Business Development Officer

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment.  The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide.  We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts around the world.  Together we tackle the toughest problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

JOB BRIEF

The Business Development Officer (BDO) will scale up USIP’s online-learning initiative (the Global Campus) by leading the business development, partnership development, award management, and marketing efforts. A successful candidate will have substantial funder-relations experience and pre-existing networks and contacts with relevant audiences. The BDO will craft creative proposal writing strategies and have a deep understanding of funder requirements, agreement policies, regulations, procedures, financial reporting, and funder-relationship management systems. The BDO will also bring strategic-communications experience and expertise to strengthen outreach and marketing efforts as well as internal reporting to stakeholders and USIP senior leadership.

This position is based in Washington, DC, and reports to the Director of the Global Campus. USIP’s Global Campus produces online courses, podcasts, and other virtual training for a large and growing global audience.

The Global Campus is part of the Gandhi-King Global Academy (GKGA), which promotes values-based peacebuilding through a combination of training, research, convening, small grants, and direct support to peace processes. As needed, the BDO will also conduct business development for the in-person training courses offered by other GKGA teams.

TARGET SALARY RANGE

Grade 13 - $106,000 - $110,000

The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development:

• In collaboration with the Global Campus Director, other GKGA directors, and USIP’s finance office, design, lead and implement a new fundraising effort to pay for course fees and other participation costs.
• Develop, manage and grow a comprehensive and diverse portfolio of fundraising initiatives.
• Hire, train, and supervise support staff as required.
• Research, identify, solicit, and steward new corporate, foundation, and individual partners in the area of online learning.
• Build relationships with potential funders and manage a database of funding opportunities and sources.
• Leads in writing coherent, organized, and compelling proposals.
• Lead all aspects of proposals as it relates to securing funding for fees and course participation costs.
• Track and analyze opportunities and make recommendations to improve performance and compliance as needed.
• Track, review, and ensure accuracy and compliance with timely and accurate financial reporting requirements.
• Compose routine correspondence with existing and prospective funders, including acknowledgments and letters of inquiry.
• Manages relationships with key external partners regarding research and project coordination and execution.

Communications and Outreach:

• Oversee and conduct business development, partnership development, and marketing efforts to expand awareness of the Global Campus’ courses, podcasts, and training events.
• Leads the writing of strategic communications and reports for stakeholders and USIP senior leadership.
• Provides advice and communication information to the Global Campus team on external communications activities.
• Develops key messages and communications materials appropriate for different target audiences.
• Build strategic partnerships and cultivates contacts with subject matter experts and a wide variety of external organizations to leverage resources and combine efforts to promote USIP program initiatives and goals.
• Develops and implements new means to expand Global Campus’ outreach to appropriate audiences (foundations, corporations, individuals, and other appropriate audience) across the country, including strategic and targeted outreach plans based on institutional priorities, and including work with partner organizations and networks.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree with seven (7) years of experience in business development, project management, financial management, accounting and/or related field required.  Master’s Degree with five (5) years of similar experience is preferred.
• Excellent project-management skills with a focus on contract writing as well as marketing and outreach.
• Advanced knowledge of the philanthropic community (foundation, corporate and individual) at both the U.S. and international levels. Understanding of donor/stakeholder stewardship and prospect relationship management.
• Demonstrated success in engaging the philanthropic community and securing funding.
• Ability to present contract-related issues and matters to subordinates, superiors, and colleagues.
• Advanced skill level in online databases and funding opportunity systems.
• Excellent research and writing ability; strong organizational skills; and ability to work independently and yet collegially.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of teams and partners.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.

To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:
1.  Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire, and salary requirements.
2.  Cover letter
3.  Resume

For questions about this position please email recruitment@usip.org. Do not send resumes or attachments to this email address.

Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.

No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of USIP to offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliations or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.