Required Experience:
Qualifications:
Proven success securing and stewarding six- and seven-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals
Minimum of 8+ years of experience in front-line fundraising, with a focus on principal or major gifts
Sophisticated understanding of donor motivations and philanthropic decision-making
Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Strong alignment with Spirit of America’s values and mission; knowledge of national security, foreign policy, or military affairs is a significant plus
Ability to travel domestically up to 25–35% for donor meetings and events
Compensation:
Salary ranges from $160,000 to $210,000 based on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, and 403(b) contributions match to 4%.
Spirit of America:
Spirit of America is a nonprofit citizen service organization founded in response to the attacks of 9/11. Our mission is to engage citizens in preserving the promise of a free and better life. We do this by working alongside troops and diplomats to support their safety and success, promoting values shared by Americans and our allies, strengthening relationships with allies, friends, and partners, and demonstrating that the United States is a friend to all who seek a better life.
Spirit of America helps our troops and diplomats build trust and goodwill, prevent conflict, and strengthen America's security. Our work saves and improves lives. In the world's toughest places, people experience the best of who Americans are and what we stand for.
Spirit of America is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, we prohibit discrimination against any applicant or employee based on any legally-recognized basis, including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age (40 and over), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics) or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee, including supervisors and co-workers.
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Duties / Expectations:
Senior Development Officer
Spirit of America
2425 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201
$160,000 - $210,000 a year - Full-time
Skills
Do you have experience in Fundraising?
Benefits
403(b) matching
403(b)
Health insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Full job description
Location: San Francisco, CA; Dallas, TX; New York, NY; or Arlington, VA
Reports to: Chief Development Officer
Spirit of America unites the American people with US troops and diplomats to help them succeed in their missions, strengthen security, and save and improve lives. We are expanding our Development team to meet the growing demand for our work. We are seeking a Senior Development Officer who understands how to build authentic relationships with top-tier donors, articulate a compelling case for investment, and translate passion into transformational giving with deep experience in cultivating and closing major gifts. This is a front-line fundraising role focused on building enduring donor relationships that unlock transformative support for Spirit of America’s unique mission.
The ideal candidate will bring intellectual curiosity, emotional intelligence, and the polish to engage with high-level philanthropists, family offices, and strategic advisors and have a calling for building relationships with philanthropically minded individuals You will be a core part of a growing, mission-driven team working at the intersection of U.S. foreign policy, national security, and private philanthropy.
This newly created role is designed for a confident closer and relationship builder, someone who understands how to inspire investment in bold, high-stakes impact.
Why This Role Matters:
At Spirit of America, we believe private citizens have a role to play in national security—and that giving boldly can change the world. This role is for someone who shares that belief and wants to connect people of means and purpose to life-saving, freedom-advancing impact on the global stage.
Key Responsibilities:
Drive Major and Principal Gifts: Identify, cultivate, and solicit individual gifts of $25,000 and above, with a goal of raising $1.5M+ annually. Develop tailored engagement strategies for each prospect and consistently move relationships toward significant philanthropic investment.
Lead and Grow a National Leadership Council: Spearhead the relaunch and expansion of Spirit of America’s National Leadership Council, a core group of donors contributing $25,000+ annually. Design and execute experiences that deepen their connection to the mission and increase their giving over time.
Manage a Strategic Portfolio: Own all aspects of the donor lifecycle—from prospecting to stewardship—for a portfolio of major and principal gift donors, including key decision-makers within family foundations and family offices.
Partner with Leadership: Work closely with the Chief Development Officer, CEO, and Board members to identify high-potential relationships, shape compelling proposals, and deploy senior leaders effectively in cultivation and solicitation efforts.
Create New Giving Channels: Explore and pilot new opportunities for high-impact giving, including planned gifts, legacy giving, and values-aligned investments, to expand Spirit of America’s philanthropic base.
Drive Strategy & Accountability: Contribute to overall fundraising strategy and planning. Develop clear metrics and dashboards to track progress, demonstrate impact, and inform data-driven decision-making.
Execute Signature Engagements: Collaborate with events and programs staff to design and host intimate donor experiences, including private briefings, salon dinners, travel opportunities, and national security roundtables that showcase Spirit of America’s mission and results.
Align with Marketing and Communications: Work in tandem with the marketing and communications team to deliver high-caliber stewardship, compelling donor content, and coordinated campaigns that support major donor engagement and growth.
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