Development Director, Governments and Foundations
New York, NY
Full Time
Experienced
BACKGROUND
The Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) is a research and advocacy organization that seeks to improve the lives and protect the rights of women, children, and youth displaced by conflict and crises. We research their needs, identify solutions, and advocate for programs and policies to
strengthen their resilience and drive change in humanitarian practice. The Women’s Refugee
Commission is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
WRC’s PROGRAM WORK
The Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) operates five key program areas, all dedicated to advancing our mission to improve the lives and protect the rights of women, children, youth, and other groups too often overlooked, undervalued, and underserved in situations of displacement, migration, and crises. Our core programs and strategic initiatives go beyond responding to crisis. We are building power and partnerships with civil society organizations worldwide to pursue long-term, sustainable solutions.
WRC also leads and hosts several networks and initiatives: the Global Campaign for Equal
Nationality Rights, the Refugee Self-Reliance Initiative, and the Global Refugee Youth Network.
SCOPE OF WORK:
The Director of Development plays a strategic leadership role in the Women's Refugee Commission's fundraising operations by leading, developing and managing WRC's foundation, corporate, national and international government funding portfolio. This position provides senior-level oversight of all major gift cultivation, proposal development and donor relationship management.
This position is ideal for an experienced fundraising leader who is strategic and visionary, demonstrates exceptional results, possesses advanced conceptual writing and strategic thinking abilities, thrives in a dynamic environment and brings a deep commitment to the mission of the Women's Refugee Commission.
The Director of Development will report to the Vice President of Programs and Partnership.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Strategic Leadership & Planning
• Lead and oversee all government and foundation fundraising strategy, planning and execution to achieve revenue targets and organizational growth goals
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to diversify funding sources and expand the donor portfolio, with particular emphasis on international government funding
• Contribute to organizational strategy and sustainability planning as a member of senior leadership team
Proposal Development & Writing
• Lead proposal development efforts and serve as primary grants writer, ensuring all submissions reflect WRC's strategic priorities and programmatic excellence• Lead the development of cultivation materials, correspondence, proposals, reports and strategic briefing materials for donor and senior leadership communications
Donor Relationship Management
• Cultivate, solicit and maintain WRC's portfolio of high-level donors and prospects; engage existing donors to unlock additional funding through strategic relationship management• Identify and solicit new donor prospects through research, networking and direct outreach; tailor solicitation strategies to align with donor interests and organizational priorities
• Represent WRC at donor meetings, conferences and strategic convenings at the director level
Staff Development & Collaboration
• Mentor and build the capacity of development and program staff to effectively support donor relationships and represent WRC in fundraising conversations• Direct coordination and collaboration with IRC senior leadership, program teams and finance staff on major proposals, contracts and partnership opportunities
Operations & Systems Management
• Oversee donor database management and ensure accuracy and completeness of donor records and Donor Perfect system• Participate in budget development and revenue analysis in coordination with Finance and other senior leadership; provide strategic financial forecasting and recommendations
REQUIREMENTS:
• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development or related field, or equivalent combination of advanced education and experience
• 12+ years of progressive experience in institutional/government fundraising and development with a strong track record of success in identifying major donors, securing significant grants and closing substantial gifts
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills: the ability to communicate and liaise effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, donors and external partners at all levels
• Advanced writing skills: proven ability to conceptualize, write and edit complex proposals and strategic documents; demonstrated competence in communicating nuanced programmatic details and contexts
• Strong organizational and strategic planning skills: ability to manage multiple major initiatives while working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with competing priorities
• Self-motivated with proven entrepreneurial mindset, strong work ethic, strategic vision and ability to work collaboratively and build high-performing teams
• Leadership experience: demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor staff; experience building and developing teams a strong plus
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to international development, human rights, social justice and humanitarian causes
• Advanced computer skills: proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email/internet software; expertise with Raiser's Edge or similar CRM/fundraising software required.
Position: Regular, full-time hours
Salary Band 3: With up to $155K currently budgeted for the role, commensurate with experience
Work Schedule : Hybrid remote (2 days in office with Tuesdays being one dedicated in office collaboration day, 3 days working remotely)
Location: NYC
Closing Date: Once filled
How to Apply : Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.
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