InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington Seeks Atlas Corps Fellow from Colombia, Ecuador or India



About the InterFaith Conference:
The InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington (IFC) - www.ifcmw.org was created in 1978 and was the first staffed organization in the U.S. and almost certainly in the world to engage the Islamic as well as the Jewish, Protestant and Roman Catholic faith communities and their leaders in a metropolitan area to build a just community and to deepen understanding. The InterFaith Conference continues its pioneering work, now also involving the Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Latter-day Saints, Sikh and Zoroastrian faith communities in this region to advance justice, build community, and nurture understanding in metropolitan Washington.

Assistant Director of Development - Role Description:
IFC is seeking a highly motivated, dynamic, resourceful and experienced nonprofit professional from Colombia, Ecuador or India to join the team as an IFC-Atlas Corps Fellow / Assistant Director of Development. Candidates must have 3-8 years of relevant nonprofit experience, a bachelor’s degree, and speak and write English fluently.

This position is an exceptional opportunity to experience the full range of development programs utilized by American nonprofits in a highly respected inter-religious organization in the capital of the United States.

The Assistant Director of Development will be an important member of a small staff team consisting of the Executive Director (who will be his or her immediate supervisor), Assistant Director, Coordinator for Grassroots InterFaith Dialogue, and Office Manager. The Assistant Director of Development will also benefit from the experience of attending meetings of the Board of Directors and Assembly and assisting with a variety of special events throughout the year, in which individuals from 11 member faith traditions will participate. The Assistant Director of Development can also participate in some of the frequent IFC meetings to share their experience of 30 years with international visitors.

In the one year that the IFC-Atlas Corps Fellow will be part of the staff team of the InterFaith Conference, she or he will work especially with the Executive Director and Development Consultant. She or he will substantially deepen his/her understanding of fundraising work in a U.S. nonprofit, specifically working on foundation research and grant writing, prospect research, coordinating events, collaboration in the annual fund coordination, and pubic relations interface.

Responsibilities:
  • Foundation Research and Grant Writing. Work to secure support from various foundations for new and existing programs, as well as general operating support. Work closely with the Executive Director in following up with foundations who have supported IFC in the past, and take initiative in researching and applying for new foundation support for the IFC’s programs and mission. Draft and revise foundation proposals with input from the Executive Director and President.
  • Prospect Research. Meet with the Leadership Gifts Committee, Executive Director and the Development Consultant as they identify potential major donors with the capacity to make gifts of $25,000 or more.
  • Coordination of Events. Help coordinate key programs during the course of the year. Primary responsibilities will be for the InterFaith Concert, Snowdon Lecture, and InterFaith Bridge Builders’ Awards. The Fellow will also have the opportunity to help prepare for and participate in the region’s only multi-religious service for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, attend performances of the first InterFaith Children’s Theatre Company troupe in the world and the Presidents’ Day High School Youth Workshop in February.
  • Annual Fund. A cornerstone of support of almost all American nonprofit organizations is the annual fund. IFC is strengthening year-round giving through an annual fund that encourages individuals and congregations to contribute at other times of the year. Work closely with the Executive Director in implementing the annual fund campaign during the year.
  • Faith Community Giving. IFC has 11 member faith traditions. All contribute annual membership fees to sustain the organization. The Fellow will learn how the IFC works with its diverse traditions to garner support and may play a role in this process.
  • Public Relations Interface. Interface with those responsible for publicizing the IFC’s work and programs to learn more about the ways such public awareness is developed.
Qualifications:
  • Believe strongly in religious understanding as a means to advance justice, build community and nurture understanding.
  • 3-8 years of relevant nonprofit experience, and demonstrated leadership skills.
  • Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience in fundraising/foundation research, grant writing, prospect research, and coordinating events.
  • Strong research and analytical skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
  • Proactive and flexible nature with reliable follow-through and attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated capacity and initiative to solve problems with energy and positive attitude.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills; be collegial and comfortable with working in a small team.
  • Have an open-minded attitude towards all IFC member religious traditions.
  • Although a personal faith commitment to one of the religious traditions is not required, it is helpful to be rooted in a faith community.
  • Strong ethical fiber.