Executive Director UK Philanthropy

Magic Bus is not just an NGO; it's a transformative force in the education and skilling sector of India. Since our inception in 1999 in Mumbai, we've risen to become one of the top five NGOs in the nation. Our mission is to change the narrative for young individuals from impoverished backgrounds, guiding them from a life of hurdles to a future brimming with meaningful opportunities. By partnering with parents, peers, communities, and local institutions, we form a robust support network, fostering growth and empowerment. Our dynamic programmes aim to:

• Empower adolescents to complete their secondary education.
• Equip the youth with the skills for lucrative employment.

Role Overview: The Executive Director will be responsible for leading and developing all fundraising activities in the UK, cultivating relationships with a diverse range of donors, and driving income growth. This role requires a strategic and proactive leader with the ability to balance new business acquisition with the retention and uplifting the value of existing partners/donors. The post-holder will lead a small team and work closely with the organisation's leadership to maximise income and brand visibility in the UK. While the core focus is on scaling income through strategic fundraising, the role also involves overseeing Magic Bus UK's effective and efficient running as a registered charity, ensuring robust governance, financial management, HR, and operational compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fundraising Strategy & Leadership:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive multi-year fundraising strategy for the UK market, focusing on individual giving, major donor fundraising, trusts and foundations, and corporate partnerships aligned with global strategies.
  • Drive the donor pipeline, identifying, cultivating, and securing support from high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), trusts and foundations, and corporate and strategic partners.
  • Lead fundraising campaigns and donor outreach initiatives and oversee fundraising events.
  • Balance new business acquisition with retention and increasing the share of wallet of existing partners/donors.
  • Provide leadership, direction, development and mentoring to a small fundraising team.
  • Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Donor Cultivation & Relationship Management:
  • Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporate partners.
  • Develop and implement effective donor engagement and stewardship plans to maximise long-term support.
  • Re-engage past donors, increase regular giving, and convert one-time givers into long-term supporters.
  • Excellent relationship management, donor engagement and stewardship experience.
  • Develop compelling proposals, donor presentations and reports in collaboration with program and MEL teams.
  • Ensure UK donor expectations are communicated to internal teams and targets met on time.
• Strategic Planning & Income Growth:
  • Contribute to the strategic development of the organization, with a focus on growing income and brand visibility in the UK.
  • Strong strategic planning with the ability to translate vision into action with an entrepreneurial and innovative approach.
  • Experience of growing an organization's income and brand visibility.
• Governance & Reporting:
  • Ensure compliance with UK fundraising regulations and best practices.
  • Provide regular reports on fundraising performance to the Global CEO, UK Board, and key stakeholders.
• External Relations:
  • Represent Magic Bus India Foundation at sector events, conferences, and networking opportunities to strengthen brand positioning and visibility.
  • Business development experience.
  • Represent the Org at relevant UK / Europe forums and convenings.
• Magic Bus UK Operations:
  • Lead the operational management of Magic Bus UK as a charitable organization, ensuring compliance with UK regulations, Charity Commission guidelines, and best practices.
  • Oversee financial planning, budget management, audits, and reporting to the UK Board and Global CEO.
  • Ensure effective HR processes for UK-based staff, including recruitment, performance management, and employee wellbeing.
  • Work closely with the UK Board on matters of governance, risk management, and policy development.
  • Act as the primary liaison between the UK and India offices, ensuring alignment and smooth coordination of strategic objectives.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Significant experience (10+ years) in a senior fundraising role within the UK charity sector. Experience outside the charity sector, e.g. in wealth management working with high net worth individuals in a business development role, will be an added benefit.
• Proven track record of achieving and exceeding fundraising targets.
• Strong track record in securing high-value gifts from individuals, trusts and foundations, and corporations.
• Excellent knowledge of the UK fundraising landscape.
• Established network within the UK philanthropy sector.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in event-based fundraising and curating thought leadership events.
• Team leadership, board engagement and a self-starter mindset.
• Ability to work proactively at pace and to multitask across strategic and operational needs.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and fundraising databases.
• Passion for social impact, education, and community development.
• Previous work experience in India / South Asia combined with UK experience would be preferred.
• Self-motivated and goal oriented.
• Should be comfortable navigating ambiguity with strong sense of ownership.

Preferred:

• Experience working with international NGOs.
• Experience of growing an organization's income and brand visibility.

Reporting: Reports to the Global CEO and collaborates closely with the UK Board and India-based leadership team.

For application and referrals, please write to vishal.shikhare@magicbusindia.org.