MEDA
Vice President, Philanthropy, Public Engagement & Communications
MEDA, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, us, 17622
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. To find out more about MEDA, please visit our website atwww.meda.org.
ROLE
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.
Job Status: 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 priorities Communicate strategy to staff and reinforce alignment at every opportunity Develop plans to operationalize the strategic goal, pillars and priorities as applicable to division's mandate and scope in collaboration with ELT and Senior Management Team Provide direction and coaching to leaders and staff on the strategy and redirect resources as required Hold staff accountable to deliver against the priorities Course correct as required to achieve results Philanthropy (20%)
Provide guidance, support and strategic vision to the Philanthropy Department within the PPE&C division define, lead and oversee fundraising campaigns Ensure fundraising targets are achieved Lead the planning of Philanthropy & Public Engagement annual plan aimed at growing the base of support, including marketing, resource development, constituent engagement, and new donor acquisition Ensure Philanthropy is seen by the entire organization as core to MEDA's success, including corporate messaging, seed funding (matching funds) and engagement at multiple levels Ensure appropriate data is collected, disseminated and used to shape strategic plans. This includes market research, database reports and other relevant information Support fundraising efforts in North America and Europe, and ensure targets are attained Ensure the Philanthropy team achieves intermediate and major gift ask targets Participate with Major Gift Officers to cultivate and solicit gifts from high level donors Engage MEDA President & CEO and Board members in major gift asks as appropriate Ensure technology, Raisers Edge and other fundraising tools are used for documentation, metrics, targets and strategies Promote investment opportunities with MEDA and related investment fund Liaise with the Campaign Steering Committee and encourage Board involvement in acquiring gifts and personally being held accountable for contributions Ensure alignment and integration of donor touch points between Philanthropy, Public Engagement, Communications, and MEDA Europe External & Creative Communications (15%)
Provide guidance, support and strategic vision to the Communications team, including the Director, Integrated Communications Provide leadership to the corporate-wide strategic marketing themes Oversee the development of external communications/branding strategy and the refinement of external communications and key messaging Implement board approved brand strategies Ensure website serves MEDA's organizational and strategic needs Establish and monitor standards to ensure consistent MEDA image and branding Ensure an integrated and cohesive social media approach across the entire organization Government & Public Relations (10%)
Provide guidance, support and strategic vision to government and public relations Build MEDA's corporate visibility and awareness broadly and within targeted, select constituencies Expand MEDA's base beyond the traditional constituency Lead marketing initiatives and events that target stakeholders beyond MEDA's traditional constituency Coordinate and oversee effective and consistent messaging on all platforms and levels, across divisions Drive and manage key external partnerships and relationships critical to MEDA's reputation and relationships Define MEDA's clear niche Create strategies and plans to take thought leadership in the market space of our targeted niche Secure opportunities for events, activities, media presence that will increase MEDA's corporate visibility Marketing & Public Engagement (15%)
Provide guidance, support and strategic vision to the Public Engagement team Ensure Annual MEDA Convention, convention events and publications are relevant and motivating Oversee MEDA Europe conferences, ensuring alignment with MEDA's programs and messaging Assure quality and strategic ROI of donor educational trips to create a powerful engagement experience that increases constituent commitment and giving opportunities Engage key demographics (such as young professionals or retired business owners) with educational and engagement opportunities Ensure the portfolio of fundraising products (gift catalogues, family legacy funds, direct mail appeals, monthly subscription product and more) fits with operational programs Cultivate donors and meet acquisition and retention targets Develop and enhance programs that engage ownership of supporters Maintain regular publication of Marketplace magazine and other publications Highlight MEDA's mission and values in online, print and social media publications Participate in speaking engagements, media appearances, participation in chapter events and visits to key members of the constituency Work with key constituents, leading tours to visit MEDA programs Any 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 required Prepare quarterly and other required internal reports and planning documents Complete and participate in all training as required Organizational Culture
Appreciation, understanding and commitment to MEDA's mission, creating business solutions to poverty Demonstrate MEDA's Core Performance Values: Collaboration, Respect, Entrepreneurship and Accountability Image and Engagement
