Director of Development Operations

Job Title: Director of Development Operations

Leading the systems, data, and strategy behind the fundraising

Job Type: Full time, hybrid (in-person 3-4 days, remote 1-2 days)

Location: Washington, D.C.

About Us: The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Congress. We are committed to bipartisanship and enhancing the First Branch of government.

Position Overview: We are seeking an entrepreneurial, mission driven leader. The Director of Development Operations is a senior leader responsible for driving the systems, data, and execution behind the organization’s fundraising efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and operational excellence across all development and stakeholder engagement. Acting as a key partner to the CEO and senior leadership, this role leads cross-functional initiatives, manages complex workflows, and oversees internal development operations to maximize fundraising impact. The ideal candidate brings 6–9 years of experience in development operations, nonprofit fundraising, or campaign management, with a strong track record in donor cultivation, systems management, and data analysis. This position demands exceptional organizational skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to execute high-level initiatives in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Project & Workflow Management

• Lead cross-functional fundraising initiatives from planning through execution, including all signature engagement programs and stakeholder activities
• Optimize and manage systems that support efficient donor outreach, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Develop timelines, assign responsibilities, and ensure accountability for fundraising staff and consultants across all events and activities
• Design and maintain systems for internal communication, project tracking, and accountability.
• Create clear structures and timelines for complex fundraising and event initiatives
• Oversee internal development team operations to maximize fundraising efficiency and impact—including meeting rhythms, task tracking, and calendar coordination

Fundraising Strategy & Executive Support

• Serve as the CEO’s right hand on all fundraising and donor engagement efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
• Drive the operational execution of fundraising strategies across major gifts, institutional giving, and events
• Support the CEO and senior leadership in deepening relationships with top donors and prospects through tailored engagement strategies

Fundraising Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze and synthesize fundraising data, donor trends, and revenue projections to guide strategy and inform decision-making
• Ensure accuracy across all systems, timely, accurate, and actionable reporting for senior leadership, development staff, and the board
• Ensure consistency in donor tracking, prospecting, and stewardship systems

Qualifications

Required:

• 5–7 years of relevant experience in political fundraising, development operations, or issue-based advocacy organizations
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple moving pieces with discretion and poise
• Deep familiarity with donor cultivation, major gifts strategy, and fundraising best practices in a political or advocacy setting
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams or initiatives
• Comfort with fundraising CRMs (e.g., Hubspot, EveryAction, Salesforce) and tools like Asana, Slack, or Notion.
• Experience supporting senior executives or development teams in high-stakes environments

Preferred Attributes:

•  Commitment to the mission of strengthening bipartisan governance and legislative capacity
•  Strategic thinker with entrepreneurial drive
• High emotional intelligence and ability to build trust across diverse donor and stakeholder groups·   

Salary Range: Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $90,000-$110,000 annually

This position also comes with a benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation leave, and (after six months) a 401K match

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief cover letter to CMF@congressfoundation.org with the subject line “Director of Development Operations” CMF is an equal opportunity employer and invites all qualified candidates to apply. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.