Strategic Deputy Chief Development Officer — Fundraising & Growth

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières - USA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 174,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

Doctors Without Borders USA is seeking a Deputy Chief Development Officer to be the principal strategic and operational partner to the Chief Development Officer, leading MSF USA’s fundraising engine and donor engagement across audiences. You will oversee planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management, ensuring cross-team collaboration and data-driven investment decisions.

This role emphasizes one-to-one fundraising, relationship building, and a strong culture of philanthropy to

Qualifications

• Deep alignment with MSF’s mission and values.
• 10–12 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising with significant progressive experience in one-to-one, high-touch relationship-based fundraising (major and/or legacy giving) with demonstrated understanding of what drives donor movement, retention, and long-term value.
• A bachelor’s degree in international development, nonprofit management, public administration, business administration, communications, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience leading annual and multi-year planning, goal setting, budgeting/forecasting, and performance management in a complex, multi-audience fundraising environment.
• Proven track record maturing donor pipeline/portfolio management practices, including clear pathways and handoffs between audiences and consistent use of data to drive decisions.
• Demonstrated success aligning multiple teams around shared priorities and efficient cross-team ways of working.
• Strong strategic judgment and prioritization skills, translating strategy to actionable plans and driving follow-through.
• Track record of leading change to strengthen a culture of philanthropy.
• Experience leading or partnering closely with prospect development functions.
• Up-to-date knowledge on the U.S. philanthropy landscape, including emerging trends in the sector.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief Development Officer in developing and implementing fundraising strategy.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to high-touch fundraising leaders.
• Drive execution of DevMT decisions and act as the point person to translate strategic direction into coordinated departmental plans.
• Drive capacity building and professional development within the Development team.
• Model and reinforce inclusive leadership practices within Development.
• Represent the department in external forums, donor meetings, and conferences as needed.
• Foster collaboration between Development and key partners across the organization, including Communications, Finance, People and Culture, and Programs.
• Advance a culture of philanthropy across MSF USA by partnering with leaders to strengthen shared responsibility for donor engagement and stewardship
• Support change management efforts across MSF USA.

Skills

Mission alignment

Fundraising leadership

Donor pipeline management

Strategic planning

Budgeting/forecasting

Cross-team collaboration

Change management

Prospect development collaboration

Data-informed decisions

Relationship-based fundraising

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in international development, nonprofit management, public administration, business administration, communications, or related field

Job description

Doctors Without Borders USA is seeking a Deputy Chief Development Officer to be the principal strategic and operational partner to the Chief Development Officer, leading MSF USA’s fundraising engine and donor engagement across audiences. You will oversee planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management, ensuring cross-team collaboration and data-driven investment decisions.

This role emphasizes one-to-one fundraising, relationship building, and a strong culture of philanthropy to