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- Tasks: Lead major donor fundraising, building relationships with high-net-worth individuals and corporates.
- Company: Join a passionate team at SJEHG, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to represent SJEHG at events and engage with senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by securing vital funding for important causes.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in fundraising with a proven track record of securing high-value gifts.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Department: London Office
Reports to: Executive Director, UK
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (9am-5.00pm) Monday to Friday
Date formulated: April 2026
SJEHG has a loyal and committed donor base and is now seeking to significantly grow its major donor portfolio, focusing on high-net-worth individuals, corporates, and legacies. Reporting to the EDUK, who retains overall strategic oversight of the major donor programme, you will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major donors, contributing to the wider fundraising strategy and delivering agreed income targets. Working closely with the EDUK, and other colleagues, the postholder will play a central role in strengthening and expanding SJEHG’s high-value income streams. This is a key role within a small, ambitious and high-performing team. The successful candidate will bring a proactive, strategic and relationship-led approach with a strong track record of securing high-value gifts.
Key Criteria for success:- Deliver and grow income from high-net-worth individuals, corporates and legacies in line with agreed annual targets.
- Develop and actively manage a strong pipeline of prospects, successfully progressing them from identification through to secured gifts and long-term support.
- Establish and deepen meaningful relationships with major donors, resulting in high retention, increased giving, and long-term engagement.
- Lead and support the successful solicitation of five- and six-figure gifts, working closely with senior stakeholders to maximise opportunities.
- Provide tailored, high-quality stewardship that reflects donor motivations and drives repeat giving, upgrades, and legacy commitments.
- Lead the delivery of SJEHG’s major donor programme, focusing on high-net-worth individuals, corporates and legacies, in line with agreed strategic priorities.
- Research and develop a robust pipeline of past, current and prospective major donors.
- Build and manage a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and prospects, including those with potential for legacy-giving, delivering exceptional relationship management.
- Be accountable for achieving income targets agreed with the EDUK.
- Engage with senior stakeholders, including the CEO, Senior Management Team and Trustees, to strengthen donor relationships, supporting the solicitation of major gifts in partnership with the EDUK.
- Develop tailored engagement and stewardship plans based on donor motivations, interests and giving capacity, including identifying and developing legacy-giving opportunities.
- Coordinate the delivery and ongoing development of SJEHG’s Friends scheme (regular giving programme), in consultation with the EDUK.
- Lead on the identification and development of legacy-giving opportunities within the major donor portfolio, contributing to the longer-term strategy.
- Lead on the effective use and ongoing development of Raiser’s Edge to support donor management, segmentation, reporting and strategic decision-making; taking responsibility for the day-to-day upkeep of major donor records.
- Ensure all secured income is accurately recorded and reported to the Finance team in line with organisational procedures.
- Collaborate with colleagues in London and Jerusalem to ensure alignment of donor communications, campaigns and messaging.
- Develop compelling cases for support and bespoke funding proposals in line with agreed organisational priorities, in consultation with the EDUK and other colleagues, where appropriate.
- Contribute to financial planning by identifying funding opportunities and aligning donor strategies with organisational needs and priorities.
- Support the EDUK in developing relationships with UK and European St John Priories and Establishments, identifying and cultivating new major donor opportunities.
- Support and deputise for the Senior Grants & Partnerships Officer and Community Fundraising Officer as required, particularly in relation to high-value donors and partners.
- Represent SJEHG at events and external engagements, acting as an ambassador for the organisation.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent career experience.
- 5 years + fundraising experience with a demonstrable track record of securing five and six-figure gifts from high-value donors (individuals, corporates and/or partners).
- Proven experience of building and managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, senior stakeholders and/or corporates.
- Demonstrable experience of developing and managing donor pipelines, from prospecting to stewardship.
- Experience of using CRM systems (ideally Raiser’s Edge) to manage donor data, segment audiences and support.
- Experience of working to and achieving financial targets.
- Strong understanding of fundraising principles and best practices, including data protection.
- Highly-organised, proactive and self-motivated, with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Highly proficient with Microsoft Office systems.
- Ability to work outside of contracted hours, as required.
- Ability to travel overseas, as required, and represent SJEHG at events and functions.
- Commitment to team working and sharing the department responsibilities.
- Commitment to the mission and values of St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital.
- Experience of fundraising within an international development or humanitarian context.
- Experience of developing fundraising strategies.
- Experience of engaging and supporting board members or other senior stakeholders in donor cultivation or solicitation.
- Experience of delivering donor engagement events and high-value fundraising activities.
- Experience of managing senior volunteers.
Senior Major Donor Fundraising Officer in London employer: St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group
Contact Detail:
St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Major Donor Fundraising Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your approach. Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you; create them! Research high-net-worth individuals and corporates that align with SJEHG’s mission and reach out to them directly. Show them how they can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your pitch! When you do get the chance to speak with potential donors, make sure you’ve done your homework. Understand their motivations and interests, and craft your message to resonate with them. Personalisation goes a long way in securing those major gifts.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up and keep the conversation going. After your initial contact, don’t just disappear! Send a thank-you note, share updates about SJEHG, and keep them engaged. Building long-term relationships is crucial for ongoing support and legacy-giving opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Major Donor Fundraising Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in securing high-value gifts. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific requirements of the Senior Major Donor Fundraising Officer role.
Showcase Your Relationships: Don’t just list your achievements; tell us about the meaningful relationships you've built with major donors. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a proactive, strategic approach to donor engagement, so share those success stories!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and experiences. Remember, we appreciate clarity as much as creativity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group
✨Know Your Donors
Before the interview, research SJEHG’s current major donors and their giving history. Understanding who they are and what motivates them will help you demonstrate your ability to cultivate and manage these relationships effectively.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully secured five- and six-figure gifts in the past. Be ready to discuss your strategies for building donor pipelines and how you’ve engaged high-net-worth individuals or corporates.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would contribute to SJEHG’s fundraising strategy. Be prepared to discuss your approach to identifying new major donor opportunities and how you would develop tailored stewardship plans based on donor motivations.
✨Engage with the Team
Since this role involves collaboration with senior stakeholders, be ready to talk about your experience working with teams. Highlight how you’ve successfully engaged with senior management or board members in previous roles to strengthen donor relationships.