Senior Major Gifts Advisor, East - US

Position description

Salary Level: Starting salary range for this role will be from $86,000.00 USD up to $100,00.00 USD annually, coommensurate with experience.

Risk Level: ☐ Level 3 ☐Level 2 X Level 1

(Level 3: Frequent contact with participants, direct contact with children, access to sensitive data, and/or high level of accountability.

Level 2: Some contact with participants; unplanned non-direct contact with children.

Level 1: Likely to have no contact with participants or sensitive data)

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.

Now, and for the future.

Program / Department Summary
The mission of the Resource Development (RD) department is to advance the organization’s strategic goals and support our worldwide team by raising flexible funds, profile and influence. The RD team encompasses several dozen dynamic professionals who possess a wide range of skills. We are gift officers, direct response fundraisers, web developers, marketers and media relations strategists. We are database managers, digital specialists, creative designers, storytellers and teachers. Most of all, we are passionate about Mercy Corps’ mission and believe a better world is possible.

General Position Summary
Positioned within the High Impact Philanthropy department, the Major Gift team plays a critical role in securing flexible, unrestricted funding to support Mercy Corps’ global programs. This role is responsible for expanding private sector support by cultivating, engaging, and soliciting high-net-worth individuals based in the Eastern United States.

The Major Gift Senior Advisor, East is a dynamic frontline fundraiser who will drive revenue growth by managing a portfolio of donors and prospects giving between $10,000 and $250,000. Geographically positioned in a key city on the East Coast (New York City or Boston) the Senior Advisor will serve as a relationship manager for a well-blended portfolio of current supporters and new prospects. The primary focus will be on retaining and upgrading current supporters through strategic, high-touch relationship building and engagement opportunities. The Senior Advisor will also collaborate with colleagues across the High Impact Philanthropy team to grow the donor pipeline and increase revenue across the region. Approximately 15% of the portfolio will be focused on new donor acquisition.

This role requires a strong ability to articulate Mercy Corps’ global mission and build a compelling case for unrestricted giving. The Senior Advisor should be confident discussing a variety of giving vehicles—including legacy giving, multi-year commitments, donor advised funds (DAFs), family and community foundations, and giving circles. The position calls for a high level of social acumen and the ability to move comfortably within the realm of high-net-worth individuals.

Essential Job Responsibilities

MAJOR GIVING PORTFOLIO

• Lead and Manage a regional portfolio of 80-150 individuals capable of giving between $10,000 and $250,000.
• Cultivate, solicit and steward major gifts with a focus on flexible and unrestricted funding.
• Deepen donor engagement and increase giving through exceptional relationship management and compelling cases for support.
• Partner with the Director of Major Gifts on proactive prospect discovery, utilizing network mapping, research, engagements, and executive travel to grow the major gift pipeline within the Eastern United States.
• Set annual goals and develop personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for assigned donors. Prioritize highly personalized touch points, including face-to-face meetings, tailored communications and programmatic engagement with Mercy Corps field teams.
• Stay abreast of Mercy Corps’ priorities and mission, as well as key issues and trends in the international aid and development community and effectively communicate these to donors and prospects.
• Lead and Collaborate with a Senior Account Manager to strategize, accurately track, and measure progress toward financial goals and other KPIs.

Organizational Learning

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
2. Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
3. Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Director, Major Gifts

Works Directly With: All members of the High Impact Philanthropy and Resource Development teams.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• 5+ years of experience in major gifts or private sector fundraising, with a strong track record of soliciting 5- and 6- figure gifts.
• Ability to develop and implement targeted donor strategies in collaboration with colleagues, program staff, and executive leadership.
• Demonstrated success in relationship building, donor engagement, and upgrading gifts.
• Passion for Mercy Corps’ mission, with a solid understanding of international development and humanitarian work. Experience in a global organization is a plus.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills—empathetic, humble, confident, and persuasive.
• Excellent organizational skills, with sharp attention to detail and processes.
• Results-driven, highly organized, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable using CRMs and databases.
• A valid driver’s license, ability and willingness to travel as required.

Success Factors

Success in this role relies on strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build trust with high-net-worth individuals. The Senior Advisor is a confident communicator and a thoughtful listener, able to craft compelling narratives and foster deep, long-term relationships. A collaborative spirit, adaptability, and a strategic mindset are key to navigating diverse donor interests and driving meaningful engagement across the region.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position will be based in New York or Boston.

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Team Efficiency and Effectiveness

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Application instructions

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