Development Associate Major Gifts
Summary:  Advance the goals and mission of the major gifts fundraising team through improved reporting, research, data management, donor qualification and cultivation to facilitate effective donor engagement and drive departmental revenue goals. 
The Development Associate is a new position that will play a key role in developing processes and business function for a team of major gifts Regional Development Managers, working with donors collaboratively with the Director of Development, Major Gifts.   The right candidate will manage data reporting, lead donor research and qualification processes, communicating directly with donors and prospects. They must be capable of prioritizing and managing a busy workflow from several individuals.  Utilizing strong analytical, database management, and organizational skills, this individual will develop and execute data reporting procedures that will facilitate improved donor experience and engagement, providing information and analytics to drive performance goals of the Major Gifts team. This individual must be capable of interacting and communicating effectively with major donors and other partners and demonstrate excellent teamwork skills.
Description:  

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. 

Key Areas of Responsibility

  • Lead donor research initiatives and reporting tasks to drive department revenue goals.
  • Through research and database analysis, identify major donor prospects, prepare and recommend qualified prospects assignments to appropriate level of service, facilitating effective donor relationship management  
  • Execute qualification process with donors in collaboration with Director of Development, Major Gifts to improve overall donor experience and facilitate effective management of relationships.
  • Using strong excel and database management skills, will prepare and manage reports for DOD and members of Development team, updating monthly giving and contacts and driving reporting on progress of key performance indicators for the team
  • Will prepare and secure appropriate project information, including budgets, and offers, proposals and asks that will be used for donor calls by the Major Gift Officers.
  • Will perform other support functions as may be required
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Requirements)

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

  • A proven ability to cultivate and manage relationships with a high level of commitment to integrity and professionalism.
  • A working knowledge of the fundamentals of fundraising principles and processes used in donor-centric moves management.
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, video and written communication skills, and professional demeanor as a donor-facing representative of the organization.  
  • Strong marketing communications skills and ability to write impact reports and funding proposals
  • Strong problem solving, training, and personal management skills. Must take initiative and have the ability to follow through with little direct supervision.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills required.
  • Ongoing commitment to personal and professional development
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and meet goals in a timely manner
  • High level of proficiency with MS Excel, MS Word computer software.
  • Experience with Salesforce, CRM and/or donor management database software
  • Strong passion for the ministry and mission of Mercy Ships.
  • 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 in business, marketing, economics, or related area required.
  • 3-6 years of business administration experience, plus 3 years fundraising, sales, donor research or non-profit operations experience
  • Successful completion of Mercy Ships Entry Training will be required within the first year.