SENIORDIRECTORofDEVELOPMENTPOSITIONPROSPECTUS|FALL 2026THE OPPORTUNITYGlobal freedom has declined for nearly two decades. From Hong Kong to Belarus to Nicaragua, authoritarian regimes are jailing journalists, dissidents, and pro-democracy voices simply for speaking the truth - even as the demand for freedom has never been more urgent. Democratic backsliding, transnational repression, and shrinking civic space are accelerating around the world, and the pressure to secure democracy has never mattered more.
For 85 years, Freedom House has stood as the world's leading nonpartisan advocate for democracy and human rights - the only organization that fuses rigorous, authoritative research with direct, on-the-ground support for human rights defenders and unmatched bipartisan access on Capitol Hill and in capitals worldwide. Its work has helped expose authoritarian abuses, defend the free press, and give voice to political prisoners who cannot safely speak for themselves.
With new CEO leadership, a bold FY27 strategy, and its landmark 85th Anniversary campaign underway, Freedom House is entering its most consequential period of growth in decades - and is seeking an Senior Director of Development (SDOD) to help build the philanthropic engine capable of matching this moment.
85YEARSOFIMPACT$85M85THANNIVERSARYCAMPAIGN$12.1MANNUALFUNDRAISINGGOALReporting to Chief Advancement Officer Meto Koloski and partnering closely with CEO Jamie Fly, the Senior Director will lead day- to-day execution across major, and principal gifts, institutional funding, and corporate and government partnerships - managing a two-to three-person team and personally cultivating a portfolio of principal and major gift prospects from $25,000 to $1 million and above.
POSITION DESCRIPTIONPosition SummaryFreedom House is seeking a strategic, results-driven Senior Director of Development to serve as the day-to-day operational lead of its Development function during a period of significant growth. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Senior Director will drive execution across major gifts, institutional funding, foundations, individual giving, corporate partnerships, and government funding - building the systems, discipline, and pipeline needed for Freedom House to reach and exceed $12- 15 million of private support annually, including $6 million in unrestricted funds.
The role frees the CAO to focus on principal gifts, Board engagement, and the 85th Anniversary Campaign, while partnering closely with the CAO and Chief of Staff to support CEO- and President-level donor engagement. This is a pivotal role in translating Freedom House's renewed momentum into sustained revenue, expanded partnerships, and long-term impact.
PrincipalDuties&ResponsibilitiesFundraisingOperations&PipelineManagement- Lead day-to-day execution of the Development function across public, private, foundation, individual, corporate, and government revenue streams.
- Build, manage, and monitor a robust donor pipeline - prospect tracking, moves management, and forecasting - with clear systems for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Serve as a senior operational lead and backup to the CAO as needed, with specific ownership of assigned revenue streams.
RevenueStrategy&PortfolioManagement- Personally manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and institutional prospects, including high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and foundations.
- Support the cultivation and solicitation of six- and seven-figure gifts alongside the CAO and senior leadership.
- Partner with program, policy, and communications teams to align fundraising with organizational priorities.
Leadership,Board&DonorEngagement- Partner with the CAO and Chief of Staff to support the CEO and President in donor meetings, briefings, and follow-up, including materials and talking points.
- Support the CEO, President, CAO, Chief of Staff, and senior leadership in Board engagement and fundraising activities.
- Ensure consistent tracking and advancement of key donor relationships and leadership travel and engagement.
Campaigns,Data&Analytics- Support the Annual Awards and other donor-facing events, and contribute to execution of the 85th Anniversary Campaign, Investing in Freedom's Future.
- Partner with development operations to strengthen reporting, analytics, and forecasting, and oversee proactive prospect research.
- Use data tools - including Salesforce and emerging AI applications - to inform strategy and optimize fundraising performance.
QUALIFICATIONSExperience&Education- 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising, advancement, business development, or a related field, including managing a staff and a multi-million dollar revenue portfolio.
- Demonstrated success securing one-time and multi-year six- and seven-figure gifts and grants, including with high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional funders.
- Proven track record managing fundraising operations, donor pipeline, moves management, and forecasting systems, and contributing to revenue growth.
- Experience coordinating across individual, institutional, corporate, foundation, and government revenue streams.
- Experience fundraising in human rights, democracy, or technology-focused organizations, and supporting senior leadership and Board engagement.
- Experience supporting or managing multi-year fundraising campaigns; CRM experience (e.g., Salesforce) and development analytics.
- Bachelor's degree in fundraising management, marketing, business, nonprofit leadership, or a related field; graduate degree and CFRE certification a plus.
Skills& Attributes- Excellent written and oral communication skills; a nimble, versatile operator who can set and drive projects to conclusion under deadline pressure.
- Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with the highest degree of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Deeply committed to nonpartisanship and to the mission of Freedom House.
- Committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all feel that they belong.
- An effective team member who balances individual ownership with collaborative, cross-functional work.
WorkingConditionsGeneral office environment with a hybrid telework schedule; may require long hours, including evenings and weekends, and travel as needed. Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship
BENEFITS & CULTUREBenefits- Multiple medical, dental, and vision plans available on the first date of hire; 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match.
- Generous, tenure-based paid time off (17-25 days), 10 days sick leave with unlimited roll-over, and 14 paid holidays.
- Caregiver leave (40 days paid), bereavement leave (5 days paid), and paid jury duty.
- A flexible, hybrid work culture with slow-down weeks and "no meeting Fridays."
- Mental health and well-being support through the Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending accounts, and short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
FREEDOM HOUSE IN THE NEWSFreedom House's 85th year has generated sustained visibility across major media, policy, and philanthropic circles. A sample of recent coverage and announcements:
- PressRelease|September10,2026 -Freedom House Launches Ambassadors for Freedom Program, Names Five Leading Human Rights Defenders as Inaugural Advocates
- PressRelease|September1,2026 -Freedom House and the R.T. Weatherman Foundation Announce Partnership to Advocate for the Release of Hong Kong Political Prisoner Joshua Wong
- PressRelease
