Jobs

Development Director

For fifteen years at the local, state and national level Public Campaign has given voice and coordination to growing numbers of activists and organizations seeking a fair alternative to the nation’s existing system of money and politics. Public Campaign provides strategic, tactical, and financial support to organizations and individuals fighting for comprehensive change in election campaign financing, resulting in breakthrough advances, shaping a new path going forward. We are committed to grassroots democratic reform, founded on the belief that small donor-driven, publicly financed elections are essential to restoring the principles of equality, accountability, and justice necessary for a democratic society to thrive and prosper.

The 501(c)(4) partner to Public Campaign is Public Campaign Action Fund (PCAF). PCAF works to enact, defend, and promote Fair Elections-style public financing federally and in states, including holding elected officials and politicians accountable for opposing reform and for the special favors they do for their political contributors. With its pro-reform Campaign Money Watch project, the organization engages voters in hotly contested elections around the country to educate them about the impact of big money from special interests on the policy-making process.

Position Description
The Development Director is a key leadership team member and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting Public Campaign and Public Campaign Action Fund. He/She will manage the fundraising and development activities of Public Campaign, coordinating and supporting senior staff in the solicitation of major gifts and foundation support. The successful candidate also will help strengthen existing donor relationships and forge new ones to build Public Campaign’s visibility, impact, and financial resources.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Work with senior staff to develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy for Public Campaign and Public Campaign Action Fund, including setting specific fundraising goals for special projects and the overall general budget. Monitor and report on the progress in attaining overall and project development goals.
  • Have primary responsibility for development and execution of all grant inquiry letters, proposals, and reports including:

o    Spearhead efforts to identify and cultivate new funding opportunities.
o    Provide staff support and coordination for foundation relationship building and maintenance.
o    Draft and/or provide assistance with all elements of the grant procuring process.
o    Manage and distribute foundation and donor reports in a timely manner.

  • Take the lead in managing an individual donor campaign to support the projects of Public Campaign, Public Campaign Action Fund, and related entities, including:

o    Cultivate new and current donors.
o    Implement a stewardship program aimed at building deeper ties with donors.
o    Track and monitor all donor information and provide/present statistical analysis to staff and board.

  • Develop and implement fundraising programs from secondary funding sources, including direct mail (both in-house and with a vendor), on-line and events.

Job Qualifications

  • 7-10-plus years of professional experience in non-profit and/or political fundraising preferred; five years fundraising experience required. Experience may include senior positions other than Development (i.e.: Executive Director) so long as the position included significant fundraising responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated success in managing and forging relationships with multiple donor sources. Tangible experience of having increased responsibility and demonstrated fundraising success in expanding donor base and cultivating existing donor relationships over time.
  • Ability to construct, articulate, and implement annual strategic development plan.
  • Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives.
  • Ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside Public Campaign.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time.
  • Proficient in fundraising software; Sage Fundraising software experience preferred.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred.
  • Strong commitment to Public Campaign’s mission.


Job Details
Salary is commensurate with experience. A generous benefits package is offered. Position is full-time and based in the organization’s Washington, D.C. office. Some travel required.

To Apply
E-mail a cover letter, resume, and salary history to jobs@publicampaign.org.  No phone calls please.  Only qualified applicants will be contacted for more information and consideration.

Public Campaign is an equal opportunity employer, and welcomes a diverse pool of applicants.