Position Summary

The Chief Development Officer will design and lead a comprehensive development function that strengthens MEI's long-term financial sustainability. Working closely with the Board of Governors and senior leadership, the Chief Development Officer will establish an organization-wide fundraising strategy, diversify revenue sources, expand relationships with donors and institutional partners, and build a high-performing development team.

This role requires an experienced strategist and hands-on builder who can strengthen existing relationships while engaging new audiences and sources of support. The Chief Development Officer will also promote a culture of stewardship and shared accountability for fundraising throughout the Institute.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy aligned with MEI's mission, priorities, and long-term financial needs.
• Partner with the Board of Governors and senior leadership to establish fundraising priorities, strengthen board engagement, and institutionalize development practices across the organization.
• Create and execute plans to diversify funding sources and develop sustainable revenue models.
• Lead organization-wide fundraising efforts and coordinate staff, board members, experts, and other stakeholders in support of established fundraising goals.
• Build, lead, and develop the development team, including setting priorities, clarifying responsibilities, and establishing standards for performance and accountability.
• Design and lead major-gift campaigns, with particular attention to individuals, corporations, foundations, and organizations whose interests align with MEI's mission and programs.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and institutional partners in the United States and the Middle East.
• Expand MEI's donor base by identifying and engaging new audiences, prospective funders, and strategic partners.
• Develop fundraising communications and case materials that clearly explain MEI's mission, programs, impact, and funding priorities.
• Oversee the identification and pursuit of relevant government and foundation grant opportunities, including grant preparation and submission.
• Establish annual and long-term fundraising plans, goals, performance measures, and reporting practices that allow leadership and the board to evaluate progress.
• Embed consistent donor stewardship practices throughout the Institute and strengthen coordination among development, program, communications, and leadership teams.
• Represent MEI in meetings with donors, prospects, foundations, corporations, government representatives, and other external stakeholders.
• Travel as needed, including internationally, to cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective supporters.

Required Qualifications

• Must have at least ten (10) years of major gifts fundraising experience.
• Senior-level development or advancement experience, including responsibility for fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Demonstrated success designing and leading major-gift campaigns or comparable fundraising initiatives.
• Experience building, leading, and developing a comprehensive development function and team.
• Experience partnering with boards and senior leaders to advance fundraising goals and engage significant direct and indirect contributors.
• Proven ability to cultivate and secure support from corporations, foundations, prominent individuals, and mission-aligned organizations.
• Experience developing sophisticated fundraising communications and cases for support.
• Working knowledge of grant development and application processes for government and foundation opportunities.
• Ability to establish measurable goals, monitor performance, and communicate progress to executive and board-level stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of the Middle East and willingness to travel and engage with potential donors and funders in the region.
• Strong written, verbal, relationship-building, and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of a foreign language that is relevant to MEI's work.
• Professional, academic, travel, or living experience in the Middle East.
• Fundraising experience within a policy, education, cultural, international affairs, or other mission-driven organization.

Leadership Competencies

• Builder's mindset with the initiative to create systems, strengthen capabilities, and move strategy into action.
• Strategic judgment and intellectual curiosity.
• Diplomacy, discretion, and the ability to build trust with varied internal and external stakeholders.
• Confidence balanced with humility and a willingness to listen, learn, and collaborate.
• Resourceful, solutions-oriented approach and a strong bias for action.
• Commitment to MEI's mission and to the responsible stewardship of donor relationships and institutional resources.

Benefits Package Includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid holidays, plus vacation and sick leave