin Executive Director will also make sure that he or she is regularly assessing staff so that American Majority remains in top form with quality staff.
3. Serve as a public face for American Majority. The Wisconsin Executive Director will write and speak on behalf of the organization, as well as be involved in some public relations work, including leading American Majority training sessions where needed. 

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes: 

• 6-10 years of experience
• Experience managing significant programs or projects within a political campaign, a free-market nonprofit organization, etc.
• Significant political experience in Wisconsin
• Experience managing staff
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; the ability to train is a must
• Strong team-building skills
• A self-starter attitude, personal responsibility and accountability, and strong organizational skills
• A bachelor’s degree
• An understanding of state political dynamics   

The Wisconsin Executive Director will report to the National Executive Director of American Majority and will likely be based in Madison. 

Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter explaining their philosophical interest in the organization/role and salary requirements to claire@talentmarket.org.  

About American Majority

At American Majority, we believe that real political change begins at the local level. 

It is going to take engaged citizens working together in their communities to effectively implement freedom on a national level. We believe that individual liberty will only be achieved through limited government and free markets and that by training candidates and activists to be effective towards those goals today, we will enhance tomorrow. 

American Majority is a national non-profit, non-partisan political training institute whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market. Headquartered in Purcellville, Virginia, we currently have state offices in Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Texas, with plans to open additional state offices in 2010. 

Our organizational philosophy remains centered around the grassroots. We work hard to ensure our premier training programs are accessible to activists and candidates around the country. Since our inception in 2008, we have held hundreds of trainings in dozens of states, providing resources and education to thousands of candidates and grassroots activists. 

We continue our work through generous gifts from private citizens and foundations who understand the value of our efforts. While we have come a long way in such a short period, we are confident the best is yet to come.

Director, Center for City and State Government – Manhattan Institute

The Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, a market-oriented public policy research institution based in New York City, seeks a director for its Center for City and State Government, for which the Institute has expansion plans. This Center is a division of the Institute which conducts research and holds forums on state and local issues such as public education and school choice, social policy, housing, infrastructure finance, prisoner re-entry programs, immigration and fiscal analysis. The work of the Center will build on past successful efforts of the Manhattan Institute in influencing public policy in such areas as crime reduction and welfare reform. 

The Center director will be responsible for closely monitoring developments in local and state government, with a special emphasis on identifying innovative policies and practices. The director will be responsible for writing op-eds and other forms of policy journalism for such forums as local newspapers, television, radio and conferences. 

The successful candidate: 

• should have a background in managing a public policy research center focused on U.S. city and state governments and related topics;
• should be familiar with current issues in such areas as those cited above, as well as public sector management approaches and quantitative methods used in program assessment and evaluation and social science research
• should be prepared to manage relationships with Institute fellows and contract employees and to serve as an ambassador for the Institute with representatives from city and state administrations across the country.  

This position reports to the Institute vice-president for policy research. 

Interested applicants should submit a resume, writing sample and cover letter – which explains how the applicant’s experience relates to the above job description – to Claire Kittle, claire@talentmarket.org.

Montana State Director – Americans for Prosperity Foundation

While leading different state initiatives, the Montana state director will act as the main spokesperson for Americans for Prosperity Foundation within Montana. The director will report to the VP, State Operations, and will work closely with different departments in the national office, volunteers, legislators, press and donors. This position requires an individual with a broad range of core competencies as he/she is running an individual state chapter within the broader organization.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Build relations for the state chapter with political, business, media and community leaders. Additionally, work with coalition partners, investors and AFPF & AFP national and other state offices to sustain state operations
• Mobilize and educate grassroots activists on issues within the organization’s mission
• Utilize activists and volunteers to advance policy initiatives that bring about institutional change
• Represent the organization as the key spokesperson for the state through consistent branding
• Create and implement a state-wide legislative action plan and assist on national issues of importance
• Draft and prepare press releases and op-eds as related to issues of importance to the state
• Create and cultivate donor relationships with new, as well as existing supporters, at the state level
• Develop and work within state budget parameters

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
• Experience cultivating relationships with high-profile individuals
• Political experience is preferable
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and excellent problem solving skills
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, environment
• Integrity, humility, and an entrepreneurial attitude
• A positive attitude and an earnest interest in providing good customer service to our members, partners and other state chapters
• A firm commitment to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity through free markets

GENERAL:
Americans for Prosperity Foundation (AFP Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) organization of citizen leaders committed to educating consumers, business owners, and the general public about the value and operation of an open and market-oriented economy that is free of government interference.

TO APPLY:
Please submit a cover letter explaining philosophical interest in AFPF, resume and salary history/requirements to: claire@talentmarket.org with the position title in the subject line. AFPF is an equal opportunity employer. No phone calls please.

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