At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Major Gifts programme to secure funding and build strong donor relationships.
- Company: Join The Donkey Sanctuary, a global leader in animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 31 days holiday, health benefits, and a supportive wellbeing team.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful location with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for donkeys while developing your fundraising skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in major gifts fundraising and excellent relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide.
Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day.
We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships.
These are ambitious times for the Charity as we have recently launched a new strategy that sees us growing our impact across the world exponentially.
We have an exciting opportunity for a proactive and professional individual with outstanding relationship building and influencing skills to join our dedicated Fundraising Department.
As Major Gifts Manager, you will drive the development and delivery of the Major Gifts programme in line with agreed annual targets and the wider Fundraising Strategy.
Working closely with the Head of Major Gifts, you will continuously evolve and strengthen our approach, ensuring a highly joined-up, donor-centred model across the organisation, focusing on deepening high-value relationships, increasing sustainable income, and building a strong, forward-looking pipeline of support.
About you
- Significant experience of managing, developing, and delivering major gifts programmes, including trust and foundation income.
- Proven ability to cultivate and secure new major gifts, alongside building and managing a robust future pipeline.
- Extensive experience of building and stewarding effective relationships with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, charitable trusts, and major donors.
- A well-developed understanding of monitoring, evaluation, and performance analysis to inform decision-making.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage clearly, confidently, and diplomatically with a range of stakeholders
- Strong track record of consistently meeting or exceeding personal fundraising targets.
- Advanced influencing skills, with the ability to deliver objectives through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
About the role
- Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –
- Inputting into and delivering the Major Gifts Strategy and improving the Major Gift portfolio and performance.
- Delivering and reporting on agreed projects, fundraising targets and KPIs.
- Proactively identifying and delivering new fundraising donors and income growth opportunities within Major Gifts.
- Leading on selected donor cultivation and stewardship projects to support sustainable income growth in Major Gifts, including events and other opportunities;
- Personally securing, managing and stewarding a portfolio of active Mid-Value, Major Donors and Charitable Trusts, forging and maintaining strong and enduring relationships.
- Supporting and growing the Major Gifts cultivation programme and pipeline to grow funders' understanding of the diversity of the charity's work.
- Being agile to changing market conditions and trends and working with the Head of Major Gifts to relay this into cultivation and stewardship.
What we offer in return
This is a full-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 35 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday-Friday.
This role is based at our site based in Sidmouth, East Devon – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and we offer hybrid working, with the requirement for site attendance currently estimated to be one day per week.
We are keen to make the role work for you, and will consider flexible working patterns, where required.
Life assurance – 2 x annual salary.
Healthshield.
31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service.
Wellbeing team.
Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
Long service awards.
- Healthshield plan –
- Reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership.
- Offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets.
- Access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service.
Free parking.
Subsidised restaurant and shop.
Closing date for completed applications: Wednesday 26 August 2026.
The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer.
The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment.
Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.
The Donkey Sanctuary also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, for relevant posts, may request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
Please note: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.
- Other Opportunities at The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
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Major Gifts Manager (2278) in Sidmouth employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling opportunity for Groundworkers at our Weston farm location. With a strong commitment to animal welfare, we foster a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional growth, providing employees with training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of donkeys worldwide. Join us in a role where your skills will contribute to vital projects while enjoying a competitive salary and the satisfaction of working for a charity dedicated to improving animal welfare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Major Gifts Manager (2278) in Sidmouth
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like The Donkey Sanctuary.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of The Donkey Sanctuary, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at The Donkey Sanctuary. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Major Gifts Manager (2278) in Sidmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that The Donkey Sanctuary supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of The Donkey Sanctuary. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Major Gifts Manager (2278) role at The Donkey Sanctuary. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of The Donkey Sanctuary. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at The Donkey Sanctuary.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for The Donkey Sanctuary. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
