Director of Engagement (Development Operations Director, II)

The RAND Corporation has an exciting opportunity for a Development professional who is looking to use their expertise to a highly collaborative and mission-driven organization.   This position, Director of Engagement, will contribute to RAND’s fundraising objectives which supports to RAND’s mission of improving policy and decision making through research and analysis.    Reporting to the Senior Director of Donor Relations and Engagement, this role will collaborate with the  donor relations team, major giving team, and development leadership to conceive and execute engagement opportunities for RAND donors and prospects. The successful candidate will also coordinate logistics and provide leadership on data-backed strategy and evaluation across all types of engagement including events, communications, and surveys.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and maintaining  a strategic plan for cultivation-focused engagements that provide an exceptional and inspiring experience for RAND’s major donor and prospect constituency.  

• Providing  leadership in conceptualizing, planning, and executing a wide range of high-level, targeted, purposeful events designed to engage, cultivate, and steward key stakeholders.

• Planning and executing multiple signature fundraising events each year

• Creating a suite of engagement opportunities for leadership and development directors to utilize to strengthen relationships with donors, build a pipeline of prospects, and generate interest in supporting RAND. 

• Developing surveys, including post-event surveys, to track donor satisfaction and develop strategy recommendations based on survey data.

• Collaborating with the donor relations team to understand giving as a form of engagement and strategize tactics to retain donors.

• Creating new communications and improving existing communications to bolster engagement.

• Ensuring that all engagements have a defined purpose and contribute to our overarching strategy, including concrete messaging around fundraising priorities.

• Tailoring strategic follow-up tactics based on audience and purpose of engagement. 

• Tracking long-term engagement of new prospects and develops strategies for keeping prospects engaged.

• Evaluating existing engagement strategies and performing regular data analysis on contacts to assist in building out strategy for future engagement opportunities. 

• Creating and implementing engagement metrics and benchmarking methodology. 

Qualifications

Required:

• Previous experience in the fundraising or non-profit sector;

• Demonstrated event planning and project management experience that demonstrates attention to details, an ability to plan, organize and work on multiple projects;

• Demonstrated experience analyzing data and providing data-backed recommendations; 

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills with a proven track records of the ability to interact effectively and diplomatically with donors and staff  and collaboration effectively across varying stakeholders;

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and decision making skills, ability to meet deadlines under general guidance and supervision in a dynamic and ever-changing environment, resourcefulness, curiosity, openness to learning and flexibility;;

• Ability and eagerness to quickly learn new software and systems;

• Ability to work evenings and weekends for events;

• Ability to travel regularly, approximately 15-20%

Preferred: 

• Experience using a CRM or donor database; 

Education

Bachelor's degree required 

Experience

A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience required

Salary Range

$71,000 - $105,400

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more. 

Diversity at RAND

Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are essential operating principles at RAND. We are committed to maintaining a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff, where individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. This commitment is guided by an organization-wide framework for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and paired with significant investments to sustain and center these principles in leadership, research, and community and stakeholder engagement. An advisory council comprised of staff at all levels provides critical feedback and perspective on the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion plans and activities. Employee Resource Groups are staff-driven grassroots communities that seek to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at RAND by facilitating community, connection, and a greater sense of belonging and well-being among colleagues. In our recruitment and retention efforts, we seek unique backgrounds, original views, and diversity in academic training, work experience, and ideological outlook.

Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet