About Independent Institute
We are a non-profit, non-partisan, public-policy research and educational organization that shapes ideas into profound and lasting impact through publications, conferences, and effective multi-media programs. Our mission is to boldly advance peaceful, prosperous, and free societies grounded in a commitment to human worth and dignity.
Applying independent thinking to issues that matter, we create transformational ideas for today’s most pressing social and economic challenges. By connecting these ideas with organizations and networks, we inspire action that can unleash an era of unparalleled human flourishing at home and around the globe.
The Role
We are seeking a mission-aligned, relationship-driven Donor Relations Officer to join our fundraising team. This is an ideal position for someone with a few years of experience in development, external affairs, or sales who thrives on building relationships, sharing a compelling vision, and connecting people to causes they care about.
Many of our donors and potential donors are only aware of part of the story. You will help complete the picture. Through proactive outreach and authentic engagement, you will introduce people to the full breadth of Independent Institute’s work and invite them into deeper involvement.
You will spend most of your time connecting with current and prospective supporters by phone, Zoom, and in-person visits. You will not be buried in spreadsheets or support tasks. We are looking for someone who is ready to move beyond the desk and engage with people. You will be supported by a robust library of materials and an internal team that is committed to your success.
This is a mid-level position with growth potential into a Major Gifts Officer or a future team leadership role.
Your Responsibilities
- Initiate and deepen relationships with donors and philanthropic partners, both warm and cold outreach
- Schedule and lead calls, Zooms, and in-person meetings to update supporters and explore giving opportunities
- Clearly communicate our mission, programs, and priorities to a wide range of audiences
- Help donors understand Independent Institute’s distinct role in the liberty movement
- Maintain a regular rhythm of outreach, aiming to exceed weekly benchmarks (with performance incentives)
- Collaborate across teams to align donor messaging with programmatic work
- Grow in fluency with our body of work, current priorities, and donor impact stories
What You Can Expect
- A clear list of donors and prospects to call and meet with
- Opportunities for in-person donor travel and events
- Extensive development support tools such as grant templates, reports, brochures, and media coverage
- A principled, tight-knit team that values excellence and integrity
- Pathways for growth into major gifts or leadership positions
- A culture that takes ideas seriously and relationships personally
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree and 2 to 3 years of experience in development, fundraising, sales, or other externally-facing roles
- Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills
- Comfortable initiating conversations and closing on next steps
- Strong writing skills and attention to detail
- Alignment with Independent’s mission and values
- Self-starter with a strong work ethic and growth mindset
- Able to maintain a professional environment for remote work, if not based in Oakland
- Ability to travel approximately 15% (plus occasional trips to Oakland HQ if remote)
Work Location, Expectations, and Compensation
This is a full-time role, based virtually anywhere in the United States or in our Oakland office. Remote candidates must plan for 1 to 2 visits per year to the Oakland HQ. Typical hours are 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with variation depending on time zones and travel.
The estimated compensation for the Donor Relations Officer role will range from $65,000 to $75,000 in base salary, depending on the candidate’s skills and experience. In addition to the base salary, an incentive structure will be implemented based on performance benchmarks such as the number of calls per week and revenue generated through outreach. The total compensation, including both salary and incentives, will be capped at $100,000.
To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
- Cover letter including:
- An introductory paragraph(s) describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to Independent Institute’s mission and how you came to those beliefs
- Salary requirements
- Resume
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/
Questions can be directed to Savannah Rupp, Project Manager at Talent Market, who is assisting with the search: [email protected].
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.
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.
