Major Giving Officer

The Business and Human Rights Centre (BHRC) is looking for an experienced, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven individual to join our team as a Major Giving Officer. This is a newly created role and an exciting opportunity to build and lead BHRC's major giving programme at a pivotal moment for the organisation’s funding diversification efforts.

The Major Giving Officer will play a central role in diversifying and strengthening BHRC's funding base by developing relationships with major donors, high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, donor-advised funds, and philanthropic networks. The role will support the implementation of BHRC's fundraising strategy to increase flexible and unrestricted income, deepen donor engagement, and build long-term support for our mission.

Vacancy Details

• Location: Mostly remote, with expectation to meet in NY metropolitan area on a regular basis (on average 2-3 times per month). Preference for candidates based in in New York area. Applicants must have the right to work in their country of residence.
• Salary: $100,000-125,000, commensurate with experience and location.
• Contract Type: Flexible full time or part-time contract (minimum 28 hours per week).
  
• Closing Date: 9am EDT 19th October 2026
• Start Date: January 2027.

About the Organisation

Business and Human Rights Centre works with diverse allies and partners to put human rights at the core of companies' business models and end abuse; support communities and workers in securing their rights and accountability for corporate abuse; and encourage governments to create the right regulation and incentives to uphold human rights in business.

We are a global organisation rooted in five continental regions, comprising a Global Team of 73 staff and consultants. We work closely with human rights advocates, grassroots organisations, trade unions, affected communities, investors, responsible businesses, and policymakers worldwide. Our efforts focus on advancing corporate accountability and empowering rights holders to secure justice and remedy.

Our work spans four thematic programmes: just energy transition and natural resources; civic freedoms and human rights defenders; accountable technologies; and workers' rights in global supply chains. These are strengthened by our cross-cutting work on corporate legal accountability and racial and gender justice.

About the Position

Reporting to the Deputy Director / Director of Development (based in NY) and working closely with the Executive Director (based in South Africa), senior leadership team (global), Board members (global), Development team (global) and global programme colleagues, the Major Giving Officer will establish and implement BHRC's major donor fundraising programme.

The role will focus primarily on identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors capable of giving between $5,000 and $50,000 annually, while also developing a pipeline of higher-capacity prospects. The Major Giving Officer will build relationships with high-net-worth individuals, next-generation philanthropists, family offices, donor-advised funds, giving circles, and philanthropic networks aligned with BHRC's mission.

As BHRC seeks to increase unrestricted and flexible funding, the successful candidate will develop tailored engagement strategies that connect donor interests with the organisation's human rights priorities and long-term vision. Success in this role will help diversify revenue streams and strengthen the sustainability of BHRC's global work.

Responsibilities

Major Giving Programme Development (30%)

• Develop and begin implementation of BHRC's major donor fundraising strategy.
• Establish donor qualification criteria, portfolio management processes, and tracking systems.
• Develop a compelling case for support and donor engagement materials aligned with organisational priorities.
• Create cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for priority prospects.
• Work with colleagues across the organisation to build a strong foundation for long-term major donor fundraising.

Portfolio Management and Fundraising (40%)

• Build and manage an initial portfolio of approximately 50-75 qualified prospects and donors.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and steward individuals capable of making gifts of $5,000 and above.
• Conduct regular donor meetings with appropriate senior leadership and board, and prepare participants for cultivation conversations, both virtually and in person.
• Develop tailored engagement plans and prepare donor proposals, reports, and stewardship communications with programme and development team colleagues.
• Secure new and renewed major gifts and lay the groundwork for future donor growth.

Prospect Research and Pipeline Development (20%)

• Conduct prospect research and mapping to identify potential major donors, donor-advised funds, family offices, and philanthropic networks.
• Analyse existing supporters and networks to identify upgrade opportunities.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of qualified prospects and track progress through the fundraising cycle.
• Work with Board members and senior leadership to identify and pursue new donor connections.

Leadership and Internal Collaboration (10%)

• Work closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Director/Director of Development, senior leadership team, and Board to advance donor engagement. Mobilise Board and ED to conduct fundraising activities.
• Prepare briefing materials and donor communications for leadership and Board meetings.
• Support Board involvement in cultivation activities, introductions, and donor stewardship.
• Contribute to organisational fundraising planning and the growth of BHRC's individual giving programme.

Travel

• Domestic and international travel will be required occasionally. Since the Deputy Director is based in NY area and you will be working closely together there will be an expectation that you will meet regularly 3-4 times per month initially; 2-3 times per month after completing induction (probation) period.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, and record keeping, including using Salesforce to track all donor and prospect research, communication and revenue.
• Proactively undertake other responsibilities as necessary for the successful delivery of BHRC's fundraising strategy and the development of the organisation.

Required Experience, Skills and Qualifications

Applicants must have:

• Minimum 5 years of professional major gifts fundraising experience, preferably in a social justice organisation.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success securing and growing gifts from individual donors.
  • Experience managing donor portfolios and fundraising pipelines.
  • Experience developing and implementing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
  • Strong understanding of major donor fundraising principles and relationship-based fundraising.

• Experience conducting research on major donor prospects. Knowledge of appropriate research tools and resources.
• Ability to identify strategic opportunities, assess risks, and develop long-term fundraising strategies.
• Excellent English-language written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences, including:
  • Drafting high-quality proposals, donor-facing communications,
  • Website content and social media updates.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
• Experience engaging boards and senior executives in fundraising activities.
• Strong planning and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver against ambitious targets.

• Experience using CRM system and donor databases, preferably Salesforce.
• Ability to work independently and effectively across cultures, geographies, and (remote) teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Commitment to advancing human rights, social justice, and corporate accountability. Shares the values and mission of the Centre.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools.
  

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience building from inception, or significantly expanding a major gifts program.
• Experience fundraising for international, advocacy, human rights, or social justice organizations.
• Familiarity with planned giving and principal gifts fundraising.
• Knowledge of international philanthropy and cross-border giving.

Terms and Conditions

• Necessary work-related expenses, including approved travel, will be reimbursed.
• The position is based on a 35-hour working week with flexible working arrangements.
• All team members receive 24 days of paid leave per full year worked and will not normally be expected to work on national holidays in their country of residence. This will be pro-rated if not working the full 35 hours.

• The role will be supervised by the Deputy Director and supported by colleagues across the Global Team.
• Right to work in the United States.

This position offers a unique opportunity to help build a transformational fundraising programme that will strengthen BHRC's ability to support communities, workers, and human rights defenders worldwide.

To Apply

Complete and return this BHRC Job Application Form 2026 via our portal by clicking above, Apply for This Job. Kindly note that the application form is required; we will not accept CVs. If you need any additional support, please reach out to Human Resources at [email protected]