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- Tasks: Lead a major donor strategy to secure transformational funding for climate solutions.
- Company: Join Ashden, a charity dedicated to a greener and fairer future.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, generous pension, private health care, and flexible working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting philanthropists with pioneering climate innovations.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in securing high-value donations and exceptional relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and networking at high-level events.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ 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!
Location: London/Hybrid (based in London Victoria with the expectation to work in the office 2 to 3 days per week.)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 9:00am, 7th April 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications.
First stage interview (online): Monday 13 April 2026
Second stage interview (in person at our office in Victoria): Monday 20 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
Benefits
- Generous pension scheme (12% employer contribution with opportunity for personal contribution also) and access to pensions advice and retirement planning
- Insurance
- Holiday – 30 days annual leave (inclusive of 3 days office closure in December)
- Health, wellbeing and personal support
- Private health and dental care
- GP service 24/7
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Social events – throughout the year, from book clubs and sports clubs to birthday cakes and team outings.
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.
Major Donor Lead employer: Ashden
Contact Detail:
Ashden Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Major Donor Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Ashden inside out! Research their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your past experiences align with the role of Major Donor Lead. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully secured major gifts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interviews, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Major Donor Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Climate Solutions: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for climate solutions shine through! We want to see how your values align with our mission at Ashden. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the world.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Major Donor Lead role. Highlight your experience in securing high-value donations and building relationships. We love seeing how your unique skills can contribute to our major giving programme!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re the perfect fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashden
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, dive deep into Ashden's mission and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of driving climate solutions and securing major donations. Show them you’re not just interested in the role, but passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Network
Prepare to talk about your existing relationships with high-net-worth individuals and how you’ve successfully cultivated those connections in the past. Bring specific examples of how you've secured significant gifts and what strategies you used to maintain those relationships.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would approach building a major donor strategy for Ashden. Be ready to share your ideas on income growth and network activation. This is your chance to show off your entrepreneurial spirit and strategic mindset!
✨Practice Storytelling
Since storytelling is key in fundraising, prepare a few compelling narratives about past successes or impactful projects. These stories should highlight your role in securing funding and how it made a difference. Make sure they resonate with Ashden’s vision for a greener future.