Director, Development

ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

POSITION SUMMARY

Freedom House is seeking a strategic and results-driven Director, Development to serve as the day-to-day operational lead supporting the execution of its Development function during a period of significant growth and opportunity. This role will serve as a key operational partner under the Chief Advancement Officer.

With new leadership and the organizations 85th Anniversary on the horizon, Freedom House is poised to expand its fundraising and global engagement efforts. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape and scale the organizations Development functionbuilding the systems, discipline, and pipeline needed to reach and exceed $12-15 million annually and support an ambitious multi-year campaign.

Working closely with and reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Director will drive execution across revenue streams, including major gifts, institutional funding, foundations, individuals, corporate partnerships, and government funding. The role will strengthen pipeline management and ensure consistent follow-through, enabling the CAO to focus on principal gifts, Board engagement, the Annual Awards and 85th Anniversary Campaign, and top-tier donor relationships.

The Director will also partner closely with the CAO and Chief of Staff to support the CEO in donor engagement and high-level meetings, helping to maximize leadership involvement in fundraising. This role is critical to enabling Freedom House to fully capitalize on a moment of opportunity. With new leadership and the 85th Anniversary as a catalyst, the organization is well positioned to deepen relationships and significantly grow its fundraising base. By bringing structure, discipline, and execution to the Development function, the Director will help translate growing interest and engagement into sustained revenue, expanded partnerships, and long-term impact.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising Operations & Pipeline Management
Lead day-to-day execution of the Development function, ensuring consistent progress across all fundraising streams, including public, private, foundations, individuals, corporate, and government sources.
Serve as a senior operational lead and backup to the CAO as needed, with specific ownership of assigned revenue streams while maintaining broad cross-stream coordination.
Build, manage, and monitor a robust donor pipeline, including prospect tracking, moves management, and forecasting.
Establish clear systems and accountability for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Ensure timely follow-up and coordination across leadership, staff, and external partners.

Revenue Coordination & Strategy Execution
Coordinate across individual giving, institutional funding, foundations, government funding, corporate partnerships, and fundraising events.
Translate strategic fundraising priorities into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
Personally manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and institutional prospects, including high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and foundations.
Support the cultivation and solicitation of six- and seven-figure gifts, working in close coordination with the CAO and senior leadership.
Expand organizational capacity to pursue and secure major and multi-year funding opportunities, complementing CAO-led Board and principal gift efforts.
Partner closely with program, policy, and communications teams to align fundraising with organizational priorities.

Leadership Support & Executive Engagement
Partner with the CAO and Chief of Staff to support the CEO and President in donor meetings, briefings, and follow-up.
Help prepare materials, talking points, and strategy for high-level donor and partner engagement.
Ensure strong coordination and execution around leadership travel and external engagement opportunities.
Provide operational leadership and backup support for the CAO as needed.

Board & Donor Engagement Support
Support the CEO, President, CAO, Chief of Staff, and senior leadership in Board engagement and fundraising activities.
Help coordinate Board-related fundraising opportunities and follow-up.
Ensure consistent tracking and advancement of key donor relationships.

Events & Campaign Execution
Support planning and execution of the Annual Awards and other donor-facing events as key fundraising opportunities.
Contribute to planning and early execution of the 85th Anniversary Campaign.
Ensure campaign-related activities are coordinated and aligned with broader pipeline strategy.

Data, Analytics & Prospect Development
Partner with development operations to strengthen reporting, analytics, and forecasting.
Oversee proactive prospect identification and research, building on existing internal capacity.
Use data tools and insights to inform strategy and optimize fundraising performance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
Bachelors degree in fundraising management, marketing, business, nonprofit leadership, or related area of study. Graduate degree preferred.
Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) or other fundraising-related certifications offered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals is a plus.

Experience:
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising, advancement, business development, or a related field.
Demonstrated success in securing one-time and multi-year six- and seven-figure gifts and grants.
Experience working with high-net-worth individuals, family offices, private foundations, and institutional funders.
Proven track record of managing fundraising operations and contributing to revenue growth.
Strong experience with donor pipeline management, forecasting, and moves management systems.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate across multiple revenue streams, including individual, institutional, corporate, foundation, and government funding.
Experience fundraising in the field of human rights, democracy, and technology.
Experience supporting senior leadership and Board engagement in fundraising.
Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.
Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced environment.
Experience supporting or managing multi-year fundraising campaigns.
Familiarity with international programs, democracy, human rights, or policy-focused organizations.
Experience working with CRM systems, such as Salesforce, and development analytics.

Technical Skills and Abilities:
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Extremely versatile; able to prioritize and perform multiple tasks with excellent attention to detail and the ability to set and meet deadlines and drive projects to conclusion.
Nimble business mind with a focus on developing creative solutions.
Strong project reporting skills, with a focus on inter-departmental communication.
Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries in a courteous and professional manner.
Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point).

Personal Attributes and Characteristics:
Strong interpersonal skills, diplomatic, and responsive.
Strong work ethic and desire for personal and professional development. Demonstrable desire for personal excellence. Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
Deeply committed to nonpartisanship, exhibiting a strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House.
Committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all feel that they belong.
Works as an effective team member, successfully balancing individual and team responsibilities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Freedom House established core values are belonging, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect. Through these values we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, emphasize collective efforts for success, are dedicated to high-quality impactful work, uphold trust through courage and honesty, and treat everyone with dignity while appreciating their unique contributions.
Applicants are required to complete our online application form and to submit a resume and a cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position.
Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization.
Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.

COMPENSATION & REWARDS:

Salary for this role is anticipated to be $150,000.00 annualized, commensurate with experience and internal equity.
We are consistently working to retain and attract top talent to contribute to our continual growth. We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:
Multiple medical plans, dental, and vision insurance available on the first date of hire
403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match
Generous Leave Programs
Annual paid time off that grows with your employment: 17 days for 0-2 years, 21 days for 3-5 years, 25 days for 6+ years. Director level and above start at 25 days.
Sick Leave: 10 days per year, unlimited roll over year to year
14 paid holidays with the ability to float the day later within the same calendar year
Caregiver Leave: 40 days paid
Bereavement Leave: 5 days paid
Jury duty: 30 days paid
Flexible, hybrid work culture with slow down weeks and no meeting Fridays
Mental health and well-being services through our Employee Assistance Programs
Flexible spending accounts
Short-term and long-term disability
Supplemental/Voluntary life insurance

WORKING CONDITIONS :
General Working Conditions:
General working office environment or telework.
May require long hours, including evenings and weekends, to complete tasks.
Willingness to travel as needed.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.


Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

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