Offer summary

Qualifications:

10–12 years of fundraising experience., Proven track record of securing major gifts., Strong strategic planning and relationship management skills., Experience building and leading development teams..

Key responsibilities:

Lead and execute CDI's fundraising strategy to meet revenue goals.

Manage relationships with institutional and high-net-worth donors.

Oversee the development of grant proposals, reports, and donor communications.

Build and optimize development systems and infrastructure.

Job description

About CDI

The Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) is a non-profit dedicated to equipping the next generation of Americans with the skills to communicate and collaborate across lines of difference. We work with U.S. colleges and universities by providing curricular programming for students, professional development for faculty and staff, and strategic guidance to leadership. Our goal is to foster constructive dialogue at every level of the institution and to create the conditions for lasting organizational change. CDI was co-founded by psychologist Jonathan Haidt, the bestselling author of The Righteous Mind and The Anxious Generation.

Summary

CDI is seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial leader to serve as our Vice President of Development. Reporting to the Co-Founder and Executive Director, the VP will lead the organization’s development strategy and will oversee all aspects of philanthropic revenue—including major donors, foundations, and regional funders.

This is both a strategic and hands-on role. The VP will build and drive a comprehensive development function from the ground up: cultivating their own portfolio, closing significant gifts, developing systems and materials, and laying the foundation for future team growth. The ideal candidate brings 10–12 years of fundraising experience, a track record of securing major gifts, and the mindset of a builder who moves fast, brings fresh ideas, and leads with clarity and confidence.

While this is a remote role, we have a strong preference for candidates based within commuting distance of New York City.

Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy

Lead CDI’s fundraising strategy, with accountability for setting and achieving ambitious, sustainable philanthropic revenue goals in partnership with the Executive Director
Work closely with the Growth Team to identify and match funders to aligned programmatic and institutional opportunities
Design and lead thoughtful engagement—updates, convenings, and learning opportunities—that effectively leverages CDI team members
Represent CDI externally at donor meetings, conferences, and events

Relationship Management

Identify, manage, and grow a portfolio of institutional and high-net-worth donors—driving cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Strategically direct the Executive Director’s involvement with funders for greatest impact

Grants & Fundraising Communications

Lead development and submission of compelling grant proposals, reports, and donor materials
Maintain and refine core assets—case studies, pitch decks, templates, and messaging
Ensure all deliverables reflect CDI’s voice, strategy, and impact

Systems & Operations

Build and manage HubSpot and development systems for accurate data, pipeline tracking, and reporting
Oversee grant tracking, deadlines, and donor relationship milestones
Partner with Finance on forecasting and philanthropic reporting
Develop scalable infrastructure—workflows, tools, and documentation—to support growth
Define and execute short- and long-term staffing strategy for the development function, in collaboration with Operations

Required profile