Senior Vice President of Development

WHO WE ARE

The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is a global legal aid and advocacy organization working to create a world where refugees and all people seeking safety are empowered to claim their right to freedom of movement and a path to lasting refuge. As the number of people forced to flee their homes because of the climate crisis, persecution, and conflict continues to break global records, the need for equitable, accessible pathways to safety remains urgent. With humility and ambition, IRAP is collaborating with clients, partnering with refugee-led and community-based organizations, providing direct legal services, sharing legal information, and advocating for systemic change.

With a 130 member staff, five global offices, and near $30M budget, IRAP is supported by leading and forward-thinking funders, including inspiring donors who invested in IRAP via the Audacious Project, as well as numerous foundation, corporate, and individual funders. With strong financial footing, programs, and leadership, IRAP is poised to serve even more people around the world who are seeking a safe place to live and a safe way to get there.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As a key member of the senior management team, the SVP of Development will oversee and manage IRAP’s fund development function. Specifically, the SVP of Development will:

Design, implement, and lead a fundraising strategy that drives growth and sustainability.

• In close partnership with the executive leadership team, development team, and board of directors, codify a vision and multi-year strategy to grow a $30M annual budget through the engagement of foundation, corporate, major/principal gift, and grassroots donors.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of individual and institutional major donors, leveraging the Founder, President, staff, and board in donor stewardship and retention. Take ownership of developing targeted strategies that deepen donor relationships and engagement.
• Oversee the research, qualification, and management of a robust pipeline of donor prospects. Perform due diligence, conduct outreach, and design cultivation tactics that reflect an understanding of the prospect’s interests and fit with IRAP.
• Create and implement plans for the diversification of funding types, such as expanding our non-U.S. supporter base, competing for more multilateral funding opportunities, and/or accelerating grassroots giving.
• Play a hands-on role in increasing the currently 16-member board of directors’ fundraising capacity, recruiting new board members, and staffing the Development Committee. Leverage board members' time and relationships strategically in donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Oversee seamless back-office operations, inclusive of high Salesforce utilization and consistent processes for donor data and moves management tracking, pipeline management, and reporting.
• In collaboration with the Senior Director of Communications, oversee the creation of compelling written and online appeals, pitch decks, reports, and other donor-facing materials that leverage impact data, results, and stories.

Serve as a senior leader, department head, people manager, and champion for IRAP’s mission and values.

• As a member of the senior management team, contribute to advancing the organizational strategic direction, prioritization, and goals.
• Oversee all administrative duties of the department, e.g. budget creation, expense monitoring.
• Supervise, coach, and support a 10-person team; ensure staff have clearly defined goals and work plans, as well as foster a team culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Operate with a commitment to DEIAB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging) efforts in fundraising, including elevating client and partner voices, and modeling respect and empathy as part of a multicultural team that works across the US, Europe, and the Middle East.

WHO YOU ARE

• An enthusiastic champion for IRAP’s mission and values. You bring a commitment to creating a world where refugees and all people seeking safety have a path to lasting refuge. You thrive on a fast-paced and multicultural team of advocates, activists, and experts who center humanity in their work.
• A development professional with demonstrated success of securing large gifts. You bring at least 10 years of experience in major gift fundraising, with a track record of prospecting, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding institutional and individual supporters. You enjoy the donor-facing and behind-the-scenes aspects of fundraising.
• A “big picture” thinker with the ability to implement tactically. You approach fundraising through an analytical and data-driven lens and is hands-on in translating strategy into tangible activities and goals. You integrate fundraising best practices with new thinking and approaches.
• A compassionate people manager who leverages individuals’ strengths and fosters collaboration. You have at least 5 years of experience in managing and coaching direct/indirect reports for high performance and accountability. You create a positive team environment and rally others around a shared vision.
• A thoughtful relationship builder who develops rapport easily and fosters long-term connections. You have a warm, energetic, and authentic personality that translates to building lasting relationships with a range of personalities. You have a track record in deepening existing donor relationships and developing new ones.
• A compelling writer, presenter, and communicator. You are skilled in analyzing, breaking down, and communicating ideas in ways that inspire others to action. You leverage data and stories to create narratives that articulate the “why” behind an organization’s mission and impact.
• A well-organized and resourceful doer. You are skilled in prioritizing multiple projects and workstreams. You take pride in your work product and operate with a high attention to detail. You are proficient in utilizing technology to track data for the full donor lifecycle. Salesforce experience is desired.
• An action-oriented, dexterous, and flexible team member. You possess a “get it done” attitude, with the ability to stay focused and nimble in a dynamic environment. You demonstrate good judgment and operate with the utmost integrity. You work effectively across teams, time zones, and with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

IRAP offers a comprehensive benefits package valued at up to $60,000 and includes:

• 100% employer covered health, dental, and vision plans
• Retirement options Extensive PTO (20 vacation days, 10 PTO days, 20 sick days, and 20 org-wide holidays)
• Comprehensive leave time for sickness
• Disability and parenting (5 months of parental leave)
• Reimbursement for work from home equipment
• Generous opportunities for professional development
• Equipment reimbursement for remote staff
• Wellness reimbursement

The candidate can work from one of IRAP’s U.S. offices in New York City or Washington, DC, or remotely from anywhere in the U.S. The position must be able to work within EST work hours, +/- two hours, to facilitate team collaboration.

This position requires the ability to travel (approximately six times per year, including possible international travel), occasional work outside daytime business hours to meet with supporters and participate in cultivation opportunities, and represent IRAP at external events/meetings.