---
title: 'Deputy Chief Development Officer at Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) - United States'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/deputy-chief-development-officer-medecins-sans-frontieres-doctors-without-36s1kpr4dpxd'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-06'
---

# Deputy Chief Development Officer at Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) - United States

- **Company:** Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) - United States
- **Location:** New York New York, United States
- **Posted:** 2026-08-14
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-06
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/msfcareers/jobs/5390562008

## Job description

## About MSF USA | Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international organization that provides medical care to the people who need it most. The organization cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, disasters, and social exclusion in more than 70 countries. MSF offers medical humanitarian assistance solely based on need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or politics. Our international project teams include medical, logistical, and administrative staff, most of them hired locally and working with their own communities. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality. We also bear witness and speak out about the experiences of our colleagues and patients.

MSF USA is one of 24 sections supporting the global movement, primarily through staff recruitment, fundraising, advocacy, and communications. We welcome candidates who bring a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us in working toward MSF’s social mission.

## Role Overview

The Deputy Chief Development Officer is the Chief Development Officer’s principal strategic and operational partner and a key member of the Development Management Team (DevMT) that leads our 100-person Development department. The Deputy CDO role focuses on maturing MSF USA’s fundraising engine—including people, processes, governance, prioritization, and performance—enabling the organization to sustain and grow our diversified revenue streams.

The Deputy CDO leads MSF USA Development’s core department-wide business processes, including annual and multi-year planning, budgeting, forecasting, performance management, and operational rhythm. They will strengthen the department’s planning and execution by promoting efficient cross-team ways of working, disciplined planning and donor pipeline management, and data-informed investment choices.

Bringing a deep understanding of one-to-one, relationship-based fundraising, the Deputy CDO ensures that audience teams are aligned around a shared donor pipeline, with clear pathways for donors to move between Mid-Level, Principal and Major Gifts, and Legacy Giving as their relationships and giving evolve.

A key expectation is supporting department-wide prioritization by establishing and reinforcing clear criteria for adopting major initiatives, including clear ownership, a fundraising plan developed in consultation with relevant teams, and a business case defining expected return and resourcing tradeoffs.

Department Accountabilities Prospecting Pursue strategic opportunities in coherence with MSF USA’s strategy, that create long-term value for the movement by identifying and developing new audience segments or donors for its mission.

Donor Cultivation, Engagement and Management Build trust and loyalty with potential and existing donors. At the simplest level, update donors on activities. At a more complex level, build long-term relationships with key donors and key donor segments. Take overall responsibility for designing, developing, and delivering the donor engagement strategy. May be through channels or through personal relationships.

Fundraising Secure reliable, sustainable and efficient resources in alignment with MSF USA commitments.

Brand Positioning Drive awareness and consideration through brand positioning based on the brand strategy and implement brand plans.

Best-in-Class Fundraising Systems and Capabilities Deploy and champion the latest technological systems and capabilities that push the boundaries of what Development can produce for its donors.

## Role Specific Responsibilities

Department Leadership

- Partner with the Chief Development Officer in developing and implementing fundraising strategy.
- Serve as a strategic thought partner to high-touch fundraising leaders.
- Drive execution of DevMT decisions and act as the point person to translate strategic direction into coordinated departmental plans.
- Drive capacity building and professional development within the Development team.
- Model and reinforce inclusive leadership practices within Development.
- Represent the department in external forums, donor meetings, and conferences as needed.
- Foster collaboration between Development and key partners across the organization, including Communications, Finance, People and Culture, and Programs.
- Advance a culture of philanthropy across MSF USA by partnering with leaders to strengthen shared responsibility for donor engagement and stewardship
- Support change management efforts across MSF USA.

Business Process Management

- Lead department-wide annual/multi-year planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes, including management of planning calendar.
- Conduct regular reviews of revenue and expenses to monitor performance against plan, surface variance and risks, and drive corrective actions.
- Monitor cost per dollar raised (CPDR), breakeven timelines, and related efficiency metrics across programs, using the data to recommend investment shifts and resourcing tradeoffs to improve overall fundraising performance.
- Manage lightweight departmental QBR process.
- Promote efficient cross-team ways of working.
- Apply one-to-one fundraising expertise to set and reinforce shared standards for donor portfolio/pipeline management and stewardship.
- Facilitate cross-audience alignment around a shared donor pipeline and donor journeys, with clear pathways for donors to move between Mid-Level, Principal and Major Gifts, and Legacy Giving as relationships and giving evolve.
- Partner with MSF International Office to set MSF USA’s authorized restricted funding target during emergencies and work with fundraising teams on a coordinated plan.

Prioritization & Initiative Governance

- Establish governance process for major initiatives, including a clear intake workflow and decision criteria requiring fundraising plan developed with the relevant audience teams, and a business case defining resourcing required and expected return.
- Facilitate leadership review and decision-making.

## Role Specific Competencies

Leadership and Direction In consultation with the CDO, set and communicate the strategy for achieving the Development Department’s goals, together with the broad actions needed to implement it; inspire a large or diverse workforce to commit to these and to doing extraordinary things to achieve the Development Department’s goals.

Budgeting Take overall responsibility for setting and approving budgets for large areas or major parts of the business that achieve organizational strategy.

Procedural Improvement Lead on procedural development and improvement, informed by policy and operating frameworks, to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of services.

Donor Experience Strategy Apply strategic insight on industry and donor trends, working with the marketing function to integrate those insights into the development of the CX strategy, then translating this strategy into an organizational plan and annual targets.

Performance Management Set, and lead the delivery of, business performance objectives for a strategic global function or a diverse international organization; hold direct reports accountable for achievement of annual and longer-term business objectives; take corrective action where necessary to ensure achievement of overall business goals, balancing the need to deliver short term business objectives with the longer-term delivery of stakeholder value.

These core accountabilities should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job.  Incumbents are required to perform other functions as assigned.

Behavioral Competencies

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.

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.

Supervisory Responsibility The Deputy Chief Development officer has 3 direct reports and a team of 7 comprised of prospect research, market research, and administrative professionals

Desired Qualifications & Experience

- Deep alignment with MSF’s mission and values
- 10-12 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising with significant progressive experience in one-to-one, high-touch relationship-based fundraising (major and/or legacy giving) with demonstrated understanding of what drives donor movement, retention, and long-term value
- A bachelor’s degree in international development, nonprofit management, public administration, business administration, communications, or a related field, or equivalent work experience
- Experience leading annual and multi-year planning, goal setting, budgeting/forecasting, and performance management in a complex, multi-audience fundraising environment
- Proven track record maturing donor pipeline/portfolio management practices, including clear pathways and handoffs between audiences and consistent use of data to drive decisions
- Demonstrated success aligning multiple teams around shared priorities and efficient cross-team ways of working
- Strong strategic judgment and prioritization skills, translating strategy into executable plans and driving follow-through
- Track record of leading change to strengthen a culture of philanthropy
- Experience leading or partnering closely with prospect development functions
- Up-to-date knowledge on the U.S. philanthropy landscape, including emerging trends in the sector
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Travel Requirements Must be willing to travel for work as needed.

## Compensation

$173,720 - $221,492 (based upon experience) Equal Opportunity and Accommodations Statement: MSF-USA is dedicated to creating a diverse, impartial, and inclusive workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences as per applicable laws.

We seek a diversity of experience and skills for our workplace and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our openings.

We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at recruitment@newyork.msf.org.

We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented communities in the Humanitarian Aid sector to apply.

Safeguarding Statement:

All Employees and Representatives of MSF USA have a duty to treat the individuals, families, and communities with whom we interact and serve with dignity and respect, and to ensure their safety and protection. We are committed to fostering a workplace and organizational culture that is safe, inclusive, and free from harassment, abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. This commitment is supported by policies and procedures that promote an environment where misconduct and abuse are not tolerated.

Employment may be contingent upon satisfactory reference checks and/or background screening appropriate to the responsibilities of the role.

## About Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) - United States

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization that provides independent, impartial emergency medical assistance to people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, natural and human-made disasters, and exclusion from health care in more than 75 countries. MSF USA is the US branch of this global movement.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Nonprofit) – US 501(c)(3) charitable organization
- **Headquarters**: New York, New York, United States (with an additional office in Washington, DC)
- **Founded**: Global MSF founded in 1971; MSF USA was established later as one of 24 MSF sections worldwide (exact year of US office founding not specified in available sources)
- **Founders**: Global founders include Dr. Bernard Kouchner and a group of French doctors; the specific founders of the US office are not publicly listed on the sources provided.

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Medical humanitarian aid and emergency response
- **Target audience**: Patients and communities in crisis settings (conflict zones, outbreak areas, disaster sites) – essentially a B2C/nonprofit service delivery model; the US office supports this through recruitment, fundraising, communications, and advocacy
- **Mission**: Provide independent, impartial, neutral medical care guided by universal medical ethics, with a core commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion [doctorswithoutborders.org](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/)

## Products & Services
MSF’s “products” are humanitarian services rather than commercial goods. For the US office, the main service areas are:
- **International Field Operations**: Deploying medical, paramedical, and non-medical staff to MSF projects worldwide, covering roles such as doctors, nurses, logisticians, water/sanitation experts, and coordinators [doctorswithoutborders.org/careers/work-internationally](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/careers/work-internationally)
- **US Office Support Functions**: Fundraising and development, communications and awareness-raising, advocacy with US policymakers, HR and recruitment (including internships and volunteering), and operational support (IT, finance, facilities) – these roles are based in New York or Washington, DC [doctorswithoutborders.org/who-we-are/us-office](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/who-we-are/us-office)
- **Advocacy & Awareness**: Public campaigns to highlight humanitarian crises, shape policy, and mobilize donor support

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not applicable (nonprofit). MSF globally had an operating budget of approximately €2.3 billion in 2023 (not from provided sources, but widely known); the US office’s revenue is not specified in the search results.
- **Key Metric**: MSF USA employs 253 people in its US offices [doctorswithoutborders.org](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/who-we-are/us-office). The organization is primarily funded by individual donors and private institutions and does **not** accept funding from the US government.
- **Notable Investors / Partners**: Not applicable in the traditional sense; partners include other humanitarian NGOs, local health ministries, and the MSF international movement. MSF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999.
- **Growth Signals**: Recent election of a new international president, Dr. Mohamed Javid Abdelmoneim (to take office September 2025) [doctorswithoutborders.org/who-we-are/us-office](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/who-we-are/us-office); active recruitment across multiple US office roles (Senior Social Media Associate, Senior Azure Engineer, Data Science Intern, etc.) as listed on the careers page [job-boards.greenhouse.io/msfcareers](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/msfcareers); and a strong stated commitment to expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Independence**: MSF does not accept funding from the US government or other political entities, preserving its neutrality and ability to operate in highly sensitive conflict zones.
- **Impartiality & Access**: Guided by universal medical ethics, MSF can gain access to areas where other organizations cannot, building trust across warring parties.
- **Brand & History**: Over 50 years of proven humanitarian impact, worldwide recognition, and the Nobel Peace Prize credibility.
- **Rapid Mobilization**: Ability to quickly deploy emergency teams to outbreaks and disasters, leveraging a global network of 24 sections and thousands of international staff.

## Strategic Focus
- **Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)** : The US office has formalized a Field HR Recruitment Strategy explicitly aimed at ensuring a “highly skilled and culturally responsive workforce” [doctorswithoutborders.org/careers/work-internationally](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/careers/work-internationally)
- **Expanding the Staff Pool**: Active recruitment for both US-based roles (fundraising, communications, IT) and international field positions across medical, paramedical, and non-medical specialties
- **Fundraising & Advocacy**: Deepening ties with individual donors and private institutions in the US to support global operations
- **Ethical Employment Culture**: Emphasis on equal opportunity, anti-discrimination, and work‑life balance as core to the organization’s social mission [doctorswithoutborders.org/careers](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/careers)

## Why Work Here
- **Mission Driven**: Employees contribute directly to life-saving medical care in the world’s most underserved and dangerous areas. The work is meaningful and globally impactful.
- **DEI Commitment**: MSF-USA is an equal opportunity employer that explicitly embraces diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, ability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. The organization states “discrimination will not be tolerated” [doctorswithoutborders.org/careers](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/careers)
- **Work Environment**: Opportunities exist both in US offices (New York, NY and Washington, DC) and as international field staff; internships and volunteer roles are also available (in-office or remote) [doctorswithoutborders.org/careers](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/careers) [job-boards.greenhouse.io/msfcareers](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/msfcareers)
- **Culture**: Core principles include equity, inclusion, respect of diversity, transparency, and accountability. Staff are supported through tailored benefits for international assignments (e.g., comprehensive insurance, accommodation, per diem).
- **Growth**: Employees can develop careers across multiple functions (medical, fundraising, communications, IT, operations) and transition between US office and field roles.

## Sources
1. [doctorswithoutborders.org/careers](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/careers)
2. [job-boards.greenhouse.io/msfcareers](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/msfcareers)
3. [doctorswithoutborders.org/who-we-are/us-office](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/who-we-are/us-office)
4. [doctorswithoutborders.org](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/)
5. [doctorswithoutborders.org/careers/work-internationally](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/careers/work-internationally)

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