US Leadership Giving Officer, Central U.S. Region

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans, and in more than 40 countries around the world. IFAW stands out for its hands-on approach, rescuing and rehabilitating animals directly affected by disasters, trafficking, and environmental crises. Unlike many nonprofits, IFAW combines global outreach with local partnerships, providing sustainable solutions that benefit both animals and communities. IFAW prioritizes both wildlife conservation and individual animal welfare, responding rapidly to emergencies and advocating for policy change. IFAW’s innovative, technology-driven programs and collaborative work with governments further sets us apart, making IFAW the best choice if you want to join a direct-action nonprofit to create a better future for animals and people.

Position Summary/ Objective

IFAW’s mid-level program is a priority fundraising area, and the program has grown 83% over the last five years. You will further this growth in our newly established Central US leadership giving officer position.  Your passion and enthusiasm for fundraising will allow you to represent IFAW and our innovative programmatic work with key supporters.  You will manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, design and implement the overall strategy for the Central US region, and provide appropriate cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation of gifts in the $1,000 - $10,000 range.  You will be an integral part of IFAW’s goal to grow the mid-level program by increasing engagement and philanthropic revenue for the US Mid-Level Giving program.  

Reporting to the Senior Leadership Giving Manager, you will work with the entire development team to achieve overall global philanthropic goals alongside your focus on the Central US. Working from a remote office, you will have support from staff in IFAW’s Washington, D.C. and Yarmouth Port, MA, offices.

Role and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an understanding of IFAW’s programmatic campaigns and priorities to effectively promote IFAW’s work to prospects and donors and identify key engagement approaches based on donor’s interests.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of 150+ mid-level donors and prospects to maximize revenue and increase giving in the $5,000+ range.  Utilize fresh thinking and your previous experience to develop and implement a strategic plan to cultivate, solicit and steward supporters that will set IFAW apart from other charities they may be supporting and increase revenue.
• Build meaningful relationships with your portfolio donors through personal visits, phone calls, emails and letters.  Donor visits and solicitations are required as part of your strategy.
• Identify donors with major gift and/or legacy potential and work with the Major Gift and Legacy teams to cultivate advancement.
• Develop and execute highly curated, intimate mid-level cultivation events/gatherings in your region for portfolio donors.  Work in collaboration with various colleagues to develop and execute VIP experiences around IFAW Communication/media led events.
• Work with the Director of Leadership Giving to determine an appropriate, integrated contact strategy for portfolio donors including fundraising and stewardship, incorporating both personal and mass channel approaches.
• Participate in all international mid-level team meetings and calls providing feedback and recommendations on the program.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and manage donor information in our database of record (currently Team Approach).
• Present IFAW’s brand in a positive and comprehensive manner.
• Execute other tasks as directed by the Senior Leadership Giving Manager.

Remain current on:

• IFAW programs, campaigns, and emergency relief efforts (current, past, planned)
• Broad scope of animal welfare issues and IFAW’s position statements
• IFAW marketing and fundraising efforts
• Financial policies, tax regulations, charity watchdog ratings and other relevant financial services
• Mid-Level program and fundraising benchmarks, trends and new initiatives.  Staying informed of philanthropic trends and best practices and applying them to enhance the effectiveness of IFAW’s mission-driven development work.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Approximately 20% travel required for donor visits, small gatherings, events and what is needed to build meaningful donor relationships
• Minimum five years of Mid-Level or Major gift experience demonstrating proven results cultivating donors and making donation asks at the $1,000 - $10,000 level
• Knowledge of fundraising techniques and moves management strategies essential
• A degree from a four-year college or relevant work experience
• Highly detail oriented and self-motivated with excellent time management skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced work environment
• Superb written and oral communication skills
• High proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Team Approach, or other similar database programs
• Flexibility to work in the evenings or weekends as required (for global IFAW calls, events, donor meetings, etc.)
• Passion for animal welfare and a commitment to promote IFAW’s mission

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary range for this position is $60,000-$72,000 commensurate with experience. IFAW offers a robust benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401kretirement plan and matched contributions, paid vacation, and more.

At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.

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