POSITION SUMMARY
Freedom House is seeking a relationship-driven and entrepreneurial Senior Development Officer to manage and grow the organization's corporate partnerships portfolio during a period of significant growth and opportunity. Working within the corporate engagement strategy set by the Chief Advancement Officer and Senior Director of Development, this role owns a pipeline of corporate prospects, leads day-to-day cultivation and stewardship, and drives revenue across philanthropic support, event sponsorship, and data licensing.
With new leadership and the organization's 85th Anniversary Campaign underway, Freedom House is positioned to more intentionally engage the private sector as a source of both programmatic support and earned revenue. This role will manage relationships with corporations, trade associations, and private-sector leaders, and support the execution of new revenue lines tied to Freedom House's data, research, and global expertise, including Freedom in the World (FIW), Freedom on the Net (FOTN), and Tech and Democracy work.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Corporate Portfolio & Pipeline
• Manage and grow a pipeline of corporate prospects (approximately 50-75 active accounts) across sectors with a strategic interest in democracy, human rights, ESG, technology governance, and geopolitical risk.
• Lead prospect research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for corporate partners, applying moves-management discipline consistent with the broader Development function.
• Maintain an accurate and current pipeline in Salesforce, including proposal stages, deal terms, and next steps.
• Support annual corporate revenue targets set in coordination with the Chief Advancement Officer and Senior Director of Development, and report progress regularly.
Data Licensing & Revenue Support
• Support corporate revenue opportunities tied to Freedom House's data and research products, including FIW, FOTN, and Tech and Democracy.
• Assist in data licensing conversations with corporate, financial services, and institutional clients, coordinating with the Chief Advancement Officer and Senior Director of Development on pricing and deal structure.
• Help develop private briefings, custom research, and advisory-style materials for corporate audiences seeking Freedom House's expertise on democracy, governance, and technology trends.
• Partner with the research and policy teams to ensure corporate-facing materials accurately reflect Freedom House's analysis while maintaining the organization's independence and nonpartisanship.
Event Sponsorship
• Secure corporate sponsorship for the Annual Awards, the 85th Anniversary Campaign, and other flagship convenings, working closely with the Director of Events & Special Initiatives.
• Develop sponsorship packages and pricing that reflect the value of Freedom House's platform and convening power.
• Represent Freedom House at corporate and industry convenings to build visibility and identify new partnership opportunities.
Global Leadership Council & Strategic Engagement
• Support the growth and management of the Global Leadership Council, working with co-chairs and members drawn from the private sector.
• Help translate Council relationships into deeper corporate partnerships and philanthropic support.
Cross-Team Coordination & Reporting
• Coordinate closely with the Senior Director of Development to ensure corporate strategy is aligned with the broader campaign, foundations pipeline, and individual giving portfolio.
• Partner with Communications and Policy teams to ensure corporate engagement is consistent with Freedom House's brand, positioning, and mission.
• Maintain accurate records of corporate relationships, deal terms, and pipeline status in the organization's CRM.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
Experience:
• 4+ years of experience in corporate partnerships, business development, sponsorship sales, or a related revenue-generating role; nonprofit, media, research, or membership-organization experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success building corporate relationships and closing partnership, sponsorship, or licensing agreements.
• Preferred: Experience translating research, data, or intellectual property into commercial products or services (e.g., licensing, subscriptions, custom briefings).
• Preferred: Familiarity with ESG, corporate risk, technology policy, or geopolitical risk functions within corporations.
• Preferred: Interest in or experience with human rights, democracy, or international affairs.
Technical Skills and Abilities:
• Experience with CRM systems, such as Salesforce, and pipeline forecasting.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate technical research into compelling business cases.
• Comfort operating in an entrepreneurial environment with limited existing infrastructure.
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries courteously and professionally.
• Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Freedom House established core values are belonging, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect. Through these values we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, emphasize collective efforts for success, are dedicated to high-quality impactful work, uphold trust through courage and honesty, and treat everyone with dignity while appreciating their unique contributions.
• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diverse experiences and perspectives connected to the various jurisdictions in which Freedom House has programming are a welcome asset.
• Applicants should complete our online application form and submit a resume and a cover letter outlining interests and qualifications for this position.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.
COMPENSATION & REWARDS
• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range for this role is $120,000 to $140,000 annualized, dependent upon experience.
• We are consistently working to retain and attract top talent to contribute to our continual growth. We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:
• Multiple medical plans, dental, and vision insurance available on the first date of hire
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match
• Generous Leave Programs
• Annual paid time off that grows with your employment: 17 days for 0-2 years, 21 days for 3-5 years, 25 days for 6+ years. Director level and above start at 25 days.
• Sick Leave: 10 days per year, unlimited rollover year to year
• 14 paid holidays with the ability to float the day later within the same calendar year
• Caregiver leave: 8 weeks paid
• Bereavement: 5 days paid
• Jury duty: 30 days paid
• Flexible, hybrid work culture with slow down weeks and "no meeting Fridays"
• Free gym at the DC office
• Flexible spending accounts
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Supplemental/Voluntary life insurance
• Employee assistance program
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work within Freedom House's hybrid work model.
• May require long hours, including evenings and weekends, to complete tasks and attend events.
• Willingness to travel as needed. Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee, may not be advisable or even possible due to high security risks.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Requisition Number: 1584
