Philanthropy Officer

Title:   Philanthropy Officer

Reports to:  Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy

Location: Syracuse, NY

Travel:  Occasional (10-15%)

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is on a mission to do development differently through community-led, people-powered action across the Middle East, Africa, and the Caucasus. To achieve this, we work alongside people impacted by conflict, injustice, and poverty and collaboratively create opportunities for people to cultivate new skills and access the resources and  tools needed to shape their own future.

To fuel our mission, we are seeking experienced candidates for an open Philanthropy Officer to join our growing Philanthropy & Partnerships team. At a pivotal moment in NEF’s history, join us to take our fundraising to the next level. We are building a team fueled by passion, ambition, creativity, and experience to lead this new chapter of growth. We have a bold strategy to reach more communities than ever over the next decade and you can help make it possible.

Summary of role

As Philanthropy Officer, you will be responsible for supporting the Philanthropy team in raising critical funds to broaden our impact and support an exciting phase of growth at NEF. Reporting to the Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy and closely collaborating with the Major Gift Manager, your primary responsibilities include: (1) prospect research to build a robust pipeline of new major donors (individuals, corporations, foundations etc.), (2) monitoring a portfolio of prospective donors to steward new funding opportunities, (3) supporting the cultivation and stewardship of existing annual donors to increase overall retention and giving levels, and (4) maintaining donor database and other donor engagement  tools.

The Philanthropy Officer will also be responsible for taking a lead role in campaigns and formalizing and growing the organization’s first planned giving program. To make a step change in our income profile, you will mainly focus on supporting the Philanthropy Team in qualifying four to six figure prospective major donors and developing lasting relationships with current mid-level donors.

Joining our small but growing team, you will work closely with the Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy, Major Gifts Manager, and senior volunteers (i.e., NEF Development Committee of the Board, forthcoming Development Board).

What you will do

Identifying New Donors

• Research, organize and evaluate prospect’s financial capacity, ability to give, willingness to give, charitable interests, and connection to the organization
• Produce in-depth, well written reports and profiles on prospects based on a combination of data from the CRM (Salesforce) and prospecting tools (iWave).
• Help develop appropriate cultivation strategies and move potential donors in a thoughtful and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure
• Help to recruit, manage and support well connected, influential fundraising volunteers who will proactively fundraise through peer-to-peer fundraising and make introductions through their networks
• Identify potential high-value donors through networking (e.g., research, attending events, social media outreach, building your personal network, peer to peer)
• Support the development of key fundraising products and activity to attract and retain high-net-worth supporters
• Research and support with the development and writing high quality partnership proposals, cases for support, appeal letters, pitches and reports and submit them in a timely manner

Helping to Secure Donations

• Develop inspiring ideas to effectively build relationships and engage donors long term
• Manage and build a pipeline of potential new donors to secure gifts, delivering against an ambitious team target
• Support the solicitation of major donors for financial gifts and advise, support and engage appropriate senior leadership to increase the likelihood of a successful solicitation
• Through relationship building you will understand the motivations for existing and potential major donors and help to create compelling proposals
• Support timely reporting to donors to enhance their long-term value and experience as a NEF donor
• Support with the development and management of fundraising campaigns and activities, from inception to completion
• Support the Philanthropy Team in the solicitation of major gifts and moving prospects through each stage of the major gift donor cycle
• Working with the Major Gifts Manager, develop a strategy for outreach to and stewardship of planned giving prospects and donors

Managing relationships

• Working with the Major Gifts Manager, you will oversee a portfolio of donors and prospects to build and deepen relationships, enhance donor’s connection to NEF, and create opportunities to expand giving
• Develop excellent relationships with existing donors, communicating the impact of their support and keeping them engaged to maximize the value of NEF’s donor income long-term
• Support with the cultivation and stewardship of a sustainer monthly giving program
• Where appropriate, you will involve NEF’s senior staff and the Board to make the most of opportunities to engage and build relationships with existing and potential major donors
• You will support with creating and developing inspiring and compelling funding proposals, ensuring donors understand the impact of their gifts and are inspired to continue supporting

General

• Develop an excellent knowledge of NEF’s work, and liaise with colleagues to prepare and present high-quality information such as tailored presentations, cases for support and proposals for donors
• Maintain an awareness of philanthropy giving trends, news, events and legislation in the USA, UK and Europe and pick up on opportunities or topical issues that will enhance NEF
• Ensure timely stewardship of donors through acknowledgement letters, phone calls, or email outreach after recent support or event attendance
• Develop all print and web-based supporting materials for planned giving program
• Maintain accurate records in the CRM and prospecting tools, including: input of new leads and prospect research, upkeep of move management tasks and opportunities, and managing portfolio dashboard reporting.
• Develop dashboards and use reports to analyze and report back on the data of the philanthropy team goals
• Assist with, and lead event coordination as needed, including but not limited to launch events, donor site visits, fundraisers and cultivation events
• Undertake other tasks that are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job, to contribute to meeting our fundraising strategic vision and those of NEF, and the wider organization

Basic Qualifications

We encourage all individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to succeed within this position and thrive at NEF to apply for this role, even if you do not meet 100% of the qualifications.

