Jobs

Director of Development

The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and mission-driven Director of Development to lead and expand our fundraising efforts. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate development professional to play a key role in advancing CEPR’s work to promote economic and social justice.

This is a full-time position. We strongly prefer a Washington, DC-based candidate, but will consider outstanding remote applicants.

Job Description

The Director of Development leads CEPR’s fundraising strategy, ensuring the financial strength that fuels its work. The Director will work closely with the Executive Team and the Development Associate. This role is responsible for expanding CEPR’s donor base, securing new sources of grant funding, and building relationships with foundations and individual supporters. The Director will also manage the day-to-day operation of development tasks.

This high-impact position is ideal for a candidate who thrives in a collaborative environment and is eager to advance CEPR’s development efforts.

Duties:

• Develop and implement short- and long-term fundraising strategies that support CEPR’s sustainability and growth.
• Strengthen individual giving efforts by cultivating relationships with donors, implementing personalized stewardship strategies, and developing targeted appeals.
• Expand our donor base, increasing both the number of donors and the average gift size through innovative engagement strategies.
• Lead CEPR’s foundation relations program, identifying new grant opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and stewarding funder relationships.
• Oversee day-to-day development operations, ensuring smooth and effective fundraising activities and communications with donors.
• Create and execute online fundraising campaigns to engage grassroots supporters and major donors.
• Provide strategic insights through accurate and timely development reports for leadership and the Board.

Qualifications:

We are looking for a creative and strategic fundraising professional with a passion for CEPR’s mission. The ideal candidate will have:

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) and at least 10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including donor cultivation, grant writing, and campaign management.
• A proven track record of securing and growing major gifts from individual donors and foundations.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives that inspire giving.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Strong understanding of CEPR’s issues and the ability to connect them with donor interests.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• A sense of humor and a deep commitment to CEPR’s mission.

Applicants who have been directly impacted by the issues CEPR works on are especially encouraged to apply.

Salary & Benefits:

CEPR offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. The minimum starting salary according to CEPR’s union contract is $87,500 annually; however, this is only a minimum and the actual salary can be substantially higher depending on experience and qualifications. This position will be represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU).

Closing Date of Position: April 1, 2025

To Apply: Submit the following in a single PDF file with the document title “(Full Name)_(Job Title)_Application” via CEPR’s ONLINE APPLICATION:

1. a cover letter;
2. a résumé; and
3. 1,000 word writing sample

Please do not use ChatGPT or other AI writing generators in writing responses and do not submit additional information apart from the items listed above. If you wish, you may address your cover letter to the Director of Development Search Committee.

Search committees usually make a decision within 1-2 months of the deadline of the application. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Absolutely no calls, faxes, or additional emails please.

Organization Description: CEPR was established in 1999 to promote democratic debate on the most critical economic and social issues that affect people’s lives. For citizens to effectively exercise their voices in a democracy, they must be informed about the problems and choices that they face. An informed public should then be able to choose policies that lead to improving the quality of life for people within the United States and around the world.

Toward this end, CEPR conducts professional research and public education so that the public is better prepared to choose among the various policy options. Professional research is oriented toward filling important gaps in understanding particular economic and social problems or the impact of specific policies, both domestically and globally. The public education portion of CEPR’s mission is to present the findings of professional research, both by CEPR and others, in a manner that allows broad segments of the public to know precisely what is at stake in major policy debates. As part of its public education initiative, CEPR utilizes research findings and analysis to challenge the myths, assumptions, policies, and institutions that perpetuate economic and social inequality.

CEPR’s founding scholars include Dean Baker, Mark Weisbrot, and Robert Pollin, Professor of Economics, University of Massachusetts. Our Advisory Board includes Nobel Laureate economists Robert Solow and Joseph Stiglitz; Janet Gornick, Professor at the CUNY Graduate School and Director of the Luxembourg Income Study; and Richard Freeman, Professor of Economics at Harvard University.

CEPR is an equal opportunity employer that considers applicants for all positions regardless of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.