Sr. Lead, Strategic Partnerships

Who We Are

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve. 

The Need

For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Sr. Lead, Strategic Partnerships.

The Director, Strategic Partnerships, will cultivate deep, trust-based relationships with existing donors to inspire continued and increased giving, while also identifying and engaging new supporters through strategic networking and regional connections. This leader will play a pivotal role in expanding IJM’s donor footprint and deepening engagement across the region through personalized cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, as well as through collaboration on events and donor experiences. 

This position is remote with preference for candidates based in the Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas, area and reports to the Sr. Manager, Philanthropy, and is only available for candidates with the right to work in the US.

Responsibilities:

Strategy & Knowledge Development & Implementation

• Develop, implement and evaluate strategies to significantly broaden and deepen the base of support from major donors in the region.

Networking & Partnership

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 major donors and foundations.

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward existing donors to increase funding levels.

• Identify and build relationships with new individuals and foundations, including onboarding major donors transitioning from mid-level portfolios.

• Coordinate with IJM leaders globally to design engagement opportunities aligned with donor passions and field needs.

• Collaborate with HQ events team to plan and implement regional events that deepen relationships and attract new supporters.

• Partner with Mobilization teams to identify and cultivate major donor leads from church and workplace engagement efforts.

• Develop and execute strategies to expand the donor base through networks, events, and media-driven opportunities.

Communication

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage high-potential donors clearly, intelligently, and with compelling passion for the mission.

• Ability to communicate consistently in the donor’s preferred style, delivering clear, mission-aligned messages that resonate and inspire action.

• Proactively communicate with the Sr. Manager regarding pressing needs, priorities, and strategic opportunities, while collaborating closely with Sr. Associates to ensure seamless execution and alignment across the team.

Documentation, Reporting & Data Management

• Leverage Salesforce to maintain accurate donor records and track engagement; regularly update projections, contact reports, and giving history to drive strategic fundraising decisions and donor stewardship. 

Events and Logistics

• Facilitate international vision trips that allow donors to experience IJM’s global impact firsthand, ensuring seamless planning and exceptional donor experience.

• Lead and host high-impact donor events, including the IJM Justice Gathering—our signature regional event drawing 500+ guests annually—to deepen engagement and inspire generosity.

• Proactively invite and engage donors in virtual and in-person experiences, such as the President’s Weekend and Advocacy Summit, to strengthen relationships and advance mission alignment.

General Tasks

• Coordinate meetings between the CEO’s office, field leaders, and key stakeholders to ensure timely and effective engagement.

• Schedule and manage donor and stakeholder meetings, ensuring seamless logistics and follow-up.

• Collaborate with the Marketing team to review seasonal messaging and ensure donor communications and mailings are accurate and delivered on time.

• Complete timesheets and expense reports promptly and in compliance with organizational standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• 5+ years of fundraising experience or equivalent sales experience required.

• Proven track record of securing $1M+ annually from major donors and foundations, including successful solicitation of principal-level gifts ($1M+), or equivalent in high-value sales.

• Proven track record of effectiveness as an influencer and collaborator on cross-functional teams.

• A proven track record of emotionally compelling public speaking and presentation that moves people to action.

• Experience managing, tracking, and reporting on the financial efforts of a donor portfolio.

• Extensive experience with donor cultivation, donor portfolio, and moves management.

• Salesforce experience a plus.

• Proven ability to effectively develop, nurture, and maintain individual relationships and the skill to lead those individuals to make joyful financial investments.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience speaking to high-potential donors effectively, intelligently, and passionately.

• Highly developed capacity to accurately and objectively evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of donor strategies and to make appropriate adjustments.

Critical Qualities:

• Mature orthodox Christian faith as defined by the Apostles’ Creed. 

• Eager commitment to IJM’s Core Values: Christian, Professional and Bridge-Building.

• Winsome and compelling communicator. 

• Driven and tenacious problem solver. 

• Agile and responsive team player. 

• Courageous and intuitive decision-maker.

• Skilled listener with strong emotional intelligence. 

• Exceptionally high integrity and honesty. 

• High standard of personal discipline. 

• Unwavering positivity and perseverance. 

• Comfortable engaging with a diverse audience of people and personalities. 

• Globally minded.

Application Process:

Upload Resume, Cover Letter & Statement of Faith* in one PDF document.

*What is a statement of faith?
A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter or submitted as a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.

What does IJM have to offer?

• Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits

• Monthly commuter and parking benefits in the DC metro area

• Retirement benefit options

• Paid leave starting at 23 days

• 12 holidays (plus early release the day prior)

• Daily, quarterly, and annual community spiritual formation

• Robust staff care resources

IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidate’s value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.

At IJM, we’re committed to building a diverse workforce through fair and equitable employment practices. IJM encourages people of any race, color, age, sex, marital status or political ideology to apply for employment. While we welcome everyone into this work, we truly believe that the work we are doing is God’s work, not our own, and practice spiritual disciplines together daily. That’s why we legally require under SEC. 2000e-1 [Section702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that all employees practice a mature orthodox Christian faith, as defined by the Apostles’ Creed.

IJM requires a background check, police clearance and thorough review of references with an employment offer and/or employment contract.