At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to secure £3 million annually for impactful projects.
- Company: Join GSG Impact, a global network driving social and environmental change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for innovation and growth in the charity sector.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by mobilising capital for positive impact.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and strong relationship management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About GSG Impact
GSG Impact is a global network of National Partners working to build impact economies that mobilise capital for measurable social and environmental impact. Through its network spanning more than 48 countries, GSG Impact works with governments, investors, regulators, development finance institutions, and ecosystem actors to strengthen the enabling conditions for impact-oriented economies, where capital flows to create positive social and environmental outcomes.
Position Summary
The Head of Fundraising will lead GSG Impact’s fundraising function at a critical stage of organisational growth and income diversification. The role is responsible for delivering GSG Impact's fundraising strategy, supporting the achievement of annual income targets of approximately £3 million per year, converting strategic priorities into fundable propositions, and building the systems, processes, relationships, and team capabilities required to secure sustainable long-term funding. Working closely with the Chief of Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, senior leadership, the Fundraising Senior Officer, Trustees, and National Partners, the Head of Fundraising will oversee the development of a diversified funding portfolio and will be responsible for building and managing a robust fundraising pipeline, strengthening donor stewardship, improving cost recovery, and ensuring fundraising activity is aligned with organisational priorities and financial sustainability goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Development & Prospecting
- Build and maintain a prioritized list of top institutional, philanthropic, bilateral, multilateral, DFI, corporate, family-office, and high-net-worth prospects aligned with GSG Impact’s strategic priorities.
- Proactively identify, research, qualify, and cultivate new prospects, with a particular focus on funders aligned with impact economies, domestic capital mobilisation, climate adaptation and resilience, impact transparency, policy reform, investment vehicles, and emerging markets.
- Develop and manage a rolling pipeline of high-quality funding opportunities, moving prospects from initial identification through cultivation, concept development, proposal submission, negotiation, and grant close in collaboration with programme staff and National Partners.
- Translate GSG Impact’s strategy into compelling fundable propositions, including unrestricted/core support, restricted programme grants, regional funding, National Partner support, and special initiatives.
- Personally lead the development and conversion of the highest-value opportunities, especially prospects requiring senior-level cultivation.
- Identify and develop new revenue opportunities, strategic partnerships, and funding models that support GSG Impact’s long-term sustainability and income diversification.
- Proposal Development and Grant Acquisition
- Lead the development of high-quality funding proposals, concept notes, and donor engagement materials.
- Ensure strategic alignment of all proposals with organisational priorities and donor interests.
- Ensure all proposal budgets meet or exceed GSG Impact’s cost-recovery targets.
- Set and enforce standards for proposal quality, narrative framing, and budget methodology across the fundraising team.
- Donor Management and Stewardship
- Support the Chief of Engagement and Partnerships with relationship management of GSG Impact’s most significant donors and strategic prospects.
- Lead the annual stewardship strategy, ensuring renewal and growth of key funding relationships.
- Oversee narrative and financial reporting, ensuring high quality, consistency, and timeliness.
- Functional Leadership
- Manage the Fundraising Senior Officer, providing coaching, oversight, performance management, and professional development.
- Ensure compliance with the Fundraising Regulator, GDPR, and relevant UK legislation.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to monitor and update the information in the CRM for fundraising contacts and other relevant data.
- Implement strong financial tracking, reporting, and forecasting processes.
- Foster a culture of fundraising responsibility across GSG Impact teams.
- Innovation & Growth
- Identify new funding opportunities and diversify income streams.
- Explore digital fundraising and emerging trends.
- Drive continuous improvement in fundraising performance, effectiveness and operational excellence.
- External Representation
- The Head of Fundraising plays a key role in relationship management with GSG Impact’s most significant funders and prospects. They represent the organisation at key sector events and convenings as delegated by the Chief of Engagement and Partnerships.
Requirements
- Qualifications
- Demonstrable track record of originating new donor relationships and converting them into six- or seven-figure grants.
- Experience in building prospect pipelines from a limited starting base.
- Strong understanding of institutional philanthropy, bilateral and multilateral funding, DFIs, and/or impact investing funders.
- Proven ability to develop fundable propositions from complex, technical, organisational strategies, including on policy, systems-change, market-building, or ecosystem-development initiatives.
- Experience working directly with CEOs, Boards, Trustees, or senior principals on donor cultivation.
- Strong commercial discipline: pipeline management, probability weighting, forecasting, and cost recovery.
- Ability to write or lead the development of high-quality proposals under tight timelines.
- Competencies
- Alignment with GSG Impact mission and values.
- Proven fundraising track record in international development, impact investment, philanthropy or social sector.
- Strategic thinking and fundraising planning.
- Senior donor relationship management.
- Team leadership and coaching.
- Strong written communication and proposal development.
- Budget and cost-recovery literacy.
- Collaborative working style.
Benefits
- Salary competitive within the charity sector, based on experience.
- 25 days holiday per annum plus eight bank/public holidays.
- Enrolment in NEST Pension Scheme (3% employer and 5% employee contribution).
Head of Fundraising and Business Development in London employer: GSG Impact
GSG Impact is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of social and environmental impact. With a strong commitment to employee growth, GSG Impact provides opportunities for professional development and leadership within a supportive culture that values strategic thinking and teamwork. Located at the heart of a global network, employees benefit from engaging with diverse stakeholders and contributing to meaningful projects that drive positive change across 48 countries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fundraising and Business Development 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 GSG Impact.
✨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 GSG Impact, 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 GSG Impact. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising and Business Development 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 GSG Impact 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 GSG Impact. 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 Head of Fundraising and Business Development role at GSG Impact. 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 GSG Impact
✨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 GSG Impact. 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 GSG Impact.
✨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 GSG Impact. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
