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- Tasks: Drive philanthropic growth by managing high-impact donor relationships and crafting tailored fundraising strategies.
- Company: Join a vibrant educational institution dedicated to fostering a culture of giving.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international travel and community engagement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of fundraising, connecting passions with purpose and transforming lives.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for building relationships.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Director of Major Gifts is a frontline fundraiser responsible for driving philanthropic growth by managing a portfolio of high-impact donors. This role focuses on identifying, cultivating, and stewarding prospects capable of leadership annual, major, and planned gifts. As a key collaborator within the development team, the Director of Major Gifts aligns donor passions with institutional strategic initiatives to foster a vibrant culture of giving.
Summary of duties and responsibilities:
- Manage a targeted portfolio of 75-100 major gift prospects, developing bespoke 'moves management' plans to transition prospects into committed donors.
- Implement individualized strategies that align a prospect’s philanthropic goals with institutional needs, utilising data and research to inform appropriate ask amounts.
- Collaborate with the Director of Development and Giving Manager to draft compelling gift proposals, case statements, and donor-facing materials.
- Partner with the Director of Development Services to execute creative cultivation plans and ensure all activities, meetings, and outcomes are documented in the CRM for team-wide transparency.
- Support high-priority campaigns, special initiatives, and fundraising events. Attend school and Advancement-hosted events to build community presence.
- Work alongside Development colleagues and volunteers to deliver high-touch stewardship and impactful gift reporting.
Essential qualifications/experience:
- Substantive progressive frontline fundraising experience with a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts.
- Building and developing effective relationships.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, highly organised and a problem-solver, positive and friendly, strong people management and interpersonal skills.
- High emotional intelligence, attentive listening, and the ability to build credibility with major prospect stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel internationally and attend events outside of School hours and on weekends.
- A steadfast commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children.
Desirable qualifications/experience:
- Advanced degree preferred.
- Knowledge proficiency in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge.
- Knowledge and understanding of American and/or international educational institutions.
- Embraces continuous learning and collaborative problem-solving, contributes creativity, initiative, and teamwork to a mission-aligned development culture.
- Experience training or managing fundraising volunteers and committees.
- Ability to manage multiple relationships and projects simultaneously.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment and adjust to dynamic event schedules with ease.
- Collaborative team colleague, proactive and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.
Director of Major Gifts employer: The American School in London
Contact Detail:
The American School in London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Major Gifts
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, connect with fellow fundraisers, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential donors. Building relationships is key in this game, so get out there and make your presence known!
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared for those conversations! Research your prospects thoroughly and tailor your approach to align their philanthropic goals with what your institution needs. The more personalised your pitch, the better your chances of securing that major gift.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up, follow up, follow up! After meetings or events, send a quick thank you note or a follow-up email. It shows you care and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the conversation going!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to leverage our website! We’ve got loads of resources and opportunities that can help you land that dream job. Check it out and apply directly through us for a smoother process!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Major Gifts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Major Gifts role. Highlight your fundraising experience and how it aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. We want to see how you can drive philanthropic growth!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since exceptional verbal and written communication is key, use your application to demonstrate these skills. Write clearly and persuasively, just like you would when drafting compelling gift proposals. Let us see your flair!
Highlight Your Relationship-Building Experience: We’re looking for someone who can build effective relationships with high-impact donors. Share examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully cultivated and stewarded donor relationships. Show us how you connect with people!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The American School in London
✨Know Your Donors
Before the interview, research the organisation's current major donors and their philanthropic interests. This will help you align your strategies with their passions and demonstrate your understanding of how to cultivate those relationships effectively.
✨Showcase Your Moves Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've developed bespoke moves management plans in the past. Highlight your ability to transition prospects into committed donors by sharing successful strategies you've implemented.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex fundraising concepts or proposals. Consider preparing a compelling case statement to share during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
This position requires working closely with various team members. Be ready to provide examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles, particularly in drafting proposals or executing cultivation plans. Emphasise your ability to contribute to a vibrant culture of giving.