ABOUT US

Rainbow Railroad is an international human rights organization that helps at-risk LGBTQI+ people facing violence and persecution access pathways to safety worldwide. Since our founding in 2006, we have supported nearly 50,000 LGBTQI+ individuals across more than 100 countries through emergency relocation, crisis response, cash assistance, and other forms of vital support. Rainbow Railroad is a registered Canadian charity and a U.S. 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with staff and operations across the United States.

THE ROLE

Rainbow Railroad is seeking a Development Officer, Individual Giving, U.S. to join our growing fundraising team during our 20th anniversary year, as we continue to grow support from individual donors across the United States. The Development Officer plays a key role in advancing Rainbow Railroad's individual giving program by managing a portfolio of mid-level and emerging major donors, cultivating meaningful donor relationships, securing annual and multi-year gifts, supporting donor engagement events, and contributing to the continued growth of the U.S. fundraising program. This hybrid role is based in the New York City metropolitan area and requires one day per week working from our Midtown Manhattan workspace. Reporting to the Director of Development, Individual Giving, U.S., the position will occasionally require domestic and international travel, as well as evening and weekend event support.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage a portfolio of approximately 125 mid-level and emerging major donors ($1,000-$50,000+) through individualized cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies, with a focus on increasing engagement and growing major gift support. Develop and maintain meaningful relationships with donors through stewardship calls, virtual meetings, and in-person visits to deepen engagement and increase philanthropic support. Identify, qualify, and cultivate prospective major gift donors within the mid-level portfolio through research, relationship-building, and portfolio management. Solicit annual, multi-year and planned gifts, using individualized engagement plans that align donor interests with Rainbow Railroad's programs and organizational priorities. Prepare donor-facing communications, including personalized correspondence, monthly stewardship updates, handwritten notes, and other engagement materials. Coordinate regular cross-departmental meetings to capture programmatic updates, impact stories, and funding priorities for use in donor meetings, stewardship activities, and fundraising communications. Coordinate weekly U.S. mail and check processing, including scanning checks, preparing deposits, and making bank deposits. Partner with the Director of Development, Individual Giving, U.S. and the Senior Development Officer, Events, to plan and execute donor cultivation and stewardship events, including donor-hosted gatherings and regional fundraising events. Support the Director of Development, Individual Giving, U.S. and the Chief Development Officer in strategic fundraising initiatives and special projects that advance the Individual Giving program.

QUALIFICATIONS

2-3 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, events, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience. Demonstrated ability to build relationships and engage donors or other stakeholders through communication and stewardship. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities while producing high-quality deliverables. Experience preparing donor-facing communications or fundraising materials. Experience using Salesforce or another CRM platform. Knowledge of issues facing 2SLGBTQI communities, including LGBTQI+ refugees, preferably gained through lived experience. Commitment to Rainbow Railroad’s mission.

Application Deadline – August 31, 2026

Length of Contract – Full-Time, Permanent Hiring Salary – $60,000

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including 15 days of paid vacation, 3 personal days, 16 wellness days, 11 paid holidays, Summer Fridays, a two-week winter break at the end of December, employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, and access to flexible spending accounts (FSA) for healthcare and commuter expenses.

Application Process: To apply, please submit your application through the following portal: https://secure.collage.co/jobs/rainbowrailroad/64439

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however, we will only be contacting those selected for next steps. Rainbow Railroad is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. This includes diversity in languages spoken, culture, race, sexual orientation and gender identity. Requests for accommodation due to disability can be made at any stage in the recruitment process. Please reach out to hire@rainbowrailroad.org with any questions.