• At least 2 years proven and effective experience supporting with cultivating and managing major gifts and/or individual philanthropy;
• Proven track record of fundraising (directly or supporting a team) from high-net-worth individuals and foundations in the not-for-profit sector;
• Experience with prospecting, pipeline building, and new business development (geared toward securing four to six figure annual gifts);
• Experience with developing and delivering one or more fundraising products to attract new supporters (e.g., development boards; giving circles; events; major appeals);
• Experience supporting on fundraising campaigns (ideally end-to-end experience);
• Support with the development of fundraising materials for both off and online channels, to support fundraising activity;
• Experience with or demonstrated willingness to quickly learn donor database management software (Salesforce preferred), prospecting tools (i.e., iWave, DonorSearch) and Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to live and work in the U.S. without company sponsorship.

Skills and competencies

We are looking for a values-driven, confident, and determined fundraiser who thrives in a people oriented, target driven role.

• Entrepreneurial spirit, tenacious and self-motivated, performance and target driven;
• Exceptional persuasive communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Solutions-driven mindset; dedicated team player with the desire to develop within an organization;
• Highly effective interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with diverse personalities in a tactful, mature, and professional manner;
• Strong business acumen with the ability to monitor, compile and analyze data to guide decision making;
• Ability to remain flexible and work within a collaborative and fast-paced environment to achieve and exceed key performance indicators (KPIs).

Summary of NEF

NEF is a non-profit international development organization that has supported livelihoods recovery and community-based economic development in the Middle East, Africa, and Caucasus since 1915. Through inclusive, innovative and adaptive programs, our aim is sustainable impact that contributes to long-term resilience and community empowerment. Drawing on 100+ years of experience, we combine local expertise with pioneering solutions to bring stability and prosperity to people, now – and for generations to come.

Working through a network of country offices and local partners, NEF currently has operations in eight countries: Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, Morocco, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria. Support offices are based between Syracuse, NY, Washington, DC, London, UK, and Brussels, Be.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

NEF will accept rolling applications until the position is filled.  Review of applications will begin on November 7, 2022. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Please apply by submitting the following documents:

• Cover letter outlining all relevant experience, how you meet the essential criteria and availability;
• Curriculum Vitae;
• List of three references (including one from current, or most recent, employer). You will be given further notice prior to us contacting references.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation by visiting the NEF website at www.neareast.org.

The Near East Foundation promotes Equal Employment Opportunities for all applicants seeking employment.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Benefits

NEF offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes: 20 PTO days plus 12 Company Holidays; generous medical, dental and, vision coverage; HRA and FSA benefits; employer paid short and long-term disability; employer paid life insurance; TIAA-CREF retirement plan with 8% employer contribution, paid family leave, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and more!

NEF's strength is its people. Our team is our fuel to achieving the innovation, quality programming, community focus, mutual trust, sustainability, and learning needed to realize our mission. To help our team thrive, we support a working structure that prioritizes flexibility, personal commitments, and staff well-being while promoting a work culture of teamwork, collaboration, respect, integrity, and excellence.

As an international organization, we value a truly diverse workforce and prioritize a culture of inclusivity and belonging. We strive to create a high-achieving work environment informed by different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. With a commitment to diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion in all we do, our aim is to ensure that people feel heard, protected, and empowered to contribute to NEF's mission from day one.

Covid-19 Vaccine Policy for Employees

The Near East Foundation has determined that, in an effort to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all Near East Foundation, all employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including boosters as recommended by the CDC, regardless of prior COVID-19 infection status. This policy is necessary to ensure not only the safety of our workforce, but the ongoing functionality of the organization.

This policy will be revised as needed to comply with federal, state, and local requirements, and to respond to changing guidance from public health authorities.

Team members that travel are expected to comply with host-country requirements, including vaccinations. Failure to comply may impact your employment. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be provided.