Associate Director, Philanthropy

Associate Director, Philanthropy

Undue Medical Debt (formerly RIP Medical Debt) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose purpose is to strengthen communities by erasing financially burdensome medical debt. Founded in 2014, Undue Medical Debt is one of the leading charitable organizations addressing medical bills, working tirelessly to end medical debt and ensure a future where everyone can access healthcare without fear.

Undue Medical Debt uses donations to buy large bundles of medical debt and then relieves that debt with no tax consequences to recipients. To date, it has eliminated more than $23 billion in medical debt, providing financial relief to over 14 million individuals and families. Undue strives to be a source of justice in an unjust healthcare finance system, an innovative solution for patient-centered healthcare providers, and a moral force for systemic change.

Undue Medical Debt seeks an Associate Director, Philanthropy to grow the organization's frontline giving programs, encompassing Leadership Gifts ($5,000–$24,999), Major Gifts ($25,000+), and Peer-to-Peer fundraising. The Associate Director will play a critical role in strengthening and expanding Undue Medical Debt's relationships with key individual donors and volunteer fundraisers.

Managing a dedicated portfolio of 125–150 high-capacity donors, this leader will oversee the full cycle of giving – from discovery and cultivation to solicitation and stewardship – to secure significant financial support for the organization's mission and enhance its individual donor engagement strategy.

Key responsibilities include:

Frontline Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Collaborate on the development and execution of a comprehensive frontline giving strategy focused on securing leadership and major gifts, aligned with Undue Medical Debt's overall strategic priorities.
• Manage a dedicated portfolio of 125–150 high-potential individual donors and prospects, focusing on discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Conduct 10–12 meaningful donor meetings or significant contacts per month with individuals in the portfolio.
• Strategize with the VP of Philanthropy and senior leadership to identify, qualify, and build relationships with prospective major gift donors.
• Develop and submit high-quality proposals, presentations, and reports tailored to individual donor interests and giving capacity.

Peer-to-Peer & Grassroots Engagement

• Partner with the campaigns program lead to design, launch, and manage effective peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns and volunteer efforts.
• Support and steward individuals leading fundraising efforts on behalf of Undue Medical Debt, providing tools, resources, and personalized encouragement.
• Explore new avenues for grassroots engagement, such as small donor initiatives, giving days, and community-led events.

Donor Relationship Management & Stewardship

• Build and maintain strong, authentic relationships with portfolio donors, ensuring their continued support and engagement through personalized stewardship plans.
• Serve as a primary liaison, providing regular, high-impact updates on program impact and fostering open communication.
• Plan and execute tailored donor engagement activities and events, such as intimate briefings or site visits, designed to move donors toward a major gift commitment.
• Develop compelling materials, such as presentations, impact reports, and case studies, to communicate Undue Medical Debt's mission and impact to individual audiences.

Data Management, Collaboration & Institutional Knowledge

• Track and analyze key frontline fundraising metrics, including donor pipeline progress and solicitation results, and prepare regular progress and impact reports.
• Maintain knowledge of best practices in frontline fundraising, donor cultivation, and current philanthropic trends.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across philanthropy, communications, and finance to ensure a cohesive donor experience.
• Contribute to an ethical, positive, results-oriented philanthropic culture founded on transparent communication.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven frontline fundraiser who pairs strategic thinking with exceptional donor stewardship. They will bring a proven record of securing leadership and major gifts, strong organizational skills, a collaborative and humble work style, and a genuine passion for Undue Medical Debt's mission to end medical debt.

Key professional qualifications include:

· Fundraising Experience: 3+ years of progressive frontline fundraising or relationship management experience, with a track record of securing gifts of $5,000+ and personally soliciting a portfolio of individual donors.

· Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Experience developing and executing peer-to-peer fundraising strategies is highly desirable.

· Donor Stewardship: Deep understanding of donor motivations, solicitation strategies, and stewardship best practices; able to build trusted relationships with high-net-worth individuals.

· Communication & Relationship Building: Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills; comfortable, creative, and innovative in an external-facing role.

· Organization & Project Management: Highly organized and detail-oriented, able to prioritize a diverse workload, meet deadlines, respond to multiple stakeholders, and track a complex donor pipeline.

· Technology & Analytics: Proficiency in donor database software (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Bloomerang), prospect research tools (e.g., iWave), and Microsoft Office, with keen analytical skills.

· Work Style & Mission Alignment: Collaborative, humble, and adaptable, with a strong work ethic, comfort giving and receiving feedback in a fast-paced environment, and a passion for learning about healthcare inequities.

Education: Bachelor's degree preferred.

Location & Travel: Hybrid, working from the Long Island City, NY office three days per week; NY Tri-State area preferred. Remote candidates in the Central and Mountain time zones will be considered and will plan regular travel to the NYC office. Remote will be considered and travel is required.

Compensation: Base salary of $90,000–$135,000 for candidates in the NYC area, commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Benefits include 4 weeks PTO (with additional days after the 3rd and 5th anniversaries); fully paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance; 403(b) matching; and an Employee Assistance Program.

To Apply: Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter in confidence.

Undue Medical Debt is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.