Manager of Special Projects

Position: Manager of Special Projects

Status: Full-Time (40 hours per week, full benefits)

Reports to: Director of Philanthropy  

Salary Grade: Manager II

Salary Range: $80,000-$95,000

Location: Washington, D.C. Preferred 

Job Type: Hybrid if in DMV region (in-office Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

Apply Here

About Us: 

Issue One is at the forefront of efforts to strengthen American democracy during a critical moment in our nation’s history. As we prepare for the peaceful transfer of power in 2025 and beyond, our work remains centered on building an inclusive democracy that works for everyone.

Since 2014, Issue One has championed bipartisan reforms to increase transparency, strengthen government ethics and accountability, reduce the influence of big money in politics, protect the freedom to vote, and ensure secure elections.

We are also home to one of the largest bipartisan coalitions of its kind, advocating for solutions to safeguard democracy. Our track record includes:  

• Building a coalition to successfully amend the Electoral Count Act
• Securing $800M in election funding to bolster American elections
• Leading on a series of new ethics and transparency rules in the Senate
• Established the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress
• Passed the Kids Online Safety Act in Senate in 2024
• Managed nationwide election-protection efforts in 2020 and 2024

Position:

Are you ready to help shape the future of democracy? As the Manager of Special Projects, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to build up and manage The Council for American Democracy (TCAD)—a group of passionate, mission-driven donors dedicated to strengthening our democracy, protecting its foundations, and ensuring our elections remain free of interference.

TCAD is still in its infancy, and we’re looking for someone to take this dynamic community to the next level. You’ll oversee and grow its membership, cultivate relationships with members, and collaborate closely with Issue One’s C-suite leaders, including our Founder/CEO and Chief Advancement Officer. Together, you’ll build a powerful coalition of supporters who share our commitment to safeguarding democracy.

Beyond TCAD, you’ll also work with our Advancement team (A-team) on other special projects that further our mission, helping to amplify Issue One’s impact. This is a role for a strategic and highly organized relationship-builder with experience developing memberships or donor networks, managing high-level connections, and working collaboratively across teams. If you’re energized by the chance to foster meaningful relationships and make a real difference in protecting democracy, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities:

TCAD Oversight and Membership Growth

• Oversee and manage all aspects of The Council for American Democracy (TCAD) donor group.
• Develop and implement strategies to grow TCAD membership and deepen member engagement, working to meet and exceed growth goals.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, ensuring they feel valued and connected to Issue One’s mission.

Collaboration and Special Projects

• Work closely with the Advancement team (A-team) to support other special projects and initiatives as needed.
• Collaborate with the CEO, CAO, and other senior leaders to achieve donor engagement and fundraising objectives.
• Assist with planning and executing donor events and TCAD gatherings, ensuring high-quality experiences.

Relationship Management and Communication

• Serve as a key liaison between TCAD members and Issue One’s leadership.
• Create tailored communications for current and potential members, including correspondence, presentations, and reports.
• Track and report on TCAD membership metrics and progress, identifying areas for growth and improvement.

Job-Related Experience 

• 3–5 years of experience in donor cultivation, relationship management, or fundraising in a nonprofit or similar setting.
• Proven success working with high-net-worth individuals and building donor or membership bases.
• Experience working closely with senior leaders, such as C-suite executives, to advance organizational goals.
• Experience planning and managing donor events is a plus.

Job-Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency with donor databases or CRM software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge).
• Superb communication and presentation skills are a must. 
• Outstanding organizational and project management skills with an overall execution orientation and high attention to detail.
• The ability to identify new sources of support and develop strategies to secure additional funding and cultivate long-term partnerships.
• Team-oriented and collaborative; flexible and adaptable to modify plans per shifting priorities.

Physical Demands 

• Most work is carried out in an office-like environment, completing projects at a desk for extended periods of time and working with a computer. During special events or meetings, the Manger may be required to stand for a long period of time. 
• The Manager may have to lift, push, and/or carry items in excess of ten (10) pounds. 
• Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.

Structure and Location

This is a full-time, salaried, fully benefited position requiring 40 hours per week. 

While it’s preferred for this position to be in the Washington, DC area, highly qualified individuals from throughout the U.S. will be considered for a remote role. If remote, this person would be required to travel to DC regularly (typically once a month) for 2-3 days at a time. 

Benefits

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance: 

• All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan with 100% of the premium paid by Issue One. In addition, the organization covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff. 
• Staff receives more than 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures. 
• Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for commuting and any work-related travel.
• Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. They are also eligible to be reimbursed for stepping outside of their comfort zone and doing something they have never done before. 
• All staff are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization hosts several opportunities for fun and fellowship. 

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

• Jan 2-17: The position is posted, and resumes are collected 
• Jan 18-20: Resumes are screened and top candidates are identified for interviews.
• Feb 6-10: first-round panel interviews take place.
• Feb 13-17: Finalists identified and paid assessment conducted (if needed). 
• Feb 21-24: Second-round panel interviews with finalists take place.
• Feb 27-28: Preferred candidate named and the role offered (contingent on a background check and verification of all educational credentials). 
• March 17-New candidate begins (flexible start date) 

Special Note: While Issue One will do its best to follow the above timeline, there are instances where the selection process is shortened or delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. The organization will do its best to update all selected candidates on any changes to the timeline. In addition, while resumes may be submitted after December 17, there’s no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire 

At Issue One, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do. We celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to voluntarily complete our self-identification questionnaire. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities for success.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply by clicking here. Please include how you heard about the position.

Due to the volume of applications, we will unfortunately be unable to acknowledge receipt of all applications. No phone calls, please. 

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Issue One is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.