May 21st, 2026
Maryland Center on Economic Policy
About the Organization
The Maryland Center on Economic Policy (MDCEP) seeks a talented Director of Development to plan and implement a development strategy that ensures the long-term sustainability of the organization.
MDCEP has a dynamic vision for program growth and impact that requires the expansion and diversification of its revenue streams.
The Director of Development will report directly to the CEO, work closely with the Vice President of External Relations, and collaborate with MDCEP staff, consultants, and the Board of Directors.
Successful applicants will be resourceful, strategic, and creative, with a strong track record of relationship building, strong writing experience, and the ability to thrive in an environment of collaboration and innovation.
In addition to outstanding fundraising, writing, and tactical skills, MDCEP seeks someone with a deep commitment to racial, gender, and economic justice, and the organization’s core priorities around taxes, government budgets, and economic policy.
Job Description
Position
Title: Director of Development
Reports To: CEO
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
Core Duties & Responsibilities
Development Strategy
Represent MDCEP with donors and at donor and funder events
Prepare CEO and staff for donor and foundation meetings, calls, and presentations
Research prospects, manage relationships, and develop strategies to grow funding support
Manage donor pipeline, grants calendar, and annual fundraising communications calendar
Manage direct mail program including print and digital appeals, mailing lists, and vendor coordination
Foundation Giving (Approximately 60%)
Partner with leadership, analysts, and grantwriting consultants to compose LOIs, proposals, and grant reports
Ensure grant budgets reflect project needs and grant agreement goals are met
Develop compelling messaging and maintain communication with current and prospective foundation partners
Individual & Institutional Giving (Approximately 25%)
Develop donor engagement strategies and touchpoints for leadership and staff
Solicit gifts and support CEO and Board members in fundraising efforts
Develop messaging strategies for existing and prospective donors and institutional partners
Development Operations (Approximately 10%)
Work with finance team on grant budgets, financial reporting, invoicing, and donation tracking
Ensure compliance with charitable solicitation certifications and gift processing procedures
Manage Little Green Light database including gift entry, tax receipts, reports, and mailing lists
Assist with annual budgeting, cash flow forecasting, audits, and Board fundraising reports
Collaborate with communications team on website updates, social media, and MailChimp outreach
Events Management (Approximately 5%)
Coordinate logistics for occasional in-person events (1–2 annually)
Manage budgets, vendors, invitations, sponsorship materials, and day-of coordination
Maintain invitation lists, guest lists, ticket sales, and sponsorship revenue tracking
Partner with Vice President of External Relations on digital promotion and outreach
Conduct post-event follow-up including donor stewardship and sponsorship reporting
Qualifications & Competencies
Demonstrated success in fundraising and revenue growth
Proven track record securing grants, major gifts, and expanding donor pipelines
Ability to build authentic relationships across diverse identities and stakeholder groups
Excellent writing, editing, organizational, and communication skills
Ability to communicate effectively about policy change, racial equity, and advocacy campaigns
Commitment to advancing anti-racism, equity, and inclusion
High emotional intelligence, self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage upward with organizational leadership, including CEO and Board
Experience with CRM tools, websites, and email platforms
Fluency in Microsoft Office
Experience with Little Green Light, WordPress, and MailChimp preferred
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus five years of experience required
Graduate education may count toward up to two years of experience
Additional Information
Full-time, exempt position
Applicants must reside in Maryland if hired, ideally within commuting distance of Baltimore
Occasional travel throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. required
Rare travel to out-of-state conferences may occur
All staff except the CEO are currently telecommuting
This is a bargaining unit position
Compensation & Benefits
Starting salary: $70,000+ depending on experience
Employer-paid health insurance premium
Up to four weeks paid vacation
Sick leave
Paid family and medical leave
Generous retirement plan
How to Apply
Please submit:
Cover letter
Resume
Combine both into a single PDF and send to:
jobs@mdeconomy.org
Application Instructions
Subject Line: Director of Development Position
File Name Format: lastname.application.devtdirector
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.