Chief Major Gifts & Development Officer

Middle East Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

The Middle East Institute (MEI) seeks a Chief Development Officer to design and lead a comprehensive development function ensuring MEI's long-term financial sustainability. You will work with the Board and senior leadership to establish an organization-wide fundraising strategy and diversify revenue sources.

The role requires an experienced strategist and hands-on leader who can strengthen donor relationships while engaging new audiences.

Qualifications

• Senior-level development or advancement experience with fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy aligned with MEI's mission and long-term needs.
• Partner with the Board of Governors and senior leadership to establish fundraising priorities and best practices.
• Create plans to diversify funding sources and sustainable revenue models.
• Lead organization-wide fundraising efforts and coordinate staff, board members, and stakeholders to meet goals.
• Build and develop the development team and set performance standards.
• Design and lead major-gift campaigns targeting individuals, corporations, foundations, and aligned organizations.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and institutional partners domestically and internationally.
• Expand MEI's donor base by identifying new audiences and potential funders.
• Develop fundraising communications and case materials explaining MEI's mission and impact.
• Oversee grant opportunities and manage preparation and submission processes.

Skills

Senior leadership

Major gifts fundraising

Board engagement

Grant development

Job description

The Middle East Institute (MEI) seeks a Chief Development Officer to design and lead a comprehensive development function ensuring MEI's long-term financial sustainability. You will work with the Board and senior leadership to establish an organization-wide fundraising strategy and diversify revenue sources.

The role requires an experienced strategist and hands-on leader who can strengthen donor relationships while engaging new audiences.