Director of Development

Job Title:  Director of Development

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $125,000 - $145,000

Job Location: Remote Eligible

JOB SUMMARY

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial Director of Development to design and lead a modern fundraising program that supports IEDC’s mission and long-term sustainability.

This newly created position will establish and grow a comprehensive development function encompassing corporate and philanthropic partnerships, philanthropic giving, conference sponsorships, government grants, and emerging revenue opportunities. The Director will serve as the organization’s chief architect and implementor of fundraising strategy responsible for building systems, relationships, and a culture of advancement across IEDC.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director will partner closely with senior leadership and program teams to connect IEDC’s work with new sources of support. The role offers a rare opportunity to build and shape a development operation within a respected international association with a strong track record of government, philanthropic, and corporate support.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & KEY OUTCOMES

Fundraising Strategy

• Design and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with IEDC’s mission, strategic plan, and centennial goals.
• Oversee a diversified portfolio that includes sponsorships, foundation and corporate grants, individual and philanthropic giving, and special campaigns (e.g., endowment and national fellowship fundraising). 
• Set annual revenue targets, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to achieve or exceed goals.
• Develop compelling cases for support and standardize proposal, reporting, and stewardship materials.
• Introduce data-driven systems and tools, including a fundraising CRM, to manage pipelines, track engagement, and measure ROI.

Donor and Sponsor Engagement

• Lead cultivation and stewardship strategies to strengthen relationships with sponsors, donors, and corporate partners.
• Oversee year-round corporate sponsorship programs, ensuring seamless collaboration with IEDC’s conferences and events team and outside contractors.
• Identify and pursue new and inventive opportunities with foundations, corporations, and individuals whose priorities align with IEDC’s mission and programs. 
• Establish consistent stewardship and recognition practices that demonstrate transparency, impact, and results.

Team Leadership and Capacity Building

• Build and lead a high-performing development team, beginning with the integration of the existing sponsorship associate and future hires as the function expands.
• Define roles, set clear objectives, and create professional development pathways to retain and grow staff capacity.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture that values innovation, accountability, and results.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Partner with the Membership, Conferences, Research, and Emerging Practices teams to align fundraising initiatives with organizational priorities and member engagement.
• Work closely with Marketing & Communications to produce donor materials, sponsorship collateral, and impact storytelling.
• Support board engagement and participation in fundraising activities; collaborate with volunteer leaders to expand networks and visibility.

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a senior advisor on revenue development, providing insight on philanthropic and sponsorship trends, emerging opportunities, and strategic risks.
• Develop and manage the annual fundraising budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and a strong return on investment.
• Build the internal systems and culture necessary for long-term fundraising success.

Completes other duties and related projects as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS

Education & Credentials:

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive fundraising or business development experience in a nonprofit, association, or related environment, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven success designing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies and securing six-figure gifts or sponsorship.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or equivalent professional experience a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience managing or integrating sponsorship and partnership programs.
• Strong understanding of donor and sponsor stewardship principles, with exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Superior grant writing and management skills, with a strong understanding of grant processes and lifecycles.
• Experience implementing or managing a fundraising CRM and using data to drive decisions.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to balance multiple initiatives and deadlines.
• Collaborative leadership style, with demonstrated success working cross-functionally and managing staff.
• Ability to manage and develop employees, including a commitment to coaching and mentoring team members.
• Knowledge of the economic development field or a related sector (community development, workforce, infrastructure, public-private partnerships) is preferred but not required.

COMPENTENCIES

 Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Diplomacy & Confidentiality
• Member & Stakeholder Engagement
• Outcomes & Solutions Oriented
• Program & Project Management
• Technical Expertise & Credibility
• Values & Prioritizes Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Leadership Competencies

• Budgeting & Financial Stewardship
• Decisiveness
• Drives Staff Development & Engagement
• Managing for Performance
• Visionary Leadership

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is eligible for remote work within the United States, however, our preference is for local candidates within commuting distance of Washington, DC or New York, NY. Candidates within commuting distance of Washington, DC are considered local and have the option to work from IEDC’s offices. If not located within commuting distance of our Washington, DC office, candidates must be located in the United States, have reliable access to dedicated high-quality internet service, and be willing to accommodate an Eastern U.S. schedule of operations. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

In addition, this position requires:

• Occasional weekend and evening work
• Some overnight, out-of-town travel (10-20%)
• Occasional travel to the IEDC office

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to occasionally talk, hear, stoop, bend, kneel, frequently sit for extended periods of time; and continuously operate a computer and use manual dexterity for tasks such as keyboarding. The job requires occasional sedentary physical effort of lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying objects weighing up to 25 lbs. The mental demands of the job include continuous comprehension, organizing and reading and writing; frequently engage in reasoning, decision making, and interpreting and analyzing data; and occasionally requires resilience.

International Economic Development Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer who encourages applications from women, people of color and other members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of its staff.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

IEDC offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a generous benefits program that includes health, dental, vision, term life, and disability insurance; paid sick and annual leave; federally recognized holidays; a cell phone benefit; a 401(k) plan; and an annual professional development stipend.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@iedc.org. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

ABOUT IEDC

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the largest nonprofit professional association for economic developers in the world. For nearly 100 years, IEDC has been the leading voice of the profession, providing leadership, education, and best practices to help communities foster growth, innovation, and opportunity. As IEDC approaches its centennial year in 2026, the organization is expanding its partnerships, thought leadership, and programs to meet the evolving needs of economic developers and the communities they serve.