About KIND

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced from their countries of origin. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety.

Building on its extensive programming and successful model in the United States, KIND is expanding in the Americas and Europe to bring its experience to bear in working with unaccompanied and separated children. Our work focuses on addressing the legal and mental health needs of this population; building strong partnerships and engaging in training and capacity strengthening with governments, NGOs, and the private sector; and advocating for systemic and pragmatic reforms to advance the rights of unaccompanied and separated children.

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‍Position Summary

KIND seeks a Philanthropy Officer-West to join a growing team of development professionals working directly with high-capacity donors and prospects to accomplish their giving objectives in the form of annual giving, and major and planned gifts. The Philanthropy Officer-West will build and maintain a West Coast based portfolio and be responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, acknowledgment, and stewardship of major donors and family foundations with a history of or capacity for gifts of $10,000+ annually to KIND.  

With forecasted revenue growth and increased recognition on the national stage, this position requires an individual who enjoys and is particularly skilled in interfacing with a high volume of donors, with the ambition to maximize untapped opportunities, as well as attract new supporters aligned to the organization's work and mission. The qualified individual will have a track record of managing a portfolio of donor relationships; will be a self-starter; and will be prepared to work in a fast-paced, high-energy virtual environment. They will be organized, analytical, collaborative, detail oriented; possess excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as high numerical literacy; and demonstrate passion for fundraising.

Key measures of success for the position include increasing contributed income, growing an overall portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, and engaging personally with donors and prospects.

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Essential Functions

• Manages a portfolio of 100-150 individuals and family foundations (in total giving approximately 1.5M annually) with the capacity to make major gifts, in accordance with established team goals on meetings, solicitations, donor retention, and Salesforce management.
• Develops strategies to upgrade current donors, identify and qualify new prospects, and personally cultivate and solicit high-level gifts.
• Serves as development liaison to West Coast advisory committees and/or field offices, offering fundraising oversight and developing regional strategies based on local donor base, opportunities, and obstacles.
• Approaches work with creativity and persistence, including but not limited to pursuing specific donor networks and interest groups to reach a diverse range of prospective donors.
• Provides comprehensive, timely and innovative stewardship for existing donors. Elevates the importance of stewarding all gifts and programs in ways that strengthen donor interest in, satisfaction with, and commitment to KIND.
• Collaborates with and supports KIND’s senior leadership team, program staff, board members, and advisory committee members with respect to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Effectively navigates institutional resources to be an effective KIND representative with donors. Stays informed of institutional priorities, regional work and achievements, and current updates on key immigration issues.
• Partners with the Events Director to ensure small-scale cultivation events, both virtual and in-person, engage donors and prospects with KIND.
• Adeptly manages Salesforce and other processes such as tracking donor gift projections and list management for portfolio.
• Travels up to 30% of the time throughout the West Coast to cultivate donors with in-person meetings and engagements.

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Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience managing a major gifts portfolio, closing at least $500,000 a year in gifts above $10,000.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing a donor and prospect portfolio, knowledge of fundraising and moves management best practices, a track record of securing six figure or higher donations from a variety of individual funders, and facility working with board members and/or volunteers.
• Leverage relationships to accomplish tasks in a mutually beneficial, non-transactional manner.
• Willingness to travel throughout assigned region and ability to attend functions/activities outside of normal work hours, with advanced notice.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites (such as Teams, Excel, etc.); experience with Salesforce and DonorSearch preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment. Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate as appropriate.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles.
• Committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as embracing transparency and authenticity in daily work life.
• Be disciplined and nimble to ensure delivery on our core mission of access to justice and protection of children’s wellbeing and rights.
• Showing the ability to multi-task and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast paced environment.
• Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance.
• Experience working and communicating in a remote environment.

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Salary & Benefits

$81,428.96 - $101,786.19 a year

- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with KIND paying 100% of the employee only portion of the premium for one of the two medical plan options, dental, and vision.

- Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) for both medical and dependent care.  

- Pre-tax transit and parking spending account.  

- Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.  

- Employer-paid short and long-term disability insurance.  

For a complete list of benefits, please click here. ‍

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Our Focus on Wellness‍

KIND recognizes that our ability to help our clients starts with helping our team members. KIND has prioritized wellness for employees through Mindfulness and Wellness Trainings, Wellness Platforms, Employee Assistance and Resilience Programs, Time Away and Office Wellness Activities.

For more information regarding our Wellness initiatives please visit this link.  

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Location

This role is a remote position based on the West Coast, where KIND is registered, with a particular focus on the Los Angeles and San Francisco. Significant travel will be required throughout the West Coast.

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Application Instructions

To be considered for this role, please submit an employment application at supportkind.org/join-the-team, along with your resume and cover letter.‍

KIND has an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.‍

Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm “no fees” recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For more information, please visit the following website: https://supportkind.org/join-the-team/kind-employment-practices/.

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