Adherence and demonstration of MEDA image according to MEDA values Comply with board approved brand strategy Promote MEDA thorough speaking engagements, media appearances and convention as required Staff Management (applicable to positions with at least one direct report)
Performance of staff management and leadership functions as applicable according to MEDA policies, procedures, and values Contribute to a healthy culture and work environment for staff team EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Education: University degree, preferably a Masters or MBA in Business or related field
Experience:
Minimum of 13 years of successful executive leadership and senior staff management Demonstrated senior level experience in fundraising and resource development, including setting and meeting significant annual targets, participating in major gift asks and proposals and familiarity with Raisers Edge or similar technology Appreciation and support of MEDA's mission, vision and values Understanding and appreciation of business principles, international development and MEDA's approach of creating business solutions to poverty Willingness and ability to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally to developing countries - In-depth knowledge and understanding of MEDA's constituency (Mennonite, Anabaptist and Christian business and professionals) In-depth knowledge or experience with business and/or economic development Demonstrated experience in developing and leading successful marketing campaigns for a variety of audiences Executive Competencies:
Leadership and team building Decision-making and judgment Critical analysis and strategic thinking Written and verbal presentation Interpersonal communication Cross-cultural communication Negotiation Highly motivated, self-starter and results-oriented
Candidates must submit their CV and cover letter including a summary of their work experience related to this opportunity, highlighting relevant experience.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as received. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational need. Only successful applicants will be contacted. MEDA is not in a position to sponsor or assist candidates in obtaining work permits or permanent residency. Employees are required to establish that they will be able to work legally in the country the role is based in during the course of employment.
MEDA welcome and encourages applications from all genders, backgrounds, religions, cultures, nationalities and abilities. MEDA is an equal opportunity employer, and accommodation is available during all phases of the recruitment process. We ask that any applicants requiring accommodation make their needs known in advance.
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. To find out more about MEDA, please visit our website atwww.meda.org.
ROLE
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.
Job Status: 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 priorities Communicate strategy to staff and reinforce alignment at every opportunity Develop plans to operationalize the strategic goal, pillars and priorities as applicable to division's mandate and scope in collaboration with ELT and Senior Management Team Provide direction and coaching to leaders and staff on the strategy and redirect resources as required Hold staff accountable to deliver against the priorities Course correct as required to achieve results Philanthropy (20%)
Provide guidance, support and strategic vision to the Philanthropy Department within the PPE&C division define, lead and oversee fundraising campaigns Ensure fundraising targets are achieved Lead the planning of Philanthropy & Public Engagement annual plan aimed at growing the base of support, including marketing, resource development, constituent engagement, and new donor acquisition Ensure Philanthropy is seen by the entire organization as core to MEDA's success, including corporate messaging, seed funding (matching funds) and engagement at multiple levels Ensure appropriate data is collected, disseminated and used to shape strategic plans. This includes market research, database reports and other relevant information Support fundraising efforts in North America and Europe, and ensure targets are attained Ensure the Philanthropy team achieves intermediate and major gift ask targets Participate with Major Gift Officers to cultivate and solicit gifts from high level donors Engage MEDA President & CEO and Board members in major gift asks as appropriate Ensure technology, Raisers Edge and other fundraising tools are used for documentation, metrics, targets and strategies Promote investment opportunities with MEDA and related investment fund Liaise with the Campaign Steering Committee and encourage Board involvement in acquiring gifts and personally being held accountable for contributions Ensure alignment and integration of donor touch points between Philanthropy, Public Engagement, Communications, and MEDA Europe External & Creative Communications (15%)
Provide guidance, support and strategic vision to the Communications team, including the Director, Integrated Communications Provide leadership to the corporate-wide strategic marketing themes Oversee the development of external communications/branding strategy and the refinement of external communications and key messaging Implement board approved brand strategies Ensure website serves MEDA's organizational and strategic needs Establish and monitor standards to ensure consistent MEDA image and branding Ensure an integrated and cohesive social media approach across the entire organization Government & Public Relations (10%)
