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- Tasks: Drive philanthropic growth by managing high-impact donor relationships and securing major gifts.
- Company: Join a vibrant institution dedicated to fostering a culture of giving.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by connecting donors with impactful initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and exceptional communication skills required.
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend events, engage with potential donors, and connect with fellow fundraisers. Building relationships is key to landing that major gift role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for philanthropy! When you meet prospects, share stories that highlight your commitment to the cause. Authenticity goes a long way in making connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in following up! After meetings or events, send personalised thank-you notes or updates. This keeps you on their radar and shows you value their time and interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals who align with our mission. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our team and make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Major Gifts in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for philanthropy shine through! We want to see how your values align with our mission and how you can contribute to fostering a vibrant culture of giving.
Tailor Your Approach: Make sure to customise your application for the Director of Major Gifts role. Highlight your experience in managing high-impact donor relationships and how you've successfully secured major gifts in the past. We love seeing specific examples!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas, and don’t forget to proofread! We appreciate well-organised applications that are easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our 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 experience with their values and demonstrate your understanding of how to cultivate relationships with high-impact prospects.
✨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 your fundraising achievements and how they align with the institution's strategic initiatives.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various team members, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Emphasise your ability to work alongside colleagues and volunteers to achieve common goals in a fast-paced environment.