Major Gifts Consultant

Major Gifts Consultant

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

May 18, 2025July 2, 2025New YorkUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is an international organization dedicated to improving reproductive health and advocating for the rights of women and girls globally. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization focuses on addressing population challenges and ensuring sustainable financial resources to support its mission. UNFPA is committed to enhancing its financial sustainability by engaging with High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs), family offices, and wealth asset managers to secure major gifts that will support its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Major Gifts Consultant will be instrumental in positioning UNFPA as a compelling philanthropic investment opportunity. This role involves working closely with internal portfolio managers across various sectors, including foundations, corporate partnerships, and individual giving. The consultant will be responsible for cultivating and securing transformational gifts from HNWIs and other potential donors. The position requires a strategic approach to donor engagement, ensuring that UNFPA's mission and funding needs are effectively communicated to potential major gift donors. The consultant will also have the opportunity to work remotely and may need to travel internationally as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Major Gifts Consultant will have a variety of key responsibilities, including:
  • Donor Identification & Cultivation: Identify and build a pipeline of HNWIs, wealth asset managers, and family offices that align with UNFPA’s mission. Develop detailed donor profiles and engagement strategies for priority prospects. Leverage personal and professional networks to secure introductions and build relationships with influential philanthropists.
  • Strategic Engagement & Solicitation: Work closely with portfolio managers to align outreach strategies and maximize synergies. Develop and execute personalized engagement plans for major gift donors, ensuring a clear path from identification to solicitation and stewardship. Design and present compelling funding proposals that effectively communicate UNFPA’s impact and funding needs. Facilitate high-touch donor interactions, including one-on-one meetings, events, and personalized communications.
  • Collaboration & Internal Capacity Building: Train and mentor UNFPA’s internal teams on best practices in major gift fundraising and donor stewardship. Establish processes and frameworks for identifying and engaging HNWIs, family offices, and wealth asset managers in collaboration with the broader Private Sector Civil Society Branch team. Contribute to the development of UNFPA’s long-term major gifts strategy, incorporating lessons learned and emerging philanthropic trends.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Major Gifts Consultant position will possess the following qualifications: - A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Philanthropy, Non-Profit Management, Finance, or a related field. - A minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience in major gift fundraising, philanthropy, or wealth management, specifically focusing on HNWIs, wealth asset managers, and family offices. - A proven track record of securing six and seven-figure gifts from HNWIs, wealth asset managers, and family offices, preferably within an international development context. - Strong networking abilities and donor relationship-building skills, with demonstrated success in engaging HNWIs, wealth asset managers, and family offices. - Knowledge of best practices in philanthropy, donor psychology, and strategic fundraising. - Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multicultural and mission-driven environment. - Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate UNFPA’s impact to high-level donors.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Philanthropy, Non-Profit Management, Finance, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of fundraising and donor engagement, particularly in the context of international development and philanthropy.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7-10 years of professional experience in major gift fundraising, philanthropy, or wealth management. Candidates should have a strong focus on engaging High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs), wealth asset managers, and family offices, with a proven track record of securing significant financial contributions. Experience in an international development context is preferred, as it will provide valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities in this field.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with donors and stakeholders. Additional languages may be beneficial, particularly those relevant to UNFPA’s global operations and donor base, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with a diverse range of philanthropists.

Additional Notes:
The position is initially for a duration of 6 months, with the potential for extension based on performance and program needs. The consultant will report to the Chief of the Private Sector and Civil Society Branch. This role offers the flexibility of remote work, along with the possibility of international travel as required. The position is full-time and involves significant interaction with high-level donors and stakeholders.
Similar Jobs