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.

• 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: $,000, commensurate with experience and location.
• Contract Type:
  Flexible full timeor part-time contract (minimum 28 hours per week).
• Closing Date: 9am EDT 19th October 2026
• Start Date:
  
  January 2027.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Work closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Director/Director of Development, senior leadership team, and Board to advance…