Philanthropy Officer

This position will be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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.

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 a Philanthropy Officer to cultivate and upgrade the giving of existing donors, while also working to attract new donors across the country.

This position requires a significant amount of travel; approximately 30-40% of the job will be on the road. Occasional work on weekends and evenings should be expected.

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

• Maintain an active relationship with current supporters for upgraded and continued annual gift support, and personally direct the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of these supporters by attending events, traveling for meetings, and coordinating regular communication for the assigned portfolio.
• Identify and research new potential supporters and design strategies to cultivate and solicit them to support FIRE, including written letters of introduction, personal introductions, and formal requests for support.
• Produce regular reports and update donor records/profiles on a regular basis, and establish and maintain performance metrics, including overall portfolio management;

• Work with FIRE’s development and program staff to create written proposals/pitches, slide decks, email solicitations, donor emails, and newsletter articles. 
• Work with FIRE’s development staff to plan and execute FIRE donor events in various cities, with approximately six events per year.

The expected start date for this position will be ASAP.

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:

• A four year undergraduate degree.
• 2-5 years experience in development, preferably with personal solicitation of major gifts.
  • Applicants with non-development yet relevant experience in fields like law, policy, or advocacy are also encouraged to apply.
• A goal-oriented mindset and the ability to directly ask supporters for money.
• A high-level of interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• An understanding of how to personalize FIRE’s mission and stories.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to be compelling, a good listener, and be able to think on their feet;
• A willingness to travel often. 
• A working knowledge of donor prospecting methods (preferred, not required).
• A working knowledge of donor database platforms like Salesforce (preferred, not required). 

Salary and Compensation

The projected salary range is $70,000-$90,000 based 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 for employees, 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, a writing sample, salary requirements, and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

FIRE is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

As part of FIRE's hiring process, all candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment will be required to undergo a background check as permitted by and in compliance with federal, state, and local law.