Major Giving Officer

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre • New York, NY

4d • $100,000 - $125,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Business and Human Rights Centre (BHRC) is seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven Major Giving Officer to build and lead its major giving program. This new role is crucial for BHRC's funding diversification efforts. The Major Giving Officer will develop relationships with major donors, high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, donor-advised funds, and philanthropic networks to strengthen BHRC's funding base. The role supports the implementation of BHRC's fundraising strategy to increase flexible and unrestricted income, deepen donor engagement, and build long-term support for the organization's mission. The position reports to the Deputy Director / Director of Development (NY) and works closely with the Executive Director (South Africa), senior leadership, Board members, the Development team, and global program colleagues. The primary focus is on identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors capable of giving $5,000-$50,000 annually, while also developing a pipeline for higher-capacity prospects. The role involves building relationships with various philanthropic entities and developing tailored engagement strategies to connect donor interests with BHRC's human rights priorities and long-term vision, ultimately diversifying revenue streams and strengthening the sustainability of BHRC's global work.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of professional major gifts fundraising experience, preferably in a social justice organisation.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success securing and growing gifts from individual donors.
• Experience managing donor portfolios and fundraising pipelines.
• Experience developing and implementing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Strong understanding of major donor fundraising principles and relationship-based fundraising.
• Experience conducting research on major donor prospects. Knowledge of appropriate research tools and resources.
• Ability to identify strategic opportunities, assess risks, and develop long-term fundraising strategies.
• Excellent English-language written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences, including: Drafting high-quality proposals, donor-facing communications, Website content and social media updates.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
• Experience engaging boards and senior executives in fundraising activities.
• Strong planning and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver against ambitious targets.
• Experience using CRM system and donor databases, preferably Salesforce.
• Ability to work independently and effectively across cultures, geographies, and (remote) teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Commitment to advancing human rights, social justice, and corporate accountability. Shares the values and mission of the Centre.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools.
• Right to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience building from inception, or significantly expanding a major gifts program.
• Experience fundraising for international, advocacy, human rights, or social justice organizations.
• Familiarity with planned giving and principal gifts fundraising.
• Knowledge of international philanthropy and cross-border giving.

Responsibilities

• Develop and begin implementation of BHRC's major donor fundraising strategy.
• Establish donor qualification criteria, portfolio management processes, and tracking systems.
• Develop a compelling case for support and donor engagement materials aligned with organisational priorities.
• Create cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for priority prospects.
• Work with colleagues across the organisation to build a strong foundation for long-term major donor fundraising.
• Build and manage an initial portfolio of approximately 50-75 qualified prospects and donors.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and steward individuals capable of making gifts of $5,000 and above.
• Conduct regular donor meetings with appropriate senior leadership and board, and prepare participants for cultivation conversations, both virtually and in person.
• Develop tailored engagement plans and prepare donor proposals, reports, and stewardship communications with programme and development team colleagues.
• Secure new and renewed major gifts and lay the groundwork for future donor growth.
• Conduct prospect research and mapping to identify potential major donors, donor-advised funds, family offices, and philanthropic networks.
• Analyse existing supporters and networks to identify upgrade opportunities.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of qualified prospects and track progress through the fundraising cycle.
• Work with Board members and senior leadership to identify and pursue new donor connections.
• Work closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Director/Director of Development, senior leadership team, and Board to advance donor engagement.
• Mobilise Board and ED to conduct fundraising activities.
• Prepare briefing materials and donor communications for leadership and Board meetings.
• Support Board involvement in cultivation activities, introductions, and donor stewardship.
• Contribute to organisational fundraising planning and the growth of BHRC's individual giving programme.
• Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, and record keeping, including using Salesforce to track all donor and prospect research, communication and revenue.
• Proactively undertake other responsibilities as necessary for the successful delivery of BHRC's fundraising strategy and the development of the organisation.

Benefits

• Necessary work-related expenses, including approved travel, will be reimbursed.
• 24 days of paid leave per full year worked.
• Will not normally be expected to work on national holidays in their country of residence.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior