Fundraising Officer

Reporting to and in partnership with the Executive Director (ED), the Fundraising Officer will spearhead development efforts as the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) continues to grow. The Fundraising Officer role is responsible for managing the writing and submission of grant applications and reports, leading the organization’s annual fundraising and donor recognition, and carrying out the administration of the donor database. The Fundraising Officer works collaboratively across WPDI field offices worldwide and HQ on grant activities while stewarding relationships with new and existing donors, and provides support to the Executive Director on recognizing major donors and partners. This role has significant responsibility for overseeing complex projects and is accountable for achieving specific funding goals laid out in WPDI strategic plan.

About the organization

The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) is a non-governmental organization with an international scope and reach, founded in 2012 by the artist, social activist and UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace, Forest Whitaker. WPDI is committed to fostering peace, gender equality, sustainability and resilience in countries and places affected by violence, poverty and marginalization. In Africa, Europe, as well as Latin and North America, WPDI develops a wide range of programs aimed at training and supporting underprivileged individuals and groups, with a particular focus on youth and women, enabling them to become empowered as mediators, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, fostering positive transformation within their communities and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute WPDI’s annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Secure financial support from foundations, corporations and individuals.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director in expanding WPDI’s major donors.
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with partners and donors.
• Create and execute a strategy for a large sustained base of annual individual donors.
• Oversee special fundraising events through the year, including campaigns and the fundraising gala of WPDI held every two years in New York.
• Write and lead the development of proposals and reports, manage the submission and agreement processes.
• Work collaboratively across departments and WPDI field offices to compile the necessary information for applications and reports.
• Develop, create and continue to improve monthly fundraising reports to the Executive Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Sociology, Psychology, Finance, English, Business or related discipline required (MA preferred).
• 5+ years experience in Development and fundraising experience in a not-for-profit setting.
• Proven success with donor prospecting, relations, stewardship and recognition.
• Experience managing a donor pipeline, familiarity with fundraising software and database(s).
• Experience managing complex projects with specific targets.
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational and managerial skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to maintain confidentiality; demonstrate sound judgment and discretion.
• Solid understanding of basic fundraising principles
• Efficient while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience in database management.
• Experience developing compelling sales/marketing presentations and ability to provide examples.
• Proven history of exceeding goals and objectives.
• Ability to accomplish both a high output expectation and high quality work.
• Comfort in a fast paced, rapidly shifting and evolving workplace required.
• Fluency with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the Fundraising Officer. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, and skills required. Job descriptions are somewhat fluid and will change depending on WPDI’s strategic direction and overall strategic objectives.