director of development

Director of Development

About the Organization

The Commonwealth Foundation (CF) is among the most effective and influential state-based think tanks in the country. With a top-notch team of policy analysts and communication experts, CF transforms free-market ideas into public policies so all Pennsylvanians can flourish.

Our research and advocacy have led to lower taxes on working Pennsylvanians, greater transparency in state government spending and contracts, criminal justice reform that reduced both prison population and crime, and increased educational options for thousands of students.

Our work is driven by our core values of:

  • Integrity
  • Treating everyone with dignity
  • Stewardship of our investors’ time and treasure
  • Pursuing productive solutions to problems

About the Role

CF seeks an experienced, talented, and philosophically committed Director of Development to join our fundraising team. The ideal candidate is a versatile manager who can balance and oversee multiple aspects of development including grants, direct mail, stewardship, major gifts, and personnel. The incumbent will help inspire a team to achieve organizational fundraising goals and manage operations of a multifaceted development capability raising more than $15 million each year, including for allied organizations with whom the organization has a shared service agreement. This person will be able to produce high-quality written materials, oversee a direct mail program, manage people, and thrive in a collaborative environment. This person will have a deep passion for free-market ideas and CF’s mission.

The Director of Development will work closely with and report to the Vice President of Development. The role can be either a remote or hybrid position. Hybrid consists of one day a week in the office (Harrisburg, King of Prussia, or Washington D.C.), in Harrisburg for monthly staff meetings and occasional travel for events. Remote candidates should live in the DC/PA area and may have some other travel as needed.

Responsibilities include:

  • Oversee a capability to write and edit grant proposals, reports, thank you letters, and other materials in a timely fashion in order to provide investors with an exceptional philanthropic experience
  • Build relationships with a small portfolio of donors and assist in strategy to help colleagues build relationships
  • Oversee a house file and prospect mail program including solicitation, newsletter, and informational mailings
  • Serve as strategic advisor to the Vice President and Chief Executive Officer in a dynamic and growing fundraising department
  • Supervise staff members and outside contractors
  • Manage the Don Kirkland Society for donors who include Commonwealth Foundation in their legacy giving plan
  • Other responsibilities as assigned

Requirements include:

  • Passion for the mission of Commonwealth Foundation.
  • 5+ years of experience in development, management, or a related field
  • Experience building and managing a team
  • Ability to travel 10-15%; remote candidates must be able to be in the office monthly
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • A proven ability to work independently, accept and give constructive feedback, prioritize, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines
  • Experience in Salesforce is not required but is a plus
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Commonwealth Foundation Benefits include:

  • Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance with up to 80 percent employer contribution
  • 4% company contributions towards a retirement plan
  • Monthly stipend for needed mobile technology and home office internet
  • Unlimited paid time off and flexible work schedule

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:

  • Cover letter detailing:
    • Your interest in joining Commonwealth Foundation
    • Your salary requirements
  • Your resume

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Katy Gambella, Director of Outreach at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [email protected].