Senior Major Gifts Advisor, East – US Mercy Corps

GeoPolist; New York, Boston (NY, MA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization seeks a Major Gift Senior Advisor to drive revenue growth through relationship management with high-net-worth individuals. The role involves cultivating a portfolio of donors and enhancing engagement strategies to secure flexible funding for global programs. The advisor will work closely with the High Impact Philanthropy team and must articulate the organization's mission effectively.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in major gifts or private sector fundraising.
• Proven track record of soliciting 5- and 6-figure gifts.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 80-150 individuals capable of giving between $10,000 and $250,000.
• Cultivate and solicit major gifts focusing on unrestricted funding.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Relationship Building

Tools

CRM

Job description

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Position description

Salary Level: Starting salary range for this role will be from $86,000.00 USD up to $100,000.00 USD annually, commensurate with experience.

Risk Level: ☑ Level 1 ☐ Level 2 ☐ Level 3

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

(Level 2: Some contact with participants; unplanned non-direct contact with children.)

(Level 1: Likely to have no contact with participants or sensitive data.)

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.

Now, and for the future.

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 includes gift officers, direct response fundraisers, web developers, marketers, media relations strategists, database managers, digital specialists, creative designers, storytellers, and educators. We are passionate about Mercy Corps’ mission and believe a better world is possible.

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. This role is responsible for expanding private sector support by cultivating, engaging, and soliciting high-net-worth individuals based in the Eastern United States.

The Major Gift Senior Advisor, East, is a dynamic frontline fundraiser who will drive revenue growth by managing a portfolio of donors and prospects giving between $10,000 and $250,000. Geographically based in a key city on the East Coast (New York City or Boston), the Senior Advisor will serve as a relationship manager for a well-balanced portfolio of current supporters and new prospects. The primary focus will be on retaining and upgrading current supporters through strategic, high-touch relationship building and engagement opportunities. The Senior Advisor will also collaborate with colleagues across the High Impact Philanthropy team to grow the donor pipeline and increase revenue across the region. Approximately 15% of the portfolio will be focused on new donor acquisition.

This role requires a strong ability to articulate Mercy Corps’ global mission and build a compelling case for unrestricted giving. The Senior Advisor should be confident discussing a variety of giving vehicles—including legacy giving, multi-year commitments, donor advised funds (DAFs), family and community foundations, and giving circles. The position calls for a high level of social acumen and the ability to move comfortably within the realm of high-net-worth individuals.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Major Giving Portfolio

• Lead and manage a regional portfolio of 80-150 individuals capable of giving between $10,000 and $250,000.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts with a focus on flexible and unrestricted funding.
• Deepen donor engagement and increase giving through exceptional relationship management and compelling cases for support.
• Partner with the Director of Major Gifts on proactive prospect discovery, utilizing network mapping, research, engagements, and executive travel to grow the major gift pipeline within the Eastern United States.
• Set annual goals and develop personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for assigned donors. Prioritize highly personalized touch points, including face-to-face meetings, tailored communications, and programmatic engagement with Mercy Corps field teams.
• Stay informed about Mercy Corps’ priorities, mission, and key issues and trends in international aid and development, and communicate these effectively to donors and prospects.
• Lead and collaborate with a Senior Account Manager to strategize, track, and measure progress toward financial goals and KPIs.

Organizational Learning

• Commit 5% of your time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps and your personal development, supporting our organizational learning culture.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

1. Learn about safeguarding and integrate it into your work, including risk mitigation related to your area.
2. Respect the dignity and well-being of participants and team members.
3. Encourage openness and communication; promote reporting concerns via mechanisms such as the Integrity Hotline.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability

Reports directly to: Director, Major Gifts

Works directly with: All members of the High Impact Philanthropy and Resource Development teams.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Support efforts for accountability to program participants, community partners, stakeholders, and adherence to international standards. Engage communities as partners in project design, monitoring, and evaluation.

Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills

• 5+ years of experience in major gifts or private sector fundraising, with a proven track record of soliciting 5- and 6-figure gifts.
• Ability to develop targeted donor strategies collaboratively.
• Success in relationship building, donor engagement, and gift upgrading.
• Passion for Mercy Corps’ mission and understanding of international development; experience in a global organization is a plus.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills—empathetic, humble, confident, persuasive.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Results-oriented, highly organized, capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with CRMs and databases.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel as required.

Success Factors

Success depends on interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and trust-building with high-net-worth individuals. The Senior Advisor should be a confident communicator, a good listener, and capable of crafting compelling narratives and fostering long-term relationships. Collaboration, adaptability, and strategic thinking are essential for navigating donor interests and regional engagement.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is based in New York or Boston.

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency professionally both during and outside work hours, respecting local laws, customs, and policies at all times.

Fostering diversity and inclusion is a core part of Mercy Corps’ vision. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive environment.

Ongoing Learning

We support continuous learning, encouraging team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional growth activities.

Team Effectiveness

We build strong teams through diverse perspectives, fostering trust, respect, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Mercy Corps is committed to non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment for all employees and applicants, regardless of background or protected status.

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