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- Tasks: Lead major giving initiatives and build strong relationships with high-value donors.
- Company: Join a leading arts organisation with a commitment to philanthropy.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, pension contributions, and cultural perks.
- Other info: Hybrid working in London with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while growing your fundraising skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in major gifts and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Merrifield Consultants are pleased to be supporting a leading arts organisation to recruit a Senior Major Gifts Manager on a maternity cover basis. Reporting to the Head of Major Giving, this role will play a key part in delivering and growing a high-value major giving programme, supporting the cultivation and stewardship of donors capable of making five and six-figure gifts. This is an opportunity to join an established and high-performing development function, working closely with senior stakeholders to secure significant philanthropic support and deepen long-term donor relationships.
Key details
- Salary: £45,000 to £50,000 per year (dependent on experience)
- Hours: Full-time
- Contract: Fixed-term (maternity cover)
- Location: London-based with hybrid working
About the role
This role is suited to an experienced major gifts or high-value fundraising professional who is confident managing complex donor relationships and contributing to strategic income growth. The focus is on supporting the delivery of a major giving strategy, managing a portfolio of donors and prospects, and securing significant gifts through thoughtful cultivation and stewardship.
Key responsibilities
- Support the delivery of the major giving strategy, contributing to income growth and long-term sustainability
- Manage and develop a portfolio of major donors and prospects, supporting retention and growth year on year
- Identify and research new prospects, building a strong and sustainable pipeline
- Support the cultivation and stewardship of donors, including developing tailored engagement plans
- Secure five and six-figure gifts, including multi-year contributions, in collaboration with senior colleagues
- Develop compelling funding proposals and donor communications
- Plan and deliver events and engagement opportunities for donors and prospects
- Maintain accurate records on the CRM system, tracking activity, relationships, and income
- Line manage and support a Major Gifts Officer, ensuring effective delivery and development
- Work collaboratively across the organisation to identify new fundraising opportunities
Person specification
- Proven experience in major gifts, high-value fundraising, or equivalent relationship-based income generation
- A track record of securing significant gifts, ideally at five or six-figure level
- Experience managing and developing donor relationships and pipelines
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders
- Ability to develop high-quality proposals and tailored donor communications
- Experience of working collaboratively within a wider fundraising or development team
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
- Experience of line management or supporting the development of others
- An interest in, or understanding of, the arts and cultural sector is beneficial
To apply
Please apply today with your CV for further information and a confidential conversation with Merrifield Consultants. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews expected to take place shortly after.
Benefits
Benefits include 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pension contributions, employee assistance programme access, season ticket loan, and additional cultural and wellbeing benefits. We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.
Senior Major Gifts Manager employer: Merrifield Consultants
Contact Detail:
Merrifield Consultants Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Major Gifts Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the arts sector! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, make sure to highlight your experience in managing donor relationships and securing significant gifts. We want to see you shine and demonstrate how you can contribute to their major giving strategy!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every conversation is an opportunity! Make sure to tailor your discussions to reflect the specific needs of the organisation. We recommend doing your homework on their current projects and how your skills can help them grow their major giving programme.
✨Follow Up Like a Boss
After any meeting or networking event, don’t forget to follow up! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to keep you fresh in their minds. It shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Major Gifts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Major Gifts Manager. Highlight your experience in major gifts and high-value fundraising, and don’t forget to showcase any successful donor relationships you've managed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about the arts and how your skills align with our mission. Be specific about your achievements in securing significant gifts.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with senior stakeholders, make sure your application reflects your strong communication skills. Use clear, concise language and demonstrate your ability to influence and engage effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates we’re excited to meet!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merrifield Consultants
✨Know Your Donors
Before the interview, take time to research the organisation's current major donors and their giving history. Understanding who they are and what motivates them will help you demonstrate your ability to manage complex donor relationships effectively.
✨Showcase Your Successes
Prepare specific examples of significant gifts you've secured in the past. Be ready to discuss your strategies for cultivating and stewarding those relationships, as this will highlight your experience in high-value fundraising.
✨Tailor Your Communication Style
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since strong communication skills are crucial for engaging senior stakeholders, consider how you can adapt your style to resonate with different audiences during the interview.
✨Engage with the Arts
Demonstrate your passion for the arts and cultural sector during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or insights that show your understanding of the field, as this will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.