At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and manage a strategic prospect pipeline while delivering high-quality research.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on impactful fundraising and strategic initiatives.
- Benefits: Generous benefits, career development opportunities, and resources for work-life balance.
- Other info: Flexible office-based role with a supportive culture and commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by influencing high-value fundraising strategies and decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in prospect development and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
- Prospect Development Specialist
- Reports to: Senior Prospect Development Manager
Location: Stratford, London – office-based with high flexibility (1‑2 days per week in the office)
Responsibilities
- Partner with senior stakeholders to shape and manage a strategic, high‑value prospect pipeline, monitoring pipeline health and ensuring prioritisation and delivery against targets.
- Embed consistent frameworks for prospect identification, qualification and allocation, using data and insight to identify trends, gaps and opportunities, and translating analysis into actionable recommendations.
- Deliver high‑quality research to inform fundraising strategy and decision‑making, identifying and qualifying high‑value prospects (HNWIs, trusts, foundations).
- Proactively identify pipeline gaps and lead targeted prospecting initiatives.
- Contribute specialist expertise to key organisational initiatives (e. g., Data & AI, Children and Young People cancer priorities) and ensure prospect development activity aligns with wider strategic priorities.
- Oversee due diligence activity, providing guidance and support on complex or high‑risk cases, strengthening due diligence frameworks, processes and reporting for senior stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with organisational policies and best practice.
- Act as a trusted partner to senior fundraisers and leadership, providing strategic advice on prospect selection, prioritisation, and risk, influencing decision‑making to focus on the highest‑impact opportunities.
- Lead the development and embedding of prospect development frameworks, tools and standards, driving consistency across pipeline management and due diligence processes, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness and impact.
Qualifications
- Significant experience in prospect development, high‑value fundraising or strategic research.
- Demonstrable experience supporting major and high‑value fundraising activity, typically involving gifts of six figures and above.
- Proven ability to operate at a senior or specialist level, applying judgement and influencing decision‑making.
- Strong experience of pipeline strategy, prioritisation and management, including assessing pipeline health and shaping delivery against targets.
- Experience of due diligence processes, including oversight of complex or high‑risk cases.
- Strong understanding of risk, governance and reputational considerations in a fundraising context.
- Experience contributing to or supporting strategic initiatives, programmes or organisational priorities.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging senior audiences.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate insight into practical, strategic recommendations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable Skills
- Experience working with principal level fundraising (£1m+).
- Familiarity with fundraising databases and prospect management systems (CRM).
- Understanding of data‑driven prospecting approaches or analytics.
- Awareness of sector priorities or mission‑led campaigns.
- Experience within a large or complex organisation.
Benefits
- Generous benefits package.
- Wide range of career and personal development opportunities.
- High‑quality tools and resources to support work‑life balance and wellbeing.
- EEO & Accessibility Statements
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under‑represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work.
If you have any concerns or adjustments you may need to enable this to happen, please let us know.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18 so that we can protect young people from health, safety and safeguarding risks.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prospect Development Specialist in London
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like Cancer Research UK.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of Cancer Research UK, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at Cancer Research UK. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Prospect Development Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that Cancer Research UK supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of Cancer Research UK. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Prospect Development Specialist role at Cancer Research UK. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Cancer Research UK. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at Cancer Research UK.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for Cancer Research UK. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
