Associate Director, Philanthropy

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non‑governmental organizations, active in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities.

Note:

This position is open to relocation. Preferred candidates are based in or willing to move to the Bay Area, CA.

The Airbel Impact Lab is IRC’s Research and Innovation team. Our mandate is to develop and rigorously test new solutions in aid, driving toward the most effective and cost‑effective approaches. In 2025 we were named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Non‑Profits. We are focusing on bringing the best technology and innovation—wherever it exists—into the aid sector to maximize our impact for the 305 M people in humanitarian need today.

To fund this work, we pursue a philanthropic goal of $10 M+, sourced from private philanthropy, government support, public partnerships, corporate and foundation support, and innovative philanthropic investment vehicles.

We are hiring an Associate Director of Philanthropy for Airbel Impact Lab to build and steward relationships with high‑net‑worth philanthropists, family offices, and family foundations, particularly within innovation‑forward ecosystems (e.g., tech, Silicon Valley). The role requires exceptional relationship‑building skills, cross‑team collaboration, and a proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts. The Associate Director will be responsible for raising donations from $100 K to $2.5 M+.

The Associate Director will own the full lifecycle of philanthropic partnerships—from prospect identification and cultivation through solicitation and stewardship. You will translate complex technical innovations into compelling narratives that resonate with philanthropic audiences, working closely with technical teams to ensure accuracy while maintaining accessibility.

• Develop and execute a strategy in partnership with Airbel and ER targeting individual philanthropists and family foundations—particularly within the tech and innovation ecosystems of Silicon Valley and beyond.
• Leverage and expand high‑value networks across technology and philanthropy to identify, engage, and secure funding partnerships aligned with IRC’s mission and Airbel’s innovation agenda.
• Lead the full lifecycle of major gift development—from prospect identification and first engagement through proposal design, negotiation, and close—driving multi‑year, high‑impact commitments.
• Strategically leverage AI tools for prospect research, donor communications, and pipeline management while ensuring all AI‑generated content is reviewed for accuracy, authenticity, and alignment with IRC’s mission.
• Craft compelling, donor‑facing materials and narratives that translate complex technical and programmatic work into clear, inspiring pitches, collaborating closely with program and research teams to ensure accuracy and credibility.
• Build and manage a robust, high‑potential pipeline of individual and family foundation prospects, ensuring systematic cultivation, disciplined follow‑up, and thoughtful long‑term stewardship.
• Forge strategic relationships with key influencers and networks within the IRC network and externally that can facilitate introductions and broaden access within priority philanthropic communities.
• Engage with Airbel’s Advisory Board to maximize strategic input, networks, and fundraising opportunities.
• Collaborate across IRC’s global fundraising, program, and leadership teams to align donor interests with high‑impact opportunities and contribute to broader corporate and foundation partnership efforts.
• Represent IRC and Airbel externally at major philanthropic, innovation, and industry events, positioning the organization as a trusted and forward‑thinking partner for high‑impact giving.

• 6‑8 years of experience in resource mobilization, development, or philanthropic partnerships, with…