Sr. Director of Philanthropic Strategy

Remote in the United States

Mercy For Animals aims to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. We envision a world where animals are respected, protected, and free. 
As a leading farmed animal advocacy organization, we know that achieving this goal requires a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment—one that welcomes and sparks new perspectives and innovative ideas. If you are passionate about our mission, driven to make a big impact for animals, and eager to be part of a dedicated team, join us!

We currently seek a senior director of philanthropic strategy to join our philanthropy team. In this role you will lead and elevate the organization’s major- and principal-gift fundraising efforts by managing a high-performing team of philanthropy officers. This role ensures alignment of fundraising priorities with organizational goals; fosters strategic collaboration across teams; and drives accountability and innovation in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The senior director will play a critical part in shaping Mercy For Animals’ philanthropic strategies to secure transformative gifts of six or more figures, create compelling cases for support, and develop resources that inspire donors to invest in our mission.

You will do invaluable work:

• Team Leadership and Coaching:
• Manage and coach the philanthropy team in adopting best practices in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship at the mid-level and major, principal, and foundation levels.
• Foster a cohesive and positive team culture, implement inclusive practices, and ensure that the team operates with high standards of professionalism and equity.
• Provide clear expectations and accountability for individual and team revenue and nonrevenue goals.
• Strategic Alignment on Fundraising Priorities:
• Partner with internal leadership to determine annual and biannual fundraising priorities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to create compelling fundraising case statements and materials that inspire donors and external stakeholders to support Mercy For Animals’ mission.
• Project and Sponsorship Development:
• Partner with internal leadership to identify and prioritize special projects and sponsorship opportunities.
• Develop sponsorship packages and materials to effectively engage prospective donors and sponsors.
• Event Strategy:
• Collaborate with the events team to design strategies that use events to aid in donor acquisition, cultivation, retention, and upgrades.
• Ensure events align with and support overall fundraising goals and objectives.
• Resource Alignment and Use:
• Works Closely with senior leadership to align fundraising goals with financial planning, budget development, and strategic resource allocation.
• Provide team members with the resources and materials necessary to enhance their qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Lead implementation of efficient systems and processes to support sustainable fundraising growth.
• Ensure the development team fully understands fundraising priorities and sponsorship opportunities.
• Performance Improvement and Analytics:
• Use data to establish metrics for success, track progress, recommend benchmarks, and set revenue projections for the mid-level, major, principal, and foundation gift programs to assist with organizational budgeting and goal setting.
• Provide feedback on improving reporting systems and business intelligence to track individual and team performance.
• Support the development of accurate revenue forecasts and multiyear fundraising strategies.
• General Duties:
• Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Mercy For Animals’ philanthropic goals.

Your qualifications will take our philanthropy team to the next level:

• Experience and Expertise: Seven years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including five or more years focused on major or principal giving.
• Leadership and Team Development: Three or more years of direct management experience with a track record of mentoring and empowering high-performing teams.
• Data-Driven Approach: Strong experience leveraging CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) and analytics tools to track donor engagement, evaluate fundraising performance, and inform decision-making. Demonstrated ability to use data-driven insights to refine strategies, optimize donor stewardship, and enhance fundraising effectiveness.
• Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving: Outstanding ability to identify and address challenges proactively, using critical thinking to develop solutions that drive sustainable impact.
• Agility and Initiative: Demonstrated proactive and adaptable approach, navigating change with resilience while maintaining team motivation and momentum. Leading with initiative, ensuring projects move forward efficiently while remaining aligned with organizational priorities.
• Mission-Driven Communication: Communicating with clarity, authenticity, and purpose, engaging audiences through both written and spoken storytelling.
• Project and Process Management: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, streamline workflows, and drive operational improvements. Strong ability to lead the implementation of efficient systems and processes to support sustainable fundraising growth.
• Global and Inclusive Perspective: Globally minded approach to philanthropy that ensures fundraising strategies reflect the diverse, international scope of Mercy For Animals’ work. Demonstrated cultural competency and commitment to equity in donor engagement and team leadership.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Mercy For Animals.
• Commitment to continued personal and organizational growth in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles.

About Your Team Leader

Amanda Rainey is chief philanthropy officer of Mercy For Animals, overseeing philanthropic relationships with individuals and organizations. Amanda leads the development of comprehensive, strategic fundraising plans that align with the organization’s mission and long-term goals.

Amanda brings more than 20 years of dedicated leadership in the nonprofit sector, specializing in fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. She has expertise in capital campaigns, corporate partnerships, digital fundraising, and strategic partnerships and is known for tenacity and an unwavering commitment to driving long-term sustainability and impact.

Amanda earned her master’s degree in education from Indiana University and her bachelor’s in education from Southeast Missouri State University. Amanda has also earned the CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential.

Compensation and Benefits

Earn an annual salary of $125,800–$142,000, depending on qualifications, and enjoy a commute-free life as a remote team member. In addition to a collaborative and innovative work environment, you will be able to take part in our benefits package, including no- or low-cost health, vision, and dental insurance; generous paid time off and sick leave; and 401(k) retirement plan, with a dollar-to-dollar employer match of up to 3% of your annual earnings.

Application Details

We consider traditional and nontraditional qualifications and carefully review each application, resume, and cover letter. Feel encouraged to go outside a traditional cover letter and state how you would add to our culture; what we would gain from having you on our team; and how you align with our organizational vision, mission, and values. To ensure fairness in the hiring process, we request that all applicants refrain from submitting materials that are generated entirely by artificial intelligence tools. We recognize that such tools can be useful in refining tone, grammar, and clarity, but please ensure that your materials reflect your personal experience, qualifications, and authentic voice.   

Our Commitment to You

Mercy For Animals is a globally minded organization. We are committed to the principles of equity and justice, and our culture celebrates authenticity—enabling every team member to shine. All employment decisions are based solely on individual qualifications, job needs, and job requirements, and potential team members of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, veteran status, and ability are encouraged to apply. We strive to include candidates from historically marginalized communities and those from or in communities impacted by environmental, social, and economic injustice. 

Come as you are, and help us transform our society and construct a truly compassionate food system.

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