Philanthropy Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. It operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. The IRC is recognized as one of the largest international non-governmental organizations (INGO) and is committed to delivering impactful solutions that help millions regain control over their lives and strengthen their communities. The IRC UK team, part of the global network headquartered in New York, works to enhance the organization's profile, influence policy changes, and secure funding to support its mission. Since 2021, IRC UK has also been directly providing integration services to refugees in England, with additional offices in major European cities such as Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva, and Stockholm.

Job Overview:
The Philanthropy Manager role is pivotal within the UK Philanthropy team, reporting directly to the Associate Director of Philanthropy. The primary focus of this position is to implement strategies aimed at identifying, establishing, and nurturing high-value relationships with individual donors capable of contributing five to six-figure donations. This role involves collaboration with senior stakeholders both within the IRC and externally, to cultivate and steward relationships with philanthropists, ultimately soliciting multi-year gifts that will fund transformative programs for IRC clients globally. The Philanthropy Manager will be responsible for developing and executing initiatives to engage donors, managing a portfolio of major donors, and ensuring effective communication and stewardship to enhance donor engagement and support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Philanthropy Manager will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and implementing strategies to identify and solicit gifts from donors contributing £10,000 and above; managing a portfolio of major donors through personalized communication methods such as face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and events; creating tailored donor stewardship plans to increase engagement and support; leading gift management and proposal development for both new and existing donors; identifying unique stewardship opportunities; maintaining accurate records of donor interactions; collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to enhance donor relationships; and contributing to the overall profile-raising efforts of the IRC’s Philanthropy program. The role also requires administrative support to maximize fundraising efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of philanthropy fundraising principles and methods. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences. The ability to build and maintain relationships with donors and stakeholders at various levels is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in developing donor stewardship plans and executing them effectively. Strong negotiation and influencing skills are necessary to achieve optimal outcomes for the IRC. Attention to detail and proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, are required. The ability to prioritize and manage conflicting deadlines in a dynamic environment is also essential, along with a commitment to the IRC’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

Educational Background:
While specific educational requirements are not detailed, a background in fundraising, communications, or a related field is typically advantageous for this role. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the principles of philanthropy and fundraising strategies.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in securing gifts from high-net-worth individuals and managing relationships with senior stakeholders in a fundraising context. Experience in writing persuasive proposals and correspondence tailored to various audiences is essential. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and organizing events that engage wealthy individuals and influential contacts. Familiarity with fundraising databases, such as Salesforce, is also required, along with experience in compiling information from global stakeholders to create compelling proposals and reports.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the location and nature of the role. Additional languages may be beneficial, particularly those relevant to the IRC's global operations and donor base.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, with a focus on high-net-worth individual engagement. The role may involve international collaboration, given the IRC's global presence. Specific details regarding contract duration, compensation, and benefits are not provided in the job description.