Gift Officer

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, employing more than 5,000 staff members worldwide. The organization focuses on providing humanitarian assistance, fostering economic development, and promoting social justice. With a mission to create a better world, Mercy Corps emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing complex global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Gift Officer position is a vital role within the Major Gifts team at Mercy Corps, reporting directly to the Director of Major Gifts. This position is responsible for expanding private donor support, specifically targeting high-net-worth individuals in the United States. The Gift Officer will manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, focusing on securing flexible, unrestricted funding to support Mercy Corps' global programs. The role requires a proactive approach to relationship management, with an emphasis on retaining and upgrading current supporters while also acquiring new donors. The Gift Officer will engage with donors through personalized communication and strategic engagement opportunities, ensuring that they are well-informed about Mercy Corps' mission and priorities. This position is designed for a dynamic fundraiser who can articulate the organization's goals and foster meaningful connections with donors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Gift Officer will lead and manage a regional portfolio of 100-135 individuals capable of contributing between $10,000 and $100,00

• Key responsibilities include cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding portfolio donors with a focus on flexible and unrestricted funding. The Gift Officer will also work to cultivate prospective donors, guiding them toward their first gift and encouraging sustained giving. This role involves deepening donor engagement through exceptional relationship management and compelling cases for support. The Gift Officer will collaborate with the Director of Major Gifts to identify new prospects and develop personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for assigned donors. Additionally, the Gift Officer will stay informed about Mercy Corps' priorities and key issues in the international aid and development community, effectively communicating these to donors and prospects. The position requires collaboration with an assigned Account Manager to strategize and track progress toward financial goals and other key performance indicators (KPIs).

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Gift Officer position should possess a minimum of 4 years of experience in major gifts or private fundraising, with a proven track record of soliciting five- and six-figure gifts. A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to develop and implement targeted donor strategies in collaboration with colleagues and program staff. Successful relationship building and donor engagement skills are essential, along with a passion for Mercy Corps' mission and a solid understanding of international development and humanitarian work. Experience in a global organization is a plus. Excellent communication and presentation skills, strong interpersonal skills, and a results-driven mindset are also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree is required for the Gift Officer position. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may also be considered. The educational background should ideally include studies related to nonprofit management, international relations, or a similar field that supports the understanding of fundraising and donor engagement.

Experience:
The position requires at least 4 years of experience in major gifts or private fundraising. Candidates should have a strong track record of soliciting significant gifts and developing donor strategies. Experience in relationship building and donor engagement is crucial, as is familiarity with the international development sector. The ability to manage multiple priorities and demonstrate results-driven performance is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
While the primary language for this position is English, proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial, particularly for engaging with diverse donor bases. However, English fluency is mandatory for effective communication and relationship management.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location within the United States. The Gift Officer will be expected to conduct themselves professionally and adhere to Mercy Corps' values and policies at all times. The organization fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is committed to equal employment opportunities. Team members are encouraged to engage in ongoing learning and development activities, dedicating 5% of their time to such efforts. The role does not include supervisory responsibilities, but collaboration with various teams is essential for achieving fundraising goals.