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- Tasks: Build relationships with major donors to drive life-changing support for healthcare in Africa.
- Company: Mercy Ships UK, dedicated to transforming lives through healthcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, international travel, and a generous learning budget.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and contribute to meaningful healthcare transformation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting with high-value supporters and changing lives.
- 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
Location: Stevenage (hybrid, with UK travel)
Salary: £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.
Major Donor Manager in Watford 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 Watford
✨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 meeting with high-net-worth individuals, we need to communicate our impact clearly and compellingly. Tailor your message to resonate with their values and interests.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up and keep the conversation going! After initial meetings, send personalised thank-you notes or updates about our work. This shows we value their support and keeps us on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply! It’s a great way to showcase our commitment to the mission and connect with like-minded individuals. Plus, it makes the application process smoother for everyone involved.
We think you need these skills to ace Major Donor Manager in Watford
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 work 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 before!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are as a person, not just your professional achievements.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process.
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 through healthcare. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine passion for the cause.
✨Showcase Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully built relationships with major donors in the past. Highlight your strategic thinking and proactive approach to engaging high-net-worth individuals, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Think about how you can create tailored donor journeys and proposals. Be ready to discuss how you would develop these for Mercy Ships, demonstrating your understanding of their unique donor base and how to engage them effectively.
✨Engage with Confidence
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your experience with senior stakeholders. Show that you can represent Mercy Ships at events and meetings, making a strong case for their mission and impact.