Director of Individual Philanthropy

Director of Individual Philanthropy
Development Department
New York City

About IRAP

The International Refugee Assistance Project (“IRAP”) is a dynamic and growing legal and policy advocacy organization that works to develop and enforce a system of legal and human rights for refugees and displaced people around the world. We are the leading organization providing free and comprehensive legal services to people in need of a safe place to live and a safe way to get there.

IRAP operates offices in the U.S. (New York City, Washington, D.C.), Jordan (Amman), Lebanon (Beirut), and Germany (Berlin). Our legal teams work closely with a corps of pro bono lawyers from leading law firms and multi-national corporations, and law students who have created IRAP chapters across the United States and Canada. Through this work, we aim to assist refugees and other displaced people to find safe passage and to transform the landscape of refugee rights in the U.S. and internationally. IRAP has over 80 full-time staff members. We are a nimble organization staffed by an innovative and collaborative team that is committed to high standards of quality and close partnerships with our clients, peers, and colleagues. 

About the IRAP Development Department

IRAP’s development department cultivates a growing network of individual, corporate, and institutional donors to secure funding and support for IRAP’s programs. IRAP’s development department is currently comprised of four team members, with two members in the New York office and two members who work remotely. We are also currently hiring for an Assistant Director of Institutional Giving [a remote position].

Opportunity

IRAP is seeking a Director of Individual Philanthropy to work with a dynamic and growing legal and human rights organization. Over the past few years, IRAP’s Board, Executive Director, and development team have built a broad network of highly engaged donors and supporters. The organization’s prospect pool is growing and IRAP is engaged in outreach and cultivation efforts with corporate, individual, and institutional funders. 

Currently, IRAP seeks a full-time Director of Individual Philanthropy with the energy, creativity, and experience to elevate and expand our fundraising program and lead all aspects of individual giving, including through the creation and implementation of a year-round engagement plan and solicitation strategy for new and existing grassroots, mid-level, and major individual donors. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Director of Individual Philanthropy will be an integral part of the dynamic development team, ensuring that IRAP meets its annual revenue goals, creates meaningful connections and engagement opportunities intended to strengthen donors’ commitments to the organization, and develops and sustains a strong financial base for the future. This is a new position in the development department.

Responsibilities

Fundraising and Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of individual donors by overseeing the full cycle of engagement with portfolio donors, increase fundraising momentum to achieve revenue goals, and assist donors and prospects with reaching their philanthropic goals.
• Build and strengthen relationships with donors through strategic and thoughtful ongoing communications.
• Steward and cultivate new and existing grassroots, mid-level, and major donors.
• Participate in regular portfolio review and maintain a high-level of contact with prospects and donors through calls, emails, events, and donor visits.
• Coordinate and strategize with the Director of Development and Executive Director on individual giving solicitation strategies, and grow funds raised year-over-year.
• Prepare written materials for the Executive Director, Director of Development, and relevant program staff/Board members in advance of meetings with individual donors and prospects, including by providing background information, desired outcomes, key points, and recommendations.
• Communicate with various program departments on a regular basis to remain updated on program developments and to pitch or update funders on the organization’s work.
• Work with the Director of Development to produce small- and large-scale donor and prospect events, including parlor meetings, virtual convenings, and major benefits.
• Conduct research and prepare profiles on individual prospects and exercise independent judgement and initiative in identifying and cultivating additional individual prospects.

Communications

• Develop tailored, strategic communications to prospective funders and donors with specific programmatic interests.
• Work with the development team to produce fundraising appeals and campaigns and assist with increasing our digital fundraising efforts such as our monthly giving program and peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Work with the Development Manager and communications team to contribute to IRAP communications efforts, including IRAP’s annual report, materials for fundraising work, and ongoing development of messaging and branding.

Administration and Operations

• Work with the Development Coordinator to update and maintain individual donor records in the Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge database, including tracking donor preferences, interests, and moves management.

Supervision:

• No current direct reports, but potential to supervise staff subject to department needs and expansion.

Location

• This position is based in New York City.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to advancing IRAP’s mission and a passion for human/refugee rights.
• At least seven years of direct fundraising experience required, with demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating, securing, and growing a network of grassroots, mid-level, and major donors.
• At least seven years’ experience in supporting the creation and management of an individual donor program, including: cultivating donor relationships, organizing events, and implementing other forms of engagement and stewardship opportunities.  
• Ability to work and engage with diverse individuals within the organization and broader community.
• Must be highly organized and motivated, able to multitask, manage a high-volume workload, and have excellent time management skills.
• Must have a broad and strategic mindset, with creative aptitude and effective use of independent judgment.
• Superb interpersonal and communication skills; ability to prepare effective messages for donors and prospects.
• Ability to be flexible in a fast-paced and high-pressure work environment.
• Ability to take initiative and to develop solutions quickly and effectively.
• Prior nonprofit/NGO employment is required.
• Familiarity working with Microsoft Suite and Google Apps.
• Experience working with a CRM database management is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter, resume, two writing samples, and a list of three references at this link. Review of applications will begin on Monday, May 3.

IRAP believes that diversity is critical to fostering a strong workplace and serving our clients well. We strongly encourage applications from people with life experiences in the communities that we serve, members of other marginalized communities, and individuals whose identities are underrepresented in the legal profession.

Compensation

The annual salary for the position will be $115,000 – $125,000 commensurate with experience. 

IRAP offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits including family health, dental, and vision benefits with no employee-paid premiums, a retirement plan with an employer matching component, and twenty days of vacation, five personal days, and twelve sick days per year.