Associate Director, Major Gifts
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a natural connector who has some international experience, is eager to talk with prospects about the impact of The Hunger Project, and has proven experience generating funding results from one-to-one conversations. This is the farthest thing from a desk job! In fact, we want someone in this role who feels like their seat’s always on fire—they just have to be away from their desk as much as possible!
You may be the perfect fit for this role if:
- You want to change the world. You’ve had a life-long passion to make a difference, perhaps specifically around issues of poverty, hunger, or international development, whether through work, volunteer, or personal experience. You channel that passion with a strong sense of optimism that even big change is possible, and feel a personal calling to have an even greater impact in this phase of your career.
- You know the power of transformation. You’ve experienced a significant change in your own perspective or biases that catapulted you into a new universe. You understand how a mindset shift is what can drive truly lasting change, and you enjoy facilitating that for others.
- You’re a connector of people. You may serve as a coalition builder, a dynamic networker in your neighborhood, or an active board member. You always make unexpected connections with and between people, have genuine interest in their stories, and possess skills in listening and empathy that motivate others to get involved or take action.
- You have experience in fundraising through one-on-one engagements and direct asks . You have a track record of closing 5- and 6- figure gifts. You enjoy telling a great story, engaging with empathy, being bold in making asks, and persisting to get results. You’ve raised funds for a similarly complex effort, and know how to engage intellectually with prospects to turn them into true partners.
Position Summary
The Associate Director, Major Gifts is responsible for building and maximizing relationships with a portfolio of prospects, to exceed an annual fundraising goal of $1 million that furthers the impact of The Hunger Project. To succeed in this role, you must be able to engage high-level investors and prospects (including booking your own meetings and travel!), update databases, write proposals and reports, and manage the details of follow-up. This is a roll-up-your-sleeves position, combined with the sophistication of engaging with world-changing philanthropists.
You will build and own a fundraising portfolio of 75-150 investors, which requires you to:
- Commit to raise a minimum of $1M per year in single or multi-year giving from prospects capable of giving $10k+ annually
- Identify major gift prospects from diverse sources, including research, referrals, networking, and current THP investors
- Develop and implement strategies to build relationships with prospects, including personalized communications, calls and visits; plan and strategize prospect predisposition and visits to maximize relationships and giving
- Prepare and deliver compelling solicitation materials, including in-person visit presentations, written proposals and impact reports
- Develop and implement ongoing stewardship plans to acknowledge and thank investors, and ensure they feel valued and connected to the organization
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of prospect information and activity in a database
You will contribute as a member of the fundraising team, which requires you to:
- Collaborate as a team for funding opportunities as needed
- Participate in and seek out opportunities to learn about the projects and communities supported by THP; commit to learn about the unique methodology and approach of THP to be able to communicate it clearly and represent the organization well
- Take initiative to develop and create your own communications and materials for investors, while utilizing products made available by other departments
- Build relationships with colleagues and organizational leaders, nationally and internationally
Location & Travel. Travel is essential to the purpose and function of this role. The position is fully remote in the USA with preference for staff being in strategic fund development locations of Boston, Chicago, Florida, New York City, Seattle, Texas, or Washington, DC (Northern VA). This position requires 70% travel to meet with investors across the USA, or to attend staff functions, typically in New York City. This position reports to the Head of U.S. Philanthropy.
Compensation & Benefits. This is a full-time, exempt position with a comprehensive benefits package. Salary is competitive and commensurate with level of experience and geographical area, with a salary range of $85,000-$100,000, not including an annualized cafeteria plan allowance currently fixed at $18,000. This position is exempt and is not eligible for overtime. The candidate must have eligibility to work in the U.S. and must not require visa sponsorship in the future.
How To Apply
Please forward your tailored, authentic letter of interest, along with your resume and salary expectations, for immediate consideration to recruitment.usfr@thp.org. Format the subject line of your email as “Job Inquiry from” followed by your full name.
Application Deadline: Opened until filled
Make change happen. Invest in people.
Get in touch
The Hunger Project
110 West 30th Street, 6th Floor,
New York, NY 10001
Get connected
Join the conversation on social, and stay connected with the latest from our partners around the world.
Stay informed
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a concise update of latest news and events near you.

