Essential Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

1. Strategic Planning

• Work with the CEO to develop an overall integrated fundraising strategy to significantly increase and diversify the organizations operational financial resource.
• Set direction for the major gift development program with a goal to increase individual and institutional giving. Contribute to the development of market-level and mid-level donor experience programs in order to maximize donor retention and upgrade opportunities.
• Prepare detailed annual budget and revenue projections. Regularly communicate significant budget performance variances to the Chief Financial Officer.

  2. Tactical Execution.

• Work with the Vice-President of Advancement to develop best-practice, tactical plans to execute strategy related to major and planned giving programs, foundation, corporate and institutional giving and governmental grants.
• Lead by example and manage a personal caseload of major gift prospects/donors.
• Proactively work to identify qualified prospects for Development Officer assignment or unassignment.  Work with Market-Level and/or Mid-Level Donor managers to ensure appropriate move transition.
• Regularly monitor and evaluate the results of development initiatives against budget and other plans. Adjust activities based on current risks and opportunities.
• Ensure accurate recording of developmental activities in the donor management system.
• Evaluate, review and approve donor vision trip opportunities to maximize potential return on investment and minimize service disruption.
• Collaborate with and support the Founder/President Emeritus and other senior leaders to create major gift opportunities.

  3. Team Development

• Build and manage team of development professionals to effectively meet goals, maintain vision and motivation and increase skills.
• Establish accountability structure and standard performance indicators for all development staff, including financial and activity based goals.
• Regularly monitor staff performance against plans. Conduct scheduled performance reviews of all departmental staff.

  4. Other

• Build collaborative working relationships with other departments, managers and leadership team members.
• Collaborate with and contribute to other management initiatives to further organizational growth and development.
• Daily tasks are generally performed in an office environment, although some regional and national travel is expected.

  Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Requirements)

  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Exceptional leadership, critical thinking, planning, and organizational skills with the ability to translate strategy into operational plans and execution
• Demonstrated expertise developing and implementing fundraising strategies
• Ability to manage multiple projects, demonstrate initiative, meet deadlines and continuously improve development strategies
• Demonstrated success in hiring and developing direct reports
• Commitment to teamwork and the ability to collaborate with senior management team to align fundraising, capital campaign and marketing strategies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision, and committed to its core values
• Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity and demonstrate accountability

  Education and Experience

  The requirements listed below are representative of the education and / or experience required.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressively responsible advancement experience managing staff, leading direct response donor initiatives and direct fundraising.
• Prior experience or knowledge of Mercy Ships or other international health charity organization is preferred.
• Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program will be required within the first year