About Issue One

Issue One is a cross-partisan 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organization fighting to protect American democracy. We don't just sound the alarm when democracy is under threat.  We mobilize action to fight back. Since 2014, we've worked to pass game-changing reforms that increase transparency, strengthen government ethics and accountability, reduce the influence of big money in politics, protect the freedom to vote, and secure our elections. When threats emerge, we move fast to educate the public, pressure Congress, and organize citizens to defend the democratic systems that make self-government possible. Our work is grounded in the belief that a healthy democracy requires constant vigilance and that protecting it demands both policy reform and grassroots action.

Position: Individual Giving Manager

Status: Full-Time (40 hours per week, full benefits)

Reports to: VP, Philanthropy

Salary Grade: Manager II

Salary Range: $85,000-95,000

Location: Washington, DC Preferred; Northeast applicants considered

Position Summary

The Individual Giving Manager is a frontline fundraising role responsible for building and managing Issue One's small and mid-size individual donor program, with a focus on cultivating donors giving up to $25,000 annually and developing a strong pipeline of supporters with the potential to grow into mid-level and major donors over time. This role also supports engagement with The Council for American Democracy (TCAD). The Individual Giving Manager is ideal for an energetic fundraising professional with 3-5 years of experience who is passionate about relationship-based fundraising, excited to build a program from the ground up, and motivated by the opportunity to identify and elevate the next generation of Issue One's major donors. The Individual Giving Manager reports to the VP of Philanthropy and works closely with all philanthropy staff to support a cohesive and growing development operation.

Responsibilities

Individual Giving Portfolio Management and Cultivation (70%)

• Build and manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects giving up to $25,000 annually, with a deliberate focus on identifying high-potential donors and cultivating them toward larger gifts over time.

• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each portfolio donor, tailored to individual interests, giving history, and capacity.

• Proactively identify and qualify new individual giving prospects by mining Issue One's existing donor database, online giving activity, event attendee lists, and referrals from organizational leadership and board members.

• Conduct regular donor outreach through meetings, calls, site visits, and written communications to build authentic, lasting relationships and advance philanthropic investments.

• Develop a systematic approach to moving donors up the giving ladder, establishing clear criteria and processes for identifying when a donor is ready to be elevated to the mid-level or major gifts portfolio.

• Partner closely with the Director of Major Gifts and Leadership Giving to ensure smooth and well-timed transitions of donors with major gift potential, providing thorough relationship context and background to support a seamless handoff.

• Leverage Issue One's events, online giving channels, and digital engagement to identify, engage, and convert new individual donors, partnering with relevant staff to ensure a consistent and high-quality donor experience across all touchpoints.

• Draft compelling donor correspondence, proposals, and stewardship updates tailored to individual donor interests and organizational priorities.

• Design and implement a small donor renewal and upgrade program, including targeted outreach strategies for lapsed donors and first-time givers with growth potential.

• Develop and manage a mid-year and year-end giving strategy for the individual giving portfolio, coordinating with the broader philanthropy team on messaging, timing, and execution.

• Track and document all donor interactions, next steps, and revenue projections accurately and consistently in Salesforce, maintaining a clean and current record of portfolio activity.

• Monitor portfolio performance and progress toward revenue goals on a regular basis, analyzing donor trends and adjusting outreach and engagement strategies as needed.

• Prepare regular reports on individual giving performance, pipeline health, and donor trends for the VP of Philanthropy.

• Meet or exceed annual individual giving revenue goals.

TCAD Engagement and Support (20%)

• Support fundraising and donor engagement efforts connected to The Council for American Democracy (TCAD), including identifying TCAD-aligned prospects within the individual giving portfolio.

• Assist in developing donor communications and engagement strategies that connect TCAD's mission to individual donor interests.

• Coordinate with TCAD leadership and the VP of Philanthropy to align fundraising efforts and ensure a cohesive donor experience.

• Support TCAD-related events and donor cultivation activities, including logistics, communications, and follow-up.

Philanthropy Team Support (10%)

• Support the philanthropy leadership team with administrative tasks including meeting preparation, briefing materials, follow-up correspondence, and donor research.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Build and grow Issue One's individual giving program, with a deliberate focus on identifying and cultivating donors with long-term major gift potential.

• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of small and mid-size donors positioned for growth, serving as a key feeder to the major gifts program over time.

• Support TCAD fundraising and donor engagement in coordination with organizational leadership.

Required Skills and Experience

Job-Related Experience

• 3-5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, or a related field

• Demonstrated success cultivating and securing gifts from individual donors, with experience managing a donor portfolio

• Experience identifying and qualifying new prospects and moving donors through a cultivation pipeline

• Familiarity with donor renewal, upgrade, and re-engagement strategies

• Experience with donor acknowledgment, correspondence, and stewardship processes

• Experience with political advocacy, nonprofit fundraising, or democracy reform is preferred; candidates should be comfortable with Issue One's cross-partisan approach and able to engage donors across the political spectrum

• Familiarity with donor databases (Salesforce preferred) and basic prospect research tools

• Experience supporting senior fundraisers with donor research or relationship management is a plus

Job-Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Genuine enthusiasm for building relationships with donors and a passion for Issue One's mission

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling, and personalized donor correspondence and proposals

• A natural relationship-builder who is comfortable initiating and sustaining conversations with a wide range of donors

• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify donor potential and develop thoughtful, long-term cultivation plans

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage a large and active donor portfolio simultaneously

• Proactive and self-motivated, with a willingness to take initiative and build systems and processes in a growing program

• Collaborative mindset and comfort working across teams

• Comfort with a metrics-driven approach to fundraising and portfolio management

• Familiarity with fundraising best practices, moves management, and the donor lifecycle

• Familiarity with democracy reform and the U.S. political system

• Positive energy and a team-first attitude, with a genuine desire to grow within a mission-driven philanthropy operation

Structure and Location

This role is a full-time, fully benefited position requiring 40 hours per week. Washington, DC is the preferred location, though Issue One is open to candidates based elsewhere in the Northeast. Candidates based outside of DC will be expected to travel to the DC office regularly and should be prepared to discuss logistics with the hiring manager prior to an employment offer. Issue One operates a hybrid work environment, with staff coming to the office two days a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and working remotely the other three days.

Work Coordination and Supervision

This role is managed by the VP, Philanthropy, who provides strategic direction and oversight. The Individual Giving Manager works closely with other philanthropy staff on a day-to-day basis and is expected to bring proactive recommendations and solutions for review and input.

Physical Demands 

Most work is done in an office-like environment, where tasks are completed at a desk for extended periods and work is done on a computer. 

The employee may occasionally be required to lift, push, and/or carry items weighing more than ten (10) pounds. 

Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

October 13-23: Position posted and resumes collected

October 26-30: Resumes screened and top candidates identified for interviews

October 28-Nov 6: First-round panel interviews

November 9-13: Second-round panel interviews with finalists

November 16: Preferred candidate named and role offered (contingent on background check and verification of educational credentials)

December 1: New candidate begins (flexible start date) 

Special Note: While Issue One will do its best to follow the above timeline, there are instances where the selection process is shortened or delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. Issue One will do its best to update all selected candidates on any changes to the timeline. In addition, while resumes may be submitted after the posted deadline, there is no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do. We celebrate each individual's unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to complete our self-identification questionnaire voluntarily. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring everyone has equal success opportunities.

Due to the volume of applications, we will, unfortunately, be unable to acknowledge receipt of all applications. No phone calls, please. 

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Issue One is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.