Philanthropy Lead (FTC)

Comic Relief; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Comic Relief in London is seeking a Philanthropy Lead to shape and execute our strategy for major gifts. You will collaborate with colleagues across funding and programmes to craft compelling propositions and secure gifts in the six- and seven-figure range.

You will build a robust UHNW pipeline, manage senior donor relationships, and line-manage the Philanthropy Manager and Intelligence Manager while driving revenue growth aligned to our five-year plan.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in developing and delivering philanthropy strategies.
• Experience securing multi‑million gifts from UHNW individuals or family foundations.
• Strong relationship management and senior stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to lead teams and collaborate across fundraising functions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the philanthropy strategy aligned to organisational aims.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of UHNW donors.
• Lead events and engagement activities for prospects and donors.
• Line manage the Philanthropy Manager and Prospect & Partnership Intelligence Manager.
• Represent Comic Relief in philanthropic circles and networks.
• Drive revenue growth and pipeline development.
• Collaborate with Talent and Funding teams to reach audiences.
• Ensure accountability for annual revenue targets.
• Cultivate high-level donor relationships.

Skills

Philanthropy strategy

Major Gifts

Stakeholder management

Fundraising leadership

Networking

Education

Degree in related field

Job description

As our Philanthropy Lead, you will continue to develop and implement our strategy for growth in this area. Collaborating with a spectrum of colleagues including those from our funding team, you will create compelling funding propositions, and secure gifts spanning figures in the six and seven digits. We are at the beginning of a new 5 year strategy and this role will work towards ambitious growth targets at an important time of development for the organisation.

Key responsibilities:

• To develop, deliver and monitor Comic Relief’s strategy for engagement of ultra-high net worth and high net worth individuals in line with our mission
• To develop a robust prospect pipeline, effectively cultivate prospects and manage and steward relationships with existing donors
• To deliver and/or support with engagement events for prospects and donors, working with the Life Presidents, Trustees and other teams at Comic Relief as needed
• To work closely with the Funding Team to create compelling propositions for high net worth individuals
• To secure new supporters for our major giving product (launched earlier this year)
• To line manage the Philanthropy Manager and Prospect & Partnership Intelligence Manager
• To represent Comic Relief in relevant philanthropic circles, specifically targeting next generation donors, wealth advisers, intermediaries and talent ecosystems
• To be results oriented while creatively develop new ways of reaching and communicating with our target audience of philanthropists, driving income against an agreed target and documenting learning to seek constant improvement
• To work closely with Talent to identify artists and their ecosystems who have the capacity and propensity to give financially and leverage support through networks
• Drive accountability for annual revenue generation exceeding £2million, with a focus on consistent year-on-year growth and pipeline development
• Solid experience of developing and delivering a philanthropy strategy which contributes to the organisations overall strategic aims on income and relationships.
• Solid experience of securing 5 and 6 figure gifts from philanthropists and/or family foundations
• Solid experience of high-level relationship management and support which enables senior stakeholder to grow income and networks
• Exceptional communication, networking, influencing, negotiating and persuading skills.
• Strategic Thinker – able to evaluate decisions in the short, medium and long term.
• Building and sustaining effective working relationships both internally and externally.
• Experience of securing 7 figure gifts and working with leading philanthropist
• Strong sector knowledge and a familiarity with the charitable/funding sector
• Experience with innovative outreach and creativity in developing new methods to reach and engage target audiences of philanthropists, along with a knack for driving income growth and leveraging insights for continuous improvement.