Deputy Director

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a global non-profit organization that aims to alleviate 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 various sectors, including economic development, health, education, and disaster response, with a mission to create a better world through innovative solutions and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director position is a pivotal role within Mercy Corps, responsible for leading communications, donor engagement, and strategic partnership support for individual, corporate, and foundation donors who fund the organization's global initiatives. This role requires close collaboration with frontline fundraisers and team leaders to drive donor acquisition, cultivation, and stewardship of key partners. The Deputy Director will manage donor engagements, oversee high-profile opportunities such as global conferences, and develop a range of business development and stewardship materials, including pitch decks, concept notes, proposals, and other donor-facing content. The position emphasizes the importance of effective communication and strategic planning to enhance donor relationships and ensure successful fundraising efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Director will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Partnering with team members to implement a comprehensive donor communications and engagement strategy, which encompasses mail, digital outreach, events, donor travel, and personal gift officer outreach support.
• Tracking and analyzing the effectiveness of donor engagement projects, using insights to refine strategies and improve outcomes.
• Supporting corporate, foundation, and high-impact philanthropy teams with event project management, including global conference coordination and developing donor engagement opportunities.
• Developing and overseeing all aspects of donor trips, including strategy, planning, itinerary, logistics, pre-trip materials, post-trip follow-up, and assessments.
• Implementing donor events and high-level meetings from conception through execution.
• Creating a variety of communication materials for internal and external audiences, including meeting briefs, bios, invitations, run-of-shows, talking points, and presentations.
• Providing support with donor-facing communications, content creation, and coordination during emergency responses.
• Collaborating with the VP of Strategic Partnerships to ensure high standards of relationship management, cultivation, and stewardship of donors through bespoke materials and engagement opportunities.
• Writing, editing, and creating concepts, proposals, reports, pitch decks, updates, and stewardship materials. 1
• Developing prep materials for donor meetings, including presentations and briefs. 1
• Engaging in other projects as assigned, contributing to the overall mission of Mercy Corps.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Deputy Director position must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field, along with 5-8 years of experience in a nonprofit setting, preferably within a large, fast-paced fundraising operation. Exceptional writing skills are essential, with a demonstrated ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling, and accessible donor-facing content. Strong project management skills are required, with a proven ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and move complex initiatives from concept to execution. Experience in planning and executing small to mid-sized donor events and engagements, as well as familiarity with coordinating international travel and logistics, is also necessary. Previous experience working with major donors, corporates, foundations, or board members, along with a track record of stewarding donor relationships, is highly valued. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly advanced PowerPoint skills, and strong design sensibilities for creating polished donor materials are required. Experience with Raiser’s Edge is preferred, as well as excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Previous experience in an international field is also preferred, along with a demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and adaptable, working both independently and as part of a team.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Deputy Director position includes a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of donor engagement, communications, and strategic partnerships within the nonprofit sector.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have 5-8 years of experience in a nonprofit setting, particularly in a large and fast-paced fundraising operation. This level of experience is necessary to navigate the complexities of donor engagement and relationship management effectively. Candidates should have a strong track record of delivering high-impact donor stewardship strategies and engagements, as well as experience in coordinating cross-functional projects and managing donor relationships.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with donors and stakeholders. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in regions where Mercy Corps operates, to enhance engagement with diverse donor bases and communities.

Additional Notes:
The Deputy Director position is based in the U.S. but is open to remote locations, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. Mercy Corps is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, emphasizing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. The organization encourages ongoing learning and development, expecting team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit both their personal and professional growth. The role does not have supervisory responsibilities and reports directly to the Director of Communications, Partner Engagement. The organization values accountability to beneficiaries and adheres to international standards guiding relief and development work.