About the organization

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is a 501(c)3 nonprofit policy research organization that seeks to educate people about the principles of individual liberty, economic freedom and accountable government. Since its founding in 2001, Grassroot’s small but highly talented and energetic team has led the organization to become one of the most influential policy think tanks in Hawaii, achieving major legislative victories both at the state and county levels, resulting in lower taxes, increased housing, improved healthcare access and greater government transparency. And its influence continues to grow.

Position Summary

The Director of Development will report to the organization’s president and be responsible for the planning and managing of its fundraising program, building upon a development process that has experienced continuous growth over the past several years.

Support of the organization’s major gift work is critical. This will involve securing donors and prospective donors capable of giving major gifts over time, and engaging and soliciting prospective donors capable of giving $50,000 to over $1,000,000 annually.

Activities aimed at identifying and engaging such donors — whether individuals, corporations and foundation — will include prospect research, arranging special events and crafting a development communications strategy.

The Director of Development is responsible for managing three staff members, each of whom she will be empowered to orient, coach, direct, monitor and evaluate. The Director also will be a senior member of the organization’s overall management team, responsible for helping shape its future.

Applicants must be aligned with the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii’s core principles of individual liberty, economic freedom and limited, accountable government. Strong preference will be given to those who can work from the Honolulu, HI offices or the U.S. West Coast. However, the position could be based anywhere in the U.S., if funding goals are achieved.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement a multi-year strategic, comprehensive plan with overarching, measurable goals for the department and specific measurable goals for each aspect of the program.
  • Serve as the organization’s major gifts officer to foster five-, six- or seven-figure or larger gifts.
  • Create, manage and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals.
  • Personally manage a portfolio of donors and prospective donors, such as individuals, corporations and foundations.
  • Support the organization’s major gift work with top donors and prospective donors.
  • Work closely with the organization’s marketing and communications departments so that donors, grantors and customers are receiving integrated and appropriate messaging.
  • Serve as a member of the management team by staying abreast of organization-wide issues and contributing to the overall management of the organization.
  • Maintain a comprehensive calendar of development activities and grant deadlines.
  • Identify aligned foundations, build relationships with foundation staff and author grant proposals and timely reports championing the Institute’s work.

Top job competencies, experiences and skill sets:

  • Five-plus (5+) years of development experience.
  • Alignment with the vision and mission of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.
  • Ability to travel as needed, up to 25%. Candidates based outside of Hawaii may have increased travel expectations.
  • A proven track record as a major gift officer and manager or comparable, transferable experiences.
  • Ability to perform extremely well in a high-level meeting with major donors who could give over $1 million.
  • Excellent communications skills emphasizing the ability to listen and hear others.
  • Ability to draft compelling grant proposals and donor communications.
  • Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software and online payment platforms.
  • A keen understanding of fundraising best practices, systems and models.
  • Is technologically adept.
  • Has at least a university bachelor’s degree.

Compensation and benefits

  • An annual salary ranges between $120,000 to $150,000, with flexibility depending on experience and qualifications.
  • Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates interested in moving to Hawaii.
  • A comprehensive employee-benefits program, including a full medical, dental and vision package.
  • A retirement plan after two years of consecutive employment with an employer match starting at 3%, subject to the plan’s terms and revisions.
  • Thirteen (13) working days of paid time off (PTO) including sick days; however, PTO is available for use only after six consecutive months of employment. PTO may not be accumulated or carried over years. The number of PTO days increases based on longevity.
  • Paid federal and select state holidays.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be changed or assigned at any time without notice.

To apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one single PDF document:

  • Cover letter including:
    • An introductory paragraph describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii’s mission
    • Your 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 Bailey Drouant, project manager at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [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 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.