Senior Development Officer

The Organization

Mind the Gap’s mission is to protect our democracy by providing private political donors with evidence-based guidance on the electoral strategies, tactics, and programs that are likely to achieve the greatest impact in a given election cycle. Drawing on rigorous scientific research, Mind the Gap uses quantifiable metrics to vet and compare promising programs and to direct donors to the organizations and tactics most likely to increase the probability of Democratic victory in key races.

Mind the Gap neither accepts campaign contributions nor makes them. We have no financial (or other) stake in any of the organizations we recommend. We act in effect as a pro bono donor adviser to a growing network of individuals who share a common commitment to our democracy--and the will to protect it through their giving--when they have confidence their investments will make a difference.  Learn more about Mind the Gap here.

The Opportunity

Mind the Gap is looking for a talented, strategic fundraiser to educate, motivate, and expand our growing network of political donors. Reporting directly to the Managing Director of Development, the Senior Development Officer will help in all aspects of the development process, including fundraising strategy, donor engagement and segmentation, communications, stewardship, and outreach to new and prospective members of the Mind the Gap network. We are seeking someone with major gifts, membership, sales and/or business development experience, and the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and compelling way. The successful candidate will drive some of our most important processes, manage a portfolio of significant donors, and help the MTG network maximize the probability of critical electoral wins in support of Democratic candidates.

Operating from a unique niche with a well-established donor base and secure organizational funding, this is a rare opportunity to effect meaningful change throughout the electoral process, ensuring that all citizens are represented equally and that our system of governance reflects the will of the people..

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Managing Director of Development to drive all aspects of MTG’s donor development, fundraising strategy, network growth, and stewardship
• Meet and exceed fundraising goals for each cycle
• Help create and execute fundraising plans to grow the MTG network, meet in-cycle fundraising goals, support longer-team research objectives, and help build a sustainable funding base for MTG’s ongoing operations
• Cultivate trusted relationships with existing and potential high-capacity donors, key influencers, and members of the MTG network (in partnership with other members of the senior leadership team, MTG Board, and external advisors)
• Secure major gifts from individuals, donor-advised funds, and institutions
• Present/pitch directly to major donors, donor advisors, and other political investors.
• Manage fundraising activities including donor updates and reports, stewardship of major donors, and donor communications
• Strategize and implement network-wide donor communications and stewardship touchpoints to increase giving and expand the network of donors
• Organize funder briefings (virtual and/or in person, pending COVID)
• Cultivate leads from existing members of the network, and conduct due diligence to determine appropriate engagement strategies
• Research and cultivate top prospects
• Identify opportunities to improve donor communication; drawing on direct interaction with members of the MTG network, suggest ideas for new and engaging content and help refine content to ensure it is compelling and easy to consume
• Partner with the communications lead, as needed, to help organize and conduct webinars and other programming
• Partner with other members of the development team to ensure accurate and efficient contribution tracking 

Ideal Candidate Profile 

• 5+ years in development, fundraising or sales/business development
• Experience building trusted relationships with high-capacity donors. Track record of earning the confidence of internal and external stakeholders
• An entrepreneurial, innovative, and enthusiastic spirit. Comfort with uncertainty, coupled with experience building systems and processes to achieve operational efficiencies
• Strong attention to detail and an interest in developing and helping to manage development systems and operations 
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to drive to action. Management experience is a plus, but not required
• A collaborative approach paired with an appreciation for candor
• An appreciation for and basic understanding of research- and metrics-driven programming and an ability to translate its unique value to donors
• Some travel may be required

Other valuable qualifications...

• Experience working with CRM/donor management software (e.g., EveryAction, NGP VAN)
• A desire to strengthen and preserve our democracy, and an interest in politics

NOTE: These are general guidelines. We recognize that experiences vary. The ideal candidate may not have all of these qualifications and may ultimately bring many different strengths to the position. We value diversity and encourage you to apply even if you don't check every box.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Mind the Gap is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to economic and social justice and does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.