Philanthropy Director, Strategic Relationships

Accountabilities:: Establish annual fundraising goals and integrated short- and long-term strategies for securing significant multi-year gifts across multiple donor audiences. Manage and grow a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and funders through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention. Build a healthy and strategically prioritized pipeline of major funding opportunities. Develop tailored donor engagement strategies, proposals, concept notes, funding requests, and other materials that connect donor priorities with relevant programs and geographies. Coordinate shared management of donor relationships, ensuring consistent stewardship and smooth transitions as funder interests evolve across programs and regions. Develop deep knowledge of organizational programs, mission, impact, and operating model to confidently respond to donor questions and present relevant funding opportunities. Use donor insights to segment and prioritize partners, deepen relationships, expand funding opportunities, and increase long-term philanthropic engagement. Maintain ethical fundraising practices, professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality in all donor interactions. Partner with global business development, program, and resource mobilization teams to identify prospective funders, facilitate introductions, and shape engagement and funding strategies. Collaborate with country teams to operationalize tailored fundraising approaches and advance opportunities across different markets and geographies. Maintain accurate and timely CRM records covering donor engagement, correspondence, next steps, proposals, and pipeline activity. Leverage CRM data, pipeline reporting, and donor intelligence to monitor portfolio health, forecast revenue, identify risks, and surface opportunities. Contribute to strategic partnership initiatives that seek to unlock large, flexible, mission-aligned, and long-term funding. Influence donor-facing and organizational communications strategies to strengthen positioning with major individuals, organizations, and funder networks. Collaborate with senior leadership, communications, programs, and other stakeholders to develop compelling donor-facing opportunities. Share donor intelligence, coordinate strategies across teams, mentor colleagues, and support a globally connected fundraising culture. Participate in strategic initiatives, internal planning, and special projects that strengthen fundraising capabilities and overall organizational growth. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in major or large-gift fundraising, with a proven record of securing significant seven- and eight-figure gifts from diverse funders. At least 7 years of fundraising management and leadership experience. Demonstrated success working with funders in the international development sector. Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward high-capacity funders and institutional partners through tailored, donor-centered engagement strategies. Strong track record of building relationships that translate into measurable fundraising results. Excellent proposal writing, donor communication, presentation, relationship management, and project management skills. Strong understanding of strategic fundraising, donor cultivation, portfolio management, and major gift development. Proficiency with CRM systems and disciplined recordkeeping, including the ability to use pipeline data and donor intelligence to guide decisions. Ability to independently manage a complex portfolio, establish priorities, and move opportunities forward in a fast-paced environment. Ability to collaborate across functions and influence without direct authority within a highly matrixed and globally distributed organization. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, energy, initiative, professionalism, and a collaborative approach. Demonstrated change management leadership skills and comfort navigating ambiguity, evolving priorities, and organizational complexity. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage individuals and groups diplomatically and effectively. Knowledge of international development and the nonprofit sector, including an understanding of the operating environment in which nonprofit organizations work. Ability to work effectively from a home office while maintaining frequent communication with global colleagues and external stakeholders. Willingness and ability to travel frequently both nationally and internationally. Benefits: U.S. annual salary range of $145,000–$165,000 , with placement based on experience and competency. Health and wellness benefits, including Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account options. Employee assistance program. 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching and discretionary contributions. 22 vacation days per year. 12 statutory and discretionary holidays. 10 sick days per year. Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Professional development opportunities. Annual merit increase opportunities. Optional critical illness insurance. Legal assistance plan. Pet protection benefits. Remote work opportunity for U.S.-based employees. Opportunity to manage high-value philanthropic relationships and contribute to major funding initiatives. Global exposure through collaboration with teams, partners, and stakeholders across multiple countries. Frequent opportunities to contribute to strategic fundraising initiatives and long-term organizational growth.