Director of Donor Relations

I. POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Donor Relations is a senior individual contributor role focused on cultivating and closing major gifts from tech professionals, founders, and mission-aligned high-net-worth individuals in support of AIPN's mission to prepare America for artificial superintelligence and advance responsible AI policy. Working with the Head of Development, this position manages a dynamic portfolio of individual donors, leads cultivation events across the Bay Area, and serves as a liaison between AIPN's philanthropic and civic engagement programs.

The ideal candidate brings deep relationships within the Bay Area tech and AI safety communities, a strong major gifts track record, and the ability to translate AIPN's policy mission into compelling donor relationships.

II. RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Major Gifts Cultivation and Solicitation

• Manage an active portfolio of 75–150 individual donors and prospects, with primary focus on gifts of $10,000–$500,000+.
• Conduct discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship meetings with Bay Area tech executives, founders, AI researchers, and mission-aligned philanthropists.
• Partner with the Executive Director on strategy for top-tier donor relationships and multi-year gift opportunities.
• Develop tailored engagement plans including personal outreach, policy briefings, and leadership access opportunities.
• Draft compelling gift proposals, acknowledgment letters, and impact reports; manage gift documentation and pledge agreements in coordination with finance and operations.

B. Civic Engagement Programs

• Manage AIPN's civic engagement giving programs, connecting donors to opportunities and organizations aligned with AIPN's mission.
• Coordinate with AIPN's strategy team to ensure donor engagement aligns with current program priorities.
• Track and report on civic engagement program participation and portfolio outcomes.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable rules governing nonprofit programs and individual giving, ensuring all activity is conducted in coordination with legal and compliance resources.

C. Community Engagement and Events

• Plan and execute donor cultivation events in Berkeley, San Francisco, and virtually, including salons, policy briefings, and leadership roundtables.
• Represent AIPN at AI safety, tech industry, and philanthropic convenings across the Bay Area.
• Build and maintain relationships within the Bay Area EA and AI safety communities, as well as with relevant stakeholders at organizations such as Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and adjacent institutions.
• Collaborate with the executive team on donor-facing messaging that reflects AIPN's mission of securing American AI leadership and preparing for superintelligence.

III. QUALIFICATIONS

A. Required

• Proven fundraising record for closing high-value commitments
• Existing relationships within the Bay Area AI safety community, mission-driven philanthropic networks, or tech sector.
• Working knowledge of nonprofit and political giving frameworks, including 501(c)(4) program structures and civic engagement programs.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex AI policy to sophisticated donor audiences.
• Demonstrated experience with donor database and pipeline management systems.
• Based in or willing to relocate to the Berkeley/Bay Area; regular in-person donor engagement required.

B. Preferred

• 5+ years of experience in major gifts fundraising, political development, civic engagement programs, or high-value relationship-based sales with a demonstrated track record of success.
• Experience fundraising from networks focused on existential risk, AI safety, long-termism, or global priorities.
• Background in political development or coordinated giving programs.
• Familiarity with Anthropic, OpenAI, Google DeepMind, or similar organizations and their employee and leadership communities.
• Established Bay Area professional network spanning tech, venture capital, or philanthropy.
• Experience supporting board-level development strategy or serving as primary development staff for an executive director.

AI Policy Network (AIPN) Role Details

• Location: Berkeley or San Francisco, CA (Bay Area)
• Compensation: $130,000 – $165,000 (or higher for exceptionally qualified candidates)
• Reports to: Head of Development
• Benefits: Benefits include technology budget, a stipend for health insurance, and unlimited PTO.