At least 10 years of major gifts fundraising experience.
Senior-level development leadership experience, preferably in a mission-driven or nonprofit organization, with a demonstrated record of fundraising success.
A bachelor's degree is required.
Knowledge of strategic planning, financial acumen, data analysis, executive communication, public speaking, negotiation, and team leadership.
Ability to operate at both strategic and executive levels.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to drive growth from major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, campaigns, events, and membership programs.
Support regional trips, conferences, and embassy events.
Lead and develop the Development team; manage budgets, systems, and performance metrics.
Provide executive oversight of major fundraising campaigns and high-profile events, including the Annual Awards Gala.
Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, corporate partners, foundations, Board members, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
Oversee grant prospecting, proposals, reporting, and compliance in collaboration with program teams.
Oversee development-related branding, communications, and donor-facing content across print and digital platforms.
Oversee donor database management, analytics, fundraising registrations, and coordination with finance to ensure accuracy, compliance, and informed decision-making.
Desired Qualifications
An advanced degree is preferred.
Experience in a mission-driven or nonprofit organization is preferred.
Important Note: This position is strictly for experienced major gifts professionals. Candidates must have at least 10 years of major gifts fundraising experience. Backgrounds primarily in business development, sales, or consulting will not be considered.
About Middle East Institute
Founded in 1946, the Middle East Institute is the oldest Washington-based institution dedicated solely to the study of the Middle East. It is a non-partisan think tank providing expert policy analysis, educational and professional development services, and a hub for engaging with the region's arts and culture.
About the role
The Vice President of Development is responsible for leading MEI’s fundraising strategy and revenue growth across individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, campaigns, events, and membership. Reporting to the COO, this role provides executive leadership for development operations, donor strategy, and external engagement in support of MEI’s mission and expansion.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Growth: Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to drive growth from major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, campaigns, events, and membership programs. This includes, regional trips and support for conferences and embassy events.
Leadership & Management: Lead and develop the Development team; manage budgets, systems, and performance metrics.
Expansion Campaigns & Events: Provide executive oversight of major fundraising campaigns and high-profile events, including MEI’s Annual Awards Gala.
Donor & Stakeholder Relations: Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, corporate partners, foundations, Board members, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
Grants & Institutional Giving: Oversee grant prospecting, proposals, reporting, and compliance in collaboration with program teams.
Marketing, Communications & Visibility: Oversee development-related branding, communications, and donor-facing content across print and digital platforms.
Data, Systems & Compliance: Oversee donor database management, analytics, fundraising registrations, and coordination with finance to ensure accuracy, compliance, and informed decision-making.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
Experience: Senior-level development leadership experience, preferably in a mission-driven or non-profit organization, with a demonstrated record of fundraising success (typically 10+ years).