About Lawfare Institute

Lawfare is a non-profit multimedia publication dedicated to “Hard National Security Choices.” We provide non-partisan, timely analysis of thorny legal and policy issues through our written, audio, and other content—all of which you can find free of charge at our website, www.lawfaremedia.org. We strive to achieve academic-level depth with magazine-level readability at the pace of news. We aim to improve the discourse on the law and policy of national security with a relentless focus on substantive issues that matter—in a fashion that is useful to policymakers and practitioners, but also accessible to anyone who wants to access it. Our areas of coverage range from national security law, threats to democracy, cybersecurity, executive powers, content moderation, domestic extremism, and foreign policy, among many others.

About the role

The development manager will support the planning, coordination, execution, and development of donor relationships. Reporting to the managing director, this critical role focuses on creating and implementing fundraising strategies, managing donor engagement activities, and providing support to bolster Lawfare’s fundraising capacity. It is anticipated that this role will spend at least 80 percent of the time on overseeing fundraising services and supporting fundraising strategy. Some opportunities for front-line donor engagement are likely depending on the chosen candidate’s interest and aptitude.

What you'll do

Fundraising Execution & Donor Support

• Support the managing director and be a thought partner to senior leadership on annual and multi-year revenue targets and plans for individual and institutional giving; monitor progress and adjust strategy as needed.
• In partnership with the managing director, maintain the pipeline of donors and prospects. Elevate action items for cultivation and stewardship with an eye towards upcoming deadlines, fundraising goals, planned communications, and donor interests.
• Lead donor communications strategy, including communications timeline, mailings, ensure prompt acknowledgment of contributions, and maintain donor collateral.
• In partnership with the audience engagement director and the associate editor for communications, this position will help manage virtual and in-person events, identify timely/relevant discussion topics for the monthly Minipod and Ask Us Anything; coordinate logistics, book spaces and organize catering (as needed), manage invitation design, RSVP and attendee lists; prep discussion questions, and help support day-of logistics.
• In collaboration with the managing director and others, this role will help build out the donor journeys across giving levels, design engagement opportunities, and propose touch points.
• Prepare background materials and donor profiles for meetings, as well as trip itineraries for donor visits and prospecting.

Research & Grant Support

• Support the full donor life cycle—from prospect research and cultivation through proposal development, agreement, reporting, and renewal.
• Maintain prospect and contact lists, conduct prospect research using tools provided as well as superb critical thinking and organizational skills.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and required reports.

Data Management & Systems

• Work with the managing director to lead the build-out and optimization of new donor databases and communications in Donorview and over time grow to be one of the system administrators.
• Prepare routine fundraising reports and summaries for internal review
• Support data integrity, gift processing, and compliance with donor and grant restrictions.
• Coordinate with operations and accounting to ensure appropriate recordkeeping, as well as tax and audit compliance.
• Contribute to improving fundraising systems and workflows

• Stay informed on nonprofit fundraising best practices and trends

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strategic, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented problem-solver, with the ability to think critically and balance multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and diplomatic sensibility. Enthusiastic, imaginative, creative, and energetic approach with a "can-do" attitude.
• Ability to work independently as well as to operate in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Superior attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to stay organized, track and meet deadlines.
• Strong experience with donor databases and data management.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace with the ability to learn new or updated software.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two to three years of related non-profit fundraising experience required.
• Strong working knowledge of nonprofit fundraising, particularly at research or media organizations.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations on issues related to national security, law, journalism, or media is a plus.
• Experience working with Donorview is a plus.

This position is based in the Washington, D.C. area with some in-office work expected if the selected candidate is local. Qualified remote candidates based outside of Washington, D.C. will also be considered.

The salary for this position will range from $60-80k annually, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and dental care (with premiums paid by Lawfare), flexible hours, and 401(k) with up to 4% matching contribution.

Lawfare is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.