Development Officer for Institutional Support

Department: Resource Development

LOCATION: Boston, MA

REPORTS TO: Director of Institutional Support

COORDINATES WITH: Institutional Support team , Vice President of Resource Development, Communications and Program staff.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

To obtain increased support from institutional funders, especially foundations and other Oxfam affiliates, principally through cultivating relationships and writing grant proposals and reports which align the interests of Oxfam America and institutional donors.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

In collaboration with the Institutional Support team, manage the relationships and recommend strategy development for assigned prospects; arrange for and conduct cultivation, solicitation, follow-up and stewardship activities and participate in overall unit plans for maximizing support.
Write and/or edit proposals and reports, including the narrative and financial segments, as well as cover letters, contact reports, briefings, talking points and related material as appropriate to support fundraising strategies.
Work collaboratively with program staff and others regarding how to make programs more marketable to funders.
Provide guidance to program staff on information required for proposals and reports to support successful fundraising. Elicit program staff agreement on meeting reporting obligations to donors prior to submission of proposals. Work with the program staff to assure plans and systems are in place in order to gather the required information for reporting according to agreed timetables.
Remain current on trends in foundation and corporate giving and on changing interests of Oxfam America institutional donors. Undertake donor-related travel as appropriate. Share that learning internally.
Be well versed in Oxfam programs and, as needed, act as a resource to the fundraising and communications staffs regarding program knowledge.
Be familiar with the Constituent Relationship Management System and update institutional funding activities.
Perform other reasonably related duties as required.

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

The incumbent will:

Work effectively and collaboratively in support of building a team-based, problem-solving work culture.
Perform all duties appropriately for a multi-cultural environment, treating all persons with dignity and respect, and be familiar with and committed to the mission and goals of Oxfam America.
Serve as a professional and conscientious representative of Oxfam America, maintaining confidentiality of appropriate information.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a field related to writing, communications, political science or international relations.

Experience & Core Competencies:

Minimum 5 years related experience with 1 - 2 years in successful grant-writing or other fundraising.
Superior writing, oral communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to cultivate positive relationships with donors, staff, board members and volunteers. Excellent listening and motivational skills.
Strong time management, organizational, planning and administrative skills, including comfort with various information systems, and fluency with word processing and spreadsheet applications on MS Office and databases.
Knowledge of fundraising principles and practices relative to foundations and corporations.
Basic knowledge of budget construction and interpretation.

Preferred:

Ability to communicate in French or Spanish.
Experience in an issue-oriented non-profit organization or in an international development organization.

Last date for receiving applications: April 18, 2008

Send cover letter and resume to jobs@oxfamamerica.org, Subject line: Development Officer

Please see our How to Apply page for application information. Oxfam America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.