Director – Strategic Relationships

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee the strategy, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention processes for a portfolio of key partners.

• Set annual fundraising targets and devise integrated short- and long-term strategies to secure strategic gifts ranging from 7 to 8 figures.

• Manage and expand a portfolio of prospects and funders through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention activities.

• Create customized donor engagement plans, proposals, concept notes, and fundraising collateral.

• Transform programmatic information into enticing funding opportunities that align with donor priorities and Heifer’s programs and regions.

• Facilitate co-management of donor relationships across various programs, regions, and strategic funding initiatives.

• Enhance knowledge of Heifer’s mission, program model, and impact to effectively present funding opportunities and address donor inquiries.

• Categorize and prioritize partners while implementing personalized engagement strategies.

• Contribute to the organization’s approach to strategic partnerships and long-term funding opportunities.

• Collaborate with country teams to formulate and execute tailored fundraising strategies.

• Identify high-potential funders, initiate connections with prospective partners, and shape initial engagement and funding requests.

• Record donor engagement, correspondence, next steps, and proposal activities in CRM systems.

• Utilize CRM data, pipeline reporting, and donor insights to manage portfolio health, forecast revenue, and identify risks and opportunities.

• Influence global communication strategies to position Heifer as a partner of choice.

• Share donor insights, coordinate strategies across teams, mentor colleagues, and identify collaborative engagement opportunities.

• Collaborate with senior leadership, communications, programs, and internal stakeholders on donor-facing initiatives.

• Engage in internal planning discussions and special projects.

• Assist with special projects and strategic initiatives.

• Perform additional job-related responsibilities as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent education and experience.

• At least ten years of progressive experience in large gift fundraising.

• Proven ability to secure gifts ranging from 7 to 8 figures from diverse funders.

• Minimum of 7 years in fundraising management and leadership roles.

• Experience and demonstrated success in working with funders in the international development sector.

• Proven success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity funders or institutional partners.

• Experience in developing tailored requests based on partner interests.

• Strong track record of building and managing relationships that lead to measurable fundraising outcomes.

• Exceptional writing, presentation, relationship-building, and project management skills.

• Proficiency with CRM systems and disciplined recordkeeping practices.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM systems.

• Capability to independently manage a portfolio, prioritize tasks, and advance opportunities in a dynamic environment.

• Strong skills in proposal writing and donor communication.

• Ability to collaborate across functions and influence without direct authority within a highly matrixed, networked organization.

• Demonstrated leadership abilities in change management.

• Comfort in navigating ambiguity, shifting priorities, and organizational complexities.

• Commitment to Heifer’s mission, values, and model.

• Proven interpersonal and communication skills.

• Willingness and capability to work effectively from a home office.

• Willingness and ability to travel frequently, both nationally and internationally.

• Knowledge of international development and the nonprofit sector.

• Cover letter is required.

• Equivalent education and experience may substitute for the bachelor’s degree.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health and wellness benefits, including Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account.

• Employee assistance program.

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching and discretionary contributions.

• 22 vacation days.

• 12 statutory and discretionary holidays.

• 10 sick days per year.

• Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

• Opportunities for professional development.

• Annual merit increase opportunities.

• Optional critical illness insurance.

• Legal assistance plan.

• Pet protection.