Description

Background: The Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA) is a nonprofit, congressionally chartered historical and public service organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the life, ideals, and enduring legacy of the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. Founded in 1919 and chartered by Congress in 1920, the TRA is a nonpartisan organization that inspires leadership, citizenship, and service through educational programs, public outreach, and civic initiatives. Guided by five core pillars—Military, Police, Youth, Historical Scholarship, and Conservation—the TRA develops programs that reflect Theodore Roosevelt's lifelong commitment to courage, character, and public service. As a member-based organization, the TRA also offers historical tours, educational events, and experiences that connect participants with the places, people, and ideas that shaped Theodore Roosevelt's remarkable life and continue to influence America today.

The TRA has been instrumental in preserving historic sites and maintains close relationships with: Sagamore Hill, the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace, Harvard University’s Houghton Library, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic site, Pine Knot (the presidential retreat in Charlottesville, Virginia), Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University, National War College, American Museum of Natural History, and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.  

Position: The TRA is seeking a seasoned fundraising professional to become its next Director of Development. The new Director of Development will be capable of identifying, cultivating, engaging, and stewarding existing donors and new prospects, managing fundraising events, seeking and securing foundation support, creating and executing a fundraising strategy, and serving as a development advisor to the Board and staff. 

The Director of Development will deepen the connection of the TRA community with its mission and provide regular opportunities for support. They will be successful at building and maintaining relationships and partnerships with stakeholders and serve as a passionate advocate for the work of the TRA, with a strong emphasis on community relationship-building and philanthropic growth. They will seek foundation support through research, grant writing, and stewardship. The ideal candidate will bring a track record of success in planning and executing major gift campaigns, and an ability to craft compelling donor-centered narratives. In collaboration with the Board and Executive Director, they will develop, implement, and monitor key performance metrics to evaluate fundraising success, including individual donor revenue, new donor acquisition, major gifts secured, successful grant applications, growth in monthly and annual giving, and the effectiveness of donor communication strategies and annual giving campaigns. 

The TRA is looking for a highly motivated self-starter with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, capable of balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. They will be a team player with creative ideas not only about cultivating support but also building the TRA’s development infrastructure.

Requirements

Specific Responsibilities: 

              Partner with the Executive Director and Board to develop and implement a comprehensive, sophisticated fundraising plan that will advance the TRA’s fundraising goals, assist with the cultivation of major gifts, strengthen the pipeline, and increase donors’ affinity with the mission

              Lead foundation fundraising efforts, including research, grant writing, reporting, and stewardship

              Identify and cultivate foundation funding opportunities to support organizational priorities

              Manage the grant lifecycle, from proposal development through reporting and renewal

              Maintain and deepen donor relationships through regular communication, stewardship, and solicitation

              Manage, revise, and evaluate strategies for annual giving and planned giving

              Partner with the Board and Board committees to strengthen engagement, advance strategic priorities, and support governance and fundraising initiatives

              Oversee planning and implementation of all fundraising events 

              Advance planned giving efforts by identifying, cultivating, and stewarding legacy giving opportunities

              In collaboration with the Executive Director, lead the development team to build the TRA’s fundraising infrastructure - data management, gift processing, office procedures and event management - to ensure the staff, systems, processes and activities meet ongoing development needs 

              Oversee and maintain accurate financial records and budgets for development-related programs and events

              Create reports and analyze department activities, metrics, and impact

              Work with consultants, contractors, volunteers, and Board members in a collaborative and constructive manner 

Qualifications: 

              Bachelor’s degree; minimum of 5 years professional fundraising experience 

              Track record of success in developing and implementing fundraising plans, as well as cultivating and stewarding donors 

              Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to form strategic relationships both internally and externally, including with a highly committed and active Board  

              Success in securing and managing foundation support

              Ability to interact professionally with internal and external stakeholders who have diverse backgrounds, professional skills, and perspectives 

              Outstanding oral and written, communication skills 

              Excellent project management and cross-functional fundraising skills 

              Ability to work collaboratively with staff and Board

              Analytical, organized, proactive, and detail-oriented with strong ability to prioritize

              Well-honed fundraising operations skills, including the ability to critically evaluate fundraising efforts

              Familiarity with estate planning, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts, and deferred gifts preferred

              Proficiency in Office suite, Donor Management software, and digital media platforms 

              Commitment to the mission of the TRA

For more information about the Theodore Roosevelt Association please visit their website at: https://www.theodoreroosevelt.org

All positions at The Theodore Roosevelt Association are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All are encouraged to apply.  

The role is hybrid/remote with the ability to and travel to Oyster Bay regularly and to support annual events in various US locations.  Salary for the position will be in the range of $90k to $100k, based on experience.

To Apply:  

The Theodore Roosevelt Association has retained the services of Harris Rand Lusk to conduct this search. Inquiries, nominations and applications may be directed in confidence to: 

Elly Kirschner & Sabrina Stoker, Senior Directors

Harris Rand Lusk

260 Madison Avenue, 15th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Email your resume and cover letter to Sabrina Stoker at sstoker@harrisrand.com
Please put “  (TRA - DOD) - JB0015” in the subject line of your emailed application.