Regional Development Director (Chicago)

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)seeks to hire a full-timeRegional Development Director. This member of FDD's development team will report to the Senior Director and be responsible for managing and growing a high-value donor portfolio based inChicago, with coverage across thegreater Midwest region.

This role is ideal for a driven fundraising professional with experience securing five- and six-figure gifts, cultivating philanthropic relationships, and contributing to strategic revenue growth.

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial, relationship-oriented professional with strong communication skills, the ability to develop fluency in foreign policy and national security issues, and a commitment to representing FDD with credibility and professionalism.

This position will work closely with development leadership, FDD policy experts and scholars, and donor relations and events teams to engage high-capacity donors and prospects.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Management & Growth

• Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospects based in Chicago and across the Midwest.

• Execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies aligned with FDD's organizational priorities.

• Work toward annual revenue goals through consistent outreach, relationship management, and pipeline development.

• Maintain regular, high-touch engagement with donors and prospects to communicate FDD's work and impact.

Donor Engagement & Relationship Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned donors and prospects.

• Coordinate and support donor meetings with FDD leadership, scholars, and experts.

• Prepare donor briefings, background materials, and follow-up communications.

• Support proposal development and donor strategy execution.

Regional Engagement & Events

• Represent FDD at donor programs, briefings, and small events throughout Chicago and the broader Midwest.

• Help identify opportunities to convene donors and prospects for meaningful engagement.

• Partner with internal teams to support the execution of donor-facing events tied to portfolio strategy.

Collaboration & Team Integration

• Work closely with development leadership on portfolio strategy and growth opportunities.

• Collaborate across donor relations, events, policy, and operations teams to ensure strong coordination.

• Support internal processes related to donor tracking, proposals, and stewardship.

• Contribute to team-wide best practices and development efforts.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of professional fundraising or relevant relationship-management experience.

• Experience supporting or securing five- and six-figure gifts.

• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships and advance donor engagement.

• Interest in foreign policy, national security, and geopolitical issues, with a willingness to develop deeper expertise.

• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

• Self-starter with strong attention to detail and follow-through.

• Willingness to travel regularly within the Midwest and periodically to Washington, DC.

Application Requirements

• Resume

• Cover letter

FDD is an equal opportunity employer. If you require an accommodation in order to apply for this position, please contact Jean Thurman at jean@fdd.org or (202) 207-0190.

This is a remote position based in Chicago, requiring regular travel throughout the Midwest and periodic travel to FDD's Washington, DC office. This role has a projected salary band of $120,000-$160,000 per year, based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Additional benefits are available, including healthcare coverage based on eligibility. Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply here .

FDD is a Washington, DC-based, nonpartisan research institute focusing on foreign policy and national security. For more information, please visit FDD.org and follow FDD on X @FDD.