Director of External Relations Handicap International (USA)
Overview
As co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize (1997) and recipient of the Hilton Humanitarian Prize (2011), the Handicap International Federation is a world-renowned humanitarian organization that works to improve the living conditions of people in disabling situations in post-conflict or low-income countries around the world. Founded in France in 1982, the Handicap International Federation now has over 3,350 personnel working in 60 of the world’s lowest income countries implementing more than 300 projects. Eight national associations based in Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States provide overall support for the field programs, which are implemented through the Federation headquarters in Lyon, France.
As the youngest national association in the Handicap International Federation, Handicap International (USA) is at an exciting - and critical - point in its development. There are high expectations of this association as they continue to grow in the US, including raising the organization’s profile, developing best practices that can be shared with the Federation in a way that is consistent with the organization’s priorities, and generating a significant percentage of the Federation’s funding. Handicap International (USA) also administers US government funded grants, engages in awareness raising with the general public and advocates for US accession to the landmine and cluster munitions treaties.
Position Overview
The Director of External Relations is a newly created role which reports to the Executive Director and which represents an exciting opportunity to build the US arm of an established and recognized international organization. The Director External Relation’s primary objective is to map out and execute a strategy to increase private funds in the US that will support Federation programs globally. The Director will achieve these goals by developing the Development and Communications team, leveraging personal expertise in fundraising best practices in the US through a variety of means (direct mail, events, prospect research, stakeholder cultivation, promoting programs), and forging strong relationships with peer associations and the Federation. As a member of the senior management team, the Director of External Relations will contribute to the overall leadership, decision-making and strategic direction of Handicap International (USA) and will work in a collaborative and strategic manner with counterparts in the other national associations as well as with Federation senior staff.
Responsibilities include:
Fundraising
Develop and implement annual and long-term strategies to raise funds including but not limited to identification, cultivation and solicitation of major donors; planned giving prospects and donors; direct mail to current, lapsed and prospective donors; foundation and corporate grants; federated giving; special events, and endowment campaigns. Identify and cultivate relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate groups and other funders.
Personally establish and manage a portfolio of prospects and donors by implementing a timely and effective cultivation and solicitation strategy (including personal visits, phone calls, letters, etc.). Enlist the Executive Director, Senior Staff, Board of Directors and volunteers to significantly increase visibility, enhance the reputation and increase donations to the organization through their contacts, cultivation and solicitations. In collaboration with the Communications Officer, seek out opportunities to increase public awareness of the organization.
Oversee fundraising communications including supervising the creation of effective fundraising correspondence and web-based solicitations and supervising production of the annual report.
Develop signature fundraising, outreach and cultivation events in at least three to five key cities including Washington DC and New York that can become signature identifying events for Handicap International (USA).
Strengthen the internal infrastructure and operating systems to ensure that data collection, analysis and reporting is accurately managed and is effectively used to communicate the mission and accomplishments to a wide variety of constituents and potential donors. Oversee the communications staff regarding strategies and collateral used by the development team and ensure that the communication materials developed effectively support fundraising goals.
Management
Hire, train and supervise department staff as needed over the next five years in accordance with the 2011-2015 Strategic Plan. Develop department budgets and monitor expenses. Oversee and coordinate work with outside consulting firms.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of professional experience in development, marketing, and/or fundraising, journalism, and/or media relations required. CFRE designation preferred. Genuine personal commitment to Handicap International (USA)’s mission and personal knowledge of and/or interest in international humanitarian and development issues is highly relevant. Overseas work experience in a developing country is desirable.
Experience and proven track record of cultivating and soliciting gifts from individuals and foundations as well as success with grant writing. Experience in special events planning and management an asset. Excellent written and oral communications skills. Ability to read and understand spoken French a marked advantage.
Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge or similar fundraising database required. Ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines, to work well independently and to balance multiple priorities required.
Willingness to travel overseas required. Strong management skills, both strategic and operational, with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and a record of building a talented staff.
To Apply
Handicap International (USA) has engaged Koya Consulting to help with this hire.
Please email a compelling cover letter and resume to Michelle Desaulniers at
executivesearch@koyaconsulting.com.
About Handicap International
Handicap International’s programs reduce and address the consequences of disabling
accidents and diseases; clear landmines and unexploded ordnance and prevent mine-
related accidents through education; respond fast and effectively to natural and civil
disasters in order to limit serious and permanent injuries and assist survivors with social
and economic reintegration; and advocate for the universal recognition of the rights
of persons with disabilities through advocacy and for the elimination of landmines and
cluster munitions, weapons of war that continue to injure people long after conflicts
have ended. For more information, visit www.handicap-international.us.
Handicap International (USA) is an equal opportunity employer. Diverse candidates are
strongly encouraged to apply
