Economic Fundamentals Initiative Development Director
The Economic Fundamentals Initiative (EFI) is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) NGO established in 2019 that strives to bring economics, in simple terms, to everyone in former communist countries in their local languages. EFI works with universities, policy institutes and non-profits in 11 Partner Countries in the Balkans, South Caucuses and Central Asia to deliver material and activities that inspire broad-based interest in economics and personal finance. We have a special focus on secondary school students including an international Economics Olympiad, educational materials and teacher training. You can see more about our activities at www.econfun.org (although the site is currently undergoing significant upgrade).
We are looking for a Development Director to join a small full-time staff. Our staff is decentralized in the US and Western Europe and works virtually but with a high level of interaction and in person.
The Development Director will:
Develop, implement and execute (after Board approval) quarterly and annual fundraising plans to meet organizational goals. Maintain existing donor relationships with support from Board and senior staff. Identify new donor and grant opportunities, initiate contact (with Board support), and cultivate these relationships. Prepare compelling grant proposals. Organize Country Partners and EFIs joint applications to international donors. Advise and motivate local fundraising efforts of Country Partners seeking support for EFI projects. Represent EFI at conferences and events where current and potential donors may be present
The ideal candidate will be:
Outgoing and highly motivated.
An excellent written and oral communicator.
Someone with at least three years of experience in a development position.
Knowledgeable about the US and EU philanthropy landscape.
At ease interacting with senior managers among corporations, international organizations, national banks, foundations and representatives of high net-worth individuals.
A self-starter. Able to work in a collaborative manner without close supervision.
Creative and able to think out of the box about EFIs funding needs.
Knowledgeable in basic economics, finance or business background helpful.
Understanding of, supportive of, and interested in the transition from communism to free markets.
Sensitive to local customs and practices across our 11 partner countries in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia.
Flexible and able to travel. (Our board and partners span 14 time zones. ) This position offers:
The opportunity to make a real difference in the future of hundreds of millions of individuals and the education of tens of thousands of future leaders. Flexible schedule, remote work, and significant travel opportunities. Great and diverse colleagues.