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Head of Major Gifts Fundraising

We are looking for a Head of Major Gifts to join the team in the rewarding role. 

Position: 1837 Head of Major Gifts

Location: Devon/hybrid (onsite attendance currently anticipated to be 1 day a week)

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Salary: £62,593 per annum

Contract: Permanent 

Closing Date: Tuesday 31 December 2024. We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised date and therefore encourage early applications.

The Role

The Major Gifts team includes managing and growing income from Major Donors, Mid-Value Donors, Trusts and Foundations as well as a small number of organisations. Through the development of new international cases for support, it is the intention to grow Major Gifts income from new and existing UK and international foundations and donors. 

As Head of Major Gifts, you will work in collaboration with the Head of Individual Giving to evolve and continuously improve fundraising activity. This role is part of the charity’s Senior Management Team and will deliver positive change to enhance the organisations approach to Major Gifts activity. 

Your main duties will include:

• Leading on the Major Gifts strategy development to produce a new Major Gifts strategy and roadmap that significantly evolves Major Giving at the Sanctuary, growing income through international grants and capital fundraising.

• Managing a number of high value accounts in collaboration with the Senior Philanthropy Manager, building strategic relationships at the highest level to deliver six figure gifts.

• Proactively identifying and delivering new income growth opportunities for Major Gifts.

• Tailoring and developing Cases for Support to attract financial support of the Sanctuary’s core work and projects, and presenting and pitching to potential significant funders.

• Represent the charity, managing and attending events and meetings with other senior staff, ambassadors, volunteers and supporters.

• Building relationships and gaining support across the organisation to quickly partner with the Major Gifts team to maximise income for the charity.

• Leading the Major Gifts team, using the charity’s performance measurement and personal development planning procedures, to train, coach, and mentor, upskilling knowledge and experience within key areas of delivery.

UK travel will be required to attend meetings with donors and events.

About You

You will have:

• Demonstrable ability to lead at a strategic senior leadership level within a Major Gifts or Philanthropy team of a similar size, with the ability to self-manage and prioritise workload.

• Relevant experience of working within animal welfare, international development, environmental or other relevant organisations.

• Substantial experience of writing Major Gifts strategies and roadmaps that sustainably grow income.

• Exemplary skills in developing and editing clear and compelling cases for support.

• Advanced Major Gifts knowledge and direct experience of securing and maintaining support of high value.

• Excellent communication, listening, diplomacy and negotiation skills.

• Proven experience in managing and reforecasting budgets, and tracking annual and multi-year forecasts and KPIs.

If you feel you have the skills and experience to fulfil this varied, rewarding and vital role, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please complete the on-line application form, which should include your uploaded curriculum vitae

Benefits include:

• Competitive pension.

• Life assurance 4 x annual salary.

• BUPA private Health cover.

• Sickness Income Protection (50% of salary)

• 31 Days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.

• Wellbeing team.

• Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.

• Long service awards.

• Healthshield plan

• Free parking

• Subsidised restaurant and shop

About the Organisation

The sanctuary is one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.

“The sanctuary is a positive place to work with friendly staff and a wonderful charity. With amazing work throughout the world, once you join you never want to leave!”

The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, 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.

You may also have experience in areas such as Major Gifts, Philanthropy, Fundraising, Individual Giving, Head of Major Gifts, Head of Philanthropy, Head of Fundraising, Head of Individual Giving, Head of Fundraising Major Gifts, Director of Fundraising, Director of Major Gifts.  

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation