Senior Philanthropy Officer

About KIND 

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced from their countries of origin. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. 

Building on its extensive programming and successful model in the United States, KIND is expanding in the Americas and Europe to bring its experience to bear in working with unaccompanied and separated children. Our work focuses on addressing the legal and mental health needs of this population; building strong partnerships and engaging in training and capacity strengthening with governments, NGOs, and the private sector; and advocating for systemic and pragmatic reforms to advance the rights of unaccompanied and separated children.

KIND seeks a Senior Philanthropy Officer (SPO)to join a growing team of development professionals working directly with high-capacity donors and prospects to accomplish their giving objectives through major ($10K+ annually) and planned gifts. The SPO will build and maintain a portfolio and be responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, acknowledgment, and stewardship of high-net-worth individuals.

With forecasted revenue growth from individuals and increased recognition nationally and internationally, this position requires an individual who enjoys and is particularly skilled at interfacing with a high volume of donors, has the ambition to maximize untapped opportunities, and the ability to attract new supporters aligned to the organization's work and mission. The qualified individual will have a track record of managing a portfolio of donor relationships, be a self-starter, and be prepared to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. The SPO will be organized, analytical, entrepreneurial, collaborative and detail oriented. They must demonstrate a passion for fundraising.

Key measures of success for the position include increasing contributed income, growing an overall portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, and engaging personally with donors and prospects.

This position reports to the Senior Director, Individual Giving. 

This is a remote position based from any location in the U.S. 

This position is contingent upon continued funding.

• Manages a portfolio of 100-125 individuals and family foundations with the capacity to make major gifts, in accordance with established team goals on meetings, solicitations, donor retention, and Salesforce management.
• Develops strategies to upgrade current donors, identifies and qualifies new prospects, and personally cultivates and solicits high-level gifts.
• Provides comprehensive, timely and innovative stewardship for existing donors. Elevates the importance of stewarding all gifts and programs in ways that strengthen donor interest in, satisfaction with, and commitment to KIND.
• Collaborates with key internal and external stakeholders as needed during cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts, using their time appropriately and ensuring their effectiveness as spokespersons and fundraisers for KIND. 
• Effectively navigates institutional resources to be an effective KIND representative with donors. Stays informed of institutional priorities, regional work and achievements, and current updates on key immigration issues.
• Executes small-scale cultivation events, both virtual and in-person, to engage doors and prospects with KIND.
• Adeptly manages Salesforce and other processes such as tracking donor gift projections and list management for portfolio.
• Leads on team projects as needed.
• Approaches work with creativity and persistence, including but not limited to pursuing specific donor networks and interest groups to reach a diverse range of prospective donors.
• Other duties as assigned. 

• Undergraduate degree required.
• Must be fluent in English.
• Minimum of 8 years of development experience, with a minimum of 3 years as a frontline fundraiser.
• A clear passion for KIND’s mission at a time when our work to protect the legal rights and well-being of unaccompanied children has never been more necessary. 
• Demonstrated experience building and managing a donor and prospect portfolio, knowledge of fundraising and moves management best practices, a track record of securing five figureor higher donations from a variety of individual funders, and experience working with board members and/or volunteers.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships to drive mutually beneficial outcomes; known for a warm, dependable, and persistent approach that gets results without being transactional.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), and diplomatic skills, with the ability to engage effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and track information systematically; consistently meets deadlines and follows through on inquiries, with a hands-on, proactive work ethic..
• Proven track record of driving results by setting and achieving ambitious goals; combines strategic, analytical, and critical thinking skills with a strong data-driven approach to decision-making and performance.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to remain flexible and responsive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments such as rapid response fundraising.
• Skilled at managing numerous active relationships simultaneously through organized, transparent, and consistent communication; recognized for reliable follow-up and maintaining accountability across teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to travel to targeted regions in the U.S.and ability to attend functions/activities outside of normal work hours, with advanced notice. (Up to 30%)to cultivate donors with in-person meetings and engagements. Proximity to a major airport (within about an hour) is preferred to facilitate efficient travel.
• Ability to perform administrative duties remotely; candidates.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (such as Teams, Excel, etc.).
• Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.
• Ability to multitask and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance. 
• Experience working and communicating in a remote environment preferred but not required. 

Our Benefits

- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with KIND paying 100% of the employee only portion of the premium for one of the three medical plan options, dental, and vision. 

- Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) for both medical and dependent care.  

- Pre-tax transit and parking spending account.  

- Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.  

- Employer-paid short and long-term disability insurance.  

For a complete list of benefits, please click here. 

Our Focus on Wellness

KIND recognizes that our ability to help our clients starts with helping our team members. KIND has prioritized wellness for employees through Mindfulness and Wellness Trainings, Wellness Platforms, Employee Assistance and Resilience Programs, Time Away and Office Wellness Activities. 

For more information regarding our Wellness initiatives please visit this link.  

Application Instructions

To be considered for this role, please submit an employment application at supportkind.org/join-the-team, along with your resume and cover letter.

Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm “no fees” recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For more information, please visit the following website: https://supportkind.org/join-the-team/kind-employment-practices/.