Planned Giving Intern

Date: May 8, 2024

Location: New York City, NY, US, 10006 Washington, D.C., DC, US, 20036

Organization: Doctors Without Borders | Médecins Sans Frontières

About MSF-USA | Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian organization providing medical care to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from health care in over 70 countries. We were formed in France in 1971 as an association by a group of doctors and journalists to go to emergency situations and to treat patients with dignity while bearing witness independently of geopolitical boundaries. MSF is now a global movement of more than 25 MSF organizations, working in over 70 countries. We cooperate as an international, independent, medical humanitarian association that offers medical assistance to populations in distress, victims of natural or manmade disasters, and civilian victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, age, gender/sex, national or ethnic origin, color, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or political affiliation and provides assistance to the population in distress and intervenes worldwide. MSF staff also “bear witness” by speaking out about our work and what is experienced on the ground, not only to draw the world’s attention to crises, but to stand in solidarity with our patients and colleagues who are experiencing these emergencies firsthand.

We welcome candidates who bring a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us in working toward MSF’s social mission.

Role Overview

Planned Giving Interns primarily support the Planned Giving team with donor relations functions. They will actively learn how a large humanitarian nonprofit organization identifies and solicits individuals who could include MSF in their estate plan, and how to steward those who have already included MSF in their estate plan. They will also learn about MSF's operations and international medical programs in more than 70 countries around the world. This internship is well-suited for anyone considering a career in a donor-facing fundraising role.

Department Accountabilities  

Key Account Management               

Take overall responsibility for designing, developing, and delivering the organization's account management strategy. May also personally manage a few relationships with the most strategic donors. 

Donor Development 

Pursue strategic opportunities in coherence with MSF-USA´s strategy, that create long-term value for the movement by cultivating partnerships or identifying and develop new geographies, markets or donors for its mission. 

Donor Relationship Development 

Build trust and loyalty with potential donors. At the simplest level, update donors on activities. At a more complex level, build long-term relationships with donors, especially large corporations or foundations.  

Brand Positioning 

Develop brand positioning based on the brand strategy and implement brand plans. 

Roles Specific Outcomes

Donor Relationship Management

Act as a first point of contact for resolving donor inquiries to maintain and build relationships that further MSF’s mission.

Data Management

Manage aspects of the data management system with supervision. This includes being responsible for developing or operating basic elements of the data management systems to deliver prescribed outcomes.

Project Management

Deliver small-scale projects while working within an established program management plan.

Business Meetings/Event Arrangement

Assist with arranging in-person and virtual meetings and events with supervision.

Complexity and Problem-Solving Skills

• Communicates effectively via email, telephone, and mail with prospects, donors, and their representatives (i.e. lawyers, financial advisors) to maintain and strengthen relationships.
• Demonstrates ability to understand and address donor explicit needs and/or unforeseen challenges.
• Demonstrates ability to understand, execute, manage, and problem-solve technical data processes and needs.

Behavioral Competencies

THOUGHT: How MSF USA staff understand the organization, manage complexity, and contribute by creating the new and different.

People Focus

Builds strong relationships and delivers solutions geared to aiding others. Solicits feedback and data; conveys a clear understanding of the level of service the team is providing; takes action when standards are not met by team; aligns processes with organizational needs.

Manages Complexity

Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Consistently looks at complex issues from many angles; obtains a rich and deep understanding; swiftly cuts to the core issue; skillfully separates root causes from symptoms.

Global Perspective

Takes a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens. Shows global thinking at work; adjusts organizational practices to meet the unique needs of different regions or countries. Uses a broad perspective when addressing issues and challenges.

Cultivates Innovation

Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Approaches professional work in unique or innovative ways. Offers original ideas. Appreciates others' creative ideas and solutions and provides helpful input to enhance them.

Strategic Mindset

Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.

RESULTS: MSF USA staff achieve results by cultivating a forward-thinking environment that produces solutions for changing stakeholder needs.

Drives Results

Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances. Regularly pushes self to achieve outstanding outcomes; consistently establishes bold goals for own performance; is passionate about excellent results and significant contributions. Shows great tenacity to complete goals/initiatives in a timely way.

Ensures Accountability

Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.

PEOPLE: MSF USA staff understand their impact on others through collaboration and inclusion of different perspectives to achieve common goals.

Collaborates

Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Readily involves others to accomplish goals; stays in touch and shares information; discourages "us versus them" thinking; shows appreciation for others' ideas and input.

Communicates Effectively

Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing.

Values Differences

Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Confronts stereotyping and offensive comments promptly. Consistently behaves with great sensitivity toward differences in cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating.

Builds Effective Teams

Builds strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.

Manages Conflict

Handles conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.

Builds Networks

Effectively builds formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.

Drives Vision and Purpose

Paints a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.

SELF: MSF USA staff demonstrate self-awareness by having an open mindset and by continuously seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and improve.

Instills Trust

Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Models honesty and authenticity and encourages others to be up front with one another. Demonstrates reliability and places a strong emphasis on the team meeting its commitments. Fairly represents others' positions.

Manages Ambiguity

Operates effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear. Responds effectively to unclear situations, seeks to resolve ambiguity and make progress. Seeks guidance on how to adapt to changes, responds with appropriate composure and effectiveness.

Situational Adaptability

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.

Being Resilient

Rebounds from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.

Technical Competencies

Plans and Aligns

Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with MSF-USA goals.

Financial Acumen

Interprets and applies understanding of key financial indicators to make better business decisions.

Tech Savvy

Anticipating and adopting innovations in organizational digital and technology applications.

Data Collection and Analysis

The ability and skill to determine and analyze trends from data that is collected to assist in compiling reports that will help in decision-making.

Project Management Skills

The ability and skill to plan and manage small project work assignments within desired cost, time and quality parameters.

Presentation and Written Communication Skills

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.

Organizational Insight

Applying knowledge of MSF-USA and the industry to advance the organization’s goals.

Supervisory Responsibility

This role has no supervisory responsibility.

Desired Qualifications & Experience

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint
• Experience with CRM database management (i.e. Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, Salsa)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Genuine commitment to MSF’s principles and work

Travel Requirements 

This role has no travel requirements.

Compensation

$17/ hour