About Malala Fund

Registered in the U.K., U.S. Nigeria, and Pakistan, Malala Fund is working toward a world where all girls can learn and lead. Malala Fund advocates for resources and policy changes needed to give all girls a secondary education. The girls we serve have high goals for themselves and we have high expectations for leaders who can help them. We invest in local education leaders and front-line organizations, the people who best understand girls in their communities in regions where most girls are missing out on secondary school. We give girls the tools they need to advocate for education and equality in their communities and a platform for the world to hear their voices. We believe girls should speak for themselves and tell leaders what they need to learn and achieve their potential.

About the position

Reporting to the Director of Individual Giving, the Major Gifts Manager plays a critical role in advancing the fundraising goals of our organization by cultivating and stewarding relationships with major donors. This position is responsible for identifying, soliciting, and securing Major Gifts to support our mission and programs. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successful Major Gifts fundraising, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the ability to strategically engage high-net-worth individuals.

Location: Hybrid position out of our Washington, DC Office

Responsibilities

Strategy

• Supports the development of a comprehensive Major Gifts strategy to meet fundraising goals and objectives.
• Manages a portfolio of major donors through proactive cultivation, solicitation and stewardship efforts.
• Conducts prospect research to identify and prioritize potential major gift donors, leveraging wealth screening tools, donor databases and other resources.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with major donors through personalized communication, meetings, site visits, and events.
• Collaborate with teams across the organization to develop compelling funding proposals, impact reports, and other materials for major gift solicitation.
• Support Director of Individual Giving to provide regular progress reports, including revenue forecasts, donor engagement metrics, and activity updates, to senior leadership and Board of Directors.
• Ensure accurate and timely recording of donor interactions, gifts and pledges in donor database as well as reporting.
• Stay informed of trends and best practices in major gift fundraising, philanthropy and donor stewardship.
• Help support fundraising campaigns – such as end of year campaigns – to raise awareness and critical funds.
• Build and strengthen peer to peer fundraising program, planned giving program, and giving circles.
• Supports with the growth and development of the Leadership Council by advising on prospects within the major donor portfolio and assisting in their cultivation.
• Manage fundraising events – including design and logistics – in person and virtual.
• Supports prospecting and research for Board members to support fundraising capacity within the organization.

Organisational Culture

• Uphold the Values of Malala Fund
• Actively contribute to making Malala Fund a diverse and equitable workplace through inclusive practice and openness to different perspectives, cultures and ideas
• Maintain behaviour and conduct which uphold the highest standards for safeguarding, professionally and personally
• Act as a role model for a ‘learning organisation’ culture by seeking insight and using problems as opportunities to learn

Qualifications

• At least 10 years experience with 5 to 7 years of fundraising experience with major donors
• Superior interpersonal, organisation and prioritisation skills
• Excellent communication and solicitation skills, both oral and written
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team
• General CRM skills
• Fundraising knowledge about how best to engage major donors in the US
• Up to date trends, best practives and ways of working in philanthropy
• Track record of meeting or exceeding annual revenue goals
• History of managing projects independently from inception to completion
• Strong commitment to Malala Fund’s mission, purpose and values
• Strong commitment to gender equality, racial justice and other social justice issues
• Strong commitment to professional development and continued learning
• Excellent team player with ability to work independently and in collaboration with colleagues at all levels across departments and external stakeholders
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and frequent deadlines
• Kind and respectful attitude towards others
• Independent thinker and self-starter
• Discretion concerning sensitive and confidential donor information

Desirable

• Ability and desire to travel domestically and internationally
• Salesforce experience preferred
• Fundraising knowledge about how best to engage major donors in the UK and globally
• Understanding of international development and global girls’ education issue
• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Experience managing special events and follow-through

Living our Values

We aim to center girls in all we do and create a supportive environment where people excel in their craft while never compromising our organizational values:

We aim high. Inspired by the girls we serve, we set ambitious goals for ourselves and push others to do the same. We focus on impact and delivering tangible, purposeful results.
We dare to be brave. We speak truth to power and hold leaders accountable to their commitments to girls. We have the difficult conversations, say yes to tough projects and aren’t afraid to take risks

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We value differences. Our best work happens when we bring many voices to the table. We embrace diverse perspectives and open dialogue. We strive for equity in all we do and are always learning from others. 

We think creatively. Getting all girls in school requires innovative thinking and solutions. We are resourceful and seek unconventional approaches to overcoming challenges. 

We act with integrity. The relationships we build are grounded in trust and accountability. As an organization and with each other, we endeavor to do what’s right and respectful.

If challenging the status quo that limits girls’ potential excites you, we might be the perfect fit!

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Please note that due to the very high number of applications we receive when positions are posted, we may only be able to respond directly to candidates who we wish to move forward in the interview process.

Malala Fund is an equal opportunity employer and inclusive organization who welcomes applications from under-represented and intersectional groups including BIPOC, LGBTQ and persons with disabilities. We are seeking people with different backgrounds, cultures, ages, experiences and identities to provide a wide range of experience, ideas, views and insights into the strategy, policies, culture and ambitions of Malala Fund.

Malala Fund is also committed to ensuring the safety of those involved in our work. Our first priority is protecting everyone who comes in direct or indirect contact with our organization.

Malala Fund has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and exploitation by any of our staff, representatives or partners. We commit to ensuring that those who work with Malala Fund or on our behalf are able to work in an environment that is free from harm. To this end, Malala Fund reserves the right to conduct background checks on prospective and current employees.