Major Gift Senior Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a global organization dedicated to alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries and employs more than 5,000 staff members worldwide. The organization focuses on providing assistance in areas such as economic development, disaster response, and social change, with a mission to empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable development. Mercy Corps is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring that all team members are respected and valued for their contributions.

Job Overview:
The Major Gift Senior Advisor position is situated within the High Impact Philanthropy department, specifically on the Major Gift team, which plays a vital role in securing flexible and unrestricted funding to support Mercy Corps' global programs. This role is crucial for expanding private sector support by engaging and soliciting high-net-worth individuals primarily based in the Western United States. The Senior Advisor will manage a portfolio of donors and prospects who are capable of contributing between $10,000 and $250,00

• The position emphasizes relationship management, focusing on retaining and upgrading current supporters through strategic engagement opportunities. The Senior Advisor will also collaborate with colleagues to grow the donor pipeline and increase revenue across the region, with approximately 20% of their efforts directed towards acquiring new donors. The role requires a strong ability to articulate Mercy Corps' mission and build compelling cases for unrestricted giving, as well as a high level of social acumen to navigate interactions with high-net-worth individuals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Major Gift Senior Advisor will lead and manage a regional portfolio of 80-150 individuals capable of making significant contributions. Key responsibilities include cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding leadership gifts with a focus on flexible funding. The Senior Advisor will deepen donor engagement through exceptional relationship management and compelling cases for support. They will partner with the Director of Major Gifts to proactively discover prospects, utilizing network mapping, research, and engagements to grow the major gift pipeline. The Senior Advisor will set annual goals and develop personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for assigned donors, prioritizing highly personalized touchpoints such as face-to-face meetings and tailored communications. Staying informed about Mercy Corps' priorities and key issues in international aid is essential, as is collaborating with a Senior Account Manager to track and measure progress toward financial goals and other key performance indicators (KPIs).

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 5 years of experience in major gifts or private sector fundraising, with a proven track record of soliciting 5- and 6-figure gifts. They should demonstrate the ability to develop and implement targeted donor strategies in collaboration with colleagues and program staff. Successful candidates will have a strong background in relationship building, donor engagement, and upgrading gifts, along with a passion for Mercy Corps' mission and a solid understanding of international development and humanitarian work. Excellent communication and presentation skills are essential, as well as strong interpersonal skills that are empathetic, humble, confident, and persuasive. Organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are also critical.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is typically required for this position. Advanced degrees or certifications in fundraising, nonprofit management, or related areas may be advantageous. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the principles of philanthropy and fundraising best practices, as well as knowledge of the international development sector.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience in major gifts or private sector fundraising, with a strong track record of successfully soliciting significant contributions. Experience in a global organization is a plus, as is familiarity with the challenges and opportunities in international development and humanitarian work. Candidates should be comfortable using customer relationship management (CRM) systems and databases to track donor interactions and manage portfolios effectively.

Languages:
While English is the mandatory language for this position, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions where Mercy Corps operates. Strong communication skills in English are essential for articulating the organization's mission and engaging with donors.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role does not have supervisory responsibilities but reports directly to the Director of Major Gifts. Mercy Corps emphasizes the importance of organizational learning, encouraging team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit both the organization and their personal development. The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and adheres to equal employment opportunity principles, ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.