Position Description

Vice President of Development
Job Type Regular Full Time (Exempt)
Work Location Washington, DC or New York, NY
Work Location Type Hybrid
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ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

All Freedom House employees possess a deep and unwavering commitment to nonpartisanship, with a sustained dedication to the mission of Freedom House. We have a strong work ethic and a keen desire for both personal and professional development. The team is also dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Vice President of Development (CDO) will lead the organization’s efforts to secure the necessary resources for Freedom House to sustain and build upon its role as the leading voice and advocate for democracy and freedom.  The CDO will be an effective innovator, diplomat and change agent, working with colleagues to evolve Freedom House’s culture, communications and structures to better facilitate and support a growing base of major donors and foundation supporters.  The CDO will establish trusted partnerships with key colleagues to facilitate openness, innovation and experimentation.

In partnership with the President and CEO, the CDO will set strategy and lead implementation for Freedom House’s private development efforts. With a strong emphasis on major donors as well as private foundations, the CDO will develop a strategy, build an effective model for private giving, and lead a team in executing this strategy.  This strategy will include engaging new and existing individual donors as well as corporate and foundation partnerships. The CDO, in close coordination with the Communications team and Freedom House experts, will lead the creation and dissemination of compelling fundraising, communications, marketing materials and events to support development goals.

As an external representative for Freedom House, the CDO will be a tireless advocate for the organization’s mission, constantly initiating and nurturing donor relationships.  They will be a methodical, highly organized leader with experience building teams that deliver on best-in-class moves management approaches.  Working closely with the President, Trustees, and staff, the CDO will act as an ambassador with donors and prospects to engage and solicit financial support.

The CDO will join a Freedom House leadership team that is deeply mission-driven with a culture that is built on strong internal relationships and a collaborative work ethic. As a member of the Executive Team, the CDO will help set strategy for the organization, and secure revenue to support its objectives. The CDO will work to ensure development efforts are tightly aligned with all relevant parts of the organization and the system for raising private funds functions well.  The CDO will work closely with the President and the board liaison or other staff designated to handle board relations to develop and execute a cohesive plan for board engagement and development.  

Operating mostly in-person, the CDO will lead Freedom House’s Development team, and will partner closely with the senior staff and the Board.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Collaborate with the President and CEO and senior staff to set organizational strategy to secure funds to support the organization’s goals. 
  • Actively work with the President and CEO, a committed Board of Directors, and senior staff to develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy for corporate, foundation, and individual donors.
  • Lead, motivate, and supervise a team of employees in achieving the organization’s fundraising goals. Help build a culture of philanthropy at the organization to engage all staff in support of fundraising to support the organization’s mission. 
  • Provide expertise and lead team in fundraising operations, including grant writing, prospect research, development and implementation of fundraising initiatives and campaigns, moves management, sophisticated donor communications, management of donor records, production of marketing materials, and analysis and projection of income flows.
  • Collaborate with the President and CEO, Board of Trustees and senior staff to develop and implement programmatic, communications and event-related plans to support the fundraising efforts.
  • Develop and manage the development department budget.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:     

  • Bachelor’s Degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Experience:    

  • Senior experience with 10+ years in nonprofit development including in a senior leadership role;
  • Proven, verifiable track record of consistently growing annual revenue through multiple channels including in individual, corporate, government, and foundation partnerships; 
  • Demonstrated capacity and experience in developing and implementing a fundraising plan;
  • Experience with national funders and/or fundraising for a national or global organization preferred;

Technical Skills and Abilities:

  • Exceptional communications skills; Ability to articulate Freedom House’s mission, with proven ability to write and speak effectively and persuasively;
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
  • Ability to travel as needed, including internationally (approximately 10-15%);
  • Ability to cultivate and sustain peer relationships with leading donors;
  • Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness;
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create systems that deliver on the highest level of donor communications; 
  • Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  • Freedom House established core values are belonging, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect. Through these values we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, emphasize collective efforts for success, are dedicated to high-quality impactful work, uphold trust through courage and honesty, and treat everyone with dignity while appreciating their unique contributions.
  • Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diverse backgrounds relevant to the countries in which we have programming are a welcome asset.
  • Applicants should complete our online application form and to submit a resume and a cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position.
  • Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.
  • This position is non-union. 

COMPENSATION & REWARDS:

  • Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. The hiring range will be based on the local salary market in which the candidate is hired. Hiring range for this role performed in the US is between $180,000 to $225,000 annualized, dependent upon experience.
  • We are consistently working to retain and attract top talent to contribute to our continual growth. We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package for US based candidates including:
    • Multiple medical plans, dental, and vision insurance available on the first date of hire.
    • 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match.
    • $1,500 yearly professional development reimbursement for work-related trainings courses or memberships directly related to employee’s position.
    • Generous Leave Programs
      • Annual paid time off that grows with your employment: 17 days for 0-2 years, 21 days for 3-5 years, 25 days for 6+ years. Director level and above start at 25 days.
      • Sick Leave: 10 days per year, unlimited roll over year to year.
      • 14 paid holidays with the ability to float the day later within the same calendar year.
      • Caregiver leave: 8 weeks paid
      • Bereavement: 5 days paid.
      • Jury duty: 30 days paid.
    • Flexible, hybrid work culture with slow down weeks and “no meeting Fridays”.
    • Supply annual allocation benefit: $210 for the purchase of home office equipment.
    • Mental health and well-being services through KonTerra Group.
    • Free gym at the DC office.
    • Short-term and long-term disability.
    • Supplemental/Voluntary life insurance.
    • Employee assistance program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work.
  • May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
  • Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee, may not be advisable or even possible due to high security risks.
  • Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requisition Number: 1472

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