At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value fundraising and manage key supporter relationships for impactful charity projects.
- Company: Dynamic charity in Chelsea focused on innovation and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming lives through philanthropy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by driving major philanthropic initiatives in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in securing significant donations and strong leadership skills.
Our client is a charity based in Chelsea and Westminster with a mission to create world-class facilities, drive innovation and research, and enhance patient and staff wellbeing. This charity has grown an ambitious fundraising programme, from a £12.5m critical care redevelopment campaign to rapid-response COVID fundraising and a pioneering young people's mental health programme. Now, with over £19m raised towards Thirty at Thirty (a £30m appeal launched in May 2023), the charity is seeking an exceptional relationship fundraiser to help deliver the final phase of this major campaign and to oversee the philanthropic giving programme beyond.
Reporting to the Director of Fundraising & Communications, the Head of Major Gifts will lead the high-value fundraising activity, personally managing a portfolio of key supporters while leading the Major Gifts team (two direct reports and one dotted-line report). Working closely with the CEO (an experienced and active fundraiser), you will oversee a robust and disciplined prospect pipeline across major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporate partners, and you'll lead the management of the Development Board - an influential group of senior supporters and open doors to transformational philanthropy.
The role will also shape and deliver inspiring donor engagement, from curated events and private tours to bespoke proposals, reports and stewardship communications, working in close partnership with senior leadership, clinicians and volunteers across the Trust.
To be successful, you will bring a demonstrable track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts (relationship-led fundraising), alongside strong influencing skills. You will be a collaborative, motivating manager, comfortable setting direction and driving a high-performance culture, and confident producing compelling written cases for support, proposals and donor reports. You'll be highly organised, detail-focused, and able to thrive in a target-driven, fast-paced environment. Experience of the healthcare sector or arts sector is advantageous but not essential.
How to apply: At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Femke Vorstman.
If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.
In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. To formally apply, you will need to complete a supporting statement (max. 2 sides of A4) by COB on 7 June. Interviews will be held during week commencing 15 and 22 June.
Head of Major Gifts employer: PROSPECTUS-4
This charity, located in the vibrant Chelsea and Westminster area, is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing patient and staff wellbeing through innovative fundraising initiatives. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, team members are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid working model and competitive salary. Join a passionate team that values diversity and inclusivity, and be part of a mission that truly transforms lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Major Gifts
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector! Attend events, join online forums, and reach out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, let your enthusiasm for the charity's mission shine through. Share why you care about their work and how you can contribute to their goals. Passion is contagious and can set you apart!
✨Prepare for Informal Chats
Don’t wait for formal interviews to showcase your skills. Be ready for casual conversations where you can discuss your experience and ideas. This could be at networking events or even coffee catch-ups with industry folks—make every interaction count!
✨Apply Through Our Website
We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of landing that dream job. It shows initiative and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Major Gifts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the charity's mission shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in healthcare and supporting patient wellbeing.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in relationship-led fundraising. We’re looking for specific examples of securing major gifts, so don’t hold back on showcasing your successes!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to really sell yourself. Keep it concise but impactful, focusing on your skills in managing donor relationships and leading teams. Remember, we love a good story!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you get all the updates you need throughout the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at PROSPECTUS-4
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re familiar with the charity's fundraising achievements, especially the £19m raised for the Thirty at Thirty campaign. Being able to discuss these figures confidently will show your understanding of their mission and your ability to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in relationship-led fundraising. Think about specific instances where you've secured significant gifts and how you built those relationships. This is crucial for a role that involves managing key supporters.
✨Be Ready to Inspire
Since the role involves engaging donors through events and bespoke proposals, come prepared with ideas on how you would create compelling donor experiences. This shows your creativity and commitment to enhancing donor engagement.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
As a Head of Major Gifts, you'll be leading a team. Be ready to discuss your management style and how you motivate others. Share examples of how you've driven high performance in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
