[Hiring] Director of Strategic Relationships @Heifer International

Role Description

The Director of Strategic Relationships leads strategy, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention efforts for a portfolio of strategic partners with the capacity to make meaningful multi-year, six-, seven, and eight-figure investments in Heifer International's mission. As a member of the Revenue & Partnerships Cultivation (RPC) team, this role contributes to a globally connected resource mobilization network by partnering across Heifer’s global network of resource mobilization experts to identify, develop, and advance donor opportunities. Working closely with the Vice President of Philanthropy and Strategic Giving and colleagues across Heifer, this role builds a strong pipeline, develops tailored proposals and engagement strategies, and grows revenue through collaborative, donor-centered relationship management.

This role is expected to blend savvy frontline relationship management with cross-functional internal coordination, coaching, and influencing, proposal development, donor communications, and disciplined use of CRM and moves management systems to inspire donors to partner with Heifer in our mission.

Responsibilities & Deliverables

• Funder Relationship and Portfolio Management (55%)
  • Establish annual fundraising goals and an integrated short- and long-term strategy for securing strategic, 7-8 figure gifts across multiple donor audiences.
  • Manage and grow a portfolio of prospects and funders, building a healthy pipeline through strategic identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention.
  • Collaborate across global business development, programs, and RPC teams to develop tailored donor engagement plans, proposals, concept notes, and other fundraising materials that translate programmatic information into compelling funding opportunities which align donor priorities with Heifer programs and geographies.
  • Coordinate the co-management of donor relationships, ensuring seamless stewardship and transitions as funder priorities evolve or expand across multiple programs, geographies, and strategic funding opportunities.
  • Deepen knowledge of Heifer’s mission, program model, and impact to confidently respond to donor questions and present funding opportunities in a timely, informed way.
  • Use donor insight to segment and prioritize partners, develop and implement individualized engagement strategies that deepen relationships, expand funding opportunities, and maximize long-term philanthropic investment.
  • Adhere to ethical fundraising practices and maintain professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality in all donor interactions.
• Cross-Functional Integration & Influence (30%)
  • Contribute to a new organizational approach to strategic partnerships that unlocks large, flexible, mission-aligned, and long-term funding opportunities from a broad range of donors.
  • Partner with country teams to develop and operationalize tailored fundraising strategies, including identifying high-potential funders, opening doors to prospective partners, and shaping initial engagement and funding asks.
  • Model and champion strong CRM practices by consistently documenting donor engagement, correspondence, next steps, and proposal activity.
  • Leverage CRM data, pipeline reporting, and donor intelligence to actively manage portfolio health, forecast revenue, identify risks and opportunities, and influence consistent, strategic CRM use across teams.
  • Work with Heifer Foundation colleagues when connected opportunities arise.
  • Influence global communications strategies to effectively position Heifer as a partner of choice for large individuals, organizations, and funder networks.
• Collaboration and Special Projects (15%)
  • Contribute to a globally connected fundraising culture by sharing donor intelligence, coordinating strategies across teams, mentoring colleagues, and identifying opportunities for collaborative engagement that advance Heifer's business model.
  • Partner with senior leadership, communications, programs, and other internal stakeholders to shape donor-facing opportunities and strengthen organizational alignment.
  • Participate in internal planning discussions and special initiatives that advance our mission.
  • Support special projects and strategic initiatives that strengthen the team’s overall growth and success.
  • May perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent education and experience.
• A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in large gift fundraising with a proven track record of securing 7-8 figure gifts from a variety of funders.
• Minimum of 7 years of fundraising management and leadership.
• Experience/proven success working with funders in the international development space.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity funders or institutional partners, with experience developing tailored asks based on partner interests.
• Strong record of building and managing relationships that lead to measurable fundraising results.
• Excellent writing, presentation, relationship-building, and project management skills.
• Experience with CRM systems and disciplined recordkeeping.

Requirements

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
• Ability to independently manage the portfolio, set priorities, and move opportunities forward in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong proposal writing and donor communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate across functions and influence without authority in a highly-matrixed, networked organization.
• Detail-oriented, organized, energetic, positive, collaborative, and timely.
• Demonstrated ability in change management leadership and comfort navigating ambiguity, evolving priorities, and organizational complexity.
• Commitment to Heifer’s mission, values, and model.

Benefits

• Health and wellness benefits including Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Saving Account.
• Employee assistance program.
• 403(b) retirement plan (match 1% employee to 2% employer up to a maximum of 4% match + 3% employer discretionary contribution regardless of employee contribution).
• 22 vacation days in addition to 12 statutory and discretionary holidays, and 10 sick days per year.
• Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D).
• Professional development and annual merit increase opportunities.
• Optional critical illness insurance, legal assistance plan, and pet protection.
• And more!