We are seeking a Major Gifts Specialist to join our U.S. team and play a pivotal role in growing our private fundraising efforts. 

Job Title: Major Gifts Specialist

Location: Remote (U.S. based only, with travel)

Start date: ASAP

Position: Full-time, Mid-level

Salary: $90k – commensurate with skills and experience.

Application deadline: 15 September (the role may be closed earlier if we appoint a successful candidate before the deadline).

Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

The Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR) empowers local voices in conflict and crisis zones to drive change and strengthen civil society. For more than three decades, we have supported independent media and civil society worldwide—from Ukraine to the Philippines, and across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia. In that time, we’ve trained tens of thousands of journalists and activists and helped establish lasting independent organizations that continue to thrive in Afghanistan, the Balkans, Africa, and Asia.

We are seeking a Major Gifts Specialist to join our U.S. team and play a pivotal role in growing our private fundraising efforts.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated, mission-driven development professional to build meaningful relationships with donors who want to make a real impact. Reporting directly to the Executive Director and working closely with our Private Fundraising Board, you will help shape donor engagement, coordinate inspiring fundraising events, and ensure IWPR’s supporters feel connected to our mission.

For more information on IWPR, please follow the link:

https://iwprexternal.egnyte.com/dl/zJ7gOUL3Fc

What you will do:

Donor Engagement & Communications

• Support the development and delivery of a high-value major donor strategy.
• Undertake prospect research to identify and evaluate potential donors, providing insights to inform outreach strategies and engagement plans.
• Support in the cultivation and stewardship of relationships with individual donors through personalized outreach to secure high value gifts.
• Draft compelling correspondence, updates, and fundraising appeals.

Event Coordination

• Plan and deliver impactful fundraising events (virtual and in-person).
• Manage logistics, guest engagement, and post-event follow-up.
• Support board-led donor outreach around events and campaigns.

Data & Records Management

• Maintain donor records and ensure accurate gift tracking.
• Generate donor engagement and performance reports.

Operational Support

• Partner with the Executive Director to advance the private fundraising strategy.
• Develop briefing documents, research, and donor-facing materials.

What we are looking for:

• 3-5 years’ experience in nonprofit fundraising or development, with a focus on both individual and foundation giving.
• Experience in supporting in the management of relationships with donors to secure high value gifts.
• Developed or contributed to fundraising campaigns targeting High Net Worth Individuals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience supporting fundraising boards and/or committees.
• Proven track record in coordinating events (virtual & in-person).
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a remote environment.
• Skilled in donor database/CRM systems.
• Familiarity with tools such as Mailchimp and Canva.
• An interest in journalism, civil society, or international development would be regarded favourably.
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively in a remote team.

This is a remote position open to U.S.-based candidates. Travel within the U.S. may be required for fundraising events.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to help shape IWPR’s future and connect donors with work that truly changes lives, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter via the following link:

https://iwpr.bamboohr.com/careers/460