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- Tasks: Drive philanthropic growth by managing high-impact donor relationships and crafting tailored fundraising strategies.
- Company: Join a prestigious educational institution committed to fostering a vibrant culture of giving.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international travel and community engagement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of fundraising, connecting passionate donors with meaningful initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and exceptional communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Director of Major Gifts is a frontline fundraiser responsible for driving philanthropic growth by managing a portfolio of high-impact donors. This role focuses on identifying, cultivating, and stewarding prospects capable of leadership annual, major, and planned gifts. As a key collaborator within the development team, the Director of Major Gifts aligns donor passions with institutional strategic initiatives to foster a vibrant culture of giving.
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage a targeted portfolio of 75-100 major gift prospects, developing bespoke 'moves management' plans to transition prospects into committed donors.
- Implement individualized strategies that align a prospect’s philanthropic goals with institutional needs, utilizing data and research to inform appropriate ask amounts.
- Collaborate with the Director of Development and Giving Manager to draft compelling gift proposals, case statements, and donor-facing materials.
- Partner with the Director of Development Services to execute creative cultivation plans and ensure all activities, meetings, and outcomes are documented in the CRM for team-wide transparency.
- Support high-priority campaigns, special initiatives, and fundraising events. Attend school and Advancement-hosted events to build community presence.
- Collaborate with development colleagues and volunteers to deliver high-touch stewardship and impactful gift reporting.
Essential Qualifications/Experience
- Substantive progressive frontline fundraising experience with a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts.
- Building and developing effective relationships.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, highly organized and a problem-solver, positive and friendly, strong people management and interpersonal skills.
- High emotional intelligence, attentive listening, and the ability to build credibility with major prospect stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel internationally and attend events outside of school hours and on weekends.
- A steadfast commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children.
Desirable Qualifications/Experience
- Advanced degree preferred.
- Knowledge proficiency in Blackbaud Raiser's Edge.
- Knowledge and understanding of American and/or international educational institutions.
- Embraces continuous learning and collaborative problem solving, contributes creativity, initiative and teamwork to a mission-aligned development culture.
- Experience training or managing fundraising volunteers and committees.
- Ability to manage multiple relationships and projects simultaneously.
- Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, goal-driven environment and adjust to dynamic event schedules with ease.
- Collaborative team colleague, proactive and capable of thriving in a fast‑paced, goal-driven environment.
The American School in London will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, maternity or parental status, or any other legally recognised protected basis under local law.
Director of Major Gifts in London employer: Case
Contact Detail:
Case Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Major Gifts in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising world. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that major gift role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for philanthropy! When you’re chatting with potential employers or donors, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share stories of how you’ve made an impact in previous roles and how you plan to do the same in this one. It’s all about making that emotional connection!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for those tough questions! Think about the challenges you might face in the Director of Major Gifts role and come up with solid strategies to tackle them. This shows you’re not just a talker but a doer who can handle the pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, it’s a great way to show you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Let’s make your job search a success together!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Major Gifts in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Major Gifts role. Highlight your fundraising experience and how it aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. We want to see how you can drive philanthropic growth!
Showcase Your Successes: Don’t hold back on sharing your achievements! Include specific examples of six- and seven-figure gifts you've secured. We love numbers, so let us know how you made an impact in your previous roles.
Be Personable: Remember, this role is all about building relationships. Use a friendly tone in your application to reflect your interpersonal skills. We’re looking for someone who can connect with high-impact donors and make them feel valued.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Case
✨Know Your Donors
Before the interview, research the organisation's major donors and their philanthropic interests. Understanding who they are and what drives their giving will help you align your strategies with their passions, showing that you're ready to manage a targeted portfolio effectively.
✨Craft Compelling Proposals
Be prepared to discuss how you would draft compelling gift proposals and case statements. Bring examples of past proposals you've worked on, highlighting your ability to connect donor goals with institutional needs. This shows your practical experience and creativity in fundraising.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
During the interview, showcase your emotional intelligence by actively listening and responding thoughtfully. Share examples of how you've built relationships with major prospects in the past, as this role requires high interpersonal skills and the ability to build credibility with stakeholders.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your collaborative nature and willingness to work with development colleagues and volunteers. Discuss how you've contributed to team success in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments. This will demonstrate that you can thrive in a goal-driven culture.