Description

Location: remote across the US

Position Status: Full Time, Exempt, Fixed interim term 

Duration: Late April 2026 through November 2026 

Salary Level: Starting salary for this role will be from $76,800 to $85,000 annually - commensurate with professional experience.

Closing date: Please submit application and cover letter by March 31st 2026

Risk Level 1: Likely to have no contact with participants or sensitive data

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 35 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.

Department Summary

The Philanthropic Growth & Engagement (PG&E) department works to advance Mercy Corps’ strategic goals and support our worldwide team by raising flexible funds, profile and influence. The PG&E team encompasses several dozen dynamic professionals who possess a wide range of skills. We are gift officers, direct response fundraisers, web developers, marketers and media relations strategists. We are database managers, digital specialists, creative designers, storytellers and teachers. Most of all, we are passionate about Mercy Corps’ mission and believe a better world is possible.

General Position Description

The Deputy Director leads communications, donor engagement, and strategic partnership support for individual, corporate, and foundation donors who fund Mercy Corps’ global work. Working in close collaboration with frontline fundraisers and team leaders, the Deputy Director helps drive donor acquisition, cultivation, and stewardship of key partners. Major responsibilities include managing donor engagements such as small events and program visits, overseeing the coordination of high‑profile opportunities like global conferences, and developing a range of business development and stewardship materials, including pitch decks, concept notes, proposals, and other donor‑facing content.

• Partner with team members to implement a comprehensive donor communications and engagement strategy, including mail, digital outreach, events, donor travel and personal gift officer outreach support. Track and analyze the effectiveness of donor engagement projects, using insights to refine strategies and improve outcomes.
• Support the corporate, foundation, and high impact philanthropy teams with event project management including global conference coordination and developing and hosting donor engagement opportunities.
• Develop and oversee all aspects of donor trips including strategy, planning, itinerary, logistics, pre-trip materials, post-trip follow-up and assessments.
• Implement donor events and high-level meetings from conception through execution.
• Create a variety of communication materials for internal and external facing audiences, including meeting briefs, bios, invitations, run-of-shows, talking points, presentations, etc.
• In the event of an emergency response, provide support with donor-facing communications, content creation, and coordination across PG&E.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND relationship management

• Collaborate with VP, Strategic Partnerships to provide a high standard of relationship management, cultivation and stewardship of donors through the creation of bespoke materials and engagement opportunities.
• Provide business development, stewardship, and communications support to a portfolio of top tier strategic partnerships
• Write/edit/create concepts, proposals, reports, pitch decks, updates, and stewardship materials.
• Develop prep materials for donor materials including presentations, meetings briefs, etc.
• Other projects, as assigned.

Organizational Learning 

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Director of Communications, Partner Engagement

Works Directly With: VP Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy, HIP, Corporate, Foundation, and Regional Program Teams, donors and board members.

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 5-8 years’ experience in a nonprofit setting, preferably in a large, fast-paced fundraising operation.
• Exceptional writing skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling, and accessible donor-facing content. Strong project management skills, with a proven ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and move complex initiatives from concept to execution.
• Experience planning and executing small to mid-sized donor events and engagements; familiarity with coordinating international travel and logistics.
• Previous experience working with major donors, corporates, foundations, or board members.
• Experience stewarding donor relationships.
• Ability to work in and across teams to develop and execute strategy for successful partnership experience and engagement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced PowerPoint skills and strong design sensibilities for creating polished donor materials.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Excellent problem solving and interpersonal skills.
• Previous experience in an international field preferred.
• A demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and adaptable, and to work both independently and as part of a team.

Success Factors

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and disciplined project manager with exceptional writing and communication skills. They have a strong track record of delivering high‑impact donor stewardship strategies, engagements, and events—both virtual and in person—while keeping complex, cross‑functional projects on track. They excel at building strong donor and internal relationships, bringing cultural sensitivity, professionalism, and adaptability to interactions across global contexts. Skilled at coordinating across diverse teams, they ensure the work and communication needed to advance donor relationships are completed on time and with excellence. A results‑driven collaborator, the Deputy Director thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is deeply committed to Mercy Corps’ mission and values.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is U.S. based, open to remote locations.

Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision.  Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Team Engagement and Effectiveness 

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work. We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline ([email protected]).

As a safeguarding measure, Mercy Corps screens all potential US-Based employees. This is done following the conclusion of recruitment and prior to assuming full employment.  Our screening process is designed to be transparent and completed in partnership with new Team Members. You will have the opportunity to disclose any prior convictions at the conclusion of the recruitment process before the check is initiated.