Come Work With Us—As Our New Development Manager!

I’m pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for development manager at Lawfare. The development manager will support the planning, coordination, execution, and development of donor relationships. Reporting to the managing director, this critical role focuses on creating and implementing fundraising strategies, managing donor engagement activities, and providing support to bolster Lawfare’s fundraising capacity. It is anticipated that this role will spend at least 80 percent of the time on overseeing fundraising services and supporting fundraising strategy. Some opportunities for front-line donor engagement are likely depending on the chosen candidate’s interest and aptitude.

What you'll do:

Fundraising Execution & Donor Support

• Support the managing director and be a thought partner to senior leadership on annual and multi-year revenue targets and plans for individual and institutional giving; monitor progress and adjust strategy as needed.
• In partnership with the managing director, maintain the pipeline of donors and prospects.
• Elevate action items for donor cultivation and stewardship with an eye towards upcoming deadlines, fundraising goals, planned communications, and donor interests.
• Lead donor communications strategy, including managing communications timeline, mailings, prompt acknowledgments of contributions, and donor collateral.
• In partnership with the audience engagement director and the associate editor for communications, help manage virtual and in-person events, including by coordinating event logistics; managing invitation design, RSVP, and attendee lists; proposing timely/relevant topics and preparing discussion questions; and helping support day-of logistics.
• In collaboration with the managing director and others, help build out the donor journeys across giving levels, design engagement opportunities, and propose touch points.
• Prepare background materials and donor profiles for meetings, as well as trip itineraries for donor visits and prospecting.

Research & Grant Support

• Support the full donor life cycle—from prospect research and cultivation through proposal development, agreement, reporting, and renewal.
• Maintain prospect and contact lists, conduct prospect research using tools provided, as well as strong capability with databases and web research.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and required reports.

Data Management & Systems

• Work with the managing director to lead the build-out and optimization of new donor databases and communications in Donorview; over time become one of the system administrators.
• Prepare routine fundraising reports and summaries for internal review.
• Support data integrity, gift processing, and compliance with donor and grant restrictions.
• Coordinate with operations and accounting to ensure meticulous recordkeeping and compliance with all tax and audit requirements.
• Contribute to improving fundraising systems and workflows.
• Conduct research as needed and ensure that management stays informed of current best practices and trends in nonprofit fundraising.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strategic, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented problem-solver, with the ability to think critically and balance multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and diplomatic sensibility. Enthusiastic, imaginative, creative, and energetic approach with a "can-do" attitude.
• Ability to work independently as well as to operate in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Superior attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to stay organized, track and meet deadlines.
• Strong experience with donor databases and data management.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace with the ability to learn new or updated software.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two to three years of related non-profit fundraising experience required.
• Strong working knowledge of nonprofit fundraising, particularly at research or media organizations.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations on issues related to national security, law, journalism, or media is a plus.
• Experience working with Donorview is a plus.

This position is based in the Washington, D.C. area with some in-office work required.

The salary for this position will range from $60-80k annually, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and dental care (with premiums paid by Lawfare), flexible hours, and 401(k) with up to 4 percent matching contribution.

Lawfare is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

HOW TO APPLY:

Visit the Lawfare Job Board to apply for this role by submitting your resume and cover letter for consideration. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.