At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major donor fundraising and develop long-term strategies for high-value giving.
- Company: Join Sightsavers, a leading charity making a real difference in the world.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work from home with occasional travel to our Haywards Heath office.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by securing vital funding for life-changing projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-value fundraising and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 61065 - 71841 £ per year.
Sightsavers is looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Major Donor Fundraising to lead the next phase of growth for our high value individual giving programme.
Contract: Permanent / full time (or minimum of four days per week with pro-rated salary)
Salary: £61,065 to £71,841 per annum (FTE, pro-rated for part-time)
Location: This role must be worked from the UK, and can be primarily home-based with regular travel to our Haywards Heath (West Sussex) office.
As part of the Fundraising and Marketing directorate, you will develop and deliver a long-term major donor strategy, lead a specialist team and personally manage a focused portfolio of high value donors and prospects. The role will focus on supporters giving £10,000 or more per year, while also strengthening nurture and loyalty programmes that help build a sustainable future pipeline.
Working closely with colleagues across fundraising, technical leadership, programme delivery, finance, planning and senior leadership, you will identify compelling funding opportunities and help build strong cases for support. You will also represent Sightsavers externally with donors, prospects, philanthropy advisers, wealth advisers and sector networks.
We would like to hear from confident and collaborative senior fundraisers with experience of leading or managing a high value fundraising programme. You will bring a strong track record of securing, cultivating and stewarding significant gifts, including six-figure prospects, alongside the ability to use data and insight to manage pipelines, forecast income and support decision-making.
Sightsavers is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences and are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Head of Major Donors Fundraising employer: Sightsavers
Sightsavers is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises collaboration and accountability within its Global Finance Team. With a commitment to employee growth and development, this remote/hybrid role in Haywards Heath provides opportunities to lead transformative financial initiatives while making a meaningful impact on global health and disability rights. Join us to be part of a values-driven organisation that empowers its employees to thrive and contribute to a vital mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Major Donors Fundraising
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Sightsavers.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Sightsavers.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Sightsavers.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Sightsavers. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Major Donors Fundraising
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Sightsavers. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Head of Major Donors Fundraising, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sightsavers
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Sightsavers. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
