Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Hiring Remote Development Associate | Home-Based Fundraising & Donor Operations Role(2026)
The Institute for the Study of War has announced a remote Home-Based Development Associate position, offering an opportunity for early to mid-career professionals in fundraising, donor relations, and nonprofit operations to support one of the most influential policy research organizations focused on global conflict analysis.
This role is central to strengthening ISW’s development systems, donor engagement processes, and fundraising operations that support its mission of delivering real-time, unbiased conflict analysis to policymakers, humanitarian actors, and security institutions worldwide.
About the Institute for the Study of War
The Institute for the Study of War is a research and policy organization that provides real-time intelligence and strategic analysis on global conflict zones. Its work supports decision-makers ranging from government officials and military leaders to humanitarian organizations responding to crises.
The institution also focuses on educating future leaders in national security through specialized programs and research centers. Its dual mission combines policy analysis and leadership development, making it a key contributor to global security discussions.
To sustain this work, ISW relies heavily on structured fundraising operations and donor engagement systems—making the Development Associate role essential to its long-term sustainability.
Role Overview: Development Associate (Remote)
The Development Associate will support ISW’s fundraising, donor database management, reporting systems, and outreach activities. This is a highly operational role suited for professionals who enjoy working with data, donor systems, and structured communication workflows.
The position is fully remote and involves close collaboration with the Director of Development and internal accounting teams.
Key areas of focus include:
- Donor data management and CRM administration
- Gift processing and donor acknowledgments
- Fundraising reporting and analytics
- Donor research and relationship support
- Event coordination and communications
Key Responsibilities
Donor Data Management & Systems
The Development Associate plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of ISW’s donor information systems.
- Maintaining and updating donor databases with accurate records
- Ensuring data quality, consistency, and error correction
- Managing integration between donor systems and related platforms
- Training staff on database usage and troubleshooting system issues
This ensures that fundraising teams can rely on accurate and actionable donor insights.
Gift Processing & Financial Administration
A major part of the role involves handling donor contributions efficiently and accurately.
- Processing donations within 24–48 hours of receipt
- Preparing acknowledgment letters and receipts
- Managing pledge forms and donation invoices
- Flagging major contributions for donor engagement follow-up
These tasks ensure donor trust and compliance with internal financial systems.
Reporting & Fundraising Support
The role supports leadership with timely and structured reporting.
- Generating fundraising progress reports
- Extracting data for audits and financial reviews
- Supporting donor reporting for internal and external stakeholders
- Assisting the accounting team with annual audit preparation
This function strengthens transparency and accountability in fundraising operations.
Donor Research & Engagement
The Development Associate contributes to building stronger donor relationships.
- Conducting research on prospective donors and funding sources
- Identifying giving capacity and alignment opportunities
- Preparing background briefs for donor engagement
- Supporting cultivation strategies for long-term relationships
This helps ISW better understand and engage its funding community.
Events & Communications Support
The role also includes coordination of donor-facing communication and events.
- Managing invitation lists and RSVP tracking
- Supporting donor email campaigns and outreach
- Maintaining donor communication systems and inbox management
- Assisting with event logistics and engagement tracking
These activities ensure smooth and professional donor interactions.
Required Qualifications
The ideal candidate will bring both technical and interpersonal strengths to the role.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Minimum 2 years of experience in development, fundraising, or nonprofit operations
Technical Skills
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
- Experience with donor databases (e.g., DonorPerfect or similar platforms) preferred
- Ability to manage and interpret structured data
Core Competencies
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- High attention to detail and organizational ability
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Professionalism when engaging senior stakeholders and external partners
- Discretion, trustworthiness, and independent working ability
Why This Role Matters
This position is not just administrative—it is foundational to ISW’s ability to operate effectively. Strong donor systems and fundraising operations directly enable the organization to continue producing high-impact research and analysis on global security issues.
The Development Associate ensures:
- Accurate and reliable donor information systems
- Efficient fundraising operations
- Strong donor relationships and engagement
- Smooth financial reporting and compliance processes
In many ways, this role serves as the operational backbone of ISW’s development function.
Work Arrangement and Application Notes
- Location: Home-based / Remote
- Type: Full-time development operations role
- Application Status: Open until filled (no fixed closing date listed)
Applicants are encouraged to apply early due to ongoing recruitment.
Final Thoughts
The remote Development Associate position at the Institute for the Study of War offers a strong opportunity for professionals seeking to grow in nonprofit fundraising operations, donor data systems, and development strategy.
For candidates with a passion for structured operations, donor engagement, and mission-driven work, this role provides a meaningful entry point into the world of policy-focused nonprofit organizations working at a global scale.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
