Director – Strategic Relationships

Heifer International

. Lead strategy, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention for a portfolio of strategic partners .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $145,000 - $165,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in large gift fundraising, with a proven track record of securing 7-8 figure gifts and managing donor relationships. Proficient in developing tailored engagement strategies and proposals that align with donor priorities in the international development sector.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Large Gift FundraisingDonor Relationship ManagementProposal WritingCRM Systems ProficiencyInternational Development Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Fundraising ManagementDonor Engagement PlansPortfolio ManagementProject ManagementData AnalysisFundraising Strategy DevelopmentProposal DevelopmentRecordkeepingRevenue ForecastingRisk Identification

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingCommunication SkillsCollaborationChange Management LeadershipInfluencing Without Authority

Tools & Technologies

CRM SystemsMicrosoft Office

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit SectorInternational DevelopmentStrategic PartnershipsFundraising GoalsDonor Stewardship

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead strategy, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention for a portfolio of strategic partners
Establish annual fundraising goals and integrated short- and long-term strategies for securing strategic 7-8 figure gifts
Manage and grow a portfolio of prospects and funders through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention
Develop tailored donor engagement plans, proposals, concept notes, and fundraising materials
Translate programmatic information into compelling funding opportunities aligned with donor priorities and Heifer programs and geographies
Coordinate co-management of donor relationships across programs, geographies, and strategic funding opportunities
Build knowledge of Heifer’s mission, program model, and impact to present funding opportunities and respond to donor questions
Segment and prioritize partners and implement individualized engagement strategies
Contribute to the organizational approach to strategic partnerships and long-term funding opportunities
Partner with country teams to develop and operationalize tailored fundraising strategies
Identify high-potential funders, open doors to prospective partners, and shape initial engagement and funding asks
Document donor engagement, correspondence, next steps, and proposal activity in CRM systems
Use CRM data, pipeline reporting, and donor intelligence to manage portfolio health, forecast revenue, and identify risks and opportunities
Influence global communications strategies positioning Heifer as a partner of choice
Share donor intelligence, coordinate strategies across teams, mentor colleagues, and identify collaborative engagement opportunities
Partner with senior leadership, communications, programs, and internal stakeholders on donor-facing opportunities
Participate in internal planning discussions and special initiatives
Support special projects and strategic initiatives
Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent education and experience
Minimum of ten years of progressive experience in large gift fundraising
Proven track record of securing 7-8 figure gifts from a variety of funders
Minimum of 7 years of fundraising management and leadership
Experience and proven success working with funders in the international development space
Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity funders or institutional partners
Experience developing tailored asks based on partner interests
Strong record of building and managing relationships leading to measurable fundraising results
Excellent writing, presentation, relationship-building, and project management skills
Experience with CRM systems and disciplined recordkeeping
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems
Ability to independently manage a portfolio, set priorities, and move opportunities forward in a fast-paced environment
Strong proposal writing and donor communication skills
Ability to collaborate across functions and influence without authority in a highly matrixed, networked organization
Demonstrated change management leadership ability
Comfort navigating ambiguity, evolving priorities, and organizational complexity
Commitment to Heifer’s mission, values, and model
Proven interpersonal and communication skills
Willingness and capability to work effectively from a home office
Willingness and capability to travel frequently both nationally and internationally
Knowledge of international development and the nonprofit sector
Cover letter required
Equivalent education and experience may substitute for the bachelor’s degree

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health and wellness benefits including Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Saving Account
Employee assistance program
403(b) retirement plan with employer matching and discretionary contribution
22 vacation days
12 statutory and discretionary holidays
10 sick days per year
Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
Professional development opportunities
Annual merit increase opportunities
Optional critical illness insurance
Legal assistance plan
Pet protection