Regional Development Director (Chicago)

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospects based in Chicago and across the Midwest.
• Execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies aligned with FDD's organizational priorities.
• Work toward annual revenue goals through consistent outreach, relationship management, and pipeline development.
• Maintain regular, high-touch engagement with donors and prospects to communicate FDD's work and impact.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned donors and prospects.
• Cook up and support donor meetings with FDD leadership, scholars, and experts.
• Prepare donor briefings, background materials, and follow-up communications.
• Support proposal development and donor strategy execution.
• Represent FDD at donor programs, briefings, and small events throughout Chicago and the broader Midwest.
• Help identify opportunities to convene donors and prospects for meaningful engagement.
• Partner with internal teams to support the execution of donor-facing events tied to portfolio strategy.
• Work closely with development leadership on portfolio strategy and growth opportunities.
• Collaborate across donor relations, events, policy, and operations teams to ensure strong coordination.
• Support internal processes related to donor tracking, proposals, and stewardship.
• Contribute to team-wide best practices and development efforts.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of professional fundraising or relevant relationship-management experience.
• Experience supporting or securing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships and advance donor engagement.
• Interest in foreign policy, national security, and geopolitical issues, with a willingness to develop deeper expertise.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Self-starter with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Willingness to travel regularly within the Midwest and periodically to FDD's Washington, DC office.

Application Requirements

FDD is an equal opportunity employer. If you require an accommodation in order to apply for this position, please contact Jean Thurman at jean@fdd.org or (202) 207-0190.

This is a remote position based in Chicago, requiring regular travel throughout the Midwest and periodic travel to FDD's Washington, DC office. This role has a projected salary band of $120,000–$160,000 per year, based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Additional benefits are available, including healthcare coverage based on eligibility.

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply here.

FDD is a Washington, DC-based, nonpartisan research institute focusing on foreign policy and national security. For more information, please visit FDD.org and follow FDD on X @FDD.