Deputy Director, Major Gifts
Amref Health Africa in the USA
Remote
Anticipated Start Date: January 2026
Description
Amref Health Africa in the USA seeks a Deputy Director, Major Gifts to assist in securing funding from individuals and family foundations, with a focus on high-net worth individuals. Reporting to the Director, Development & Communications, this person will support the development and implementation of a strategic major gifts plan, including identifying, cultivating, and managing relationships with individuals to achieve the organization's goals. The Amref Health Africa (Amref) in the USA office raises awareness and critically needed funds for our work across Africa. Amref USA is a 501(C)(3) organization with ten employees and an annual budget of $10-15MM.
THE ROLE
As Deputy Director, Major Gifts, you will help plan and implement Amref USA’s major gifts program, managing a portfolio of donors capable of giving $10,000 or more. You will strengthen and expand the major gifts pipeline by identifying and cultivating new prospects, stewarding existing donors, and developing tailored solicitation strategies to meet annual fundraising goals.
The ideal candidate brings proven experience in fundraising or a related revenue-generating or client-facing role, is a self-starter and collaborative team player, and thrives on building meaningful relationships. You are adaptable, strategic, and passionate about international development. A strong understanding of the African diaspora and the ability to engage authentically with diasporan stakeholders and donors will be considered an asset.
Responsibilities
Secure major gifts by managing existing donor relationships and cultivating new prospects in partnership with the Development team and CEO.
Collaborate with leadership to shape long-term strategies for increasing unrestricted major gifts.
Contribute to the annual major gifts forecast and pipeline planning.
Conduct at least 10–12 meaningful donor interactions per month, including visits, calls, and events.
Track, analyze, and report on progress toward fundraising goals.
Develop and execute a comprehensive moves management strategy for major donors.
Identify and qualify major gift prospects using the CRM, prospect research, and wealth screening tools.
Plan and support curated events and experiences for major donors.
Design and implement stewardship strategies to ensure ongoing donor engagement and retention.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Workplace and Other Details
This is a remote role based in the United States.
Occasional early morning calls should be expected to accommodate meetings in East Africa Time. Some evening and weekend work may be necessary to support donor engagement and events.
Travel is anticipated to be around 10%, primarily for donor meetings, events, and conferences.
Requirements
The ideal candidate brings proven experience in fundraising or a related revenue-generating or client-facing role, is a self-starter and collaborative team player, and thrives on building meaningful relationships. You are adaptable, strategic, and passionate about international development. A strong understanding of the African diaspora and the ability to engage authentically with diasporan stakeholders and donors will be considered an asset.
Have at least seven years of experience in fundraising or a related revenue-generating or client-facing role.
Proven success developing and implementing strategies to secure support from individual donors.
Skilled in prospecting, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-value donor relationships.
Demonstrated ability to close major unrestricted gifts.
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with experience engaging diverse audiences.
A proactive, self-directed professional who also thrives in collaborative, team-oriented environments.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
Comfortable, respectful, and educated in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Deeply committed to Amref’s mission, vision, and values, and to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace.
Understanding of African health, social, or development contexts is a plus.
Salary Range and Employee Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range for this role is $90,000 – $110,000 depending on experience, plus superior health benefits (medical, dental, vision), ample vacation, personal, and sick time, 12 paid holidays, summer Fridays, and 7% 403(B) match after one year.
How to Apply for this Job
Please submit your PDF resume and cover letter to careers@amrefusa.org, with the subject line “Deputy Director, Major Gifts application” by Friday, November 7, 2025.
Only applications who follow these instructions will be considered. If you require alternative accommodation to participate in our application process, please let us know. Amref USA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse candidate pool.
Additionally, we are a fair chance employer and welcome candidates with living experience with the criminal justice system. The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to limit the scope of potential work assignments. This is only a summary of the typical functions of the job and duties that may differ from those outlined above.
About the Organization
As the oldest and largest African-based NGO, Amref Health Africa (Amref) empowers communities across 35 sub-Saharan countries with accessible, sustainable, and culturally sensitive healthcare. Led primarily by African staff, we are at the forefront of enhancing healthcare access, promoting preventive care, and fostering local ownership to build a healthier, more resilient Africa. Guided by the Nguni Bantu term Ubuntu—‘I am, because we are’—we are committed to collective well-being and community-driven impact.
Last year, we reached over 31 million people across the continent. Amref USA raises awareness and critically needed funds for our work in Africa. In 2023, 89% of money raised went directly toward programming. Amref USA is a 501(C)(3) organization with ten employees and an annual budget of $8-12mm. Amref Health Africa as a whole is in a strong financial position, and despite recent cutbacks to US government funding, we do not plan on slowing down. Please visit amrefusa.org for more information.
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