Development Director
Reports to: President and CEO
FLSA Status: Exempt – Salary $110-130k
Classification: FT
Effective Date: 2024
Location: Hybrid NYC/Remote
Position Summary:
The American Council on Germany (ACG) is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit organization that promotes dialogue among leaders from business, government, and the media in the United States and Europe by convening discussions and conferences, sponsoring fellowships, holding Young Leader programs, and other outreach efforts.
At an exciting time in the ACG’s history and a critical point in international affairs, the Development Director will lead and execute fundraising activities for the ACG and work directly with the President & CEO and the Board of Directors to implement a bold new development strategy leading up to the ACG’s 75th anniversary in 2027. The Development Director will be responsible for achieving the organization’s fundraising goals, engaging members, sponsors, and alumni in ongoing initiatives, overseeing and leveraging individual and corporate membership, and soliciting major gifts.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Ongoing Fundraising Activities
- Plan and execute a comprehensive development plan with both long-term goals and annual targets to increase revenue, including annual support and the ACG endowment.
- Work directly with the CEO and the Board of Directors Development Committee in developing and funding program growth and innovation through major gifts and sponsorship from individuals and corporations. Manage fundraising administration, including maintaining a database of donations and contacts, coordinating acknowledgment and stewardship of gifts, and advancing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors ($10k and above)
- Cultivate fundraising relationships and ensure stewardship through visits, communications, special events, and timely submission of reports and updates.
- Actively identify international, national, regional, and local fundraising and grant opportunities to meet revenue and alumni development goals.
- Develop fundraising collateral and communications in coordination with other ACG team members and ensure strategic dissemination.
- Coordinate with the CEO and communications team on improving the ACG’s visibility among key audiences and stakeholders.
- Assist CEO with Board engagement and capacity building on fundraising.
- Monitor fundraising KPIs and report regularly to the CEO and ACG Board on progress.
Special Events
- Oversee planning, fundraising, production, and logistics for ACG events, especially the McCloy Gala Awards Dinner in New York City but also the Annual Conference, Hunt Dinner, and alumni reunions.
- Drive success of the McCloy Gala Awards Dinner in New York City, including:
- Work with CEO and leadership team to identify award recipients.
- Manage Gala volunteers.
- Oversee strategy for event promotion and work with communications team on event materials.
- Coordinate a minimum of three mini-fundraising events with regional Warburg Chapters annually.
- Help guide plans and strategy for special events to mark the ACG’s 75th Anniversary in 2027.
Grant writing
- Collaborate with ACG program staff to identify funding opportunities, draft grant proposals and letters of approach to foundations, corporations, and major donors.
- Manage all continuing grant applications and work with Chief Content Officer and Senior Program Director on grant reporting requirements.
Membership and Alumni Engagement
- Working closely with CEO and other team members, oversee re-fresh of individual and corporate membership program at the ACG.
- Strengthen tiered membership services to increase revenue related to ACG content, networks, and connections, especially among corporate partners.
- Devise and initiate digital strategy to engage new, younger members into the ACG community.
- Oversee the development, maintenance and quality of alumni initiatives, as well as integration into fundraising efforts.
- Integrate members and alumni into major gifts strategy and plans, especially approaching the ACG’s 75th
Skills and Required Abilities:
- Proven track record of achieving revenue targets in an educational, research, global NGO, or other not-for-profit setting, with experience in fundraising software/technology.
- Consummate professional able to think in terms of moves management and employ ethical best practices when cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain proactive, flexible, inventive approach.
- An excellent communicator with proven ability to write effectively and speak persuasively to diverse audiences and experience in leveraging diverse marketing and communications channels.
- Able to work effectively with Board members and other volunteer leaders.
- Able to identify and tap into new opportunities.
- High energy, positive, “can-do” attitude, flexibility, teamwork, and attention to detail; high degree of initiative.
- Ability to translate ambiguity and complexity into a simple and clear direction that motivates others to achieve results.
- Demonstrated ability in financial management including planning and administrative responsibilities.
- Passion and commitment to international affairs and the mission of the ACG.
- German language skills a plus.
Technology Experience Required:
- Must be proficient in Salesforce and Microsoft Suite products. Including Excel, Sharepoint and Teams.
- CRM experience and proficiency a plus. Strong comfort with, and knowledge of, database software applications.
- Digitally savvy and early adopter of new tech innovations for fundraising, communications, member services, and alumni connections.
Education and Experience Required:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree is required; graduate degree and/or CFRE is a plus.
- Years of Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of previous experience in development, preferably with a nonprofit organization or association.
- Experience with Membership Management, Major Gifts, Foundations, Corporate Relations, Alumni Relations, and Special Events.
Physical Demands of Position:
Domestic and international travel may be required. Ability to attend evening/weekend events and to travel (including internationally) as needed.
To apply, please send a detailed cover letter (including salary requirements) and resume to jobs@acgusa.org
(with “Development Director” in the subject line). No phone calls please.
A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.