’ mission and believe a better world is possible. General Position Summary Positioned within the High Impact Philanthropy department, the Major Gift team plays a critical role in securing flexible, unrestricted funding to support Mercy Corps’ global programs. Reporting to the Senior Director of High Impact Philanthropy, the Director of Major Gifts leads a team of philanthropy officers and drives strategies to increase major giving across the United States. This role works closely with senior leadership to set ambitious fundraising goals, build revenue projections, and implement best-in-class practices. A dynamic and strategic frontline fundraiser, the Director leads by example—managing a personal portfolio of donors and prospects capable of giving $100,000+, while setting the standard for exceptional relationship building and successful donor engagement. This leader will guide the team in deepening relationships with high-net-worth individuals, identifying new opportunities to move donors up the giving pyramid, and driving innovative approaches to pipeline growth and revenue generation. The Major Gift team is focused on securing unrestricted revenue to support Mercy Corps’ most urgent and strategic needs. As such, the Director must be skilled in articulating Mercy Corps’ global mission and making a compelling case for flexible, unrestricted support. This leader will coach frontline fundraisers on dynamic fundraising approaches—including legacy giving, multi-year commitments, and emerging giving vehicles such as donor-advised funds (DAFs) and cryptocurrency. The position calls for a high level of social acumen and the ability to move comfortably within the realm of high-net-worth individuals. Essential Job Responsibilities
LEADERSHIP
Lead the major gift program with a focus on best-in-class relationship management that deepens donor engagement, builds pipelines, and drives significant revenue growth.
Directly manage a team of three Major Gift Officers. Set annual revenue and performance goals, coach frontline fundraisers, and model effective moves management.
Collaborate with the Development Operations team to provide forecasting, track revenue, and manage movement in and out of the major gift portfolio.
Partner with Donor Services to build a robust donor communications and engagement program that enhances stewardship and retention. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Manage a portfolio of 30-50 donors and prospects capable of giving gifts of $100,000+, with a focus on securing unrestricted funding.
Generate new major gift leads and active prospect discovery in collaboration with the larger Resource Development team. Utilize network mapping, research, engagements and executive travel to grow the major gift pipeline. This will be approximately 30% of your portfolio.
Set annual goals and develop personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for assigned donors. Prioritize highly personalized touch points, including face-to-face meetings, tailored communications and programmatic engagement with Mercy Corps field teams.
Stay abreast of Mercy Corps’ priorities and mission, as well as key issues and trends in the international aid and development community and effectively communicate these to donors and prospects.
Collaborate with a Senior Account Manager to strategize, accurately track, and measure progress toward financial goals and other KPIs. ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves. SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES
Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options. Supervisory Responsibility Major Gift Officer, East
Major Gift Officer, West
Leadership Giving Officer Accountability