Development Associate

Please submit a cover letter along with your résumé.

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: Mercy Corps’ Resource Development Department is responsible for raising funds from the private sector, which includes individuals, businesses, foundations and community organizations. Mercy Corps’ mid-level donors, those individuals, businesses and foundations who make gifts of $1,000 – 4,999 annually, represent a highly strategic and growing source of support for Mercy Corps’ global relief and development programs.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The Development Associate (Portland) is responsible for managing a portfolio of 250 - 450 mid-level donors, which includes individuals, corporations, and foundations. This involves providing personalized attention and thoughtful stewardship as the assigned gift officer for this group of donors, so that they are appropriately recognized for their contribution to Mercy Corps’ work and understand the impact of their gifts. The Development Associate is part of a team of five regionally-based development staff who each manage a portfolio of donors.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: • Provide strategic management for a portfolio of 250 – 450 donors • Communicate with donors to thank them for their contributions, discuss their interest in Mercy Corps’ work, solicit feedback, and answer their questions in a professional and timely manner. • Meet with 6 – 8 donors per month to advance their relationship with Mercy Corps and ask them to renew or increase their annual contribution. • Write and distribute special correspondence including issue updates, solicitation letters and special acknowledgements, with appropriate personalization. • Assist with small events and recruit donors to attend four local events, receptions and webinars per year. • Identify and research individuals with the desire and capacity to contribute at a higher level and collaborate with the Major Gifts Team to ensure that potential partnerships are pursued. • Enter all actions and contacts with donors in Raiser’s Edge in an accurate and timely manner. • Stay abreast of Mercy Corps’ programmatic work and communicate the impact of this work to donors. • Other duties as assigned.

Accountability: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

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.

ACCOUNTABILITY: REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Senior Development Officer WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Marketing Director, Mid-level Gift Officers, Major Gift Officers, Internet Marketing team

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: • AA required and BS/BA preferred • 2 years of fundraising experience, including experience asking for gifts in person. • 2- 4 years’ experience in communicating with people by phone preferred, ie cold calling for sales, fundraising or advocacy issues • Outstanding people skills and customer service skills. • Excellent verbal communication skills, particularly by phone, and strong written communication skills. • Highly organized and strong attention to detail. • Ability to work well independently, with minimal supervision, and to balance multiple priorities. • Professional demeanor. • Working knowledge of MS Office and database software such as Access, Filemaker Pro, Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce, with Raiser’s Edge experience preferred

SUCCESS FACTORS: The successful Development Associate will be exceptional at striking a rapport with a variety of individuals by phone, and be comfortable talking with donors about their gifts to Mercy Corps and asking them to make donations. The ability to communicate with passion, sincerity, and brevity, listen and respond to donors’ needs, and provide excellent customer service is essential. The successful Development Associate will be detail-oriented with the ability to follow high level initiatives while managing and supporting ongoing interdepartmental collaborations/projects. In addition, this person will have a demonstrated interested in international aid and development and be dedicated to Mercy Corps’ mission of helping to build more secure, productive, and just communities, and will share that passion with supporters.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: This position is based in Portland. Must be able to work flexible hours, including some evenings. Occasional travel within the U.S. may be required. Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of 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.

Apply at mercycorps.org