The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) seeks to hire a full-time
Regional Development Director. This member of FDD's development team will report to the Senior Director and be responsible for managing and growing a high-value donor portfolio based in
Chicago, with coverage across the
greater Midwest region.
This role is ideal for a driven fundraising professional with experience securing five- and six-figure gifts, cultivating philanthropic relationships, and contributing to strategic revenue growth.
The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial, relationship-oriented professional with strong communication skills, the ability to develop fluency in foreign policy and national security issues, and a commitment to representing FDD with credibility and professionalism.
This position will work closely with development leadership, FDD policy experts and scholars, and donor relations and events teams to engage high-capacity donors and prospects.
Key ResponsibilitiesPortfolio Management & Growth- Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospects based in Chicago and across the Midwest.
- Execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies aligned with FDD's organizational priorities.
- Work toward annual revenue goals through consistent outreach, relationship management, and pipeline development.
- Maintain regular, high-touch engagement with donors and prospects to communicate FDD's work and impact.
Donor Engagement & Relationship Management- Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned donors and prospects.
- Coordinate and support donor meetings with FDD leadership, scholars, and experts.
- Prepare donor briefings, background materials, and follow-up communications.
- Support proposal development and donor strategy execution.
Regional Engagement & Events- Represent FDD at donor programs, briefings, and small events throughout Chicago and the broader Midwest.
- Help identify opportunities to convene donors and prospects for meaningful engagement.
- Partner with internal teams to support the execution of donor-facing events tied to portfolio strategy.
Collaboration & Team Integration- Work closely with development leadership on portfolio strategy and growth opportunities.
- Collaborate across donor relations, events, policy, and operations teams to ensure strong coordination.
- Support internal processes related to donor tracking, proposals, and stewardship.
- Contribute to team-wide best practices and development efforts.
Qualifications- 5-8 years of professional fundraising or relevant relationship-management experience.
- Experience supporting or securing five- and six-figure gifts.
- Demonstrated ability to manage relationships and advance donor engagement.
- Interest in foreign policy, national security, and geopolitical issues, with a willingness to develop deeper expertise.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
- Self-starter with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Willingness to travel regularly within the Midwest and periodically to Washington, DC.
Application RequirementsThis is a remote position based in Chicago, requiring regular travel throughout the Midwest and periodic travel to FDD's Washington, DC office. This role has a projected salary band of
$120,000-$160,000 per year, based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Additional benefits are available, including healthcare coverage based on eligibility.
