Job Summary
Global Encounters seeks a communications and donor relations professional to design, implement, and coordinate its communication, outreach and stewardship initiatives. This role involves developing and executing a comprehensive strategy for communications, donor and volunteer engagement, as well as recognition.
Responsibilities include enhancing institutional visibility, strengthening the organization's global presence and fostering donor and volunteer relationships. It requires a blend of strategic oversight, leadership, and hands-on execution while building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Reporting Line: This role will report to the GE Executive Officer
Location and Travel Requirements
This position will be remote, with an eventual base in Lisbon, Portugal. The position may require travel and presence for planning meetings and to ensure various projects are being organized to achieve the highest level of impact possible. Additional travel may be required when the need arises.
Primary Responsibilities:
Fundraising, Donor Engagement and Stewardship
- Track and manage donor acknowledgment, recognition, and ongoing engagement to strengthen relationships and encourage continued support for Global Encounters.
- Develop, implement, and oversee donor relations policies, procedures and programmes.
- Ensure consistent, accurate donor communication and stewardship in coordination with the Executive Officer.
- Create opportunities for donors to engage with GE’s high impact initiatives alongside the Executive Officer and Programme Team.
- Collaborate with the team to craft donor communications, event invitations, scripts, and programme materials.
- Oversee the creation of the annual report with the Executive Officer and team members.
- Recruit, train, and manage volunteers as needed.
Communications
- Develop and execute an integrated communications strategy that reflects GE’s diverse, global work.
- Align programmatic communications with GE’s overall goals, ensuring coherent, culturally sensitive messaging.
- When designated, represent the organization in public engagements with integrity and thoughtfulness.
- Amplify beneficiary and partner voices through knowledge-sharing and storytelling across global and regional platforms.
- Oversee content creation for social media, websites, newsletters and volunteer communications.
- Lead and coordinate a global volunteer team to implement GE’s communications strategy.
- Prepare speeches, statements, and presentations for senior leaders, particularly for high-level appearances and donor meetings.
Required Skills
Skills and Qualification:
The ideal candidate has 10+ years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, non-profit development, and communications, including at least five in senior leadership within a global organization. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required (Master’s preferred). Strong experience through work, volunteering, or training will also be considered.
Fundraising & Donor Engagement
- Proven experience with major gifts, annual giving, and planned giving campaigns.
- Expertise in donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition strategies.
- Grant writing and proposal development.
- Event planning for donor engagement, appreciation, and fundraising initiatives.
- Experience working with high-level volunteers and corporate sponsors
Strategic Communications & Marketing
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor reports, proposals, and messages.
- Experience in strategic communications, media relations, and crisis communication.
- Ability to manage high-profile communications with integrity and sensitivity.
- Expertise in digital and social media strategies across diverse regions.
- Public speaking and presentation skills.
Leadership & Organizational Skills
- Demonstrated leadership ability, guiding teams towards shared goals.
- Strong planning, organizational, and project management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Goal-oriented, data-driven, with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude and strong problem-solving skills
- Well-organized, self-motivated, able to multi-task, pays attention to detail, a “can do” attitude and a problem-solving mindset.
Technical & Analytical Skills
- Proficiency in CRM software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, etc.) and donor databases.
- Strong data analysis and reporting skills to track donor engagement and fundraising performance.
- Attention to detail for accurate record-keeping and donor acknowledgments.
- Microsoft Office proficiency.
- A proven ability to identify best practices that can be integrated into the key priorities and ensure high quality outcomes.
Cultural & Ethical Commitment
- Fluency in English; proficiency in other languages spoken within GE’s areas of operation is a significant asset.
- Understanding of and commitment to GE’s values, including diversity, ethical governance and sustainable development.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage effectively across constituencies.
- Ability to deal with confidential matters discreetly and approach responsibilities with the highest degree of personal and professional integrity, empathy, and sensitivity
