Development Director

MECA Development Director Location:

• Berkeley, CA Salary Range: $90,000 – $100,000 annually Reports to: Executive Director Status: Full-time, Exempt About MECA The Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA) is a nonprofit organization working for the rights and well-being of children in Palestine and the Middle East.
• Since 1988, MECA has delivered more than $42 million in humanitarian aid—including food, medical supplies, water purification systems, and educational support—to children and families in Palestine, Iraq, and Lebanon.
• We partner with grassroots organizations and community-led initiatives to advance social justice, dignity, and human rights.
• We are a mission-driven, collaborative workplace committed to equity, anti-oppression values, and meaningful solidarity with Palestinian communities.
• Position Overview The Development Director leads MECA’s fundraising strategy and oversees the implementation of all development activities, including institutional grants, individual giving, major donor cultivation, and fundraising events.
• This position manages the fundraising team and supports the work of the Fundraising Committee.
• The Development Director ensures strong systems for communication, donor stewardship, and accurate data/reporting to support MECA’s growth and sustainability.
• The right candidate is passionate about the organization's mission and solidarity work with Palestine.
• Key Responsibilities Development Planning Create and implement an annual fundraising plan with quarterly expense and revenue projections.
• Supervise the Fundraising Associate and mentor a growing development team.
• Lead weekly Fundraising Committee meetings and prepare monthly development plans and progress reports.
• Provide regular fundraising reports and analysis to leadership and the Fundraising team.
• Institutional Funders Lead the preparation and submission of grant proposals and reports for foundation and organizational funders with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Manage grant calendars and deadlines to ensure timely, accurate submissions and reports.
• Serve as lead manager for donor communications.
• Conduct prospect research for new funders Major Donor Program Create and maintain donor profiles in the database, track giving history, set retention goals, and generate reports for fundraising meetings.
• Support annual appeals, donor renewals, recognition, and fundraising campaigns.
• Work with fundraising committee to develop strategies to engage, retain, and expand the donor base.
• Coordinate with leadership team on major donor communications Manage, coach, and mentor a growing development team Make plans for in-person and virtual events with major donors Individual Donor Program Oversee donor communications, including newsletters, annual reports, and stewardship updates.
• Coordinate online and mail appeals, ensuring an integrated donor engagement strategy.
• Provide guidance and support for database upkeep and donor record accuracy.
• Events & Fundraising Campaigns Participate in planning MECA’s annual fundraising events, including revenue goals, donor participation strategies, and donor communication.

Qualifications Required:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior fundraising or Development Director role .
• Demonstrated success managing institutional giving and major donor programs.
• Experience supervising staff and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong writing, communication, and donor stewardship skills.
• Proficiency with donor database systems and fundraising analytics.

Preferred:

• Arabic language skills.
• Familiarity with Palestinian issues and/or international human rights work.
• Experience in grassroots nonprofit or movement-oriented fundraising.
• Compensation & Benefits MECA offers competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package (including full medical/dental/vision), paid holidays, generous PTO, and a collaborative team culture committed to growth and learning.
• Equal Opportunity Employer Statement MECA is an equal opportunity employer.

We strongly encourage Black, Indigenous, and people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and candidates from historically marginalized communities to apply.

• We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other protected status. Powered by JazzHR