About the American Enterprise Institute
The American Enterprise Institute is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world. The work of our scholars and staff advances ideas rooted in our belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society, and a pluralistic, and entrepreneurial culture.
About the Role
The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks an experienced, entrepreneurial, and goal-oriented individual interested in public policy to grow and manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects. Responsibilities include identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding 50+ donor households contributing more than $25,000 annually to AEI. Responsibilities may also include building AEI donor communities within assigned geographic areas. This position requires high-level interpersonal and relationship-building skills. This is an excellent position for someone who enjoys building relationships and having a direct impact on an organization committed to strengthening the free enterprise system and building a freer and safer world.
The successful candidate will be creative and knowledgeable about best practices in philanthropy and interested in developing and executing tailored strategies for each donor and prospect—including integrating legacy gift planning conversations into ongoing cultivation and stewardship. Good conversation and listening skills and knowledge of policy topics of interest to donors are necessary to succeed in this role, and a natural curiosity and the ability to fit within the organization’s academic, collegial culture are essential.
AEI’s development department is team-oriented, fast-paced, and mission-driven. Reporting to the senior director of individual giving, the major gifts officer will be an essential member of the team, responsible for more than $1 million in annual revenue. Major gift officers must demonstrate an ability to prioritize activities and execute at a fast pace. Strong writing and verbal skills and an energetic and entrepreneurial spirit are essential. A deep understanding of AEI’s mission and an interest in public policy are also required. Five or more years of relevant or transferable experience is preferred.
This position is full-time and will ideally be located in AEI’s Washington, DC office, but remote work may be considered for exceptional candidates.
Responsibilities
- Nurture and cultivate long-term partnerships and relationships with current and prospective major donors.
- Expand the portfolio of donors to be cultivated personally and by AEI’s senior management.
- Build and manage a portfolio of donors by developing and implementing strategic steps in moving prospects through the major gift cycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Utilize various giving methods such as current, deferred giving, and non-cash gifts.
- Develop an annual plan of work, including specific fundraising, prospect-development, and programmatic goals with an emphasis on achieving established standards and metrics.
- Travel (40 percent) to meet with donors and prospects, sometimes organizing events to involve and cultivate prospects.
- Track and report on all major gift activities.
- Contribute to the Development department’s success in supporting AEI’s mission by engaging with colleagues in the department, sharing experiences and ideas, and by having a collegial and can-do approach with others.
- Collaborate frequently with scholars and researchers to stay abreast of the current issues and work that may be of interest to donors. Build relationships to better understand scholars’ work in order to match donor and research interests.
- Synthesize complex research into clear opportunities for donor investment; success with securing donor support for “ideas” and long-term research is essential.
- Collaborate across AEI to coordinate fundraising initiatives and event planning.
- Work with AEI scholars and staff to identify funding needs across the institute to formulate proposals and steward gifts.
- Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of AEI’s work.
Physical requirements and working conditions at AEI
- The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close vision abilities due to computer work.
- The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
- The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
- Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phone, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.
Qualifications
- Five or more years of relevant experience in marketing, sales, public relations, financial advisement, or related field, preferably with emphasis on soliciting and cultivating close relationships with individuals or organizations
- An eagerness to delve into AEI’s body of research and a demonstrated, comprehensive understanding of public policy issues of interest to donors
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to independently prioritize tasks, at times in consultation with senior leadership
- Flexible and adaptable style
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:
- Resume
- Cover Letter detailing your interest in the position, AEI’s mission, and your salary requirements
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.
There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.
Questions can be directed to Stephanie Keaveney, Senior Manager of Outreach at Talent Market, who is assisting with the search: [email protected].
While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.
Talent Market is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation.
