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 supportive environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while leading a passionate fundraising team.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in securing major gifts 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
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. Join us in our mission to transform healthcare facilities and support mental health programmes, all while being part of a passionate team that values diversity and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Major Gifts
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express why you care about their mission. This will help you stand out as someone who’s not just looking for a job, but genuinely wants to make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the charity's recent projects and campaigns. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help them achieve their goals, especially with major gifts. Tailor your responses to show you understand their needs and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so take advantage of our resources and guidance to nail that application process.
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 that aligns with the Head of Major Gifts role. We’re looking for specific examples of your fundraising successes, especially those involving six- and seven-figure gifts.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to really sell yourself. Keep it concise but impactful, focusing on your relationship-building skills and how you can lead our Major Gifts team to success.
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
✨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 to future fundraising goals.
✨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 role is all about connections, so be ready to demonstrate your influencing skills.
✨Engagement Ideas
Come up with a few creative ideas for donor engagement that align with the charity’s mission. Whether it’s bespoke proposals or unique stewardship communications, showing that you can think outside the box will impress the interviewers.
✨Be Organised and Detail-Focused
Since this role requires managing a portfolio and overseeing a team, be prepared to discuss how you stay organised in a fast-paced environment. Share your strategies for keeping track of multiple projects and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
