VP, Development

VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT

The Opportunity:

The Leadership Conference is seeking a Vice President (VP), Development to help power that fight for justice and equity as a strategic development leader in partnership with other senior leaders across the organization.

The VP, Development, serves as a key senior team member and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting the organization. In partnership with the President and CEO and EVP/COO, this position is responsible for all fundraising and development activities. The successful candidate will help forge new strategies, tactics and relationships to build The Leadership Conference's visibility, impact, and sustainability.

The VP will have primary responsibility for designing and implementing the forward-leaning strategies to steward new foundations and corporations, as well as individual donors and continue to sustain the organization's approximately $18M budget through the identification, and successful cultivation of institutional grants, individual giving, major donors, and corporate support. The VP will also oversee a donor event that drive visibility, engagement, and revenue. They will expand and diversify The Leadership Conference's national foundation, and individual donor base and pipeline and will work collaboratively across the matrixed organization to secure funding for new initiatives.

This position will report to the President & CEO and manages a talented development team of six professionals. This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.

Candidate Profile:

The VP will be a strategic fundraiser that can translate complex, rapidly evolving advocacy work into clear narratives and compelling donor communications. They will serve as a trusted 2 frontline fundraiser and external ambassador, partnering closely with the CEO to represent the organization with major donors, foundation partners, and key stakeholders.

The following offers an aspirational view of the ideal candidate profile; we encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented groups.

Vision and Strategy

• Provide vision, leadership, and strategy for stewardship and sustainable growth across the Leadership Conference and The Education Fund.
• Work with the President and CEO, as well with other senior leaders, to establish and execute long- and short-term strategic development priorities aimed at increasing support from individuals, foundations, and the corporate community.
• In collaboration with the senior leadership team, develop and implement strategies to elevate and maintain the profile of The Leadership Conference, while developing strategies, tactics and ensuring stewardship of relationships.
• Work closely with the President to develop and implement successful strategies for continued effective stewardship and growth.
• Engage with the Boards of Directors of The Leadership Conference and The Education Fund on effective cultivation and stewardship.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team; lead change and identify and prioritize new development opportunities.

Cultivation and Stewardship

• Strengthen existing foundation, corporate and individual donor relationships through authentic relationship building and passion for the mission of The Leadership Conference, to develop a strong rapport and deep understanding of individual and institutional connections to the organization.
• Increase the donor base through proactive identification, thoughtful cultivation, and acquisition of new supporters and funding sources, especially from the foundation and individual donor communities.
• Strengthen the major donor program at The Leadership Conference.
• Secure transformational level gifts and build strong revenue support through compelling, donor-centered relationship building in partnership with the President and CEO, and the c3 and c4 Boards.

Management and Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and inspire a strong and cohesive development team, ensuring high levels of professionalism, innovation, solicitation, stewardship, and accountability.
• Effectively guide and support the President and CEO and Board members through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship processes and strategies.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support the achievement of the organization's overall mission while promoting a culture of respect and mutual support.
• Develop overall development objectives and specific goals for members of the development team and plans to ensure success.
• Implement best practices with respect to use of data, research, and analysis in identifying sources of support and in developing revenue projections and customized approaches to donors, among other issues.
• Supervise staff and vendor engagement in key events annually.

In addition, strong candidates will offer:

• Record of commitment to civil and human rights and a deep belief in the mission of The Leadership Conference/The Education Fund.
• 10+ years of professional experience with demonstrated success developing and implementing comprehensive and strategic development programs.
• Strong action orientation with a spirit of creativity and innovation.
• Experience expanding, cultivating, and stewarding strong donor relationships over time.
• Record of team management success and the ability to mentor and motivate staff.
• Ability to create a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships.
• Flexible and entrepreneurial style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives.
• Excellent information management skills and internal department management.
• Ability to work both independently but also a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. The Leadership Conference reserves the right to amend duties, responsibilities, and requirements as necessary to meet organizational needs.

Compensation & Benefits:

Our most valuable resource is the people who make up The Leadership Conference. Regardless of your position at The Leadership Conference, your efforts will impact meaningful work that positively affects individuals and communities nationwide.

The target salary range for this position is $218,272 - $269,303.

The range provided is the minimum and maximum salary. The Leadership Conference, in good faith, believes that at the time of this posting, it is willing to pay the advertised salary for the position. Exact compensation is commensurate with experience and reflects internal comparisons.

Salaries are just one component of The Leadership Conference's total compensation package. The Leadership Conference is committed to supporting our staff's physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for you, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including fifteen (15) federal holidays, as well as biweekly organization-specific holidays, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and transit benefits. You'll also have access to professional development assistance and an Employee Assistance Program.

The Leadership Conference has formally recognized a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 2 - AFL-CIO. The Leadership Conference and the Union, guided by a CBA, work together in good faith and are motivated by a shared history and commitment to this organization.

In-Office Work Policy:

The Leadership Conference has implemented a hybrid In-Office Work Policy in three phases. As of September 1, 2025, the first phase requires staff members to work in person from the office at least 2 days per month. As of January 1, 2026, the second phase requires staff members to work in person from the office at least 1 day per week or 4 days per month. The final phase begins on April 1, 2026; staff members will be required to work in person from the office at least 2 days per week or 8 days per month.

All positions are subject to the In-Office Work Policy summarized above. (A more detailed description of the policy - to include how in-office workdays are to be scheduled - is available upon request from People & Culture.)

Please note that staff members are exempt from working in person if they have received medical accommodation or if their position is designated as temporarily or permanently remote.

To apply, please visit our Career Center and submit your resume and cover letter. Cover letters are required and should be attached.