Job Details

Location: Bay Area, Seattle or New York

Position Status: Full Time

Salary Level: Starting salary for this role will be from $90,000.00 USD up to $120,000.00 USD annually, commensurate on experience and skillset.

Risk Level: Level 3: Frequent contact with participants, direct contact with children, access to sensitive data, and/or high level of accountability.

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.

Program / Department Summary

The mission of the Resource Development (RD) department is to advance the organization's strategic goals and support our worldwide team by raising flexible funds, profile and influence. The RD team encompasses several dozen dynamic professionals who possess a wide range of skills.

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.

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.

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.

Essential Job Responsibilities

LEADERSHIP

1. 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.
2. Directly manage a team of three Major Gift Officers. Set annual revenue and performance goals, coach frontline fundraisers, and model effective moves management.
3. Collaborate with the Development Operations team to provide forecasting, track revenue, and manage movement in and out of the major gift portfolio.
4. Partner with Donor Services to build a robust donor communications and engagement program that enhances stewardship and retention.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

1. Manage a portfolio of 30-50 donors and prospects capable of giving gifts of $100,000+, with a focus on securing unrestricted funding.
2. Generate new major gift leads and active prospect discovery in collaboration with the larger Resource Development team.
3. Set annual goals and develop personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for assigned donors.
4. Stay abreast of Mercy Corps' priorities and mission, as well as key issues and trends in the international aid and development community.
5. 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, 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.

Supervisory Responsibility

Major Gift Officer, East; Major Gift Officer, West; Leadership Giving Officer

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Senior Director, High Impact Philanthropy

Works Directly With: All members of the High Impact Philanthropy and Resource Development teams.

Knowledge and Experience

1. 6+ years of experience in major gift fundraising, with a strong preference for candidates who have managed or coached frontline fundraisers.
2. Ability to develop and implement targeted donor strategies in collaboration with colleagues, program staff, and executive leadership.
3. Demonstrated success in relationship building, donor engagement, and upgrading gifts.
4. Understanding of and interest in Mercy Corps' mission and/or international development and humanitarian assistance.
5. Knowledge of the philanthropic community in key cities (Bay Area, Seattle, New York) and significant experience securing 5- and 6-figure gifts.
6. Excellent communication and presentation skills.
7. Strong interpersonal skills—empathetic, humble, confident, and persuasive.
8. Excellent organizational skills, with sharp attention to detail and processes.
9. Results-driven, highly organized, and able to manage multiple priorities.
10. Comfortable using CRMs and databases.
11. A valid driver's license, ability and willingness to travel as required.

Success Factors

Success in this role hinges on exceptional relationship-building, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and lead a high-performing team.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position will be based in the Bay Area, Seattle or New York.

Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps' vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background.

Ongoing Learning

We empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Team Efficiency and Effectiveness

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work are treated with respect and dignity.