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- Tasks: Lead a major donor strategy to grow funding for climate innovations.
- Company: Join Ashden, a charity dedicated to pioneering climate solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and impactful work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the fight against climate change while building valuable relationships.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in securing high-value donations and exceptional relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 46600 - 70000 £ per year.
Ashden is seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Major Donor Lead to build and drive a high-impact major giving programme at a pivotal moment in Ashden’s journey. This is a rare opportunity to unlock transformational funding and connect visionary philanthropists with pioneering climate solutions.
You will lead a major donor strategy that significantly grows both unrestricted and programmatic income - powering the scale-up of climate innovations that change lives and protect our planet. This is not simply a relationship management role. It is a leadership opportunity to build a thriving major giving ecosystem.
If you want to work for a climate solutions charity working for a greener, fairer future… then apply today!
Position: Major Donor Lead
Location: London/Hybrid (based in London Victoria with the expectation to work in the office 4 to 5 days per week.)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Salary: £58,177 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 9:00am, 26th Mar 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications.
First stage interview (online): Wednesday 8 April 2026
Second stage interview (in person at our office in Victoria): Tuesday 14 April 2026. We will reimburse candidates for their travel.
The Role
You will lead a major donor strategy that significantly grows both unrestricted and programmatic income - powering the scale-up of climate innovations that change lives and protect our planet. This is not simply a relationship management role. It is a leadership opportunity to build a thriving major giving ecosystem.
Core areas of responsibility:
- Strategic leadership of major giving
- High value relationship cultivation and stewardship
- Income growth through network activation
- Cross-organisational collaboration and storytelling
About You
You will have a proven track record securing five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals and running sophisticated donor stewardship programmes. With strong financial monitoring and reporting capability, you will have had experience collaborating across programme and communications teams to develop compelling cases for support and ensuring donor compliance and impact reporting.
You will be an exceptional relationship builder and natural networker with strong strategic thinking and pipeline management skills and excellent communication skills. Highly organised and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment, you will be entrepreneurial and self-directed and comfortable representing the organisation at high-level events.
Due to the volume of applications, the team can only provide individual feedback to candidates who are invited to interview.
Major Donor Lead in Westminster employer: Ashden Climate Solutions
Contact Detail:
Ashden Climate Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Major Donor Lead in Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the sector, attend events, and connect with potential donors. The more relationships you build, the better your chances of landing that major donor role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for climate solutions! When you’re chatting with potential employers or donors, make sure to highlight your commitment to making a difference. It’s all about connecting your values with theirs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews like a pro! Research Ashden thoroughly, understand their mission, and come armed with ideas on how you can contribute to their major giving strategy. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application, and it’s the best way to ensure it gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Major Donor Lead in Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your CV Spot On: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Major Donor Lead role. Highlight your experience in securing high-value gifts and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can drive a major giving programme!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about climate solutions and how your skills align with our mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to cultivate and steward relationships with high-net-worth individuals. We’re looking for someone who can connect with visionary philanthropists, so share relevant examples!
Apply Early Through Our Website: Don’t wait until the last minute! Given the high volume of applicants, we recommend applying as soon as possible through our website. This way, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashden Climate Solutions
✨Know Your Donors
Before the interview, research Ashden's current major donors and their philanthropic interests. Understanding who they are and what drives them will help you articulate how you can connect them with climate solutions effectively.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've secured significant gifts in the past. Highlight your strategies for relationship cultivation and stewardship, as well as any innovative approaches you've taken to engage high-net-worth individuals.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to share your vision for a major donor strategy that aligns with Ashden’s mission. Think about how you would activate networks and collaborate across teams to drive income growth, and be prepared to discuss these ideas during the interview.
✨Practice Your Storytelling
Since storytelling is key in fundraising, practice how you would present compelling cases for support. Be clear on how you can communicate the impact of donations on climate innovations, making it relatable and inspiring for potential donors.