Philanthropy Manager

Smile Train; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charitable organization is seeking a Philanthropy Manager to enhance donor engagement and generate major gifts. The role primarily involves maintaining key donor relationships, developing fundraising strategies, and organizing donor events. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience in major gift fundraising and strong interpersonal skills. This position allows for flexible working, mostly from home, with necessary travel to London for meetings.

Benefits

Flexible working

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in major gift fundraising.
• Proven track record of generating substantial income.
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and implement strategies for major donors.
• Conduct meetings with donors and prospects.
• Assist with developing projects for the fundraising department.

Skills

Major gift donor cultivation

Strong interpersonal skills

Time management skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Salesforce

MS Office

Job description

Smile Train is changing the world one smile at a time. Our goal is to transform every person's life impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our beneficiaries with free, lifechanging comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach 1.5 million children in 90+ countries and we’re just starting. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time. Join us!

Reports To: UK Fundraising Director

Summary

We are looking for a highly skilled Philanthropy Manager with demonstrated experience, preferably within the charity sector or comparable commercial environment. The role will involve primarily working from home and must be situated in or near London to attend regular in person meetings with key staff.

Key responsibilities

1. Maintain a portfolio of 50 – 70 major donors and prospects by creating and implementing strategies for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors with the capacity to make 5 and low 6-figure annual gifts (bigger gifts would fall to the Vice President, International Development and UK Fundraising Director).
2. Conduct 75 to 100 meetings with donors and prospects annually through one‑on‑one meetings, site visits, and other types of meaningful contact.
3. Provide recommendations and assist in executing effective strategies to practice moves management and increase fundraising results.
4. Write and create customised proposals and presentations for major donors.
5. In coordination with the UK Fundraising Director, assist with developing projects that will enhance the major giving operations of the Development Department and support them by developing strategy briefs and leading preparation meetings.
6. Help produce cultivation and stewardship programs for prospects and major donors.
7. Organise at least two major donor events each year.
8. Organising research on major donors as well as conducting supplemental research.
9. Ensure all key administrative tasks for the philanthropy programme are taken care of.
10. Other duties as are appropriate for this role.

Travel

There is limited but regular travel into London for regular team meetings as well as travel as needed around the UK for meetings with major donors.

Required Education and Experience

1. 5+ years of relevant experience with exposure to major gift donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship processes preferred.
2. A proven history of generating income in the £100,000’s and securing gifts of £25,000 or more.
3. Demonstrated success in developing substantive donor relationships and in supporting senior management, program staff, to execute donor and engagement strategies.
4. Excellent verbal and written communications skills and strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with both management and donors.
5. Extremely detail-oriented with strong organisational and time management skills.
6. Able to take ownership of a process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues.
7. Able to make sound decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
8. Able to function both independently and as part of a global team.
9. Familiar with the MS Office and donor management systems. Knowledge of Salesforce preferred.
10. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, although an equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for this required level of education.

Application Information

Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply. To apply, please complete the application online. Include your CV, a writing sample – an existing example of your writing; no need to create something new – and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, obligations, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.