PILnet

Development Officer

Development Officer
We are seeking a passionate and self-driven Development Officer who will play a vital role in advancing our work in justice and civic resilience by mobilizing philanthropic opportunities and building sustainable revenue streams.

At a glance

Organisation:

PILnet

Type:

Full-time

Location:

New York, US and remote

Job posted:

7 August 2025

Application deadline:

5 September 2025


We are seeking a passionate and self-driven Development Officer who will play a vital role in advancing our work in justice and civic resilience by mobilizing philanthropic opportunities and building sustainable revenue streams. The Development Officer will lead PILnet’s efforts in identifying, pursuing, and managing institutional funding partnerships in the US. This full-time position reports to PILnet’s Co-Executive Directors and serves as a key member of PILnet’s 4-person Development team. 

Key responsibilities

The Development Officer will:

  • Conduct in-depth research to identify potential US foundation, corporation, and government funding opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission and programs.
  • Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of institutional funding prospects for the organization.
  • Monitor and educate the team and the Development Committee of the Board of Directors on current and evolving institutional funding trends in the United States.
  • Collaborate with program staff, PILnet leadership, and the Development Committee of the Board of Directors to identify and assess funding opportunities, determine and implement outreach strategies, and support leadership cultivation and correspondence to position PILnet for success.
  • Develop and manage a personal portfolio of prospective funders with an annual  pipeline potential of $3 million.
  • Cultivate and solicit prospective funders in pursuit of a first-year revenue goal of $500,000 of new funding and the expectation to grow over time.
  • Build and manage strategic relationships with foundation program officers.
  • Craft compelling funding proposals that effectively communicate our impact and opportunities for philanthropic investment.
  • Represent PILnet in high-level meetings with potential funders and at relevant industry convenings.
  • Prepare timely reporting and revenue projections on institutional funding opportunities for PILnet’s leadership, including the Board of Directors and the Development Committee.
  • Work with team members to track grant submissions, ensure timely and accurate grant reporting, and support ongoing donor stewardship and communications.
  • Contribute to the development of other fundraising strategies and materials as needed.

The Successful Candidate 

Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (such as nonprofit management, international relations or development, business, marketing, communications, political science, environmental science, or a related social science).
  • Minimum 5-7 years of fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector or international development context.
  • Demonstrated success in securing and managing six-figure and/or multi-year grants from US foundations, corporations, and/or high net worth individuals and family offices.

Skills and knowledge:

  • Strong understanding of the US philanthropic landscape and foundation priorities.
  • Experience building an institutional funding pipeline and managing multiple grant deadlines.
  • Knowledge of and experience with various philanthropic revenue streams, such as grants, individual giving, corporate partnerships, and events is a plus.
  • Exceptional writing and communication skills.
  • Ability to conduct thorough research, analyze data, and synthesize programmatic, technical, and financial information.
  • Willingness and ability to work with a strong Board of Directors.
  • Interest in public interest law, social justice, and human rights law issues is a plus.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Fluent communication skills in English, both written and verbal are required.
Apply now