Head of Major Donors in London

Location: UK (minimum 2 days per week in the London office)

Work Pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week with the opportunity for flexible working hours

Reporting To: Chief Engagement Officer

ABOUT THE ROLE

Mission 44 exists to drive change and build a fairer, more inclusive future for young people around the world. The Head of Major Donors will strengthen and steward relationships with high‑value donors, philanthropists, and strategic supporters, working alongside the Chief Engagement Officer to develop and deliver a personalized and impactful Major Donors programme.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Major Donor Cultivation and Relationship Management (70%)
  • Lead the organization’s cultivation of new donors and deepening of the major donor pipeline.
  • Personally lead the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors and prospects for six/seven‑figure gifts.
  • Lead the implementation of Mission 44’s global major donor stewardship strategy, ensuring all major donors feel engaged and inspired.
  • Manage and coordinate stewardship plans for high‑value donors and philanthropic partners.
  • Build trusted, long‑term relationships with major supporters through thoughtful and personalized engagement.
  • Develop tailored donor journeys that reflect supporter interests, motivations and impact priorities.
  • Identify opportunities to deepen donor engagement and increase long‑term support.
  • Provide administrative support for the Global Growth Committee.
  • Work with Head of Engagement and Events to plan and deliver donor engagement opportunities at events, briefings, roundtables and program visits.
  • Support leadership engagement with major donors and key stakeholders.
  • Coordinate donor experiences linked to Mission 44 campaigns, partnerships and strategic moments.
  • Help create meaningful opportunities for supporters to connect with Mission 44’s mission, young people and impact.
• Donor Communications and Impact Reporting (20%)
  • Ensure donors receive timely, high-quality communication and reporting.
  • Coordinate the creation of bespoke donor updates, reports and impact communications.
  • Work collaboratively with program and communications teams to translate impact into compelling donor narratives.
  • Work with the communications team to ensure stewardship materials are high quality, aligned to brand and reflective of Mission 44’s values.
  • Support the development of case studies, impact stories and donor‑facing content.
• Systems Management and Collaboration (10%)
  • Maintain accurate donor records, engagement tracking and stewardship activity within CRM systems.
  • Monitor stewardship activity, timelines and reporting commitments.
  • Contribute to donor analysis, segmentation and fundraising insights.
  • Work closely with wider fundraising colleagues, communications and impact teams to deliver integrated supporter engagement.
  • Support senior leadership and ambassadors with donor preparation, briefing materials and relationship management.
  • Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive and high‑performing fundraising culture.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Significant experience in major donor cultivation, stewardship, philanthropy or high‑value relationship management.
• Proven track record of managing relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals, philanthropists or strategic supporters.
• Experience developing and delivering donor stewardship plans and engagement strategies.
• Proven success in the direct solicitation and stewardship of six‑ and seven‑figure philanthropic contributions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience producing high‑quality donor reports and communications.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience working with CRM systems and donor databases.
• Some travel, particularly to the US.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

• Experience of major donor management at a global level.
• Experience of fundraising for a grant‑making or campaigning organization.
• Experience with Principal Gifts processes.
• Experience supporting fundraising campaigns or major gifts programs.
• Understanding of education equity, youth opportunity or systems change work.
• Experience working within high‑profile or fast‑paced organizations.
• Event management and donor engagement experience.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Exceptional relationship‑building and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Emotionally intelligent and discreet.
• Strategic and proactive thinker.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to communicate impact in a compelling and authentic way.
• Passion for equity, inclusion and social justice.
• Commitment to Mission 44’s values and mission.
• Resilient with demonstrated ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.

BENEFITS

• 28 days annual leave, plus a day for your birthday.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme and free gym access.
• Generous pension package.
• Friday workshops and optional health insurance.
• Professional development budget of £1k.
• Unlimited volunteering leave, as agreed with your manager.
• Well‑being allowance.