Senior Major Donor Fundraising Officer

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.

Main responsibilities:

• 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.

Person Specification:

• 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.