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Advancement Officer

Open to Debate Foundation is a non-partisan, non-profit organization which addresses a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. Our mission is to restore critical thinking, facts, reason, and civility to American public discourse. Open to Debate produces a weekly live debate program carried by more than 300+ NPR stations, and publishes an award-winning podcast, live digital broadcasts, and events.

The Advancement Officer will report to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) and support overall fundraising operations of a growing department.  The ideal candidate will be capable of developing strong systems and processes to support revenue generation.  The candidate must be entrepreneurial and capable of problem solving, both independently and within a team.

The Advancement Officer will be responsible for the following: Revenue generation, Event Support & New Prospect Identification, and Gift Processing & Database Management.

 

Specific responsibilities:

Revenue Generation

  • Support the efforts of the Open to Debate fundraising department to raise $3-4.5 million annually – with plans to grow to $10 million over the next three years through individuals, foundations, academic / institutional partnerships and corporate support
  • Supports the organizational leadership in preparing for major and planned gift fundraising solicitations. This may include preparing background research, briefings, travel arrangements, scheduling, and other duties assigned.
  • Partners with CAO to grow and maintain annual fund operations.
  • Provides high level administrative support, such as drafting and editing on donor related correspondence, including stewardship reports and proposals, social media post, etc.
  • Assists in preparing regular reports to demonstrate fundraising strategy, progress and needs.

 

Event Support & New Prospect Identification

  • Event Support: Responsible for leveraging in person opportunities to identify new potential supporters to Open to Debate. This includes but is not limited to screening list of event registrants, organizing and participating in in-person cultivation events, and event follow-up.
  • New Prospect Identification: Support the prospect research needs of the CEO, CAO and Board. Screen monthly giving list, complete brief research, and provide recommendations for new donor assignments.
  • Data Mining: Use data mining and other prospecting techniques to identify prospects for pipeline.
  • Portfolio management: The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to grow and manage a small portfolio of donors generated through in person events.
  • Training: Together with the CAO, educate and train all staff in donor cultivation and professional fundraising techniques.

 

Gift Processing & Database Management

  • The Advancement Officer will work closely with the Accounting Department to process and record gifts, provide stewardship and tax acknowledgements.
  • The Advancement Coordinator will work with the CAO to track all fundraising activity and metrics.

 

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 4 years of development, prospect research or related administrative experience required.
  • Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, particularly Excel required and database management required. Experience with Kindful or Wealth Engine, a bonus.
  • Self-starter with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple tasks with solid deadlines.
  • Passion for promoting the marketplace of ideas, freedom of speech, media literacy and upholding democracy is critical. Experience “selling” a non-tangible mission is a plus

 

Salary range is $80,000-$100,000, commensurate with experience.

Open to Debate offers comprehensive medical and dental benefits, 401K matching, and a flexible hybrid / remote workplace environment.

This position is hybrid with the expectation of being onsite 2-3 days per week.

 

APPLICATION
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Rachel Kemp at rkemp@opentodebate.org with the subject line “Advancement Officer”