Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Major Gifts

at Mercy for Animals

🏢 About Mercy for Animals

Mercy for Animals is a leading animal advocacy nonprofit dedicated to preventing cruelty to farmed animals. With a mission-driven team and a strong track record of impactful campaigns, it offers a unique opportunity to align your fundraising skills with a cause that directly reduces animal suffering. Working remotely, you'll join a passionate community committed to systemic change.

About This Role

As Director of Major Gifts, you will lead the major gifts program, cultivating and soliciting high-net-worth donors to secure five- and six-figure gifts. Your work will directly fund critical investigations, legal advocacy, and corporate outreach. This role is pivotal in scaling Mercy for Animals' impact and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with reviewing donor portfolios and prioritizing outreach. You'll spend time on video calls with top donors, crafting personalized proposals, and collaborating with the development team on campaign strategies. Afternoons could involve researching new prospects, preparing stewardship reports, and attending virtual networking events to expand your pipeline.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Mercy for Animals Is Looking For

  • Proven track record of securing major gifts of $50,000+ from individual donors, preferably for animal or social justice causes.
  • Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage donors emotionally around farmed animal welfare.
  • Self-starter who thrives in a remote environment, managing a portfolio of 100+ donors independently.
  • Excellent storyteller who can articulate the urgency of ending factory farming and inspire philanthropic investment.

📝 Tips for Applying to Mercy for Animals

1

Tailor your resume to highlight major gifts of $10,000+ and quantify your impact (e.g., 'secured $500K in major gifts over two years').

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal motivation to farmed animal advocacy—show you understand the mission beyond fundraising.

3

Research Mercy for Animals' recent campaigns (e.g., undercover investigations, corporate commitments) and reference them in your application.

4

Submit a brief (1-page) major gifts plan for your first 90 days, including how you'd segment the current donor portfolio.

5

Use a professional but warm tone in all communications—Mercy for Animals values empathy and authenticity.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for animal welfare and alignment with Mercy for Animals' mission to end factory farming.", "Specific examples of major gifts you've secured, including strategies used and donor relationships built.", 'Your experience working remotely and managing a portfolio autonomously.', 'A clear vision for how you would expand the major gifts program, such as leveraging events or digital engagement.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Mercy for Animals' annual reports and 990s to understand their financial growth and major donor trends.
  • → Read about their key campaigns (e.g., 'Walmart' or 'Costco' corporate commitments) to speak knowledgeably about impact.
  • → Study their donor recognition programs and events (e.g., 'Circle of Compassion') to see how they engage major donors.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the broader animal advocacy landscape and how Mercy for Animals differentiates itself from groups like PETA or HSUS.
Visit Mercy for Animals's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you turned a disengaged donor into a major supporter. What steps did you take?
2 How would you approach a donor who is passionate about animal welfare but hesitant to give at the five-figure level?
3 What metrics would you use to measure success in this role beyond dollars raised?
4 How do you stay motivated when fundraising for a cause that faces systemic challenges like factory farming?
5 Walk us through how you would create a stewardship plan for a $100K donor.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on fundraising tactics without demonstrating genuine passion for the mission—this is a cause-driven role.
  • Avoid generic language like 'I love animals'—instead, show specific knowledge of farmed animal issues and Mercy for Animals' work.
  • Don't overlook the remote aspect; emphasize your self-discipline, communication tools you use, and experience working asynchronously.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Mercy for Animals!

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