Philanthropy Manager in London

About Smile Train

Smile Train is changing the world one smile at a time. Our goal is to transform every person's life impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our beneficiaries with free, life-changing comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach 1.5 million children in 90+ countries, and we’re just starting. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time.

Smile Train is looking for exceptional people to join a worldwide team of dedicated, passionate professionals. Our team is creative and highly motivated individuals working to make a positive impact. Join us!

Role Summary:

We are looking for a highly-skilled Philanthropy Manager to create impact through building and growing our high-value donor programme. You will effectively manage a portfolio of high-capacity individual donors and prospects, with the goal of securing five- and six-figure gifts and will proactively engage donors and prospects through strategic outreach, personalized stewardship, and compelling solicitations. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated relationship builder who thrives in a fast-paced, vision-driven environment. This is a full-time, hybrid opportunity starting as soon as possible. Ability to travel, when necessary, for donor visits and organizational events is required.

Reports To: UK Fundraising Director

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for a portfolio of approximately 130 mid-level and major donors and prospects with the capacity to make 5- and low 6-figure annual gifts.
• Effectively complete the moves management process and engage a portfolio of donors through meaningful connections including phone calls, personalized emails and mailings, face-to-face meetings, and other communications.
• Create a plan for each donor to serve as the annual engagement plan, effectively and, in a timely manner, execute that plan to retain and upgrade donors, and document all activities in Moves Management and/or Tasks in the database.
• Prepare and personalize correspondence and fundraising materials, including donor stewardship and impact reports, funding proposals, briefing memos, and acknowledgment letters as appropriate.
• Provide recommendations and assist in executing effective strategies to practice moves management and increase fundraising results.
• Assist the UK Director with developing projects that will enhance the philanthropy programme of the Development Department and support developing strategy briefs and leading preparation meetings.
• Help produce cultivation and stewardship programs for prospects and mid-level and major donors.
• Organise events for major donors and prospects.
• Complete research on major donors and prospects within data compliance requirements.
• Complete administrative tasks for the philanthropy programme.

Essential functions:

• Sitting

Supervisory responsibilities: None

Required Education and Experience:

• 5+ years of relevant experience with exposure to major gift donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship processes preferred.
• A proven history of generating income in the £100,000’s and securing gifts of £25,000 or more.
• Demonstrated success in developing substantive donor relationships and in coordinating with senior management and program staff to execute donor engagement strategies.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills and strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with both management and donors.
• Extremely detail-oriented with strong organisational and time management skills.
• Able to take ownership of a process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues.
• Able to make sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.
• Able to function both independently and as part of a global team.
• Familiar with the MS Office and donor management systems. Knowledge of Salesforce preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, although an equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for this required level of education.

Accountability Expectations:

• Ownership of Outcomes: Take full responsibility for one’s own performance, ensuring alignment with Smile Train’s mission and objectives.
• Transparent Communication: Communicate openly and effectively with team members, fostering trust and a shared understanding of expectations and priorities.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and cultural sensitivity to contribute to an inclusive and supportive team environment.
• Empowerment: Effectively communicate with supervisors to ensure you are equipped with the resources, guidance, and autonomy you need to excel in your role.
• Team Cohesion: Contribute to a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared accountability, helping the team to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Compensation Range: £45-£47K

Travel: Ability to travel, when necessary, for donor visits and organizational events is required.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, obligations, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Application Information: Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply. To apply, please complete the application online. Include your CV, and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.