Transformational Gift Officer (Remote)

Theihs; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Transformational Gift Officer to lead fundraising efforts and cultivate high-capacity donor relationships. This role involves developing personalized strategies, engaging with donors, and collaborating with senior leadership to secure significant support. The ideal candidate will possess a warm presence, strong communication skills, and a strategic mindset to align donor intent with institutional goals. Join a flexible and innovative team dedicated to advancing the principles of freedom in society, and enjoy exceptional benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Parking Permit

Tuition Credit Hours

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in major gift fundraising.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 50-75 transformational gift prospects.
• Develop personalized cultivation strategies for donors.

Skills

Fundraising

Communication Skills

Strategic Thinking

CRM Systems (Salesforce)

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Metropolitan Building, 3434 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201, USA

Job Description

Disclaimer:

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.Remote positions at the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) require quarterly in-person meetings at our office location in Arlington, VA.IHS employees are required to visit the office for a minimum of two weeks per year.

Job Summary:

The Transformational Gift Officer (TGO) is a dynamic and results-driven fundraiser responsible for identifying, cultivating and stewarding high-capacity donors capable of six-figure+ gifts. Reporting to the Director of Development, this individual plays a key role in securing mission-aligned support and driving revenue for IHS through long-term, strategic relationships. The TGO brings intellectual curiosity, warmth, and the ability to hold their own in high-powered settings – whether hosting a donor dinner, moderating a discussion, or engaging in conversations about politics, markets, tech, the academy, and classical liberal ideas.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage a portfolio of 50-75 transformational gift prospects and donors capable of six- and seven-figure+ giving, deepening engagement and securing significant support.
• Develop personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies grounded in donor interests, current affairs, and IHS priorities.
• Represent IHS in donor meetings, events, and high-touch engagement – hosting gatherings or facilitating conversations when appropriate.
  • Up to 40% travel required.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development, senior leadership, Communications & Marketing, and Programs teams to shape compelling donor messaging and strategies.
• Identify and qualify new high-capacity prospects; proactively build relationships through strategic outreach.
• Maintain accurate records in Salesforce and track portfolio activity, pipeline development, and revenue goals.
• Ensure a consistent and coordinated donor experience across internal teams including Events, Foundations, and Prospecting.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in major or transformational gift fundraising, with a record of closing six and seven-figure+ gifts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to engage donors across ideological and professional backgrounds.
• Strong intellectual engagement with current affairs, and the ability to discuss political, economic, and cultural topics thoughtfully.
• Warm, professional presence with the ability to build rapport and lead in formal and informal settings.
• Creative and strategic thinker who can align donor intent with institutional goals.
• Highly organized, proactive, and skilled at managing complex priorities and follow-through.
• Experience using CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
• Familiarity with or commitment to the classical liberal tradition and the mission of IHS.

To apply, qualified candidates must submit the following materials (through additional documents):

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing your interest in this position and why the IHS mission resonates with you.

EEO Statement:

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

About IHS:

The Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) is athink networkadvancing the principles and practices of freedom in the academy, public policy, and civil society.

Founded in 1961, IHS believes that the liberal tradition has yielded unprecedented freedom and human flourishing. And in this moment, when the forces of illiberalism on both the left and right are gaining ground at an alarming pace, our vision is to spark a new spirit of liberal freedom.

Our Work:

• Cultivating a pool of intellectual talent for partners in policy, civil society, philanthropy, and the academy through $1.5 million in fellowship and career development programs.
• Catalyzing scholarship and academic networks to strengthen the fields of foundational and applied research that matter most to a free society.
• Equippingfreedom-focused research centers, think tanks, foundations, and civil society organizations with the research and experts they need to maximize their impact in policy and in communities across the country.

We have a flexible, professional, open office environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship and provides substantial opportunity for professional growth. Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. IHS provides exceptional benefits to all employees, including health and dental insurance coverage (which includes paying 100% of the health and dental insurance premium for individuals), health savings accounts, long-term disability and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement savings program, a parking permit and 12 free tuition credit hours annually at George Mason University.

Metropolitan Building, 3434 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201, USA