Director of Major Gifts

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 worldwide, employing more than 5,000 staff members. The organization focuses on various sectors including economic development, health, education, and disaster response, working to create sustainable solutions to complex global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Director of Major Gifts is a pivotal role within the High Impact Philanthropy department at Mercy Corps, responsible for leading a team of philanthropy officers to secure significant funding for the organization's global programs. This position requires a dynamic and strategic approach to fundraising, with a focus on building relationships with high-net-worth individuals and driving innovative strategies for revenue generation. The Director will manage a personal portfolio of donors capable of making substantial contributions, while also guiding the team in enhancing donor engagement and identifying new opportunities for major giving. The role emphasizes the importance of articulating Mercy Corps' mission and securing unrestricted funding to support urgent needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the major gift program, focusing on relationship management that deepens donor engagement and drives revenue growth.
• Directly manage a team of three Major Gift Officers, setting annual revenue and performance goals, coaching fundraisers, and modeling effective moves management.
• Collaborate with the Development Operations team to forecast revenue and manage the major gift portfolio.
• Partner with Donor Services to enhance donor communications and engagement programs.
• Manage a portfolio of 30-50 high-capacity donors, focusing on securing unrestricted funding.
• Generate new major gift leads and conduct prospect discovery in collaboration with the Resource Development team.
• Develop personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for assigned donors, prioritizing personalized touch points.
• Stay informed about Mercy Corps' priorities and communicate key issues to donors.
• Collaborate with a Senior Account Manager to track and measure progress toward financial goals and KPIs. 1
• Commit 5% of time to organizational learning activities that benefit both Mercy Corps and personal development. 1
• Integrate safeguarding practices into work and promote a culture of openness and communication within the team.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience in major gift fundraising, with a track record of securing significant contributions.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on innovative fundraising approaches.
• Familiarity with donor engagement strategies and best practices in philanthropy.
• Ability to articulate the mission and impact of Mercy Corps effectively to diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, with a preference for candidates holding advanced degrees in nonprofit management, business administration, or related disciplines. Additional certifications in fundraising or philanthropy are advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7-10 years of experience in fundraising, with a significant focus on major gifts. Experience in managing teams and leading fundraising initiatives is essential, along with a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector and philanthropic landscape.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with additional languages being a plus. Proficiency in languages commonly spoken by high-net-worth individuals in the U.S. is beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve travel to meet with donors and prospects. The role is based in New York City, but candidates from the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle are also encouraged to apply. Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience, and benefits will include health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.