Job Description

Philanthropy Officer | Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) Location: Philadelphia, PA or Washington, DC (Hybrid) Salary Range: $70,000 – $90,000

FIRE has retained the recruiting firm Big Fish on this search. Please contact Leah Nalepa at leah@recruitbigfish.com with any questions regarding the role. Big Fish is a boutique recruiting firm specializing in the talent needed to drive policy change. Learn more at recruitbigfish.com

About FIRE

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression's mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.

About the Role

FIRE is seeking a Philanthropy Officer to cultivate and upgrade the giving of existing donors while also attracting new supporters across the country. This role reports directly to FIRE's Chief Development Officer and works closely with the broader development team, FIRE's President and CEO, and department heads across the organization.

This position requires significant travel — approximately 30–40% of the time — with occasional evenings and weekends expected. Start date is ASAP.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage an active portfolio of current donors, personally directing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship through events, travel, and regular communication
• Identify and research prospective donors and develop strategies to cultivate and solicit their support, including letters of introduction, personal meetings, and formal asks
• Produce regular reports, maintain donor records, and track performance metrics across the portfolio
• Collaborate with development and program staff to create proposals, slide decks, email solicitations, and newsletter content
• Help plan and execute approximately six donor events per year in cities across the country

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• 2–5 years of development experience, preferably with direct major gifts solicitation; candidates with relevant backgrounds in law, policy, or advocacy are also encouraged to apply
• Genuine passion for FIRE's mission and ability to communicate it persuasively
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Goal-oriented with the confidence to make a direct ask
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to travel frequently
• Working knowledge of donor prospecting methods and platforms like Salesforce a plus

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range is $70,000–$90,000 depending on experience. FIRE offers employer-paid health, dental, and life insurance; FSA; matching retirement contributions; and a generous PTO plan.

To Apply

Submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, salary requirements, and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.