The AI Policy Network (AIPN) is a bipartisan, independent 501(c)(4) advocacy organization dedicated to advancing secure AI development that serves America's economic prosperity, technological leadership, and national security. We provide policymakers with technically-grounded perspectives on emerging AI capabilities and risks, with particular focus on ensuring advanced AI systems remain reliable, controllable, and aligned with their intended purposes.
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.
