About the Organization

The Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal strengthens America’s tradition of order, justice, and freedom by recovering, conserving, and enlivening the enduring norms and principles Russell Kirk (1918–1994) called the Permanent Things.

Position Summary

The Russell Kirk Center seeks an accomplished, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven Vice President for Development to serve as its chief fundraising officer and lead a national advancement program.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Vice President will design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that expands philanthropic support, deepens donor engagement, and advances the Center’s long-term financial strength. This position emphasizes strategic leadership and hands-on fundraising rather than direct supervision of a large team.

This leader will work closely with the President, Board of Trustees, and staff to cultivate major gifts from individuals, foundations, and other supporters while articulating a compelling case for investment in the Center’s mission.

A remote work arrangement is negotiable; periodic travel to the Russell Kirk Center in West Michigan and donor travel nationwide will be required.

The projected salary range for this position is commensurate with experience, with eligibility for performance-based bonus opportunities. The Center is also open to considering candidates at different stages of their careers, with flexibility in the position title based on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

  • Design and execute an integrated advancement strategy that expands support from individuals, foundations, and strategic partners.
  • Partner with the President, Board of Trustees, and organizational leadership to establish fundraising priorities, support strategic growth, and strengthen long-term sustainability.
  • Advance planned and legacy giving opportunities that encourage enduring investment in the Center’s mission.

Major Gifts and Donor Relations

  • Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects nationwide.
  • Develop tailored donor strategies that deepen engagement, improve retention, and align philanthropic interests with institutional priorities.
  • Lead consistent donor outreach through visits, meetings, calls, and correspondence, engaging the President and Trustees where appropriate.

Foundation and Institutional Giving

  • Identify and pursue foundation and institutional giving opportunities aligned with the Center’s strategic priorities.
  • Prepare persuasive proposals, grant applications, and case statements that clearly communicate impact, opportunity, and need.
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with foundation leaders and grant-making organizations.

Communications and Stewardship

  • Collaborate with staff and program leaders to develop donor communications, advancement materials, presentations, and funding opportunities.
  • Deliver thoughtful stewardship and impact reporting that demonstrates how philanthropic investments advance the Center’s mission and programs.

Operations and Management

  • Maintain accurate donor records, fundraising reports, and performance tracking.
  • Oversee advancement processes, budgets, timelines, and reporting systems while ensuring legal, ethical, and regulatory compliance.
  • Contribute to additional initiatives that support the Center’s mission and advancement goals.

Accountability and Performance Measures

Performance will be evaluated according to the Vice President’s ability to:

1. Expand and Strengthen Donor Support

Expand the donor community, deepen engagement, improve retention, and secure increased major and transformational gifts.

2. Meet Fundraising Goals

Set and achieve individual and organizational fundraising objectives in partnership with the President & CEO.

3. Communicate Impact

Produce timely proposals, reports, and donor communications that clearly convey the Center’s priorities, needs, and results.

4. Manage Advancement Operations Effectively

Maintain reliable systems, reports, budgets, timelines, and processes that support disciplined fundraising operations.

5. Contribute to Organizational Leadership

Collaborate effectively with trustees, volunteers, staff, and donors while modeling sound judgment, professionalism, and a solutions-oriented approach.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring:

  • At least 2 years of experience and a record of success in nonprofit fundraising, business development, sales, relationship management, or a related field.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships, communicate persuasively, and inspire investment in a mission-driven organization.
  • Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with strong initiative and attention to detail.
  • Sound judgment and the ability to build trust with donors, trustees, and colleagues.
  • Experience with donor databases, CRM systems, and advancement reporting tools preferred.
  • An appreciation for the intellectual, political, and cultural tradition represented by Russell Kirk and a commitment to advancing the Center’s mission.
  • Ability to travel up to ~60%, including quarterly visits to Russell Kirk Center in West Michigan.

To Apply

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

  • Resume
  • A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and the mission of the Russell Kirk Center, relevant experience and qualifications, and salary requirements.
  • Two to three professional references

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Savannah Murphy, Project Manager, 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, the liberty movement’s talent agency, is a nonprofit that connects liberty-minded professionals with free-market nonprofit jobs at no cost to candidates or organizations. We work with 501(c)(3) 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. Visit Talent Market to explore open roles, join our talent network, or work with us on your next hire.