Major Gifts Officer

Position Title: Major Gifts Officer

Department: Communications and Fundraising

Location: Rome

Reports to: Director of Communications and Fundraising

Duration: 12 months (Renewable)

Organisational Context

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a work of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuit order), incorporated as an international non-governmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people.  The organisation was founded in November 1980 and now has a presence in over 50 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office (IO) in Rome. JRS works in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term well-being of refugees and displaced people while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs.

Operational Context

The JRS International Office (IO) in Rome is the head office of the Jesuit Refugee Service. It leads the organisational strategy and provides support and guidance in the areas of programmes, finance, advocacy, communications, fundraising and human resources to 10 regional offices worldwide.

The Major Gifts Officer stewards relationships with Major Donors and Religious Congregations. The position includes managing a portfolio of existing donors and delivering excellent account management and stewardship. A significant part of the role will focus on identifying, researching, and engaging new prospects, as well as coordinating and supporting cultivation activities.

Why JRS?

JRS is committed to working for the wellbeing and hope of refugees. JRS believes that our journeying with refugees is the most important way for us to express our solidarity with them and our concern for their wellbeing. In a world where refugees are more than ever in need of welcome and protection, and yet increasingly rejected and demonized, JRS offers accompaniment to refugees as a sign of hope and a way towards healing. In even the most desperate of situations, we remain with refugees to assure them that the world has not forgotten them, and that they are not alone.

Why this job matters 

The unprecedented number of refugees in the world is causing immense pressure on hosting countries, creating barriers in education of refugees, inhibiting livelihood opportunities, and diminishing psychosocial wellbeing and social cohesion. 

JRS employs over 3500 people directly. They are how we achieve our mission through our vision. As an organisation committed to the best service we can provide to refugees, and   accountability to all partners, we seek to enhance the way we measure the impact of our programmes and our capacity to learn and innovate.

JRS has developed and approved a strategic framework for 2019-2023. This position will play a key role in its implementation. He/she will be responsible for managing a portfolio of major donors in addition to enhancing and maintaining strong and fruitful relationships with religious congregations and other faith-based entities.

The Major Gifts Officer role is instrumental in driving strategic actions to support the management of the relationships with existing and prospective donors, with the aim of sustaining and increasing their financial support to JRS.

What will be required?

Related to Major Gifts

• Manage a portfolio of Major Donors and individual prospects capable of making gifts of 10,000 euros or more, and work towards an annual income target of about 1,000,000 Euro.
• Assist the Director of Communications and Fundraising in the development of the annual fundraising strategy and identify/develop cultivation strategies for donors capable of major gifts.
• Lead the process for the development of briefings, proposals, materials and presentations needed to coordinate successful cultivation and solicitation.
• Contribute to the creation and management of the budget related to the position’s activities.
• Write compelling cases for support and assure timely and accurate donor reports.
• Keep CRM donor records updated and use CRM data for donor analysis and reporting as appropriate.
• Collaborate with JRS USA colleagues on joint donor stewardship of key High-Net Worth Individuals.
• Plan and organize local and international travels when required.

Specifically related to Religious Congregations or Other Faith-Based Entities

• Steward the relationships with over 100 Religious Congregations currently on JRS’s database, seeking access to mailing lists, newsletters, bulletin boards and websites.
• Engage in partnerships with new Congregations through website research, referrals or events, leveraging the Jesuit community and seeking support from the Director of Mission and Identity.
• Assist and lead department-wide initiatives as well as the recruitment and management of temporary staff.
• Supervise volunteers or interns assigned to support the position’s major duties and responsibilities. 

Required Education and Experience

• University degree in Marketing Communications, International Relations, Economics, Business Administration/Management, Social Sciences or related fields and 5+ years of relevant professional level job experience in fundraising, external relations, donor relations and/or policy advocacy.
• Prior experience with major gifts programme management and securing five and six figure gifts.
• Demonstrated track record in the above-mentioned main duties and responsibilities.

What skills are needed?

• Mother tongue level of English is indispensable; a professional working knowledge of French, Spanish and/or Italian is desirable.
• Excellent prospect research skills and knowledge of funding sources.
• Ability to develop and cultivate positive relationships with donors and prospective donors.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural, international, and intense work environment.
• Strong analytical, strategic-thinking, and planning skills.
• Understanding of and commitment to humanitarian relief work and international development.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office and CRM systems. Salesforce experience a plus.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communications skills.

Core values and ethics

• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision and values
• High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with situations, people and information.
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value.  Willingness to work in flexible, sub-optimal and multi-cultural environments.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Contract is for 1 year, renewable with an initial probationary period of 3 months. The JRS remuneration policy is aligned with the JRS ethos to offer effective and professional services and at the same time express solidarity with the people served. Benefits and compensation package will be discussed with short-listed candidates.

All applicants are requested to submit the following documents through the online form here below:

1) Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English, including three (3) professional references with contact information, phone and email address.

2) A cover letter describing the candidate’s desire and motivation to work for JRS and how her/his qualifications and experience are a good fit for this position.

The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled. Consideration of candidates and interviews will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in joining JRS.