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- Tasks: Lead the Major Gifts strategy and manage high-value donor relationships.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest international animal welfare charities making a global impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holiday, health cover, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while growing your fundraising skills in a positive culture.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in Major Gifts with strong communication and strategic planning skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with only one day onsite; travel for donor meetings is necessary.
Head of Major Gifts Fundraising
We are looking for a Head of Major Gifts to join the team in the rewarding role.
Position: 1837 Head of Major Gifts
Location: Devon/hybrid (onsite attendance currently anticipated to be 1 day a week)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Salary: £62,593 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Tuesday 31 December 2024. We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised date and therefore encourage early applications.
The Role
The Major Gifts team includes managing and growing income from Major Donors, Mid-Value Donors, Trusts and Foundations as well as a small number of organisations. Through the development of new international cases for support, it is the intention to grow Major Gifts income from new and existing UK and international foundations and donors.
As Head of Major Gifts, you will work in collaboration with the Head of Individual Giving to evolve and continuously improve fundraising activity. This role is part of the charity s Senior Management Team and will deliver positive change to enhance the organisations approach to Major Gifts activity.
Your main duties will include:
• Leading on the Major Gifts strategy development to produce a new Major Gifts strategy and roadmap that significantly evolves Major Giving at the Sanctuary, growing income through international grants and capital fundraising.
• Managing a number of high value accounts in collaboration with the Senior Philanthropy Manager, building strategic relationships at the highest level to deliver six figure gifts.
• Proactively identifying and delivering new income growth opportunities for Major Gifts.
• Tailoring and developing Cases for Support to attract financial support of the Sanctuary s core work and projects, and presenting and pitching to potential significant funders.
• Represent the charity, managing and attending events and meetings with other senior staff, ambassadors, volunteers and supporters.
• Building relationships and gaining support across the organisation to quickly partner with the Major Gifts team to maximise income for the charity.
• Leading the Major Gifts team, using the charity s performance measurement and personal development planning procedures, to train, coach, and mentor, upskilling knowledge and experience within key areas of delivery.
UK travel will be required to attend meetings with donors and events.
About You
You will have:
• Demonstrable ability to lead at a strategic senior leadership level within a Major Gifts or Philanthropy team of a similar size, with the ability to self-manage and prioritise workload.
• Relevant experience of working within animal welfare, international development, environmental or other relevant organisations.
• Substantial experience of writing Major Gifts strategies and roadmaps that sustainably grow income.
• Exemplary skills in developing and editing clear and compelling cases for support.
• Advanced Major Gifts knowledge and direct experience of securing and maintaining support of high value.
• Excellent communication, listening, diplomacy and negotiation skills.
• Proven experience in managing and reforecasting budgets, and tracking annual and multi-year forecasts and KPIs.
If you feel you have the skills and experience to fulfil this varied, rewarding and vital role, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please complete the on-line application form, which should include your uploaded curriculum vitae
Benefits include:
• Competitive pension.
• Life assurance 4 x annual salary.
• BUPA private Health cover.
• Sickness Income Protection (50% of salary)
• 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 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 sanctuary is a positive place to work with friendly staff and a wonderful charity. With amazing work throughout the world, once you join you never want to leave!
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 for the post.
You may also have experience in areas such as Major Gifts, Philanthropy, Fundraising, Individual Giving, Head of Major Gifts, Head of Philanthropy, Head of Fundraising, Head of Individual Giving, Head of Fundraising Major Gifts, Director of Fundraising, Director of Major Gifts.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Head of Major Gifts Fundraising employer: Donkey Sanctuary
Contact Detail:
Donkey Sanctuary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Major Gifts Fundraising
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the charity's mission and values. Understanding their work in animal welfare and international development will help you align your experience and passion with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fundraising and philanthropy sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with individuals who may have insights into the organization or similar roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past successes in securing major gifts. Highlight your strategic thinking and how you've developed effective fundraising strategies that led to significant income growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current trends in major gifts fundraising, especially within the animal welfare sector. Being knowledgeable about industry standards and innovative practices can set you apart as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Major Gifts Fundraising
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Major Gifts Fundraising position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in major gifts fundraising, strategic leadership, and relationship management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to secure high-value donations and develop successful fundraising strategies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for animal welfare and the mission of the charity. Make sure to address how you can contribute to the growth of major gifts income and your vision for the role.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasize any previous successes in fundraising, particularly in securing major gifts or managing donor relationships. Quantify your achievements where possible to showcase your impact.
How to prepare for a job interview at Donkey Sanctuary
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to discuss your experience in developing Major Gifts strategies. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully evolved fundraising activities and how you plan to implement similar strategies at the organization.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Be ready to share stories about how you've built and maintained relationships with high-value donors. Discuss your approach to engaging with stakeholders and how you can leverage these skills to enhance the charity's income.
✨Tailor Your Cases for Support
Understand the importance of compelling cases for support. Prepare to discuss how you would tailor these cases to attract significant funding, and be ready to present a mock pitch during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
As this role involves leading a team, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've trained and mentored team members, and how you plan to foster a collaborative environment within the Major Gifts team.
