Director of Development-Georgia Public Policy Foundation
Big Fish Recruiting
Atlanta, GA
Full Time
Hybrid
Georgia Public Policy Foundation is partnering with Big Fish on this search.
For questions or referrals, please contact Chaz Cirame at chaz@recruitbigfish.com
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Director of Development
Georgia Public Policy Foundation | Atlanta, GA (Hybrid) | $$100,000-120,000
About the Organization
The Georgia Public Policy Foundation is an independent, Atlanta-based think tank advancing free-market solutions that expand opportunity for every Georgian. Through rigorous research, sharp communications, and relationships across the state, Georgia Policy shapes the debate on the issues that matter most, from education and health care to taxes, jobs, and the economy.
Why This Role Matters
Ideas need fuel. Georgia Policy is growing, and this hire will build the fundraising engine behind that growth.
Reporting directly to President Kyle Wingfield, the Director of Development owns annual revenue and leads every piece of the fundraising operation: individual giving, major gifts, foundations, and corporate partners. This is a player-coach role. You'll set the strategy and carry a real portfolio, making the asks yourself while building the systems, board engagement, and team capacity that let the organization scale.
If you want to be the person who proves what a state think tank can raise when fundraising is done right, this is the seat.
What You'll Do
Lead the strategy
Build and run a comprehensive development plan across all revenue streams, aligned with Georgia Policy's growth goals
Design annual and major gift plans that hit the revenue target and set up future growth
Deploy the President's time strategically with top-tier prospects and major gift opportunities
Equip board members to identify, cultivate, and solicit within their own networks
Partner with research, communications, and program teams to turn policy wins into compelling donor stories
Own the portfolio
Major gifts: 35–45 donors giving $2,500+ annually, with a focus on cultivating high-net-worth individuals capable of $10,000+ gifts
Foundations: 10–15 foundations, overseeing research, cultivation, proposals, and reporting
Corporate partners: 15–20 partners, including sponsorships, grants, and matching gift programs
Individual giving: 300+ donors through annual campaigns, direct mail, online appeals, and recurring giving
Prospects: roughly 100 high-potential prospects, moved from first conversation to first gift to major gift
Steward and engage
Run a stewardship program that delivers timely, personal acknowledgment and keeps donors coming back
Produce proposals, impact reports, newsletters, and appeals
Plan and execute board dinners, receptions, and other fundraising events
Build the infrastructure
Manage the CRM for donor tracking, gift processing, and communication history
Make sure every donor knows exactly what their gift made possible
What You Bring
6+ years of fundraising experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role
A proven record of closing major gifts ($10,000+), growing annual funds, and building donor pipelines
Experience writing and executing strategic fundraising plans
Comfort cultivating high-net-worth donors and managing long-term relationships
CRM experience (DonorPerfect, Salesforce, Bloomerang, or similar) and a data-driven approach
Nonprofit experience, ideally in public policy, research, or advocacy
Genuine alignment with Georgia Policy's mission
Willingness to travel within Georgia 2–3 days per month, plus 2–4 multi-day conferences a year
Compensation
$120,000 base salary.
What You Bring
6+ years of fundraising experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role
A proven record of closing major gifts ($10,000+), growing annual funds, and building donor pipelines
Experience writing and executing strategic fundraising plans
Comfort cultivating high-net-worth donors and managing long-term relationships
CRM experience (DonorPerfect, Salesforce, Bloomerang, or similar) and a data-driven approach
Nonprofit experience, ideally in public policy, research, or advocacy
Genuine alignment with Georgia Policy's mission
Willingness to travel within Georgia 2–3 days per month, plus 2–4 multi-day conferences a year