Vice President/CDO of Development

mei-employment; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 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

Middle East Institute in Washington, DC is seeking a visionary Vice President of Development to lead MEI's fundraising strategy and revenue growth across major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, foundations, campaigns, events, and membership programs.

Reporting to the COO, you will guide development operations, donor strategy, and external engagement to advance MEI’s mission and expansion while managing the Development team and ensuring data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior-level development leadership experience.
• Background in fundraising across major gifts, grants, and campaigns.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising strategy to grow major gifts, grants, campaigns, events, and memberships.
• Oversee the Development team, budgets, systems, and performance metrics.
• Provide executive oversight of campaigns and high-profile events, including conferences.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, corporate partners, foundations, and boards.
• Oversee grant prospecting, proposals, reporting, and compliance with program teams.
• Oversee development branding, communications, and donor-facing content.
• Oversee donor database management and coordination with finance for accuracy and compliance.

Skills

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

Data analysis

Executive communication

Public speaking

Negotiation

Team leadership

Donor stewardship

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Important Note: This position is strictly for experienced major gifts professionals. Candidates must have at least 10 years of major gifts fundraising experience. Backgrounds primarily in business development, sales, or consulting will not be considered.

About Middle East Institute

Founded in 1946, the Middle East Institute is the oldest Washington-based institution dedicated solely to the study of the Middle East. It is a non-partisan think tank providing expert policy analysis, educational and professional development services, and a hub for engaging with the region's arts and culture.

About the role

The Vice President of Development is responsible for leading MEI’s fundraising strategy and revenue growth across individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, campaigns, events, and membership. Reporting to the COO, this role provides executive leadership for development operations, donor strategy, and external engagement in support of MEI’s mission and expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Growth: Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to drive growth from major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, campaigns, events, and membership programs. This includes, regional trips and support for conferences and embassy events.
• Leadership & Management: Lead and develop the Development team; manage budgets, systems, and performance metrics.
• Expansion Campaigns & Events: Provide executive oversight of major fundraising campaigns and high-profile events, including MEI’s Annual Awards Gala.
• Donor & Stakeholder Relations: Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, corporate partners, foundations, Board members, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Grants & Institutional Giving: Oversee grant prospecting, proposals, reporting, and compliance in collaboration with program teams.
• Marketing, Communications & Visibility: Oversee development-related branding, communications, and donor-facing content across print and digital platforms.
• Data, Systems & Compliance: Oversee donor database management, analytics, fundraising registrations, and coordination with finance to ensure accuracy, compliance, and informed decision-making.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Experience: Senior-level development leadership experience, preferably in a mission-driven or non-profit organization, with a demonstrated record of fundraising success (typically 10+ years).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Skills: Strategic planning, financial acumen, data analysis, executive communication, public speaking, negotiation, and team leadership.
• Attributes: Collaborative, results-driven, relationship-focused, and capable of operating at both strategic and executive levels.

MEI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid holidays, plus vacation and sick leave

Work Environment

The role is in-person, five days per week, based out of our Washington, DC, Headquarters.