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 collaborative environment with a focus on transformative philanthropy.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 € per year.
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.
London, SW10 9HS (hybrid, 2-3 days in the office) 35 hours per week Permanent Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 (depending on experience)
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 at Femke.Vorstman@prospect-us.co.uk. 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 in London employer: Prospectus
This charity, located in the vibrant Chelsea and Westminster area, is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact on healthcare through innovative fundraising initiatives. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, staff are encouraged to thrive in a supportive environment that values their contributions. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while the opportunity to engage with influential supporters and lead transformative projects makes this role particularly rewarding for those passionate about philanthropy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Major Gifts in London
✨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. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with someone from the charity, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about why you care about their mission and how you can contribute. We want to see that fire in you – it makes a huge difference!
✨Prepare for Informal Chats
Before any meeting or casual coffee catch-up, do your homework! Know the charity’s recent projects and challenges. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested and ready to discuss how you can help them achieve their goals.
✨Follow Up with Flair
After any interaction, drop a quick thank-you email to show your appreciation. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your chat. We love a good follow-up – it keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Major Gifts in London
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 creating world-class facilities and enhancing patient wellbeing. Make it personal!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! We’re looking for specific experiences that relate to high-value fundraising and relationship management. Highlight your successes in securing major gifts and any relevant projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to really sell yourself. Keep it concise but impactful, focusing on your track record in fundraising and your ability to inspire others. Remember, we love a good story!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you get all the info you need for the next steps!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospectus
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Major Gifts, you'll need to demonstrate your track record in securing significant donations. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of six- and seven-figure gifts you've secured, including the strategies you used and the relationships you built. This will show your potential employer that you have the experience they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to highlight your management style and how you've motivated others in the past. Think of examples where you've driven a high-performance culture or successfully collaborated with senior leadership. This will help them see you as a strong fit for their team.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with the charity's mission and recent campaigns, like the Thirty at Thirty appeal. During the interview, express your passion for their cause and how your values align with theirs. This connection can make a big difference in how they perceive you as a candidate.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations, such as engaging a major donor or managing a fundraising event. Prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet. This will demonstrate your readiness for the fast-paced environment they mentioned.
