Vice President for Development

Resources for the Future (RFF) seeks a Vice President for Development to assume leadership in designing, articulating, and implementing the future fundraising strategies of the organization.

For more than 50 years this non-partisan DC-based think tank has provided path-breaking social science research for improved environmental and natural resource policymaking worldwide. RFF is a widely recognized and unrivaled source of credible and objective analysis. Its scholars - who hail from fields such as economics and public policy - provide policymakers, journalists, academics, businesspeople and the environmental advocacy community with practical, credible and innovative policy solutions to improve public decision-making around the world.

With the aim of increasing RFF's capacity to tackle the critical and emerging environmental and natural resource issues of our time, RFF seeks to expand and diversify its funding streams. The new Vice President for Development will fuel this effort, developing a plan that ensures RFF's continued independence and commitment to the highest caliber work. Reporting to President Phillip Sharp, the Vice President for Development will bring strategic expertise to all areas of the organization's development activities including foundation, corporate, individual philanthropy and Board relations. The Vice President will work in close partnership with the President, Research Fellows, staff, and a highly engaged Board of Directors in order to identify significant, topical and new sources of support for RFF as well as deepen existing relationships.

This is a rare opportunity for a dynamic and accomplished individual to generate significant resources for an institution with a rich history and record of accomplishments, at a time when RFF's intellectual leadership is needed to elevate global policy discourse in an ever-shifting political, economic, and environmental landscape.

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of leadership experience in development, with a comprehensive knowledge of all areas, including foundation and corporate support as well as major and planned giving. A track record of success identifying, cultivating and soliciting seven-figure gifts or greater from high-net-worth individuals is essential. The role requires intellectual strength and curiosity as well as the ability to communicate effectively RFF's mission, its commitment to providing innovative yet dispassionate solutions to complex issues, and the impact of those solutions on human understanding and progress. RFF seeks a candidate who understands the need to synchronize fundraising initiatives with RFF's core mission. Collaborative, collegial and committed to the highest standards, the Vice President will bring out the best in staff and volunteers and will inspire others to leadership. An undergraduate degree is required, and an advanced degree is preferred.

RFF has retained Jack Gorman, of the Boston-based national executive search firm Isaacson, Miller, to conduct the search. Confidential inquiries, nominations and applications may be directed to the search.

TO APPLY:

Resume, with cover letter and list of references, should be sent in confidence to:

Jack Gorman
Vice President & Director
or
Tracy Welsh
Managing Associate

Isaacson, Miller
334 Boylston Street, Suite 500
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Telephone: 617.262.6500
Facsimile: 617.262.6509
3518@imsearch.com

Interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit applications via electronic mail.