Strategic Development Lead — Major Gifts & Donor Strategy

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

Job summary

MSF USA is seeking a Deputy Chief Development Officer to serve as the Chief Development Officer’s strategic partner and lead the Development Management Team in strengthening MSF USA’s fundraising engine, donor engagement, and cross-team collaboration.

The role focuses on maturing planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management, with clear donor-pipeline ownership across Mid-Level, Principal, Major Gifts, and Legacy Giving, guided by data-informed investment choices.

Qualifications

• Deep alignment with MSF’s mission and values.
• 10-12 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising with one-to-one, high-touch fundraising.
• Bachelor’s degree in international development, nonprofit management, public administration, business administration, communications, or related field.
• Experience leading annual and multi-year planning, budgeting/forecasting, and performance management.
• Proven track record maturing donor pipeline/portfolio management.
• Experience leading or partnering with prospect development functions.
• Up-to-date knowledge on the U.S. philanthropy landscape.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief Development Officer to develop fundraising strategy.
• Lead department-wide planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management.
• Drive donor engagement and stewardship across portfolios.
• Foster collaboration with partners across the organization.
• Represent the department in external forums, donor meetings, and conferences.
• Oversee change management and drive cross-team alignment.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor relationship

Leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Performance management

Cross-team collaboration

Change management

Data-driven decisions

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

MSF USA is seeking a Deputy Chief Development Officer to serve as the Chief Development Officer’s strategic partner and lead the Development Management Team in strengthening MSF USA’s fundraising engine, donor engagement, and cross-team collaboration.

The role focuses on maturing planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management, with clear donor-pipeline ownership across Mid-Level, Principal, Major Gifts, and Legacy Giving, guided by data-informed investment choices.