Associate Manager, Institutional Advancement

Description

Title: Associate Manager, Institutional Advancement 

Employment Status:  Exempt 

Salary: ?$57,750 - $64,706 

Supervisor Title: Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy 

Date Revised: July 2025 

Summary of Position: 

Under the supervision of the Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy, the Associate Manager, Institutional Advancement works with the Institutional Advancement team and within the Engagement, Growth, and Partnerships team at large to assist in raising major and principal gifts from individuals, the Board of Trustees, and national philanthropic partners.  

The Associate Manager is responsible for supporting development activities and programs with a focus on individual philanthropic fundraising. Primary responsibilities include project management for a capital campaign and other national and major gift fundraising campaigns, including drafting gift proposals, sponsorship materials, and other donor correspondence; writing prospect profiles and donor briefings for senior leadership; tracking donor engagement; event management including developing guest lists, programming, and logistics; tracking gifts, and other special projects as needed. 

This position is located in Washington D.C. and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees. The position may work partially remotely until further notice.  

Position Responsibilities: 

• Support the identification, cultivation, asks, and stewardship of philanthropic partners and potential philanthropic partners with the capacity to give major and principal gifts $25,000 – 5,000,000; responsible for increasing individual giving year over year including conducting new and current philanthropic partner research to advance the acquisition of major gifts. 
• Project management for the Capital Campaign for Meridian, tracking gifts, outreach, and organizing moves management on the campaign which supports the renovation and historic preservation of Meridian’s historic, John Russell Pope designed campus and grounds for diplomacy as well as programs ensuring the future of diplomacy, U.S. competitiveness, global alliances, and geopolitical resiliency. 
• Support the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy on the management of select board committees and liaising with the Board of Trustees 
• Ensure fundraising actions are followed through by closely collaborating with leadership on moves management of development prospects 
• Draft/write communications on behalf of the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and other senior leadership as needed for any/all follow-ups with donors 
• Research background of potential philanthropic partners and draft meeting briefs for senior leadership. 
• Take team meeting minutes as well as minutes for a committee on the Board of Trustees; ensure accurate record keeping and timely follow-up. 
• Communicate regularly with philanthropic partners and prospective partners. 
• Design and write compelling donor materials, gift proposals, and gift agreements tailored to major philanthropic partners focused on Meridian programs and initiatives. 
• Represent Meridian at meetings and events, when appropriate, across the country. 
• Contribute to Salesforce database for institutional advancement related activities. 
• Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines. 
• Help fundraise, as needed, for Meridian’s flagship events. 
• Support event planning and management for dinners and other programs for major philanthropic partners. 
• Other front-line fundraiser support and duties as needed.
   

Requirements

 Education/Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in a related field 
• 3-5 years of work experience on a fundraising team 
• Or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

• Familiarity with or interest in international relations 
• Strong inter-cultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world 
• Proactive collaboration and ability to anticipate needs. 
• Assertive/confident in executive spaces, with strong follow-through to help manage executive leadership 
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including versatile writing skills. 

Technical Requirements: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Of