Background:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is dedicated to ensuring sustainable financial resources to support its mission of improving reproductive health, advocating for the rights of women and girls, and addressing population challenges globally. To enhance its financial sustainability, UNFPA is strengthening its engagement with High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs), family offices and wealth asset managers to secure major gifts. The Major Gifts Consultant will play a key role in positioning UNFPA as a compelling philanthropic investment by working closely with internal portfolio managers across foundations & philanthropies, corporate partnerships, and individual giving to cultivate and secure transformational gifts.
Location: New York, United States (with potential for remote work and international travel as needed)
Duration: 6 months (with potential extension based on performance and program needs)
Reports to: Chief, Private Sector and Civil Society Branch
Key Responsibilities:
- Donor Identification & Cultivation: Identify and build a pipeline of HNWIs, wealth asset managers and family offices with strong alignment to UNFPA’s mission and philanthropic goals.
- Develop detailed donor profiles and engagement strategies for priority prospects.
- Leverage personal and professional networks to secure introductions and build relationships with influential philanthropists.
Strategic Engagement & Solicitation:
- Work in close coordination with portfolio managers (foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving) to align outreach strategies and maximize synergies.
- Develop and execute personalized engagement plans for major gift donors, ensuring a clear path from identification to solicitation and stewardship.
- Design and present compelling funding proposals that effectively communicate UNFPA’s impact and funding needs.
- Facilitate high-touch donor interactions, including one-on-one meetings, events, and personalized communications.
Collaboration & Internal Capacity Building:
- Train and mentor UNFPA’s internal teams on best practices in major gift fundraising and donor stewardship.
- Establish processes and frameworks for identifying and engaging HNWIs, family offices and wealth asset managers in collaboration with the broader Private Sector Civil Society Branch team.
- Contribute to the development of UNFPA’s long-term major gifts strategy, incorporating lessons learned and emerging philanthropic trends.
Education & Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Philanthropy, Non-Profit Management, Finance, or a related field.
- At least 7-10 years of professional experience in major gift fundraising, philanthropy, or wealth management, with a focus on HNWI, wealth asset managers and family offices.
- Proven track record of securing six and seven-figure gifts from HNWIs, wealth asset managers and family offices, preferably within an international development context.
- Strong networking abilities and donor relationship-building skills with demonstrated success in engaging HNWI, wealth asset managers and family offices.
- Knowledge of best practices in philanthropy, donor psychology, and strategic fundraising.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multicultural and mission-driven environment.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate UNFPA’s impact to high-level donors.
How to apply: Please email your application incl. CV and a short motivation letter with “Major Gifts Consultant” in the subject line to vkim@unfpa.org by 16 May 2025.
