Senior Major Gifts & Development Leader

mei-employment; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 250,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid holidays, plus vacation and sick/

Job summary

The Middle East Institute in Washington, DC is seeking a Chief Development Officer to design and lead MEI's fundraising function. This in‑person role reports to the Board of Governors and senior leadership and requires a strategic, hands‑on leader to advance MEI's long‑term financial sustainability.

You will build an organization‑wide fundraising plan, diversify revenue sources, cultivate major donors in the United States and the Middle East, and lead a high‑performing development team.

Qualifications

• Must have at least ten years of major gifts fundraising experience.
• Senior‑level development experience including fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Experience leading major‑gift campaigns or comparable fundraising initiatives.
• Experience building and leading a comprehensive development function and team.
• Willingness to travel internationally; in-person role five days a week in DC.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a comprehensive development strategy aligned with MEI's mission, priorities, and long-term financial needs.
• Partner with the Board of Governors and senior leadership to establish fundraising priorities and institutionalize development practices.
• Create and execute plans to diversify funding sources and develop sustainable revenue models.
• Lead organization‑wide fundraising efforts and coordinate staff, boards, and stakeholders toward fundraising goals.
• Build, lead, and develop the development team with clear responsibilities and performance standards.
• Design and lead major‑gift campaigns targeting individuals, corporations, foundations, and aligned organizations.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and institutional partners in the US and the Middle East.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Fundraising strategy

Donor cultivation

Board engagement

Job description

The Middle East Institute in Washington, DC is seeking a Chief Development Officer to design and lead MEI's fundraising function. This in‑person role reports to the Board of Governors and senior leadership and requires a strategic, hands‑on leader to advance MEI's long‑term financial sustainability.

You will build an organization‑wide fundraising plan, diversify revenue sources, cultivate major donors in the United States and the Middle East, and lead a high‑performing development team.