(CHIEF) DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Application Deadline: February 27th, 2015

Start Date: Spring, 2015

Location: Boston, MA Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

PIVOT, a healthcare NGO in Madagascar modeled after Partners in Health ( seeks a full- time Development Officer in Boston to spearhead the formal initiation of development efforts for the NGO. Development efforts to include individual giving, major gifts, foundation support, grant seeking, an annual event, and eventually hosting of major donors and Board members on site visits to Madagascar. Work hours may be flexible.

PIVOT’s mission is to combine accessible and comprehensive health care services with rigorous scientific research to save lives and break cycles of poverty and disease. The organization works in direct collaborationwith the Madagascar Ministry of Health to improve existing health facilities and to enhance community healthdelivery for a population on the border of Ranomafana National Park.In addition to providing direct health care services, PIVOT engages in poverty alleviation initiatives, conducts monitoring and evaluation of health systemsstrengthening activities (HSS), and supports research.

Job description

The Development Officer will be based in Boston reporting to the Chief Operating Officer. The Boston office consists of the CEO, the COO, and the assistant to those two positions. As such the Development Officer will be the single team member with a sole focus on development for the organization. This offers the opportunity for maximum input in the process of how PIVOT should raise support and the chance to lead many different development efforts simultaneously. Since inception in late 2013, PIVOT has been largely funded by a single, founding family foundation, whose support will continue as the funding base broadens.

In close collaboration with the Board of Directors and PIVOT leadership, the Development Officer will be responsible for development, oversight and execution of the following activities:

  • Develop strategic plan and budget for fundraising activities with revenue targets and realistic understanding of time and energy resources necessary to meet targets
  • Oversee the development and maintenance of system for tracking revenue, donor contacts, cultivation and stewardship strategies, gift entry, grant agreements, and acknowledgements
  • Develop and implement a foundation fundraising plan that aligns with organizational and programmatic strategic priorities
  • Initiate and manage relationships with a portfolio of high-level donors and prospects
  • Ensure that each qualified prospect has a strategic cultivation plan. Rate prospects and set targets for solicitation. Assess prospect pool on a quarterly basis to ensure that resources are invested in the highest quality prospects
  • Develop and implement targeted strategies to introduce PIVOT to new funders, secure meetings, design pitches, and make multi-year asks
  • Write high quality letters of inquiry, concept papers, proposals, and reports that secure funding commitments
  • Write quarterly newsletter and support communication effort relevant to fundraising
  • Host annual event(s) with donors
  • Accompany donors on site visits and facilitate donor engagement with program and executive leadership
  • Ensure accurate and timely record keeping that is responsive to donor preferences and expectations, consistent with internal financial procedures, and provides tools for the foundations team to monitor progress and quality
  • Monitor current public sector donor priorities especially related to Madagascar and general international and multilateral grant making trends with relation to public health and conservation
  • Oversee the production of necessary proposal materials, such as project budgets, photographs and maps, application forms, board and staff lists, and cover letters
  • Ensure timely completion of reports to funders
  • Advance the major gifts program, including the successful identification, cultivation, solicitation, and retention of major gift and planned gift prospects
  • Uphold professional ethical standards of fundraising, as per Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethics

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required, Master degree preferred
  • French language skills preferred
  • Understanding of global health and development approaches preferred
  • 3-5 years of relevant professional experience with demonstrated ability to build and lead a development effort required

Skills and competencies

  • Experience working closely with a Board of Directors
  • High attention to detail; ability to multi-task and function effectively in a start-up environment
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and organizational skills; strong follow-up and information sharing skills
  • Able to communicate effectively and professionally in writing and orally with a wide range of people
  • Competency with donor database systems and interest in building one from the start
  • Willingness and curiosity to problem solve; strong sense of initiative and drive
  • Respect for diversity of cultural perspectives and diverse styles of work and communication
  • Availability to travel internationally and domestically (15-20% time)

To apply please send CV and cover letter to Meg McCarty at by February 27. Please include in your introductory email where we you learned about the position.