Director of Development

Director of Development

About The Doughboy Foundation

The Doughboy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization overseeing the new National World War I Memorial in Washington, DC. Following the conclusion of a successful capital campaign that raised more than $50 million in private and public support, the Memorial opened in 2021, and the centerpiece sculpture, “A Soldier’s Journey,” was officially unveiled in September 2024. Since its opening in 2021, the Memorial has received more than one million visitors annually.

The Doughboy Foundation’s mission is to Keep Faith with the American Doughboy by preserving and enhancing the National World War I Memorial through the following programs:

• Honoring the 4.7 million Americans who served our nation through the preservation of the Memorial and the daily sounding of “Taps”.
• Commemorating the events of a century ago through musical performances and activities at the National World War I Memorial site.
• Inspiring visitors to learn, remember, and reflect on how World War I changed our country and the world through on-site and interpretive, digital educational programming.

Position Description

Reports to: Jari Villanueva, President of The Doughboy Foundation

The Director of Development (DOD) is a dynamic and strategic leader who will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies to support The Doughboy Foundation’s operations, programs, and capital initiatives. The DOD will oversee a staff of 1 team member, plus consultants and contractors, and will represent the Foundation to a broad spectrum of external stakeholders. The Foundation offers a hybrid work schedule, combining remote work with a regular on-site presence for meetings, donor visits/tours, and special events.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in fundraising success; is entrepreneurial, highly motivated, and goal-oriented; and has strong interpersonal skills and an ability to foster meaningful relationships with internal and external stakeholders. This is a full-time position that reports directly to the Executive Director.

Fundraising Strategy:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to raise $750,000-$1,000,000 annually and meet the Foundation’s financial goals.
• Create, manage, and monitor an annual development program budget and track progress to goals.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors, corporations, foundations, and government agencies.
• Develop materials and pitch decks to engage prospective supporters.
• Manage and implement an annual outreach calendar, cultivating and retaining current grassroots, mid-level, and major donors.
• Develop effective strategies for acquiring new donors through events, social media, marketing and other outreach initiatives.
• Create compelling fundraising content for the Foundation’s website, social media, and monthly newsletter.

Donor Engagement:

• Lead a major gifts program for donors of $10,000 or more, overseeing the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-level individuals and families.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, creating a strong pipeline of support.
• Ensure high-quality and appropriate stewardship and recognition of donors at all gift levels.
• Design and implement an annual events program in partnership with the Executive Director that includes compelling donor cultivation activities and sponsorship and in-kind giving opportunities.
• Manage and implement the Legacy Society (the Foundation’s planned giving program) as part of donor engagement activities.
• Work alongside the Executive Director to build and maintain relationships with partner Agencies, including the National Park Service, ABMC, the Willard Hotel, and the Trust for the National Mall.
• Manage grassroots and mid-level donor programs and ensure donors are part of a giving ladder.
• Develop compelling proposals and grant applications to secure funding for programs and initiatives.

Board Engagement & Stewardship:

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to engage board members in fundraising efforts.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to identify and engage key prospects.
• Provide guidance and support to Directors and Special Advisors in their individual fundraising roles.
• Report to the Board of Directors on fundraising progress, including challenges and opportunities in meeting goals, data analyses and projections, and key donors and prospects.
• Staff the Development Committee and assist with other committees with adjacency to fundraising.

Team Management & Operations

• Provide leadership and mentorship to development and administrative staff, ensuring effective collaboration, goal-setting, and professional development.
• Identify and implement systems and technology that support the organization’s fundraising strategy and goals.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required. An advanced degree in a related field, such as business administration, nonprofit management, or communications, is preferred.
• At least five years successfully leading a $500,000+ development program. Experience in a nonprofit organization, an arts and culture or veterans institution, or equivalent is preferred.
• Working knowledge of all areas within development, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation giving, events, planned giving, and direct response.
• A proven record of exceeding ambitious revenue targets including: securing gifts of six figures or more, and creating new and/or reinvigorating existing programs.
• Proficiency in setting goals and evaluating and communicating success.
• Experience raising funds throughout a large geographic region and/or nationwide. Specific knowledge of Washington, DC’s philanthropic landscape is a plus.
• Ability to understand, extract and analyze data for effective fundraising strategy, reporting, and tracking.
• Strong skills with CRM or prospect databases, MS Office suite, project management software, and similar apps and programs.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills. Results and detail-oriented with the ability to set and meet deadlines. Able to construct, articulate, implement and evaluate written development plans and budgets.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; attentive listener; and engaging storyteller able to plan and execute strategic communications to advance philanthropic initiatives and achieve goals.
• Able to build long-term relationships with all types of donors and key stakeholders.
• Energetic and skilled networker who enjoys community engagement, attending events and participating in activities to position the Foundation for success.
• Commitment to diversity and a history of working effectively with people of all economic status’, ethnicities, genders, educational levels, and sexual orientations.
• Flexible and adaptable work style with the ability to work nights and weekends, willingness to commute to the office/Memorial on short notice, manage competing demands, and work independently.
• Successful candidate will be based in the greater DC region (DMV).
• In-state and out-of-state travel is required.
• Confident self-starter that demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness, and a creative approach to problem-solving.
• Interest in military history and in World War I a plus.

About the National World War I Memorial

The National World War I Memorial in Washington, DC commemorates those who served in the trenches and on the home front, celebrating a nation forever changed by the sacrifices they made and the ideals they bequeathed.

From initial concept in 2014, to the opening of the Memorial in 2021, to its official completion in 2024, The Doughboy Foundation has been an integral part of the ambitious effort to successfully complete this long-overdue Memorial to the 4.7 million Americans who served in the First World War and the 116,516 Doughboys who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Through a formal partnership agreement with National Park Service, The Doughboy Foundation is dedicated to preserving and maintaining the Memorial in pristine condition as a dignified tribute to the men and women who served our nation. In addition, The Doughboy Foundation strives to enhance the site’s impact by offering experiential programs that educate visitors about the war’s significance and raise awareness among the American public of the sacrifices of all U.S. service members. Among these programs is the sounding of Taps every day at the Memorial at 5pm, educational resources, commemorative ceremonies, and musical performances.

Resources

www.doughboy.org