Associate Director of Development, Rutgers Democracy Labs

Reporting to the Senior Vice President (SVP), the Associate Director of Development will focus on major gifts fundraising for the Rutgers Democracy Lab (RDL). The role involves translating the study and practice of democracy to compel varied audiences and building a major gift pipeline through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects and donors.

The Rutgers Democracy Lab (RDL) at the Eagleton Institute of Politics, housed within the Rutgers New Brunswick Provost’s office, mobilizes the university's multidisciplinary resources to strengthen democratic life and cultivate the next generation of civic leaders. Grounded in the idea that democracy is practiced rather than observed, the Lab's programming bridges academic research with real-world action by focusing on youth civic engagement, constructive dialogue across differences, and the influence of emerging technologies. Key initiatives include the Technology and Democracy Research Hub, student engagement programs like the Think and Do Tank and Talking Across Difference, Democracy Summer Research Fellowships, faculty and staff democracy fellowships, the Digital Content Creator Program, and national convenings and community-facing events.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a portfolio of donors and prospects at the major gift level (gifts or pledges above $25,000), including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a diverse base of supporters such as alumni, institutions, and friends.
• Actively solicit prospects and donors to meet mutually established goals related to solicitations, gift closures, prospects met, and qualifications, utilizing various giving vehicles including in-kind and planned gifts.
• Strategically organize the Director’s time and resources for donor meetings, special events, and School/University leadership meetings.
• Develop positive, professional, and collaborative working relationships with faculty and staff within RDL.
• Collaborate with a communications firm to clearly articulate RDL’s needs and priorities in written, visual, and verbal form to make a compelling case for support.
• Partner in the development of new and revised fundraising initiatives as RDL grows.
• Collaborate with RDL and Rutgers University Foundation (RUF) colleagues to ensure compliance with operational policies and procedures, maintain accurate reports and data, and follow RUF policies related to prospect management, solicitation, and follow-up.
• Ensure timely reporting and tracking of contacts, solicitations, and events planning through RUF tracking systems (e.g., CRM system, events calendar).
• Develop cutting-edge cultivation strategies and networking activities in partnership with advancement colleagues, including prospect research, alumni records, and donor relations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and/or 4+ years of professional experience in fundraising, alumni relations, non-profit organizations, event planning, higher education, or related fields.
• Experience fundraising for policy and education is preferred.
• Ability to manage a personal major gift donor/prospect portfolio with a focus on securing gifts at or above the $50,000 level.
• Demonstrated leadership in setting clear direction for projects or sub-teams, providing feedback, and developing staff.
• Ability to devise strategies and execute increasingly complex projects, including interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Experience developing and submitting written proposals, budgets, and collateral materials for securing significant ($100K+) philanthropic investments.

Working Conditions

• Clarity of focus required while juggling complex projects or deadlines with minimal physical effort.
• May require working evenings, weekends, or odd hours to meet resource-raising commitments.
• Some early mornings and late evenings to accommodate meetings, travel, events, and external constituents’ schedules.

Schedule

This is an office-centric hybrid position. Colleagues are expected to work in the office between one and five days a week, depending on role and function.

Pay

$90,000 USD per year.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance (no cost for employee and dependents).
• 403(b) plan with matching employer contribution.
• Three weeks of annual vacation time, in addition to five wellness days and fifteen sick days per year.
• Nine holidays, plus four floating holidays.
• Significant tuition reductions.
• Professional development opportunities across the organization.
• $40 monthly cell phone reimbursement.