Founded in 1981 in partnership with whistleblowers, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that works to expose waste, corruption, abuse of power, and other instances where the government fails to serve the public. We champion reforms to achieve a more effective, ethical, and accountable federal government that safeguards constitutional principles. POGO has an over $7 million annual budget that supports a staff of over 50 employees.

POGO is looking for a talented Development Associate to play a crucial role in advancing POGO’s mission by managing aspects of POGO’s grant related fundraising activities involving institutional sources of funding such as private foundations and community foundations. This position reports directly to the Director of Development.

We encourage potential applicants to apply even if they only have experience or familiarity in some of the areas described below. We fully recognize that many great candidates will not have experience in all of the areas we list, or may have relevant experiences and skills that we have not listed or considered.

Responsibilities include:

1. Helping POGO meet its foundation revenue goals as proposed by the leadership team and approved each year by the POGO Board of Directors.
2. Assisting in the preparation of foundation materials, including but not limited to proposals, letters of inquiry, grant reports, agreements, emails, presentations, and acknowledgment letters. This includes drafting original copy, editing, and formatting as needed.
3. Researching the giving interests of foundation funders and stay abreast of philanthropic trends and recent foundation giving.
4. Helping to identify new opportunities for funding that align with POGO’s programs through prospect research. Maintain and update as needed list of foundation prospects.
5. Tracking grant requirements and deadlines between POGO and its funders.
6. Assisting with the planning and execution of quarterly meetings with Executive team members on spend down of project specific grants.
7. Responsible for preparing quarterly program updates to the Board of Directors, as well as working with communications and editorial staff to create the annual report.
8. Uses program knowledge to aid in crafting solicitation letters for individuals three times a year
9. Perform other duties as assigned or needed to move forward POGO’s foundation relation
10. Other duties as required to aid POGO in accomplishing its mission.

Qualifications include:

1. Minimum of 3 years of foundation relations experience or comparable work with foundations, with preference given to work carried out at a policy-oriented organization.
2. Experience writing foundation grant proposals and reports, as well as reviewing budgets
3. Strong written and verbal communication skills in the area of solicitations, including the ability to translate technical and complicated information into brief, simple yet compelling narratives for prospective and current donors.
4. Strong analytical and prospective research skills.
5. Ability to adapt to circumstances, prioritize and handle multiple deadlines on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis.
6. Demonstrated track record of taking initiative to solve problems and adapt to changing circumstances.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of foundations and grantmaking.
8. Willingness to work in building relationships with law firms.
9. Deals with confidential information and/or issues using discretion and judgment
10. Commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
11. (+) Working understanding of the relationship between all three branches of government.
12. (+) Experience working CRM databases.

Compensation, benefits, and other information:

Washington, DC based preferred; remote work is available for this position, but candidates must be willing (with reasonable accommodations) to travel to DC for occasional in-person meetings when needed.

This is a full-time position and includes the listed benefits:

1. Competitive nonprofit salary in the range of $56K – 65K, based on experience
2. Health, dental, and vision insurance
3. 403(b) employee investment plan available, with employer retirement contribution once eligible
4. Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage
5. Paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave

To Apply: Submit cover letter and resume. No phone calls please. https://pogo.breezy.hr/p/73493c5a7459-development-associate?state=published

Application Deadline: August 5th

POGO is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We encourage all interested and qualified individuals to apply.