At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships with major donors to support life-changing surgeries and healthcare transformation.
- Company: Mercy Ships UK, dedicated to restoring hope across Africa.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, international travel, and a generous learning budget.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and contribute to meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by inspiring generosity and transforming lives through healthcare.
- Qualifications: Experience in securing major gifts and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 45000 £ per year.
Build relationships that change lives. At Mercy Ships UK, we’re not just raising funds — we’re enabling life-changing surgeries, strengthening healthcare systems, and restoring hope to thousands of people across Africa. We’re now looking for a Major Donor Manager to play a key role in growing transformational philanthropy and unlocking significant support for our mission. This is more than a fundraising role. This is about building meaningful relationships that lead to real, lasting impact.
What you’ll be doing:
- Developing and managing a major donor pipeline (~100 high-value supporters)
- Building deep, long-term relationships with individuals giving five-figure gifts
- Creating tailored donor journeys, proposals and impact reports
- Working closely with senior leaders, Trustees and networks to open new opportunities
- Representing Mercy Ships at events, meetings and across key donor communities
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience securing major gifts / high-value donations
- A strong relationship-builder who thrives on meaningful engagement
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders and high-net-worth individuals
- Strategic thinking with a hands-on, proactive approach
- A passion for the mission — and the ability to communicate impact in a compelling way
Please note: due to the nature of this role and engagement with our supporter base, there is an occupational requirement for a practising Christian (Equality Act 2010).
Why join us?
Because your work will directly contribute to:
- Free, life-changing surgeries
- Long-term healthcare transformation
- Expanding access to safe medical care for those who need it most
📍 Stevenage (hybrid, with UK travel) 💼 £42,000–£45,000 (DOE) ✈️ International travel opportunities 📈 £1,000 L&D budget + strong benefits
If you’re someone who believes that generosity can transform lives… And you have the skills to inspire that generosity at scale… We’d love to hear from you. Apply now to
Major Donor Manager in Stevenage employer: Mercy Ships UK
Contact Detail:
Mercy Ships UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Major Donor Manager in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend events and engage with potential donors in person. Building those face-to-face connections can really help us stand out and show our passion for the mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared to share your story! When chatting with high-net-worth individuals, make sure we can communicate the impact of our work clearly and compellingly. This is all about making them feel the difference they can make.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up and keep the conversation going! After meeting someone, send a quick thank-you note or an email to keep the relationship warm. It shows we care and are genuinely interested in their support.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply! We’ve got all the resources you need to showcase your skills and passion for the role. Let’s make sure we’re putting our best foot forward when applying!
We think you need these skills to ace Major Donor Manager in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for the mission shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference and how that aligns with our values at Mercy Ships UK.
Tailor Your Approach: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in securing major gifts and building relationships. We’re looking for someone who can connect with high-value supporters, so show us how you've done this in the past!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to be yourself! We value authenticity and want to know the real you. Share your unique experiences and insights that make you a great fit for the Major Donor Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercy Ships UK
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, dive deep into Mercy Ships' mission and values. Understand how their work transforms lives and be ready to share why this resonates with you personally. This will show your passion and commitment to their cause.
✨Build Your Relationship Strategy
Prepare to discuss your approach to building relationships with major donors. Think about specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged high-value supporters. Be ready to outline your strategy for creating tailored donor journeys.
✨Engage with Confidence
Since this role involves working with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you’ve navigated similar situations in the past, showcasing your ability to engage effectively with high-net-worth individuals.
✨Showcase Your Impact Communication Skills
Be prepared to demonstrate how you communicate impact. Bring examples of proposals or impact reports you've created that led to significant donations. Highlight your storytelling skills and how they can inspire generosity among potential donors.