Major Gifts Senior Officer

Major Gifts Senior Officer

Mercy Corps

April 12, 2025May 27, 2025BostonUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a global non-profit 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 assistance in areas such as economic development, health, education, and disaster response, with a mission to empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges and create lasting change.

Job Overview:
The Major Gifts Senior Officer position is situated within the High Impact Philanthropy department of Mercy Corps, which plays a pivotal role in securing essential funding for the organization’s global initiatives. This role is specifically designed to expand private sector support by engaging and soliciting high-net-worth individuals primarily located in the Eastern United States. The Major Gifts Senior Officer will manage a portfolio of donors and prospects who are capable of contributing between $10,000 and $250,00
  • The officer will focus on retaining and upgrading existing supporters while also acquiring new donors, with approximately 15% of their efforts directed towards new donor acquisition. The position requires a strong ability to communicate Mercy Corps’ mission effectively and to build compelling cases for unrestricted giving, utilizing various giving vehicles such as legacy giving and donor advised funds. The officer will also collaborate with colleagues to enhance the donor pipeline and increase overall revenue.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Major Gifts Senior Officer will be responsible for managing a regional portfolio of 80-150 high-net-worth individuals, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts with an emphasis on flexible funding. Key responsibilities include deepening donor engagement through exceptional relationship management, developing personalized cultivation and stewardship plans, and setting annual goals for donor engagement. The officer will partner with the Director of Major Gifts to discover new prospects and grow the major gift pipeline, utilizing research and networking strategies. Additionally, the officer will stay informed about Mercy Corps’ priorities and trends in the international aid sector to effectively communicate these to donors. Collaboration with a Senior Account Manager will be essential for tracking progress towards financial goals and other key performance indicators.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 4 years of experience in major gifts or private sector fundraising, demonstrating a strong track record of soliciting five- and six-figure gifts. The ability to develop and implement targeted donor strategies in collaboration with colleagues and leadership is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, social acumen, and the ability to engage with high-net-worth individuals are critical for success in this role. Candidates should also have a deep understanding of Mercy Corps’ mission and the international development landscape.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, with a preference for candidates who have pursued further education or professional development in fundraising, nonprofit management, or a related area. Additional certifications in fundraising or philanthropy may be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires at least 4 years of relevant experience in major gifts or private sector fundraising. Candidates should have a proven ability to solicit significant donations and manage donor relationships effectively. Experience in developing donor strategies and working collaboratively with teams is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with additional languages being a plus. Proficiency in languages commonly spoken in the regions where Mercy Corps operates may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve travel within the Eastern United States. The role does not have supervisory responsibilities but requires collaboration with various teams within the organization. Mercy Corps is committed to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
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