[Hiring] Major Gifts Officer @Mercy Corps

Role Description

This Gift Officer reports to the Director of Major Gifts and is a member of the Major Gifts team, which sits within the High Impact Philanthropy team. The Major Gift team plays a critical role in securing flexible, unrestricted funding to support Mercy Corps’ global programs. This role is responsible for expanding private donor support by cultivating, engaging, and soliciting high-net-worth individuals based in the United States.

• The Gift Officer is a dynamic frontline fundraiser driving revenue growth by managing a portfolio of donors and prospects giving between $10,000 and $100,000.
• Geographically positioned in the United States, the Gift Officer serves as the relationship manager for a well-blended portfolio of current supporters and new prospects.
• Primary focus is retaining and upgrading current supporters through strategic, high-touch relationship building and engagement opportunities.
• Engages prospective donors who show interest in Mercy Corps, coming to us through events, Board and key donor introductions.
• Collaborates with colleagues across PG&E to grow the donor pipeline and increase revenue across the region.
• Approximately 25% of the portfolio will be focused on new donor acquisition.
• Requires a strong ability to articulate Mercy Corps’ global mission and build a compelling case for unrestricted giving.
• Should have knowledge of and be willing to quickly learn and discuss a variety of giving vehicles.
• Comfortable engaging with a broad spectrum of donors and through a wide range of communication tools.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in major gifts or private fundraising, with a strong track record of soliciting 5- and 6-figure gifts.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement targeted donor strategies in collaboration with colleagues, program staff, and team leadership.
• Demonstrated success in relationship building, donor engagement, and upgrading gifts.
• Passion for Mercy Corps’ mission, with 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—empathetic, humble, confident, and persuasive.
• Excellent organizational skills, with sharp attention to detail and processes.
• Results-driven, highly organized, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable using CRMs and databases, particularly NXT.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Requirements

• Lead and manage a regional portfolio of 100-135 individuals capable of giving between $10,000 and $100,000.
• Cultivate, solicit and steward portfolio donors with a focus on flexible and unrestricted funding.
• Cultivate and solicit prospective donors to first gift, stewarding these donors toward increased and sustained giving, meeting identified KPIs.
• Deepen donor engagement and increase giving through exceptional relationship management and compelling cases for support.
• Partner with the Director of Major Gifts on proactive prospect discovery, utilizing network mapping, research, engagements, and executive travel to grow the major gift pipeline within the Western United States.
• Set annual goals and develop personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for assigned donors.
• Stay abreast of Mercy Corps’ priorities and mission, as well as key issues and trends in the international aid and development community.
• Lead and collaborate with an assigned Account Manager to strategize, accurately track, and measure progress toward financial goals and other KPIs.

Benefits

• Remote position in the US.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
• Inclusive and diverse workplace environment.
• Equal Opportunity Employer.