Vice President, Advancement and Philanthropic Engagement, Institute for Women's Policy Research

Vice President, Advancement and Philanthropic Engagement
Institute for Women's Policy Research
Washington, DC

About IWPR
The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) conducts and communicates research to inspire public dialogue, shape policy, and improve the lives and opportunities of women of diverse backgrounds, circumstances, and experiences. We are the leading think tank in the United States applying quantitative and qualitative analysis of public policy through a gendered lens.

IWPR advances women’s status through social science research, policy analysis, and public education. We develop new policy ideas, encourage enlightened public debate, and promote sound policy and program development. Our work also helps to change minds and improve the practices of institutions. IWPR operates on the principle that knowledge is power and that social science evidence based on strong data and analysis, compellingly presented and systematically disseminated, makes a difference in moving public policy.

Statement on Racial Equity and Intersectionality 
At IWPR, we believe social and economic mobility in the United States is determined and influenced by race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other markers of difference. In working to achieve economic equity and to better understand the experiences of all women in the workforce and in society, we use both racial equity and intersectional frameworks in our research and analysis to help generate strategies and solutions that are grounded in the economic realities of women and families. We also prioritize building an inclusive and welcoming work environment that values the diverse perspectives and experiences of all staff.

Statement on Inclusivity and non-discrimination
IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We value and support difference, diversity, and inclusion in our hiring and employment practices. We do not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or age.

Position Overview

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Vice President of Advancement and Philanthropic Engagement manages the organization’s fundraising and development activities, including establishing and managing the infrastructure to raise funds to build its core research programs and initiatives. The Vice President of Advancement and Philanthropic Engagement is responsible for overseeing all revenue-generating activities–including giving from individuals, corporations, and foundations; donor communications; events; and Board engagement. They will play a key role in developing fundraising strategies and cultivating strategic relationships with new and existing partners to ensure sustained organizational growth and impact. 
 

Advancement Strategy, Vision, and Leadership 

• Develop and implement a cohesive development strategy, leveraging a strong portfolio of existing foundation and corporate relationships, while building out an individual donor program and charting the course for new funding relationships and opportunities.
• Work closely with President & CEO and IWPR Senior Leadership to develop and strengthen key funder relationships.
• Work closely with the Vice President of Communications and External Affairs to deepen IWPR’s impact in the field and engage new and existing partners. 
• Cultivate new sources of funding in support of IWPR’s strategic priorities.

Fundraising and Development 

• Maintain a donor portfolio of six- and seven-figure donors and prospects, with an emphasis on building out a major donor program. 
• Cultivate and solicit gifts independently or in partnership with the President & CEO, Senior Leadership, and members of the Board of Directors. 
• Support leadership and program staff in donor engagement, including preparation and follow-up for meetings and speaking engagements.
• Diversify and pursue new revenue streams to increase IWPR’s long-term fiscal health including tracking revenue and fundraising trends in order to identify future opportunities for expansion. 
• Oversee effective virtual and in-person donor cultivation and stewardship events, and guide donor engagement at flagship IWPR events. 
• Oversee the creation of all written fundraising materials, including grant proposals, solicitations, decks, reports, appeal letters, impact reports, annual reports, and fundraising event invitations. 

Financial Management

• Manage the Advancement department’s annual expense budget and partner with the finance team to develop and update revenue projections.
• Participate, as required, in the annual financial audit. 
• Help support and maintain the donor database, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of information; oversee gift processing and acknowledgment. 

Team Management and Culture

• Manage, mentor, and provide strategic direction to Advancement department staff. 
• Maintain an environment that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse team of top-quality staff. 
• Establish and maintain appropriate Advancement policies and procedures  to ensure thorough and accurate record keeping. 

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience/expertise in a related field and at least 10 years of experience in senior level development position.  
• Experience with developing strategy and leading a fundraising and development program and staff.
• Strong knowledge of and passion for key IWPR issues—including pay equity, reproductive justice/health equity, childcare/early education, work/family policies, and workplace protections—preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills, written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills. 
• Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities.
• Effective, versatile, and action oriented.
• Ability to work well with others, and strategically and collaboratively across the organization.
• Motivated by a bold vision and working in an environment where we live core values daily.

Position and Salary
This role is in a hybrid environment and is a full-time exempt position. The salary for the Vice President of Advancement and Philanthropic Engagement is $156,978-$192,586. The salary will be commensurate with experience. IWPR provides competitive salaries and a generous benefits package.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Vaccine Policy: IWPR has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, IWPR recently implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all IWPR employees, interns, fellows, (i.e., IWPR staff) are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive required booster shots as recommended by the CDC. IWPR will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 and having received a booster shot prior to extending a job offer. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a Covid-19 vaccination, a medical exemption form should be requested from People & Culture.