Vice President, Philanthropy

Issue One • Washington, DC

6d • $150,000 - $170,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice President of Philanthropy will lead Issue One's fundraising operations during a period of organizational evolution. The VP will partner with the CEO to manage existing donor relationships, execute on current fundraising priorities, and build the foundation for future fundraising growth. This role will manage a small team of fundraising professionals and work closely with the board's philanthropy committee. In addition to leading the fundraising team, the VP will continue to manage Issue One's foundation portfolio and serve as the lead writer for foundation proposals and reports.

The ideal candidate will have strong fundraising operations experience, excellent relationship management skills, and the ability to execute on existing donor strategies while helping to shape future fundraising priorities. A core focus of this role will be developing and supporting a "culture of philanthropy" at Issue One, ensuring that board members, staff leadership, and program teams understand, embrace, and actively participate in fundraising activities in a collaborative and donor-focused effort. The VP must be highly organized, skilled at proposal writing, and comfortable working in a period of transition.

Requirements

• 7-10 years of fundraising experience, including at least 3-5 years in a leadership or management role
• Demonstrated ability to develop a culture of philanthropy within an organization, with experience engaging board members and staff in fundraising activities and building organizational capacity for sustainable donor relationships
• Experience managing donor relationships and supporting front-line fundraising with high-net-worth individuals and foundations
• Proven record of securing and stewarding foundation grants, including writing successful proposals and reports
• Excellent writing skills and demonstrated success in proposal development
• Superb communication and presentation skills
• Ability to synthesize complexity, make informed decisions, and develop strategic alternatives that help create solutions in sometimes ambiguous and fast-moving environments
• Outstanding organizational and project management skills with an appreciation for high-level execution and superb attention to detail
• Entrepreneurialism and resourcefulness, with the ability to deliver results in a rapidly growing, deadline-driven, and dynamic environment
• Team-oriented and collaborative; flexibility and adaptability to modify plans in line with shifting priorities
• Comfort working in periods of organizational transition and the proven ability to maintain optimism and passion for strengthening our democracy.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with capital campaigns or comprehensive fundraising initiatives is valued
• Knowledge of the money in politics and government ethics reform movement is ideal

Responsibilities

• Working closely with the CEO, COO, and Board leadership to execute on Issue One's annual and project-specific fundraising goals.
• Building and sustaining a culture of philanthropy across the organization by engaging board members, staff, and volunteers in collaborative, donor-focused fundraising efforts.
• Supporting the CEO in managing his portfolio of Issue One's critical prospective donors and existing major donors.
• Supporting the organization's fundraising initiatives, including potential future campaign efforts and strategic planning for major giving programs.
• Managing donor stewardship for existing major donors and identifying opportunities to deepen relationships and secure renewed support.
• Managing and growing existing foundation relationships, including proposal and report writing, grants management, and relationship stewardship.
• Identifying and cultivating new foundation prospects to diversify and expand funding streams.
• Serving as the primary writer for foundation proposals, reports, and tailored donor communications.
• Drafting weekly major donor updates and biannual reports.
• Serving as the Board liaison for fundraising, including building a functional fundraising committee that will grow in the coming years.
• Leveraging the involvement of various committees and task forces for fundraising purposes.
• Developing internal partnerships with program staff designed to involve them in fundraising efforts appropriately.
• Coordinating with communications staff on marketing materials and proposals to ensure consistent quality and accurate messaging.
• Managing and supervising a small fundraising team (currently 3 staff members).
• Implementing donor stewardship programs designed to demonstrate donor impact.
• Ensuring that back office systems are highly functional and accurate to ensure extraordinary donor experiences.
• Managing an overall fundraising budget in partnership with the COO.

Benefits

• Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance.
• All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan, with Issue One paying 100% of the premium. The organization also covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff.
• Staff receive over 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures.
• Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for internet and commuting, and promotes a hybrid work environment that allows for working from home while establishing regular in-person office opportunities twice a week.
• Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. Additionally, all staff members are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization offers several opportunities for fun and fellowship.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees