Description
Job Description
The Independent Expenditure (IE) Fundraising Director will lead fundraising for RWP’s IE fundraising program. This senior role is responsible for raising significant national resources—including six- and seven-figure contributions—to meet RWP’s IE goals across multiple states and campaigns. The Director will align major national donors, donor-advisors, PACs, labor, and other institutional partners around specific IE plans, ensuring coordinated investment that matches the scale of the opportunity.
This position is ideal for a seasoned political fundraiser with experience closing major gifts, convening national donor networks, and navigating the interplay between institutional funders, high-net-worth individuals, and aligned organizations.
About Rural West Project
The Rural West Project (RWP) drives multi-cycle, multi-modal investments to build political competition and center-left power in overlooked small-population western states. Our independent expenditure (IE) program is designed to catalyze electoral disruption in pivotal Senate, Congressional, and state-level races—leveraging strategic investments, top talent, and innovative narratives to broaden the national map.
Responsibilities and Tasks
Develop and execute a comprehensive multi-state IE fundraising plan, including donor segmentation, solicitation tactics, and revenue projections.
Personally manage and solicit six- and seven-figure contributions from individuals, foundations, and donor-advised funds; coordinate donor outreach with RWP’s and fundraising team leadership team.
Build and maintain partnerships with labor organizations, national PACs, and other institutional funders to invest in RWP’s IE efforts.
Convene and coordinate donor networks, allied organizations, and political leaders to align strategies and funding around RWP’s IE program.
Work with RWP development team to execute donor briefings, events, and field visits; ensure high-impact stewardship and engagement for top donors.
Work closely with the RWP’s leadership team and state-based partners to integrate fundraising with program goals.
Willingness to travel (estimated 15–25%).
Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Ability
7+ years of progressive experience in political and/or IE fundraising.
Demonstrated track record of soliciting six- and seven-figure contributions from national donors and institutions.
Deep relationships within national donor networks, political giving circles, PACs, and/or labor organizations.
Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder efforts (donors, donor-advisors, PACs, political committees).
Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
High level of professionalism, discretion, and comfort working in a fast-moving political environment.
Familiarity with western battleground and rural-urban dynamics a plus.
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $125,000 to $160,000, commensurate with experience. This is a one-year position, and we are open to considering consultant proposals in which Rural West Project constitutes the majority of the consultant’s workload.
This position includes 100% employer paid health, dental, and vision insurance, a 3% automatic 401k contribution plus up to an additional 3% match, and up to 12 weeks of parental leave upon 3 months of service. RWP allows for 4 weeks of vacation leave, 2 weeks of sick leave, and 10 federal holidays. RWP also provides a $75/month wellness stipend and $75/month cell phone stipend.
How to Apply
If interested in this position, please send a resume detailing relevant experience to operations@ruralwestproject.org.
Requirements
Responsibilities and Tasks
Develop and execute a comprehensive multi-state IE fundraising plan, including donor segmentation, solicitation tactics, and revenue projections.
Personally manage and solicit six- and seven-figure contributions from individuals, foundations, and donor-advised funds; coordinate donor outreach with RWP’s and fundraising team leadership team.
Build and maintain partnerships with labor organizations, national PACs, and other institutional funders to invest in RWP’s IE efforts.
Convene and coordinate donor networks, allied organizations, and political leaders to align strategies and funding around RWP’s IE program.
Work with RWP development team to execute donor briefings, events, and field visits; ensure high-impact stewardship and engagement for top donors.
Work closely with the RWP’s leadership team and state-based partners to integrate fundraising with program goals.
Willingness to travel (estimated 15–25%).
Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Ability
7+ years of progressive experience in political and/or IE fundraising.
Demonstrated track record of soliciting six- and seven-figure contributions from national donors and institutions.
Deep relationships within national donor networks, political giving circles, PACs, and/or labor organizations.
Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder efforts (donors, donor-advisors, PACs, political committees).
Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
High level of professionalism, discretion, and comfort working in a fast-moving political environment.
Familiarity with western battleground and rural-urban dynamics a plus.
