Vice President of Development

Founded in 1946, the Middle East Institute is the oldest Washington-based institution dedicated solely to the study of the Middle East. It is a non-partisan think tank providing expert policy analysis, educational and professional development services, and a hub for engaging with the region's arts and culture.

The Vice President of Development is responsible for leading MEI’s fundraising strategy and revenue growth across individual giving, corporate sponsor ships, foundation support, campaigns, events, and membership. Reporting to the COO, this role provides executive leadership for development operations, donor strategy, and external engagement in support of MEI’s mission and expansion.

• Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Growth: Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to drive growth from major gifts, grants, corporate sponsor ships, campaigns, events, and membership programs.
• Leadership & Management: Lead and develop the Development team; manage budgets, systems, and performance metrics.
• Expansion Campaigns & Events: Provide executive oversight of major fundraising campaigns and high-profile events, including MEI’s Annual Awards Gala.
• Donor & Stakeholder Relations: Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, corporate partners, foundations, Board members, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Grants & Institutional Giving: Oversee grant prospecting, proposals, reporting, and compliance in collaboration with program teams.
• Marketing, Communications & Visibility: Oversee development-related branding, communications, and donor-facing content across print and digital platforms.
• Data, Systems & Compliance: Oversee donor database management, analytics, fundraising registrations, and coordination with finance to ensure accuracy, compliance, and informed decision-making.

• Experience: Senior-level development leadership experience, preferably in a mission-driven or non-profit organization, with a demonstrated record of fundraising success (typically 10+ years).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Skills: Strategic planning, financial acumen, data analysis, executive communication, public speaking, negotiation, and team leadership.
• Attributes: Collaborative, results-driven, relationship-focused, and capable of operating at both strategic and executive levels.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid holidays, plus vacation and sick leave

The role is in-person, five days per week, based out of our Washington, DC, Headquarters.

The pay range for this role is:

150, USD per year (Washington DC)