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.

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 salary for this position is $87,500-$130,000. The actual starting salary for this position will determined by the chosen candidate’s experience and qualifications. This position will be represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU).

Closing Date of Position: April 1, 2026

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. Please submit a writing sample that reflects your development and fundraising writing. Examples may include a donor appeal, grant proposal/application, case for support, or other relevant development communications

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 cepr@cepr.net. Absolutely no calls, faxes, or additional emails please.