At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategy and build relationships with major donors globally.
- Company: Join The Elders, founded by Nelson Mandela, for impactful philanthropy.
- Benefits: £70,000 salary, hybrid working, and flexible office attendance.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape the future of an influential organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global peace and justice initiatives.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in major donor fundraising and global philanthropy.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
The Elders is seeking an experienced fundraiser to grow and diversify its income, traditionally dominated by large, long-term, unrestricted donations, at an exciting point in the organisation's history. Founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, The Elders brings together independent global leaders who use their experience, influence and moral authority to work for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet. The Elders' 20th anniversary in 2027 is an opportunity to help shape the organisation's next phase of philanthropic support.
This is a stand-alone, high-impact fundraising role for someone with the experience, ambition and global perspective to build trusted relationships with major donors and other philanthropic partners around the world.
The role
Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services and working closely with the Chief Executive and The Elders' Advisory Council members, you will lead the development and implementation of The Elders' fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on securing significant unrestricted funding alongside restricted support for specific projects.
- Build strong relationships with existing donors, working closely with Advisory Council members to leverage their networks and knowledge.
- Lead the full fundraising cycle from prospect identification and cultivation through to applications, stewardship and reporting.
- Develop and manage a global pipeline of major donors, including individuals, foundations, donor-advised funds and family offices.
- Identify new philanthropic opportunities across different countries and stay abreast of global giving trends, with a focus on geographical diversification of The Elders' income.
- Develop compelling funding proposals and narratives that communicate the impact of The Elders' complex international work.
- Manage donor budgets and reporting across multiple currencies.
- Contribute to the organisation's long-term financial sustainability, including through exploring the possibility of setting up an endowment.
- Represent The Elders at donor meetings and events internationally.
With the majority of The Elders' income being unrestricted, you will play an important role in protecting the organisation's independence and ability to respond to global events. The 20th anniversary in 2027 will also provide exciting opportunities to develop new philanthropic relationships and secure funding for significant initiatives.
About you
You will have extensive experience securing major gifts of $500k+, together with a sophisticated understanding of global philanthropy, and the gravitas to represent The Elders with very senior audiences.
- Significant experience of major donor fundraising across individuals, foundations, donor-advised funds and/or family offices.
- In-depth knowledge of the US philanthropic landscape and strong understanding of European and global philanthropy, including in some Global South countries.
- Experience of cross-border giving and international fundraising, with the confidence and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships across cultures and at a senior level.
- A track record of developing fundraising strategies and building long-term donor relationships.
- Strong financial literacy, including managing donor budgets across multiple currencies.
- A flexible, hands-on and collaborative approach, with a commitment to the mission of The Elders.
- Experience of working within diplomacy, advocacy or international affairs would be particularly valuable.
The opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to join a highly respected international organisation and make a direct contribution to its financial sustainability and continued ability to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The role is based in the UK and you must have the right to work in the UK. The Elders operate a hybrid working policy, with a high degree of flexibility. Attending the office is based on need not a quota of days, with certain activities best conducted in person. They also hold monthly "in days" when the whole UK team comes together. Aside from these obligations, you would be free to choose the balance between home and The Elders' London office. International travel and some evening work across time zones will be required.
Principal Philanthropy Lead in London employer: Ygam
StreetDoctors is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering youth through impactful programmes in the London region. With a strong focus on partnership development and volunteer engagement, we foster a collaborative work culture that prioritises personal growth and professional development. Our commitment to quality standards and innovative training ensures that employees are equipped to make a meaningful difference in education and healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Philanthropy Lead in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Ygam.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Ygam.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Ygam.
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Philanthropy Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Ygam. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Principal Philanthropy Lead, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ygam
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Ygam. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
