Mission Civic Spirit educates faculty and students in Jewish, Catholic, and Christian day schools to enhance civic knowledge and responsibility in their communities. Through professional development for educators, student programs, and public programming in our growing network of faith-based schools, Civic Spirit prepares the next generation of American citizens to be informed, engaged, and responsible participants and leaders in their community and our nation. We envision a country in which every student reaches voting age with knowledge, conviction, and skills to better the civic life of our democracy.
Purpose This senior role integrates relationship-driven development, systems building, and strategic revenue generation to ensure that Civic Spirit has the philanthropic infrastructure, resources, and partnerships necessary to scale its national impact in faith-based civic education. We are looking for an organized and motivated individual team member with exceptional skills and passion for our mission.
Development - Strategy, Revenue, and Growth • Lead Civic Spirit’s comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, foundations, family philanthropy, and individual giving. • Design multi-year revenue plans aligned with national expansion, America at 250 initiatives, and organizational independence. • Set revenue targets, build fundraising benchmarks, and track progress in partnership with senior leadership and the board.
Prospect Research • Use tools of prospect research – online, subscription services, and AI technology. • Focus on donors of various capacities as well as institutional (foundation) donors. • Access donor capacity towards a special ask amount.
Engagement - Stewardship and Long-Term Partnership • Build, steward, and grow a portfolio of contributors, major donors and foundation partners. • Identify and cultivate new funders aligned with Civic Spirit’s mission and long-term trajectory. • Partner with the Executive Director in cultivation and solicitation, preparing strategy briefs and follow-up plans. • Engage board members and advisors as active partners in relationship development and fundraising. • Cultivate meaningful, long-term donor relationships grounded in shared purpose and impact. • Monitor trends in philanthropy and civic education to ensure Civic Spirit remains forward-looking and competitive.
Grant Management - Systems, Messaging, and Execution • Develop and implement an annual development plan aligned with strategic goals. • Build and manage development infrastructure, including donor tracking systems, pipelines, grant calendars, and reporting workflows. • Create compelling proposals, reports, case statements, program budgets, and donor communications that translate program impact into clear, fundable narratives. • Ensure accurate gift processing and compliance with grant requirements.
Qualifications: • Experience in prospect research including online applications and resources • Experience writing proposals and editing proposal drafts and reports • Experience managing CRM • Strong oral and written communication skills • Experience assembling detailed program budgets • Experience in strategic fundraising plans and campaigns with a strong track record of excellent project management, program planning, execution and administration skills • Four to six years of development experience required • Team player with strong interpersonal skills: ability to work collaboratively with staff, school leaders, and lay leaders to achieve shared goals • Background in education and knowledge of and the current civic education landscape is preferred
Location: While Civic Spirit’s headquarters are in New York City, this role may be performed remotely within the United States. The position can be full time or part time, remote or hybrid.
Salary: $80,000-$100,000 – commensurate with experience.
Travel Requirements: This position requires regular travel for donor cultivation, board engagement, conferences, meetings, and Civic Spirit programming. Travel frequency will vary based on fundraising cycles and organizational priorities.