MEDA
Vice President, Philanthropy, Public Engagement & Communications
MEDA, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
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 at .
ROLE The Vice President Philanthropy Public Engagement & Communications serves as a key member of MEDAs Executive Leadership Team and provides strategic leadership to achieve MEDAs 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 Presidents mandate is to ensure MEDAs constituents are fully engaged with our mission financial contributions are secured and continue to grow and that MEDAs donor base is expanded. This includes protecting and enhancing MEDAs image and expanding awareness of MEDA in diverse market this role provides strategic timely and forward‑thinking counsel on all issues related to Philanthropy Public Engagement and communications in support of MEDAs 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 MEDAs 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 MEDAs 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 MEDAs faith values mission and vision
Strategy & Planning (20%)
Focus on MEDAs 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 divisions 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 MEDAs 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 MEDAs 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 MEDAs corporate visibility and awareness broadly and within targeted select constituencies
Expand MEDAs base beyond the traditional constituency
Lead marketing initiatives and events that target stakeholders beyond MEDAs 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 MEDAs reputation and relationships
Define MEDAs 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 MEDAs 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 MEDAs 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 MEDAs 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 MEDAs mission creating business solutions to poverty
Demonstrate MEDAs 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 MEDAs mission vision and values
Understanding and appreciation of business principles international development and MEDAs 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 MEDAs 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 welcomes and encourages applications from all genders backgrounds religions cultures nationalities and 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.
Required Experience Senior Exec
Key Skills Change Management,Financial Services,Growing Experience,Managed Care,Management Experience,Analysis Skills,Senior Leadership,Performance Management,Process Management,Leadership Experience,negotiation,Analytics
Employment Type Full-Time
Experience years
Vacancy 1
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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 at .
ROLE The Vice President Philanthropy Public Engagement & Communications serves as a key member of MEDAs Executive Leadership Team and provides strategic leadership to achieve MEDAs 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 Presidents mandate is to ensure MEDAs constituents are fully engaged with our mission financial contributions are secured and continue to grow and that MEDAs donor base is expanded. This includes protecting and enhancing MEDAs image and expanding awareness of MEDA in diverse market this role provides strategic timely and forward‑thinking counsel on all issues related to Philanthropy Public Engagement and communications in support of MEDAs 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 MEDAs 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 MEDAs 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 MEDAs faith values mission and vision
Strategy & Planning (20%)
Focus on MEDAs 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 divisions 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 MEDAs 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 MEDAs 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 MEDAs corporate visibility and awareness broadly and within targeted select constituencies
Expand MEDAs base beyond the traditional constituency
Lead marketing initiatives and events that target stakeholders beyond MEDAs 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 MEDAs reputation and relationships
Define MEDAs 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 MEDAs 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 MEDAs 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 MEDAs 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 MEDAs mission creating business solutions to poverty
Demonstrate MEDAs 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 MEDAs mission vision and values
Understanding and appreciation of business principles international development and MEDAs 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 MEDAs 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 welcomes and encourages applications from all genders backgrounds religions cultures nationalities and 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.
Required Experience Senior Exec
Key Skills Change Management,Financial Services,Growing Experience,Managed Care,Management Experience,Analysis Skills,Senior Leadership,Performance Management,Process Management,Leadership Experience,negotiation,Analytics
Employment Type Full-Time
Experience years
Vacancy 1
#J-18808-Ljbffr