Head of Major Gifts (Individuals)

Head of Major Gifts (Individuals)

Full-Time 63756 - 70236 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Greenpeace

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead major gifts fundraising and drive impactful campaigns for environmental change.
  • Company: Join Greenpeace UK, a leader in global environmental activism.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovative fundraising strategies.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in climate action while working with passionate individuals.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in major gifts fundraising and team leadership.

The predicted salary is between 63756 - 70236 € per year.

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

£63,756 - £70,236 per annum (We normally offer a starting salary at the start of the range)

Full-time (37.5h) / Permanent

Based: Islington, London - hybrid working

Closing date: 14 May 2026

Location: Islington, London. We aim to create an environment where everyone can contribute to the best of their abilities. Our hybrid working approach brings together the benefits of both office‑based and remote working in an inclusive way. For this role, you'll be expected to work from our Islington office at least 40% of the time each week. Reasonable adjustments will be made to support individual needs.

Greenpeace UK is an independent national/regional organisation within the global Greenpeace campaigning network, which acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. The global network of Greenpeace organisations comprises 26 independent national/regional Greenpeace organisations with presence in over 55 countries across Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, as well as a coordinating and supporting organisation, Greenpeace International.

The Fundraising Department at Greenpeace UK (GPUK) provides reliable levels of income to sufficiently meet the organisation's campaigning ambitions and to provide confidence for long term campaign planning. This funding gives the campaign teams the flexibility they need to deliver on our ambition, meaning that the majority of the money raised is unrestricted. The Department plays a key role in shaping Greenpeace UK's communications to our supporters and the world outside.

The Key Relationships programme sits at the heart of Greenpeace UK's fundraising, securing the philanthropic investment that powers its campaigning work. The team raises around £15-16 million annually from major donors, trusts and foundations, and legacies, contributing significantly to the organisation's wider fundraising income of approximately £37 million. The Individual Major Gifts programme is a core part of this, driving income from high‑value supporters including high‑net‑worth individuals and family foundations. Sitting within a collaborative structure alongside trusts and foundations, it reflects the increasingly blended nature of donor giving.

We are now seeking a Head of Major Gifts (Individuals) to lead this important area. Reporting to the Deputy Fundraising Director, Key Relationships, you will jointly lead the major gifts function alongside the Head of Major Gifts (Trusts & Foundations), combining strategic leadership with hands‑on fundraising. This is a pivotal moment to join. A key priority will be leading Greenpeace UK's contribution to a high‑profile global capital campaign to raise €100 million, helping fund a pioneering fossil fuel‑free ship and accelerate climate and biodiversity work.

You'll have:

  • Significant experience in senior‑level major gifts fundraising with a track record of securing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts.
  • Experience of leading fundraising strategy and delivering sustained income growth.
  • Demonstrated experience of leading, developing, and motivating teams, with a proven track record of achieving high performance.
  • Experience of working with senior stakeholders, trustees, and high‑net‑worth individuals.
  • Strong understanding of international or capital campaign fundraising, with direct experience a distinct advantage.
  • Experience of managing budgets and meeting ambitious financial targets.
  • Knowledge of, or experience working in, the environmental, climate, or biodiversity sectors is a distinct advantage to enable credible and insightful engagement with expert colleagues, partners and donors.

Head of Major Gifts (Individuals) employer: Greenpeace

Greenpeace UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that values the contributions of every team member. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the organisation provides opportunities for professional development while working on impactful campaigns that drive environmental change. Located in Islington, London, the hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while fostering collaboration and innovation within the team.

Greenpeace

Contact Detail:

Greenpeace Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Major Gifts (Individuals)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising and environmental sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Greenpeace UK and its campaigns. Show your passion for their mission and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your answers to highlight your major gifts fundraising success and leadership skills.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your achievements in securing high-value donations and leading teams effectively. Confidence is key when you’re aiming for that Head of Major Gifts role!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at Greenpeace UK. So, get your application in and let’s make a difference together!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Major Gifts (Individuals)

Major Gifts Fundraising
Senior-Level Fundraising Experience
Strategic Leadership
Team Development and Motivation
Stakeholder Engagement
High-Net-Worth Individual Relations
International Campaign Fundraising

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Major Gifts role. Highlight your experience in major gifts fundraising and how it aligns with our mission at Greenpeace UK. We want to see how your skills can help us secure those six- and seven-figure gifts!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to mention your experience in developing and motivating teams. Share specific examples of how you've achieved high performance in previous roles. We love to see how you can inspire others!

Demonstrate Your Passion for the Cause:We’re all about protecting the environment, so let your passion shine through! If you have any experience in the environmental, climate, or biodiversity sectors, make sure to highlight that. It’ll show us you understand our mission and can engage effectively with our stakeholders.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Greenpeace UK!

How to prepare for a job interview at Greenpeace

Know Your Numbers

For a role like Head of Major Gifts, it's crucial to be familiar with fundraising metrics. Brush up on your past achievements, especially any six- or seven-figure gifts you've secured. Be ready to discuss how you achieved these results and the strategies you used.

Understand Greenpeace's Mission

Dive deep into Greenpeace UK's mission and current campaigns, especially the high-profile global capital campaign. Showing genuine passion for their work and understanding their goals will demonstrate that you're not just looking for a job, but that you truly care about their cause.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or developed fundraising strategies in challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Engage with the Interviewers

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.