Director of Major Gifts

Remote in the United States

Mercy For Animals aims to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. We envision a world where animals are respected, protected, and free

As a leading farmed animal advocacy organization, we know that achieving this goal requires a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment—one that welcomes and sparks new perspectives and innovative ideas. If you are passionate about our mission, driven to make a big impact for animals, and eager to be part of a dedicated team, join us!

We currently seek a director of major gifts to join our philanthropy team. In this role you will advance the mission of Mercy For Animals by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts ($25,000 and above) while creating and sustaining long-term philanthropic relationships with donors and prospects. This role is critical to advancing our core efforts to reduce large-scale animal suffering in the food system, build massive public support and shift cultural narratives about factory farming, and decrease demand for animal products. 

You will do invaluable work:

Portfolio Management and Moves Management Strategy

• Independently manage a major-gift portfolio, using moves management processes tailored to individual prospects to deepen philanthropic relationships
• Handle multiple relationships with assigned prospects at various cultivation stages and determine an appropriate tailored strategy for each prospect
• Use qualification efforts to identify and assess potential new donors, providing regular feedback on prospect assignments
• Develop, draft, and execute personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for portfolio donors, such as establishing annual strategies and monthly benchmarks and conducting periodic reviews
• Coordinate, schedule, and facilitate in-person and virtual donor meetings, involving appropriate programmatic or senior leadership in the cultivation and solicitation process when beneficial
• Meet or exceed goals for donor outreach and solicitation

Donor Engagement and Communications

• Effectively communicate complex organizational priorities and strategies in a compelling manner that aligns with donors’ philanthropic interests
• Draft personalized communications for assigned prospects, including emails, letters, and stewardship reports
• Conduct in-person and virtual visits with donors and prospects, presenting funding opportunities and impact reports

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain meticulous records of donor interactions, engagement strategies, and prospect progress within the donor management CRM, ensuring timely and thorough updates
• Collaborate internally to schedule, prepare, and deliver funding proposals, impact reports, and stewardship materials to support donor engagement efforts
• Assist in tracking legacy gift commitments, employing appropriate donor engagement strategies

Collaboration and Departmental Support

• Serve as a key member of the development team, contributing to overall fundraising strategy and execution
• Support Mercy For Animals’ legacy giving program by applying a working understanding of planned giving principles, as well as financial- and estate-planning techniques
• Participate in joint projects within the department, including fundraising appeals, donor relations initiatives, and database enhancements
• Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the team leader

Your qualifications will take our philanthropy team to the next level:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years’ experience as a major-gift or philanthropy officer
• CFRE certification (preferred)
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong donor relationships
• Strong ability to understand and articulate complex organizational priorities in a compelling manner to donors
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in decision-making related to donor cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• Experience drafting personalized fundraising proposals and donor correspondence
• Comfort and confidence in using technology to support donor engagement, including donor management CRM, Google Suite, video outreach, SMS, and email
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
• Willingness and ability to travel three to five times per year and work some evenings and weekends
• Commitment to the mission and values of Mercy For Animals
• Dedication to continued personal, organizational, and movement-wide growth in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles

About Your Team Leader

Amanda Rainey is chief philanthropy officer of Mercy For Animals, overseeing philanthropic relationships with individuals and organizations. Amanda leads the development of comprehensive, strategic fundraising plans that align with the organization’s mission and long-term goals.

Amanda brings more than 20 years of dedicated leadership in the nonprofit sector, specializing in fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. She has expertise in capital campaigns, corporate partnerships, digital fundraising, and strategic partnerships and is known for tenacity and an unwavering commitment to driving long-term sustainability and impact.

Amanda earned her master’s degree in education from Indiana University and her bachelor’s in education from Southeast Missouri State University. Amanda has also earned the CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential.

Compensation and Benefits

Earn an annual salary of $91,530–$101,700, depending on qualifications, and enjoy a commute-free life as a remote team member. In addition to a collaborative and innovative work environment, you will be able to take part in our benefits package, including no- or low-cost health, vision, and dental insurance; generous paid time off and sick leave; and 401(k) retirement plan, with a dollar-to-dollar employer match of up to 3% of your annual earnings.

Application Details

We consider traditional and nontraditional qualifications and carefully review each application, resume, and cover letter. Feel encouraged to go outside a traditional cover letter and state how you would add to our culture; what we would gain from having you on our team; and how you align with our organizational vision, mission, and values. To ensure fairness in the hiring process, we request that all applicants refrain from submitting materials that are generated entirely by artificial intelligence tools. We recognize that such tools can be useful in refining tone, grammar, and clarity, but please ensure that your materials reflect your personal experience, qualifications, and authentic voice.   

Our Commitment to You

Mercy For Animals is a globally minded organization. We are committed to the principles of equity and justice, and our culture celebrates authenticity—enabling every team member to shine. All employment decisions are based solely on individual qualifications, job needs, and job requirements, and potential team members of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, veteran status, and ability are encouraged to apply. We strive to include candidates from historically marginalized communities and those from or in communities impacted by environmental, social, and economic injustice. 

Come as you are, and help us transform our society and construct a truly compassionate food system.

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