ABOUT OPEN THE BOOKS

Open the Books believes transparency is a first principle and a building block of representative government. We exist to give Americans the information they need to hold government accountable.

We operate the largest private database of public spending in human history, with more than 10 billion data points covering federal, state, and local government salaries, pensions, and line by line spending across all 50 states and more than 17,000 municipalities.

Our database is open to journalists, researchers, public officials, and taxpayers. We also produce investigative reporting that uses this data to expose waste, fraud, abuse, and self dealing across every level of government.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Open the Books is seeking a Director of Development to lead and manage all aspects of the organization’s fundraising and development operations.

This role is responsible for driving revenue growth, stewarding key donor relationships, and ensuring best-in-class execution across all development functions. The Director of Development will work closely with the CEO, senior leadership and Board of Directors to translate strategic priorities into actionable fundraising initiatives.

The ideal candidate is highly organized and strategic – with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, communicate effectively with donors, and execute at a high level in a fast-paced environment. Experience in the tech sector is a plus.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

  • Lead execution and implementation of the organization’s annual fundraising plan
  • Manage donor pipeline, renewals, and new donor acquisition
  • Develop and track proposals, pledges, and major gifts
  • Identify opportunities to grow and diversify revenue streams

Donor Relations & Stewardship

  • Oversee Giving Circle and mid-/major-donor engagement strategies
  • Manage donor communications (updates, proposals, reports)
  • Support CEO in high-level donor relationships
  • Ensure consistent and high touch stewardship

Development Operations

  • Manage day-to-day development operations
  • Oversee donor database, gift tracking, and reporting
  • Oversee and refine internal processes to improve efficiency and scalability

Communications & Materials

  • Lead development of fundraising materials, including:
    • Donor updates and impact reports
    • Grant proposals and reports
    • Event and campaign messaging
  • Maintain a clear, consistent, and compelling donor narrative

Events & Partnerships

  • Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that advance the organization’s mission
  • Manage/oversee development-related events

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5 –10+ years of experience in fundraising, development, or related roles
  • Proven track record of managing donor/investor relationships and driving revenue growth
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Strong organizational and project management abilities
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment

PREFERRED

  • Experience in entrepreneurial, startup, or high-growth environments
  • Familiarity with partnerships, sponsorships, or alternative revenue models

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

  • Highly proactive and detail-oriented
  • Able to operate both strategically and tactically
  • Strong judgment and discretion with donors
  • Comfortable working closely with executive leadership
  • Motivated by mission-driven work and measurable impact
  • Familiarity with the intersection of AI, technology and public policy

**This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the sustainability and growth of Open the Books. The Director of Development will play a key role in expanding the organization’s reach, strengthening donor relationships, and supporting the trajectory of our growth.

TO APPLY

To apply, qualified individuals should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:

  • Cover letter including:
    • An introductory paragraph describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to the mission of Open the Books 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 Murphy, Project Manager at Talent Market, who is managing 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 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.