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- Tasks: Lead major donor fundraising efforts and build strong relationships with high-value supporters.
- Company: Join The Donkey Sanctuary, a leading animal welfare charity making a global impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pension, health benefits, and 31+ days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a difference in animal welfare while developing your fundraising skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in major gifts fundraising and excellent relationship-building skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; based in beautiful Sidmouth, Devon.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
These are ambitious times for the Charity after recently launching a new strategy that sees growing impact across the world exponentially. We have an exciting opportunity for a proactive and professional individual with outstanding relationship building and influencing skills to join the dedicated Fundraising Department.
Location: This role is nominally based at our site based in Sidmouth, Devon – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and we offer hybrid working. We are keen to make the role work for you, and will consider fully remote/home working and flexible working patterns, where required.
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday-Friday
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Monday 26 May 2025. However, we reserve the right to close this role early if a suitable candidate is found. Interviews will be held in Sidmouth, during the week commencing 16 June 2025.
About the Role: As Major Gifts Manager, you will provide expertise in Major Gifts, successfully developing the programme in line with agreed annual targets and our Fundraising Strategy. You will work closely with the Head of Major Gifts to evolve and continuously improve the major gift activity, bringing an integrated approach across the charity to deliver the most donor-centric activity, whilst continuously evaluating performance.
Your principal duties and responsibilities will include:
- Inputting into and delivering the Major Gifts Strategy and improving the Major Gift portfolio and performance.
- Delivering and reporting on agreed projects, fundraising targets and KPIs.
- Proactively identifying and delivering new fundraising donors and income growth opportunities within Major Gifts.
- Leading on selected donor cultivation and stewardship projects to support sustainable income growth in Major Gifts, including events and other opportunities.
- Personally securing, managing and stewarding a portfolio of active Mid-Value, Major Donors and Charitable Trusts, forging and maintaining strong and enduring relationships.
- Supporting and growing the Major Gifts cultivation programme and pipeline to grow funders’ understanding of the diversity of the charity’s work.
- Being agile to changing market conditions and trends and working with the Head of Major Gifts to relay this into cultivation and stewardship.
About You: With experience of managing, cultivating, and delivering major gifts, and of planning future major gifts pipeline, you will have a proven track record of meeting and exceeding personal fundraising targets. You will also have:
- A demonstrable record of building excellent stewardship and successful relationships with supporters at all levels including high net worth supporters, charitable trusts and other major donors.
- Well-developed knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, and interpretation of programme performance.
- Demonstrable experience of project budget management/reporting.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- The ability to multi-task and work with several conflicting demands and timescales.
Benefits include:
- Competitive pension.
- Life assurance – 2 x annual salary.
- Healthshield.
- 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.
- Wellbeing team.
- Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
- Long service awards.
- Healthshield plan.
- Free parking.
- Subsidised restaurant and shop.
About the Organisation: The Donkey Sanctuary is one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required.
Major Donor Fundraising Manager employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
Contact Detail:
The Donkey Sanctuary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Major Donor Fundraising Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the fundraising sector, especially those who have experience with major gifts. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential mentors and learn from their experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the charity's current major donor initiatives and understand their impact. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully cultivated relationships with major donors in the past. Highlight your strategies for donor stewardship and how you've met or exceeded fundraising targets.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in major donor fundraising. Being able to discuss innovative approaches or tools that can enhance donor engagement will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Major Donor Fundraising Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Major Donor Fundraising Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in major donor fundraising. Use specific examples of past successes, such as meeting fundraising targets or building relationships with high net worth individuals.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for animal welfare and the mission of the charity. Highlight your relationship-building skills and provide examples of how you have successfully managed donor portfolios in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
As a Major Donor Fundraising Manager, your ability to build and maintain relationships is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully cultivated donor relationships in the past, highlighting your communication and negotiation skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Fundraising Strategies
Familiarise yourself with the charity's fundraising strategy and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to its success. Show that you understand the importance of aligning major gifts with the organisation's goals and how you plan to achieve this.
✨Prepare for Questions on Performance Metrics
Expect questions about how you monitor and evaluate fundraising performance. Be prepared to discuss specific KPIs you've worked with and how you've used data to inform your strategies and improve outcomes.
✨Be Agile and Adaptable
The role requires agility in response to changing market conditions. Think of examples where you've had to adapt your approach in fundraising or donor engagement, and be ready to share these during the interview.