Provide guidance, support and strategic vision to government and public relations Build MEDA's corporate visibility and awareness broadly and within targeted, select constituencies Expand MEDA's base beyond the traditional constituency Lead marketing initiatives and events that target stakeholders beyond MEDA's traditional constituency Coordinate and oversee effective and consistent messaging on all platforms and levels, across divisions Drive and manage key external partnerships and relationships critical to MEDA's reputation and relationships Define MEDA's clear niche Create strategies and plans to take thought leadership in the market space of our targeted niche Secure opportunities for events, activities, media presence that will increase MEDA's corporate visibility Marketing & Public Engagement (15%)
Provide guidance, support and strategic vision to the Public Engagement team Ensure Annual MEDA Convention, convention events and publications are relevant and motivating Oversee MEDA Europe conferences, ensuring alignment with MEDA's programs and messaging Assure quality and strategic ROI of donor educational trips to create a powerful engagement experience that increases constituent commitment and giving opportunities Engage key demographics (such as young professionals or retired business owners) with educational and engagement opportunities Ensure the portfolio of fundraising products (gift catalogues, family legacy funds, direct mail appeals, monthly subscription product and more) fits with operational programs Cultivate donors and meet acquisition and retention targets Develop and enhance programs that engage ownership of supporters Maintain regular publication of Marketplace magazine and other publications Highlight MEDA's mission and values in online, print and social media publications Participate in speaking engagements, media appearances, participation in chapter events and visits to key members of the constituency Work with key constituents, leading tours to visit MEDA programs Any 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 required Prepare quarterly and other required internal reports and planning documents Complete and participate in all training as required Organizational Culture
Appreciation, understanding and commitment to MEDA's mission, creating business solutions to poverty Demonstrate MEDA's Core Performance Values: Collaboration, Respect, Entrepreneurship and Accountability Image and Engagement
Adherence and demonstration of MEDA image according to MEDA values Comply with board approved brand strategy Promote MEDA thorough speaking engagements, media appearances and convention as required Staff Management (applicable to positions with at least one direct report)
Performance of staff management and leadership functions as applicable according to MEDA policies, procedures, and values Contribute to a healthy culture and work environment for staff team EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Education: University degree, preferably a Masters or MBA in Business or related field
Experience:
Minimum of 13 years of successful executive leadership and senior staff management Demonstrated senior level experience in fundraising and resource development, including setting and meeting significant annual targets, participating in major gift asks and proposals and familiarity with Raisers Edge or similar technology Appreciation and support of MEDA's mission, vision and values Understanding and appreciation of business principles, international development and MEDA's approach of creating business solutions to poverty Willingness and ability to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally to developing countries - In-depth knowledge and understanding of MEDA's constituency (Mennonite, Anabaptist and Christian business and professionals) In-depth knowledge or experience with business and/or economic development Demonstrated experience in developing and leading successful marketing campaigns for a variety of audiences Executive Competencies:
Leadership and team building Decision-making and judgment Critical analysis and strategic thinking Written and verbal presentation Interpersonal communication Cross-cultural communication Negotiation Highly motivated, self-starter and results-oriented
Candidates must submit their CV and cover letter including a summary of their work experience related to this opportunity, highlighting relevant experience.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as received. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational need. Only successful applicants will be contacted. MEDA is not in a position to sponsor or assist candidates in obtaining work permits or permanent residency. Employees are required to establish that they will be able to work legally in the country the role is based in during the course of employment.
MEDA welcome and encourages applications from all genders, backgrounds, religions, cultures, nationalities and abilities. MEDA is an equal opportunity employer, and accommodation is available during all phases of the recruitment process. We ask that any applicants requiring accommodation make their needs known in advance.