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Major Gifts Officer

New York, New York, United States

About MSF USA | Doctors Without Borders

 

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international organization that provides medical care to the people who need it most. The organization cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, disasters, and social exclusion in more than 70 countries. MSF offers medical humanitarian assistance solely based on need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or politics. Our international project teams include medical, logistical, and administrative staff, most of them hired locally and working with their own communities. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality. We also bear witness and speak out about the experiences of our colleagues and patients. 
 
MSF USA is one of 24 sections supporting the global movement, primarily through staff recruitment, fundraising, advocacy, and communications. We welcome candidates who bring a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us in working toward MSF’s social mission.  

Role Overview 
The Major Gifts Officer identifies, develops, manages and grows strategic relationships with existing major donors and prospects. This includes stewardship and solicitation plans for a portfolio of around 200 individuals with the capacity to give $50,000 or more with the goal of securing funding for MSF USA. The role requires close coordination with various MSF personnel to develop proposals around priority MSF activities and initiatives in line with the donors’ preferences. In consultation with the Senior Director, Principal and Major Gifts, the role implements the overall strategy for major donors and prospects at MSF USA across multiple geographies within the United States. 

 

Department Accountabilities  

Prospecting 

Pursue strategic opportunities in coherence with MSF USA´s strategy, that create long-term value for MSF by identifying and developing new audience donors.  

 

Donor Cultivation, Engagement and Management 

Build trust and loyalty with potential and existing donors. At the simplest level, update donors on activities. At a more complex level, build long-term relationships with key donors and key donor segments. Take overall responsibility for designing, developing, and delivering the donor engagement strategy.  

 

Fundraising 

Secure reliable, sustainable and efficient monetary resources in alignment with MSF USA’s commitments to global operations. 

  

Brand Positioning 

Drive awareness and consideration through brand positioning based on the brand strategy and implement brand plans. 

 

Best-in-Class Fundraising Systems and Capabilities 

Deploy and champion the latest technological systems and capabilities that push the boundaries of what Development can produce for its donors.  

 

Roles Specific Outcomes

Key Account Management  

Maintain relationships with donors (individuals or family foundations). Work within established systems to develop solutions, generate new opportunities and ensure all donor demands are met. 

 

Donor Relationship Development (Prospecting) 

Develop and implement a donor strategy to engage the potential donor in relevant campaigns to build new relationships. Act as first point of contact for donor queries and complaints and resolve these, referring complex issues to others and ensuring that the donor receives an appropriate response. 

 

Business Meetings/Events Arrangement 

Schedule appointments, make arrangements for meetings and conferences, and organize travel plans following detailed instructions to facilitate business meetings. 

 

Donor Renewals  

Drive and secure donor renewals through exceptional service interactions, ensuring the donor is consistently gaining value from the relationship with MSF USA. 

These core accountabilities should not be construed as containing every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job.  Incumbents are required to perform other functions as assigned.

 

Complexity and Problem-Solving Skills

  • Operates as a recognized expert to shift into and out of a mental mindset associated with assessing the facts and circumstances of the current situation and/or environment and making the appropriate/innovative adjustments to thinking and work habits to thrive in any scenario. Typically known as a subject matter authority. 
  • Applies expertise as an authority to accurately identify and understand the key donation influences pertaining to an opportunity. 
  • Applies expertise as an authority to quickly and effectively establish trust within the client’s organization. 
  • Applies expertise as an authority to orient MSF USA around delivering to the key needs of their donors. 

 

Behavioral Competencies

People Focus 

Builds strong relationships and delivers solutions geared to aiding others. Solicits feedback and data; conveys a clear understanding of the level of service the team is providing; takes action when standards are not met by team; aligns processes with organizational needs. 

 

Manages Complexity 

Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Consistently looks at complex issues from many angles; obtains a rich and deep understanding; swiftly cuts to the core issue; skillfully separates root causes from symptoms. 

 

Global Perspective 

Takes a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens. Shows global thinking at work; adjusts organizational practices to meet the unique needs of different regions or countries. Uses a broad perspective when addressing issues and challenges. 

 

Cultivates Innovation 

Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Approaches professional work in unique or innovative ways. Offers original ideas. Appreciates others' creative ideas and solutions and provides helpful input to enhance them. 

 

Drives Results 

Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances. Regularly pushes self to achieve outstanding outcomes; consistently establishes bold goals for own performance; is passionate about excellent results and significant contributions. Shows great tenacity to complete goals/initiatives in a timely way. 

 

Collaborates 

Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Readily involves others to accomplish goals; stays in touch and shares information; discourages "us versus them" thinking; shows appreciation for others' ideas and input. 

 

Values Differences 

Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Confronts stereotyping and offensive comments promptly. Consistently behaves with great sensitivity toward differences in cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating. 

 

Communicates Effectively 

Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing. 

 

Instills Trust 

Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Models honesty and authenticity and encourages others to be upfront with one another. Demonstrates reliability and places a strong emphasis on the team meeting its commitments. Fairly represents others' positions. 

 

Manages Ambiguity 

Operates effectively, even when things are uncertain, or the way forward is not clear. Responds effectively to unclear situations, seeks to resolve ambiguity and make progress. Seeks guidance on how to adapt to changes, responds with appropriate composure and effectiveness. 

 

Situational Adaptability 

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately

 

Technical Competencies 

Plans and Aligns 

Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with MSF USA goals. 

 

Financial Acumen 

Interpreting and applying key financial indicators to make better business decisions. 

 

Tech Savvy 

Anticipating and adopting innovations in organizational digital and technology applications. 

 

Data Collection and Analysis 

The ability and skill to determine and analyze trends from data collected to help compile reports that will help in decision-making.  

 

Project Management Skills 

The ability and skill to plan and manage small project work assignments within desired cost, time and quality parameters. 

 

Presentation and Written Communication Skills 

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately. 

 

Supervisory Responsibility

  • No supervisory responsibility 

 

Desired Qualifications & Experience 

Experience & Knowledge:  

  • Minimum three years of development experience, preferably in the areas of Major Gifts or high-value partnerships.  
  • Minimum three years of experience of portfolio management with high-value donors. 
  • Experience with and knowledge of donor databases and contacts management, preferably Salesforce NPSP. 
  • Knowledge of and interest in international affairs and humanitarian issues. 
  • Knowledge of and experience in executing fundraising best practices. 
  • Able to handle detailed, complex concepts and problems and make rapid decisions regarding development matters. 
  • Show a track record of success in fundraising with increasing responsibility and in making strategic decisions to shape an organization's fundraising programs. 
  • Preferred: Experience soliciting/obtaining six and seven-figure gifts  
  • Proven ability to plan and meet deadlines  
  • Demonstrate initiative and experience as a peer leader on a fundraising team

Skillset: 

  • Proven skillset to work productively and build meaningful relationships with donors, foundation staff, and/or board members.
     
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and an ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and partners  
  • Support and engage in new donor prospecting  
  • Review, edit, and provide feedback on grant proposals

Travel Requirements  

Ability to travel extensively. 

 

Compensation 

$88,822 - $133,233 (based upon experience)  

 

 

MSF-USA is dedicated to creating a diverse, impartial, and inclusive workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences as per applicable laws. We also provide reasonable accommodation for disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. We encourage individuals from underrepresented communities in the Humanitarian Aid sector to apply.

 

If you have a disability and require accommodations to use our website to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at employment.msfusa@newyork.msf.org. We consider reasonable accommodation requests on a case-by-case basis.

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