Director of Strategic Advancement and Fundraising

Who we are:

ICMA is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing professional local government. Founded in 1914, ICMA is the leading professional association for local government leaders, managers, staff, and stakeholders – serving more than 14,000 members across the globe. As a membership association, we equip professionals with the research, knowledge, and tools needed to create and sustain thriving communities.

By advancing professional local government, we help communities deliver better services, engage residents, enable economic development, strengthen leadership, uphold ethics, and provide forward-thinking management.

We ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace by welcoming people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives and by learning from each other, individually and collectively.

A Great Opportunity:

Are you passionate about identifying and securing financial resources to support purpose-driven work for mission-critical organizations? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

ICMA is seeking a results-oriented Director of Strategic Advancement and Fundraising to lead ICMA's strategic advancement efforts and secure philanthropic, corporate, and individual donor support for the organization's core programs, products, and services. The position collaborates across teams to align implementation approaches with ICMA's Strategic Roadmap, current mission-critical activities, and potential future priorities.

Ideally a candidate should be willing to commute to ICMA headquarters on a regular basis, which is conveniently located near Union Station and Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

The salary for the Director of Strategic Advancement and Fundraising is based on experience, with a range of $95,000 to $125,000.

This position will report directly to the Managing Director of Innovation and Research.

What You'll Do:

1. Provide strategic leadership for ICMA's enterprise-wide grant funding and fundraising efforts.


2. Lead efforts to increase individual giving from ICMA members and other supporters to advance ICMA's advocacy and core mission priorities.


3. Develop strategies to strengthen and improve ICMA's fundraising approaches beyond individual cash donations (e.g. planned giving, donor advised funds, non-cash donations, events, etc.)


4. Guide the prioritization of philanthropic, corporate, and select federal funding opportunities.


5. Translate member data, market intelligence, and internal priorities into compelling, funder-ready requests for support.


6. Lead the development of partnerships, consortia, and other collaborative initiatives.


7. Oversee strategies and systems for funder and donor relationship management, institutional knowledge sharing, and engagement planning.


8. Lead the development of full proposals in collaboration with internal and external subject matter experts.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree


• Five (5) years of business development, fundraising, and/or sales experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, philanthropic support, and other external support in a non-profit, think tank, higher education, or related setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Senior-level experience in grantmaking, philanthropy, strategic revenue development, and individual donor fundraising.


• Proven ability to work across teams and lead complex, cross-functional initiatives.


• Strong skills in relationship building, communication, and external engagement.


• Experience turning strategy into actionable initiatives.


• Knowledge of local government and the city and county management profession.

Physical Requirements/ Work Environment:

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is typically performed in an office environment free from hazards or unpleasant environmental conditions.


• Work may require travel up to 25% of the time.

What We Can Offer You:

• A collaborative collegial working environment where teamwork and individual contributions are valued


• A competitive salary


• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer sponsored health, dental, life, disability, and employee assistance benefits


• Paid time off to include vacation, sick leave, holidays, and floating days


• Generous retirement plan


• Opportunities for ongoing professional development

The ICMA headquarters is located in Washington, DC. While ICMA operates as a virtual-first organization, that prioritizes flexibility and digital collaboration, we also encourage a hybrid approach, and our D.C. office remains fully operational and available for staff to work onsite. The selected individual must be able to work the core business hours from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm ET.

A high-speed internet connection is required when working virtually. Personnel will provide the internet service at their own expense. The internet connection must be of sufficient bandwidth to allow the team member to efficiently perform their regular job functions and participate in virtual meetings.

The selected candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

EEO Statement

At ICMA, we strive to promote and sustain a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging every day. ICMA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or on any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. We proudly support and encourage people with military experience (active, veterans, reservists, and National Guard) as well as military spouses to apply for ICMA job opportunities.