Senior Manager, Development & External Partnerships

The Aspen Institute•Washington, DC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Development & External Partnerships advances the Aspen Institute Energy & Environment Program by leading fundraising efforts and cultivating strategic relationships that support the program’s priorities and long-term goals. The role manages the fundraising cycle, from identifying and cultivating prospects through solicitation, stewardship, and ongoing funder engagement. It also develops external partnerships that help secure resources and relationships to sustain and expand EEP programs and impact. Working with EEP leadership and colleagues, the Senior Manager helps develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the program’s mission and strategic objectives. The position is expected to work in person with colleagues at least 40% of the time, with flexibility to work remotely the rest of the time. Travel may be required, potentially up to 25% during certain times of the year.

Requirements

At least 5 years of relevant experience.
Ability to manage many projects simultaneously, master workflow details, and self-prioritize.
Ability to manage time effectively and work autonomously.
Strong work ethic and ability to sometimes work long hours when necessary to complete tasks.
Strong verbal, writing, and editing skills.
Strong professional and diplomatic interpersonal skills.
Strong external relations orientation.
Excellent computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Suite.
Willingness and ability to travel, potentially as much as 25% during certain times of the year.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute EEP’s fundraising strategy with program and development leadership, translating priorities and funding needs into goals, prospect strategies, and solicitation plans.
Build and advance a fundraising pipeline sufficient to meet annual revenue goals by identifying prospects, assessing opportunities, and progressing relationships toward funding commitments.
Partner with the Associate, Development & Partnerships to maintain pipeline information, track next steps and commitments, and use donor research and reporting to guide decisions.
Assess progress against fundraising goals and provide EEP leadership with revenue projections, updates on priority opportunities, and recommendations for addressing funding gaps.
Work with program staff to shape funding opportunities that connect EEP’s work and intended impact with donor interests.
Prepare EEP leadership for donor engagement by developing relationship strategies, meeting objectives, talking points, and recommended asks, and ensuring timely follow-through.
Lead development of proposals, sponsorship packages, and other fundraising materials, coordinating program staff input and ensuring a clear case for support.
Coordinate donor relationships and solicitation plans across EEP and with Institute development colleagues, aligning outreach, clarifying relationship ownership, and identifying shared engagement opportunities.
Manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors and partners, including cultivation, solicitation, renewal, and stewardship with individuals, foundations, corporations, and other funders.
Facilitate fundraising conversations and make direct asks independently and alongside EEP leadership to secure support for program initiatives, public convenings, and broader program needs.
Develop strategic partnerships that bring financial support, expertise, networks, and other resources to EEP while aligning with the program’s mission and priorities.
Lead donor renewal and stewardship strategies, providing funders with meaningful progress and impact updates and identifying opportunities to deepen or expand support.