Director of Development/Lead Fundraiser

Washington Legal Foundation seeks a dynamic, creative fundraiser who shares the organization’s commitment to free markets, limited government, and the rule of law.

LOCATION: WLF's Washington, DC headquarters.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Creates, implements and directs annual and ad hoc fundraising campaigns to secure funds necessary for general operating support as well as special projects as needed. Includes writing and editing support renewals, donation acknowledgements, activity reports, and proposals seeking charitable support.
• Oversees the timely receipt and acknowledgement of all charitable contributions and confirms that all donations are properly documented in the database as well as in organizational files.
• Facilitates accurate and timely research on donor prospects and assembles materials for donor cultivation and the solicitation of charitable gifts.
• Ensures data integrity through accurate and timely data entry and routine record maintenance.
• Regularly communicates with donors to provide updates on current Foundation activities.
• Directs the creation, submission, tracking, and reporting for online grant requests seeking charitable support for current, lapsed, and new donors.
• Creates reports using Raiser’s Edge for the leadership team to summarize fundraising efforts, track the status of outstanding proposals, and determine next steps for donor engagement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 SCOPE: High visibility and coordination with WLF staff and the general public. Position functions in a fast-paced work environment with frequent interruptions and minimal direct supervision. Provides direct supervision of Development Specialist.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum 4 years of experience in a non-profit organization required with demonstrated success in fundraising.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: Excellent oral and written communication skills required. Demonstrated ability to maintain privacy and exercise confidentiality in sensitive matters critical. Proven ability to interface effectively with all levels of individuals required. Strong organizational and time management skills required. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects while adhering to strict deadlines and attention to detail essential. Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Outlook required. Demonstrated success in fundraising and prior experience with Raiser’s Edge

and/or Raiser’s Edge NXT required. Proven analytical and problem-solving skills essential. Creative thinker and self-starter essential. Ability to work independently or as a member of a team essential. Must possess a high degree of professionalism and responsibility as well as an affinity for WLF’s mission.