Manage and grow a portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Build long-term relationships with NAE members, friends, volunteers, and external partners to advance institutional priorities.
Partner with the Director of Development to set annual fundraising goals, develop strategic engagement plans, and curate high-impact donor experiences and events.
Travel locally and nationally to meet with donors, prospects, and partners, representing the NAE and its mission with credibility and enthusiasm.
Draft compelling proposals, concept notes, and stewardship reports that convey the NAE's impact with clarity and intellectual rigor.
Collaborate with program directors and senior leadership to align fundraising opportunities with programmatic priorities.
Strategic Partnership & Program Support (~30%)
Work with colleagues across development, research, and membership to develop cross-cutting fundraising strategies and joint engagement opportunities.
Strengthen member and section engagement through creative outreach and participation initiatives that deepen connection and philanthropic investment.
Partner with advancement services, finance, and communications to ensure consistency and quality in donor materials, reporting, and stewardship.
Support NAE Council and Development Committee meetings by preparing donor analyses, reports, briefings, and presentations.
Stay attuned to individual philanthropic and corporate giving trends, particularly in engineering, technology, and innovation sectors.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree required.
Experience managing a national portfolio of prospects, ideally including executives and leaders in technology, engineering, or related fields.
Proven track record of designing and implementing successful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
Exceptional writing, communication, and presentation skills; experience drafting high-quality proposals and reports.
Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and demonstrated ability to work with RENXT or similar CRMs, with a commitment to rigorous documentation, data integrity, and portfolio management.
Comfort using Microsoft Teams and internal collaboration tools to support a coordinated and transparent development operation.
Strong attention to detail and process, balanced with an ability to thrive in donor-facing work and close significant gifts.
Ability to travel and work occasional evenings or weekends for donor meetings and e
Benefits
Vision insurance
Additional Information
Job Description Summary:
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) provide independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark innovation, and confront complex challenges for the benefit of society. We bring together the brightest minds across disciplines to translate knowledge into action-advancing progress and the public good.
As part of The National Academies, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is a vibrant community of thought leaders who harness the power of engineering to improve lives, strengthen the nation, and shape a more sustainable future.
At NAE, you'll join a team that thrives on collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and purpose. We value initiative, creativity, and integrity-and we're looking for a development professional who shares our passion for impact.
The Associate Director plays a pivotal role in advancing the NAE's mission and fundraising priorities for our $100M Campaign for Leadership in a World of Accelerating Change. This position offers the opportunity to engage a national portfolio of accomplished leaders-including executives from top engineering, tech, and innovation-driven companies-around the transformative work of the NAE.
We're seeking a strategic, intellectually engaged, and relationship-driven fundraiser who thrives in a collegial environment. The ideal candidate will balance independence and creativity with teamwork and sound judgment, bringing both strategic vision and practical execution to donor engagement.
The Associate Director manages a portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects and develops tailored strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Reporting to the NAE Senior Director of Development, this position also collaborates with colleagues across development, membership, and program teams to design and curate donor experiences, communications, events and proposals that strengthen relationships and inspire giving.
Job Description: