Development Assistant/Associate

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) seeks to hire an energetic, proactive, and organized Development Assistant/Associate (fundraising) to join the development team in Washington, D.C. CNAS is an independent, bipartisan, nonprofit organization that develops strong, pragmatic, and principled national security and defense policies for a wide audience of experts, practitioners, and citizens.

Ideal candidates for this role will have a familiarity with fundraising principles and possess the willingness to leverage data, research, and processes to advance creative strategies that expand the Center’s donor base and yield increased revenues. This position will provide an opportunity to gain experience in nonprofit management and development operations. The Development Assistant/Associate will support CNAS’s individual giving portfolio and assist with development communications and events. Additionally, the Development Assistant/Associate in this role will work in partnership with the Center’s research program teams in various fundraising initiatives. This position will report to the Center’s Senior Vice President (SVP) of Development and work closely with the Managing Director of Corporate Relations, Development Officer, and Development Associate.

Responsibilities

The Development Assistant/Associate will be expected to perform a variety of tasks as outlined below. The following is an overview of primary responsibilities. Other tasks may be required, and responsibilities will vary over time.

Individual Giving

• Support CNAS’s individual giving portfolio under the direction of the SVP of Development and Development Officer to facilitate and assist with various fundraising efforts to renew and increase individual revenue.
• Assist with the implementation of effective strategies to build and manage fundraisers’ discovery and prospect pools, prioritize approaches, steward prospects and help identify and execute engagement opportunities to attract major gifts.
• Conduct prospect research to identify potential individual sources of funding in support of the Center’s mission and provide strategy memos and reports using tools like WealthEngine, D&B Hoovers, and Leadership Connect.
• Assist the SVP of Development and the Development Officer regarding the individual giving portfolio, which can include, but is not limited to, our annual fundraising campaign, prospect research, and donor management and stewardship.
• Coordinate with the Center’s executive, development, finance, and research teams to draft donor correspondence, proposals, agreements, and invoices.
• Schedule and facilitate donor meetings for the Center’s executive team, as well as development and research staff.

Development Events and Communications

• Coordinate and staff donor stewardship briefings and calls, managing logistics and planning for events including creating event invitations, booking venues, tracking event RSVPs, and arranging donor thank you notes and gifts. Occasional travel outside Washington, D.C. may be required to staff development events.
• Work with members of the development team to audit and update donor-related contact lists and general donor information.
• Draft and send donor communications using the Center’s email marketing platform (Campaign Monitor) and Microsoft Outlook.

Development Operations

• Record all individual donor communications and interactions in the Center’s CRM (Salesforce), manage essential data such as invoice due dates, payments received, proposals and agreements, and donor primary points of contacts.
• Follow up on donor contributions to ensure payment is fulfilled and acknowledge receipt of payment.
• Provide ad-hoc administrative support to the SVP of Development, including travel coordination, donor meeting preparation, prospect research, and other duties as needed.

Institutional Responsibilities

• Participate in the Center’s hiring processes, including interviews and new staff orientation.
• Contribute to staffing Center-wide events as needed.
• Attend internal meetings and events.
• Represent CNAS externally.
• Execute other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Motivated self-starter and hard worker displaying high productivity, integrity, communication, and follow-through in all areas of responsibility.
• A proactive, highly organized, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic professional with proven ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work independently and in partnership with others on a small team in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and effective verbal and written communications. Respond promptly to internal and external communications.
• Possesses demonstrated professional demeanor and the ability to work with people of different backgrounds and interact positively with all levels of staff and external stakeholders.
• Possesses excellent time management and innovative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize shifting priorities and handle proprietary information with a high level of discretion.
• Interest or experience in event planning.
• A strong desire to help others succeed and a working style that is respectful, inclusive, and collaborative.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• A range of prior experience in nonprofit fundraising, partnership building, sales, and/or related business experience is preferred.
• At least two years plus of nonprofit fundraising experience is required for Development Associate applicants.
• Interest in individual giving is preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite applications.
• Familiarity with CRM databases (Salesforce) and email marketing software (Campaign Monitor) is preferred but no experience is required.
• Experience utilizing different resources for identifying individual prospects is preferred.
• Interest in nonprofit fundraising in a policy-oriented organization is preferred.
• Interest in U.S. national security and foreign policy issues is required.
• Legal right to work in the United States.
• Based in Washington, D.C. or willing to relocate upon job offer.

About CNAS

The Center for a New American Security develops bold, innovative, and bipartisan national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization, CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. CNAS is located in Washington, D.C.

CNAS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

CNAS offers a complete and competitive benefits package for employees which includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, transportation subsidies, and an employee assistance program.

CNAS abides by all Federal and District of Columbia employment laws.

To Apply

CNAS is accepting online applications only. Apply online using this link: https://cnas.bamboohr.com/careers/127

A complete application will include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in and qualifications for the position, together with a résumé or CV. Additional application materials and professional references may be requested.