Development Manager

Description

The Cato Institute seeks an entrepreneurial, highly motivated Development Manager to join a high-performing, mission-oriented development team in driving fundraising revenue for the organization. The ideal candidate will have at least three to five years of experience in fundraising with a proven track record and strong skills in fundraising strategy, development operations, communications, donor engagement, and internal stakeholder management. Applicable sales or account management experience will also be valuable in this role. The successful candidate will have excellent communication and writing skills, impeccable attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines. They must also have a strong affinity for public policy and Cato’s mission.

This is an opportunity to manage critical elements of Cato’s donor base as a crucial member of a dynamic development team. The Development Manager will be responsible for assisting in the implementation and execution of a plan to deliver an outstanding experience to Cato’s community of Partners, who come from every state in the country and share Cato’s commitment to libertarian, free-market principles. There is tremendous potential to take on greater growth and leadership responsibilities as Cato’s development team seeks to grow its Partner community and $42 million annual budget. 

This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC. 

About Cato Institute

The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization—a think tank—dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.

Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato’s Letters, a series of essays published in 18th-century England that presented a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. And the simple, timeless principles of that revolution – individual liberty, limited government, and free markets – turn out to be even more powerful in today’s world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people, it is the indispensable framework for the future.

Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior development staff to devise and execute a comprehensive strategy for Partner engagement and revenue growth, focusing on customer service excellence, effective communication, meticulous data management and analysis, engaging events, and proactive organizational participation to strengthen relationships with Partners.
• Actively identify, engage, and foster relationships with new and existing Partners, aiming to significantly expand Cato’s Partner community and boost annual contributions through personalized outreach and strategic gift solicitation.
• Oversee day-to-day operations related to development efforts, including managing inbound correspondence, ensuring timely and accurate responses to Partner inquiries, and maintaining high service standards.
• Take ownership of specific reporting and analytical tasks to monitor and enhance the effectiveness of fundraising strategies, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Execute a high volume of outreach to grow Partners’ relationships with Cato, identifying opportunities for increased engagement.
• Contribute to planned giving initiatives and discussions, identifying potential opportunities for long-term funding strategies and Partner legacy planning.
• Design and implement personalized moves management plans for partners who are contributing less than twenty-five thousand dollars.
• Partner with Development research colleagues to prioritize and execute projects and tasks.
• Develop proposals and reports for individuals and foundations as needed.
• Coach junior staff as the team evolves, potentially managing a direct report.

Requirements

Education/ Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or development, preferably in a mission-driven or non-profit organization. 
• Experience managing a team of at least 2 direct reports is a plus.
• Proficiency in donor database management and fundraising software.
• Experience in operations management, data analysis, reporting, and proposal development.
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office suite of products; proficiency with CRMs, such as Salesforce, is a plus.
• Knowledge of the “moves management” fundraising style is preferred but not required.
• Alignment with libertarian principles and Cato’s mission

Skills

• An entrepreneurial spirit that will drive projects involving colleagues throughout the organization.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• A creative and innovative approach to donor relations, experience, and stewardship, emphasizing personalization and impact.
• Ability to create a strong, positive initial impression, maintain professional credibility, and cultivate lasting professional relationships.
• Strong writing skills, impeccable attention to detail, ability to prioritize multiple tasks, meet competing deadlines, and work well under pressure.
• Meticulous record-keeping skills.
• Willingness to adapt to potential future roles as the Development team evolves.
• Willingness to travel occasionally on behalf of the Cato Institute.

Benefits

All Cato employees are provided with:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Generous vacation and sick days
• Paid parental leave
• Employer-provided life and disability insurance 
• 401(k) employer match
• Transit/ Parking benefits 
• Pet discount plan

Salary : $42