Officer, Strategic Planning and Operations

Job Overview:

The External Relations (ER) department is comprised of three main but complementary functional areas: private fundraising, communications, and advocacy. The main objective of the department is to enable this organization of more than 15,000 staff to have the resources needed to continue serving 18 million people worldwide in places affected by war and disaster, shape the humanitarian sector by influencing key policies and reforms, and build and grow the IRC’s reputation. The USA Philanthropy (USAP) team, part of the ER department, leads on the organization’s work with USA-based High-Net-Worth Individuals.

The Officer, Strategic Planning and Operations, USA Philanthropy, is a critical member of the USAP team and is responsible for effective project management and day-to-day operational oversight and execution of its critical processes. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who can lead the effective planning and implementation of projects in a collaborative way. They will have experience in and curiosity about leading projects and improving operational processes. Importantly, they will also have a constructive and imaginative approach to work, a willingness to take on tasks large and small, and the ability to engage professionally with staff from all backgrounds and levels.

Major Responsibilities:

• Project design, management, and execution: Design and implement highly critical initiatives and special projects across USA Philanthropy with guidance from the Vice President, USA Philanthropy, and other departmental stakeholders. This includes:
  • ensuring project feasibility and managing changes in project scope, schedule and costs;
  • developing detailed project plans to track progress and coordinate assigned projects from concept to completion; and
  • communicating with collaborators at all levels to lead kickoff meetings, project reviews, and ongoing project updates.

Key projects include but are not limited to the following:

• • annual revenue forecasting and budgeting;
    • quarterly status review (QSR);
    • the High Value DEI Action Plan;
    • strategic planning;
    • Global Rescue Dinner (the IRC’s signature fundraising gala); and
    • year-end fundraising and match pool.
• Department management: As a member of the USAP leadership team, support staff culture and human resource needs. This includes but is not limited to:
  • planning annual departmental retreat, monthly department huddles, and weekly leadership team meetings;
  • collaborating closely with Human Resources and Finance colleagues for new staff recruitment and on-boarding;
  • mentoring and supporting department administrative assistants, especially around cross-department projects and processes; and
  • ensuring regular communication within USAP and to key external partners.
• Data management/reports: In partnership with the Data and Analytics team, design and create regular reports of department fundraising progress/trends. This information will be used to:
  • Drive department-wide strategy and goal setting;
  • Make staffing and resource allocation decisions; and
  • Communicate progress to IRC staff and volunteer leaders.
• Partnership across External Relations: Work with leaders and team members across External Relations (including institutional fundraising, donor services, communications, mass market fundraising, and business operations and strategy, among others) to find opportunities for improving cross-team effectiveness and efficiency. In addition to more direct fundraising activities, this will also include engaging with our External Relations Culture Committee, supporting colleagues in our High Value DEI Working Group, and driving DEI initiatives across USAP.

Job Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience***.***

Work Experience: Approximately five years of previous work leading and implementing projects, as well as improving operational processes in a fast-paced office setting. Must demonstrate experience and motivation to not only establish key processes, but also seek ways to continuously improve them. Experience working with senior leaders and junior professionals in highly constructive and collaborative way is critical. Experience and/or interest in working in a non-profit development department or the humanitarian sector preferred.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

Minimum:

• Strong Microsoft Office Suite knowledge (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and database management skills.
• Ability to develop thoughtful project management plans and implement them in timely and detailed fashion.
• Ability to receive guidance and subsequently work independently to implement key initiatives.
• Ability to use advanced virtual-working technology and platforms (Slack, Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc.)
• Shown organizational and time management skills: the ability to work accurately and productively in a fast-paced environment and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills: the ability to effectively interact with a variety of internal and external contacts with confidence and poise.
• Strong listening skills and the ability to accurately follow directions.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to deadlines.
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as take initiative independently.
• Commitment to respect and maintain confidentiality of donor information.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with fundraising.

• Experience with Salesforce or other donor database management systems.

• Experience working across global markets and collaborators.

• Experience servicing global teams of different functional-experts and relevant needs.

Working Environment

This role requires working remotely full or part time (i.e., telecommuting). Applicants must have a home or alternate workspace they can effectively complete their work from during regularly scheduled hours.

DEI statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days (depending on role and tenure), medical insurance starting at $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Equality, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:

In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).