Philanthropy Manager / Major Gifts Fundraising Lead

AWD online; Rugby; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 52,000

Job description

Philanthropy Manager with a strong track record of securing major gifts, expertise in major donor fundraising and exceptional relationship-building, communication and leadership/management skills, is required for an international development organisation based in Rugby, Warwickshire, West Midlands.

SALARY: £50,209 - £51,969 per annum + Benefits

LOCATION: Hybrid – a mix of office-based work in Rugby, Warwickshire and working from home

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

WORKING HOURS: 35 hours per week

JOB OVERVIEW

We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Philanthropy Manager with a strong track record of securing major gifts, expertise in major donor fundraising and exceptional relationship-building, communication and leadership/management skills.

As the Philanthropy Manager you will lead and grow the major donor programme, securing six- and seven-figure gifts that fuel transformational change.

The Philanthropy Manager will:

1. Develop and deliver an ambitious philanthropy strategy, driving sustainable income growth
2. Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and networks of high-net-worth individuals
3. Position the organisation as a thought leader in international development philanthropy, leveraging trends such as impact-based philanthropy and trust-based giving
4. Create high-quality donor experiences, from exclusive events to field visits that showcase the organisation’s life-changing work

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Your key accountabilities as Philanthropy Manager will include:

1. Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement an ambitious philanthropy strategy that delivers significant income growth from high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and foundations
2. Team Leadership: Lead and develop a small team, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring fundraising excellence
3. Collaboration & Leadership: Work closely with senior stakeholders, including Trustees, the CEO, and global teams, to leverage influence and deepen donor engagement
4. Innovation & Future-Proofing: Identify and implement innovative fundraising approaches, including digital philanthropy, giving circles, and social investment models
5. Data & Insights: Use CRM and donor analytics to inform strategy, measure impact, and drive data-led decision-making
6. Portfolio Development: Expand and diversify the philanthropic network, including engaging global high-net-worth individuals, diaspora philanthropy, and Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
7. Major Gift Fundraising: Build and steward a pipeline of major donors, personally cultivating and soliciting six and seven-figure gifts to drive sustainable long-term support
8. Engagement & Stewardship: Develop bespoke donor experiences, including high-profile events, personalised communications, and opportunities to see the organisation’s work firsthand
9. Global relationships: Working with country and regional offices, the International Directorate, the Impact & Influence Directorate and Finance, developing processes and proactively working to unblock issues crucial to successful philanthropic growth
10. Skills Development: Champion and facilitate the development of skills and capacity among fundraising staff globally in support of the philanthropy strategy

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

The organisation is looking for an experienced philanthropy professional with a passion for international development and a strong track record of securing major gifts. You will bring:

1. Proven expertise in major donor fundraising, with a track record of securing six and seven-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals and foundations
2. Strategic vision and leadership, with the ability to develop and implement successful multi-year philanthropy strategies
3. Exceptional relationship-building skills, able to engage and inspire senior donors, Trustees, and high-profile stakeholders
4. Creative and entrepreneurial mindset, with experience exploring innovative fundraising models such as impact philanthropy, digital philanthropy, and DAFs
5. Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the ability to craft compelling cases for support
6. Experience in leading and developing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of ambition, innovation, and collaboration
7. Knowledge of international development and the motivations of philanthropic donors in this space
8. A proactive, results-driven approach, with strong financial acumen and the ability to manage budgets, pipelines, and income targets
9. Cultural Sensitivity with experience of remote working, working with people from diverse backgrounds and working with multiple teams
10. Language Skills: Fluency in English required. Competence or fluency in Spanish, French and/or Arabic, desirable

WHY JOIN?

The opportunity to work for an organisation that is making a positive difference to the lives of people worldwide, a friendly and supportive culture, working with values-driven and highly engaged colleagues, work-life balance and flexible working – these are just some of the reasons why the organisation is a great place to work.

The open plan offices are located in the centre of Rugby near to the train station.

In addition, the organisation offers the following benefits:

1. Full-time roles are contracted at 35 hours per week
2. 27 days holiday in addition to public holidays
3. Hybrid/flexible working options
4. A pension scheme that new employees can join from day one of employment (rules apply) - employer contributes 10.5% of salary and the employee contributes a minimum of 5%
5. Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave
6. Life assurance (3 x annual salary)
7. Cycle to Work scheme

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The organisation treats all applications for employment fairly, regardless of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, caste, tribe, belief, age, marital status, pregnancy, caring responsibilities, sexual orientation, or disability.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults and as such candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal checks and terrorist financing.

The organisation has the right to close applications earlier than the specified date. Please be advised that if you do not hear within four weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

The successful applicant must have the pre-existing right to both live and work in the UK.

APPLY TODAY…

By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.

JOB REF: AWDO-P13229