"Part-Time Director of Development, IRW"

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.

Department: School of Communication

Time Type: Part time

Job Type: Regular

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Modality: (Not specified)

Union: Excluded

Job Description:

Summary: The Director of Development leads all fundraising activities for the Investigative Reporting Workshop (IRW), a journalism center at the American University School of Communication. By raising external funds, the position drives the Workshop’s mission to hold institutions of power accountable while training new generations of reporters. Under the direction of the Executive Editor, the IRW Director of Development secures grants, solicits donations from individuals, and develops fundraising campaigns. Key responsibilities include strategic planning, prospecting, cultivating and retaining funders, and grant compliance and reporting. The Director works with leadership and staff to establish the Workshop’s identity in the foundation, corporate and individual philanthropic world and leverages university development resources to support the Workshop’s growth. This position reports directly to the IRW Interim Executive Editor and subsequent Executive Editors and interacts with the Managing Editor and Operating Producer/Finance Manager and other editors on staff. The position also works collaboratively and with the support of the SOC Chief Development Officer and colleagues in AU’s Office of Development. This position works under general supervision, and coordinates development activities with the Office of Sponsored Awards and Research Administration (OSARA), Grants and Contracts Accounting (GCA), School of Communication (SOC), AU Development, and the Provost Office.

Essential Functions:

• Outreach: Providing outreach to foundations, other funders and small donors throughout the year. Helps lead effort to establish the Workshop’s identity in the foundation, corporate and individual philanthropic world. Works with SOC and university marketing offices and others to coordinate messages to the growing Workshop community.
• Cultivation and Retention of Funders: Write letters of inquiry and grant proposals. Creates required documents, such as letters of intent and grant proposals. Ensures compliance with requirements associated with specific grants, gifts, and prospect solicitation in coordination with Office of Sponsored Awards & Research Administration (OSARA), Grants and Contracts Accounting (GCA), Provost, and SOC and Central Development offices. Ensures that records are kept thoroughly and accurately.
• Funding Reports: Writes, schedules, and manages funding reports to major donors, per the requirements of each grant or gift as needed. Establishes annual fundraising goals and strategies in collaboration with the Executive Editor and others within the Workshop. Develops and delivers required periodic reports to funders.
• Coordination and Collaboration with INN: Manages IRW’s coordination and collaboration with the Institute for Nonprofit News Institute (INN) campaign in the fall; IRW is a founding member of the organization.
• Coordinates with the IRW Operations Manager: Coordinates with the Executive Editor and Operations Manager to ensure adequate funding for the Center’s programs and operations. Works with Operations Manager to ensure that university approved budgets, financial reports, and other financial documents are provided to funders promptly. Helps support strategic and sustainability planning.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Part time, 20-25 hours a week. Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.

Salary Range: $38 - $42 per hour.

Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree or equivalent, 4-6 years of relevant experience, excellent customer service, organization, communication, and problem-solving skills, strong attention to detail, the ability to multi-task and work independently under minimal supervision.

Preferred Education and Experience: Master's degree or equivalent, previous experience in nonprofit fundraising is a plus, familiarity with certain software, including Workday, is a plus.

Travel Required: Occasional travel may be required.

Additional Information: Applicants are highly encouraged to provide a cover letter and most recent CV. AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.