Posted on February 23, 2012

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Director of Development

The Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET) was launched in October 2009 with a $50 million commitment from business magnate and philanthropist George Soros. Driven by the global financial crisis, INET is dedicated to empowering and supporting the next generation of economists and scholars in related fields. INET's core programming includes research grants, targeted research programs, academic institutes, conferences, and new media. INET also fosters partnerships with aligned organizations and think tanks to bolster its global network. INET embraces a professional responsibility to think beyond current economic paradigms within the academic community. INET is committed to broadening and accelerating the development of innovative thinking that can lead to insights into, and solutions for, the great challenges of the 21st century. Ultimately, INET seeks to return economics to its core mission of guiding and protecting society.

To date, INET has awarded more than 80 research grants totaling $13 million. Additionally, INET has held two international plenary conferences, formalized academic partnerships with two renowned institutions, and recruited an Advisory Board comprised of 42 thought leaders, including six Nobel Laureates. INET is poised to expand its program over the next ten years and have a tremendous impact on how economics is taught and relied upon by society.

General Summary

INET is recruiting its first in-house Director of Development to lead all INET fundraising efforts. The Director of Development will serve as an active member of INET's Senior Management Team and report to the Executive Director. The Director of Development will be responsible for the strategic planning, design, implementation, and management of an effective development program. The Director of Development will play a crucial role in helping INET raise upwards of $100 million over the next 5 years by pursuing a dual-pronged fundraising strategy that will: 1) more than double its current annual budget over the next 2 to 3 years to support the expansion of its core programs, and 2) leverage INET to attract aligned partnerships with affiliated institutions to amplify INET's global network.

Principal Responsibilities

• Devise and implement a fundraising plan to attract and secure individual and institutional philanthropic investors from the US and around the world.
• Play a hands-on, creative role in the identification, cultivation and solicitation of major gifts prospective donors; personally cultivate and solicit donors as appropriate.
• Steward existing donors to convey appreciation and to maintain a close relationship.
• Work in close partnership with INET's Executive Director to set and realize fundraising goals and their associated calendar and work plan; accompany the Executive Director on donor visits and execute all donor correspondence.
• Partner with INET's Director of Communications to hone INET's messages and to develop cultivation and solicitation materials.
• Collaborate with the Manager of INET Online to ensure cohesive donor outreach through INET's online and social media platforms.
• Draft and disseminate regular updates to INET's founders to foster open communication and transparency, to document achievements and challenges, as well as to propose solutions.
• Present the Development department's fundraising activities to the Advisory and Governing Boards; work closely with the Fundraising committee to identify new donor audiences and encourage board giving.
• Build a small team of development professionals within 1 - 2 years; manage the team and provide support and direction to development staff members to ensure they have the tools needed to be successful.
• Collaborate with event staff to ensure proper relationship management of donors and potential funders and to guarantee appropriate recognition of existing supporters.
• Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with program staff and colleagues across the organization.
• Occasional travel, domestic and international (5% - 10% of time).

Experience and Qualifications

• Proven experience developing and implementing a significant and successful fundraising effort in an institution or organization that has a reputation for quality and excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with and gain the support of a sophisticated board; experience motivating and supporting the fundraising efforts of board members and other volunteers.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• At least ten years of fundraising or related experience.

Personal Characteristics

• Committed and enthusiastic about the mission and programs of INET including an interest in economics and the role it plays in society.
• Comfortable and confident to closely interact and work with leaders in philanthropy, business, academics, and policy.
• Energetic, entrepreneurial, mission-driven and willing to take calculated risks in building an effective fundraising program.
• Flexible and well organized, with exceptional attention to detail and follow through.
• Demonstrated management skills.

INET is prepared offer an executive compensation package commensurate with the selected candidate's skills, experience and past compensation history.

To Apply: Please send cover letter and resume to:

Mark Cohen
Mark Cohen & Company Executive Search
11 Forest Lane
Scarsdale, NY 10583
mccorecruit@msn.com