Philanthropy Officer

This position will be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and/or Washington, D.C. FIRE operates on a hybrid work schedule that allows for a mix of in-the-office and remote work for eligible employees. This position is not eligible for remote work. 

About FIRE

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.

Position Description

FIRE is seeking an energetic self-starter to join our team as a Philanthropy Officer. The Philanthropy Officer will be responsible for managing relationships with FIRE supporters who make annual gifts below $10,000 and will work through various methods to ensure a great donor experience.

The Philanthropy Officer will report directly to FIRE’s Senior Director of Development while working closely with the rest of the development team. Additionally, the Philanthropy Officer will consult with FIRE’s other departments to keep abreast of all programming initiatives. The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Actively managing relationships with donors who give in the $1,000-$9,999 range.
• Implementing stewardship plans and coordinating direct outreach efforts to individual donors in partnership with development leadership and team philanthropy officers.
• Engaging in regular communication with donors through phone calls and emails to deepen their understanding of, and support for, FIRE’s mission.
• Identify supporters with higher giving potential and work with the team to move them up the donor pipeline.
• Identifying supporters for the traveling philanthropy officers to cultivate through in-person meetings and events.
• Securing annual gift renewal or upgrade of gifts through the existing campaign framework or through special outreach to raise the organization's retention rate.
• Running regular reports of donor activity and ensuring accurate tracking of stewardship activities.
• Producing regular reports and establishing and maintaining performance metrics, including overall portfolio management measurements.

The expected start date for this position is as soon as possible.

Expected travel for this position is 0-10%. Occasional work on weekends and evenings should be expected.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have a good work ethic, be a self-starter, and have the ability to work independently. Most importantly, the candidate must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause. 

A candidate must also be able to demonstrate:

• Four years of experience in development, preferably with experience communicating with donors.
  • Applicants with non-development-yet-relevant experience in fields like law, policy, or advocacy are also encouraged to apply.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• An understanding of how to personalize FIRE’s mission and stories.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Superb organizational skills and the ability to manage a full portfolio of hundreds of individuals.
• The ability to be a compelling speaker, a good listener, and to think on one’s feet.

Preferred, but not required, qualifications:

• A four-year undergraduate degree
• A working knowledge of donor prospecting methods.
• A working knowledge of donor database platforms like Salesforce.

Salary and Compensation

Starting salary is negotiable and depends upon experience and education level. FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for outstanding and excellent work. FIRE also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance; a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option; matching retirement contributions; and a generous paid time-off plan.

Applications

Applicants should provide a resume, cover letter, writing sample, salary requirements, and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. 

FIRE is an equal opportunity employer.