Vice President, Philanthropy, Public Engagement & Communications
MEDA invites applications for a Vice President, Philanthropy, Public Engagement & Communications to join our dedicated and talented team in our mission to create business solutions to poverty!
MEDA believes that business solutions are effective interventions to address poverty. Through a market-systems approach and strategic partnerships, MEDA enables access to finance and provides business and technical expertise to build transformative agri-food market systems that create decent jobs, allowing traditionally excluded groups to become active participants in a sustainable economy. MEDA welcomes all who share our values and want to join us in our mission.
The Vice President, Philanthropy, Public Engagement & Communications serves as a key member of MEDA's Executive Leadership Team and provides strategic leadership to achieve MEDA's communications, marketing, engagement, and development goals with internal and external stakeholders and partners. This includes MEDA constituents, private donors, foundations, funders, thought leaders, and public and government representatives.
The Vice President's mandate is to ensure MEDA's constituents are fully engaged with our mission, financial contributions are secured and continue to grow, and that MEDA's donor base is expanded. This includes protecting and enhancing MEDA's image and expanding awareness of MEDA in diverse market segments. Overall, this role provides strategic, timely and forward-thinking counsel on all issues related to Philanthropy, Public Engagement and communications in support of MEDA's mission and strategic goal. Extensive domestic and international travel (including to developing countries) is required.
Full-time, permanent role
Reports To : President & CEO
Start Date : As soon as possible
Location(s) : Remote based in US or Canada
Application Deadline : December 12, 2025 at 4pm EST
Key Responsibilities Include :
Executive Function (20%)
- Participate as a member of the MEDA Executive Leadership Team (ELT) providing advice and counsel on organizational issues
- Contribute to and support the development of MEDA's overall strategic goal, pillars and priorities and the operationalization of this plan
- Provide leadership, strategy and management of the entire Philanthropy, Public Engagement & Communications Division
- Collaborate with the ELT and department managers to establish annual budgets for division and departments
- Ensure staff performance management, development and engagement for division and departments
- Report to and engage with the MEDA Board and individual Board Members as required
- Serve as staff liaison for Board Committees as required
- Build MEDA's profile and visibility through external industry events and MEDA events, with supporters and institutional donors
- Represent MEDA on Boards of investee companies and associated organizations as appropriate
- Participate as a member on the Crisis Management Team
- Model integrity and support MEDA's faith, values, mission and vision
Strategy & Planning (20%)
Focus on MEDA's strategy comprised of one goal, covering two pillars supported by six prioritiesCommunicate strategy to staff and reinforce alignment at every opportunityDevelop plans to operationalize the strategic goal, pillars and priorities as applicable to division's mandate and scope in collaboration with ELT and Senior Management TeamProvide direction and coaching to leaders and staff on the strategy and redirect resources as requiredHold staff accountable to deliver against the prioritiesCourse correct as required to achieve resultsPhilanthropy (20%)
Provide guidance, support and strategic vision to the Philanthropy Department within the PPE&C division define, lead and oversee fundraising campaignsEnsure fundraising targets are achievedLead the planning of Philanthropy & Public Engagement annual plan aimed at growing the base of support, including marketing, resource development, constituent engagement, and new donor acquisitionEnsure Philanthropy is seen by the entire organization as core to MEDA's success, including corporate messaging, seed funding (matching funds) and engagement at multiple levelsEnsure appropriate data is collected, disseminated and used to shape strategic plans. This includes market research, database reports and other relevant informationSupport fundraising efforts in North America and Europe, and ensure targets are attainedEnsure the Philanthropy team achieves intermediate and major gift ask targetsParticipate with Major Gift Officers to cultivate and solicit gifts from high level donorsEngage MEDA President & CEO and Board members in major gift asks as appropriateEnsure technology, Raisers Edge and other fundraising tools are used for documentation, metrics, targets and strategiesPromote investment opportunities with MEDA and related investment fundLiaise with the Campaign Steering Committee and encourage Board involvement in acquiring gifts and personally being held accountable for contributionsEnsure alignment and integration of donor touch points between Philanthropy, Public Engagement, Communications, and MEDA EuropeExternal & Creative Communications (15%)
Provide guidance, support and strategic vision to the Communications team, including the Director, Integrated CommunicationsProvide leadership to the corporate-wide strategic marketing themesOversee the development of external communications / branding strategy and the refinement of external communications and key messagingImplement board approved brand strategiesEnsure website serves MEDA's organizational and strategic needsEstablish and monitor standards to ensure consistent MEDA image and brandingEnsure an integrated and cohesive social media approach across the entire organizationGovernment & Public Relations (10%)
Provide guidance, support and strategic vision to government and public relationsBuild MEDA's corporate visibility and awareness broadly and within targeted, select constituenciesExpand MEDA's base beyond the traditional constituencyLead marketing initiatives and events that target stakeholders beyond MEDA's traditional constituencyCoordinate and oversee effective and consistent messaging on all platforms and levels, across divisionsDrive and manage key external partnerships and relationships critical to MEDA's reputation and relationshipsDefine MEDA's clear nicheCreate strategies and plans to take thought leadership in the market space of our targeted nicheSecure opportunities for events, activities, media presence that will increase MEDA's corporate visibilityMarketing & Public Engagement (15%)
Provide guidance, support and strategic vision to the Public Engagement teamEnsure Annual MEDA Convention, convention events and publications are relevant and motivatingOversee MEDA Europe conferences, ensuring alignment with MEDA's programs and messagingAssure quality and strategic ROI of donor educational trips to create a powerful engagement experience that increases constituent commitment and giving opportunitiesEngage key demographics (such as young professionals or retired business owners) with educational and engagement opportunitiesEnsure the portfolio of fundraising products (gift catalogues, family legacy funds, direct mail appeals, monthly subscription product and more) fits with operational programsCultivate donors and meet acquisition and retention targetsDevelop and enhance programs that engage ownership of supportersMaintain regular publication of Marketplace magazine and other publicationsHighlight MEDA's mission and values in online, print and social media publicationsParticipate in speaking engagements, media appearances, participation in chapter events and visits to key members of the constituencyWork with key constituents, leading tours to visit MEDA programsAny other duties and / or requirements as assigned
Job Requirements for All Staff at MEDA
Organizational Policies and Procedures
Ensure and adhere to all MEDA management, professional, finance, audit, legal, people & culture, security, corporate and other policies as requiredPrepare quarterly and other required internal reports and planning documentsComplete and participate in all training as requiredOrganizational Culture
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