UK Advancement Lead

A21; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A21 in London is seeking a UK Advancement Lead to grow fundraising across the UK and Europe, building major gifts, trusts, foundations, and donor partnerships.

You will work with Global Advancement to translate strategy into the UK context, manage donor relationships, run events, and deliver strategic revenue growth within a dynamic global nonprofit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven ability to build donor relationships and solicit high-level gifts.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Experience coordinating with cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of UK fundraising landscape and donor expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead UK fundraising strategy across major gifts, mid-level giving, trusts and foundations, and grants.
• Analyse UK donor behaviour, market trends, and fundraising performance to identify growth opportunities.
• Develop annual fundraising targets, revenue forecasts, and priorities with Global Advancement and UK team.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors and funders to secure ongoing support.
• Collaborate with Advancement, Marketing, Mobilisation, Programmes and Finance to gather data and ensure alignment.
• Ensure compliance with UK fundraising regulations and internal policies across activities.

Skills

Donor relations

Major gifts

Grants & foundations

Fundraising strategy

Stakeholder management

Event fundraising

UK fundraising knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience

Job description

WE ARE A21

At A21, we are fueled by radical hope—the kind that refuses to accept that slavery is someone else’s problem.

We believe that freedom is possible, and we work every day to make that belief a reality.

We are a global nonprofit organization on a mission to abolish slavery everywhere, forever. For more than 18 years, we’ve assisted people from human trafficking and walked with them through the journey of restoration. We stand on the frontlines, not just to fight for justice - but to build a world where every person is free.

In a single moment, a number becomes a name, a tragedy becomes a victory, and belief becomes action.

Freedom is the goal - for every human being on the planet.

NOW HIRING: UK Advancement Lead

Location: London, United Kingdom | Full-time | Applications without a thoughtful cover letter will not be considered.

THE ROLE

The UK Advancement Lead plays a critical role in resourcing A21’s mission by leading and growing our fundraising efforts across the UK and Europe. This role is responsible for identifying, developing, and stewarding financial partnerships that enable A21 to combat human trafficking and support survivors effectively. This role will design and deliver comprehensive fundraising strategies to increase support from a diverse range of income streams, including major donors, mid-level donors, mass donors, foundations, grants, and charitable trusts. This role will also support the planning and delivery of targeted fundraising events that connect new and existing supporters with A21’s work and inspire sustained giving.

Working closely with the global Advancement team and broader UK team, this position will help translate and implement A21’s global fundraising strategy within the UK context–ensuring strategic alignment while responding to local opportunities, donor expectations, and the dynamics of the UK philanthropic landscape. This role requires a strong understanding of UK fundraising, exceptional relationship‑building skills, and a proven ability to grow, cultivate, and steward donor relationships over time. The UK Advancement Lead will work closely with Mobilisation and the broader UK team to create connected pathways for engagement, maximise opportunities for donor and partner impact, and build long‑term relationships that advance A21’s mission across the UK and Europe.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Revenue Strategy

• Develop and lead A21’s UK fundraising strategy across key income streams, including major gifts, mid‑level and mass giving, trusts and foundations, and grants.
• Analyse UK donor behaviour, market trends, and fundraising performance, using sector benchmarks and insights to identify opportunities for growth and diversification.
• Develop annual fundraising targets, revenue forecasts, and strategic priorities in partnership with Global Advancement and Data teams.
• Monitor performance against targets, pipeline health, and key fundraising indicators, adapting strategy and resourcing as needed to maximise revenue and long‑term sustainability.
• Produce regular fundraising reports and insights to inform strategic decision‑making and organisational planning.
• Provide guidance and feedback on UK‑specific fundraising and donor communications in collaboration with the global Marketing and Advancement teams.

Major Donor Cultivation & Solicitation

• Build, deepen, and steward relationships with existing major donors, strengthening trust, engagement and long‑term investment in A21’s mission.
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate prospective major donors, developing tailored engagement strategies and compelling cases for support.
• Conduct regular face‑to‑face and virtual meetings with current and prospective major donors to understand their interests, build alignment, and advance relationships toward increased and sustained giving.
• Develop opportunities for major donors to engage more deeply with A21 through impact trips, webinars, events, and other experiences that connect them to A21’s global work and impact.
• Equip and inspire major donors to expand A21’s network through introductions, gatherings, peer engagement, and other relationship‑building opportunities.

Trusts, Foundations & Grant Funding

• Develop and deliver a strategy to grow income from UK charitable trusts, foundations, and grant‑making bodies.
• Research, identify, and prioritise prospective funders whose interests align with A21’s programmes and strategic priorities.
• Build and maintain a strong funding pipeline, overseeing the full grant lifecycle from prospecting and cultivation through application, award, reporting, and renewal.
• Develop compelling, high‑quality grant applications, proposals, cases for support, and funder communications tailored to individual funder priorities.
• Build and steward strong relationships with current and prospective funders, creating opportunities for continued and increased support.
• Collaborate across Advancement, Marketing, Mobilisation, Programmes, and Finance to gather relevant data, budgets, impact stories, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain oversight of grant deadlines, reporting requirements, funding commitments, and renewal opportunities.

Donor Experience & Stewardship

• Develop and implement strategies to grow participation and revenue from A21’s monthly giving and sponsorship programmes.
• Strengthen donor retention and stewardship strategies, ensuring supporters feel valued, informed, connected, and inspired to continue their partnership with A21.
• Identify opportunities to optimise giving pathways, donor journeys, and engagement experiences in collaboration with relevant global teams.
• Ensure a high‑quality and consistent donor experience across all touchpoints, including:
  • Timely and personalised acknowledgement and thank‑you processes
  • End‑of‑year giving summaries and donor reporting
  • Meaningful impact communications and updates
  • Accurate and consistent donor records within the CRM
• Respond to donor enquiries with care, professionalism, and relational excellence.

Collaboration & Team Support

• Work closely with the Global Advancement team to align UK fundraising priorities, strategies and activities with A21’s global fundraising objectives.
• Partner with Mobilisation, Marketing, Communications, Programmes and other teams to create coordinated pathways for donor engagement and partnership.
• Support the delivery of the Global Freedom Summit and other key A21 fundraising, cultivation and donor engagement initiatives alongside the UK team.
• Represent and speak on behalf of A21 alongside the UK team at partner events, churches, businesses, conferences, networking opportunities and other external engagements as required.
• Attend and actively support key partner initiatives, including Freedom Sundays and other church, business and community events, working alongside the Mobilisation team to strengthen relationships and represent A21’s work.
• Contribute to UK team meetings and gatherings, helping to communicate updates, facilitate discussions, and lead or contribute to relevant areas when required.
• Represent A21 at relevant UK charity sector events, conferences, networks, and other opportunities to strengthen relationships, visibility, and sector knowledge.
• Share UK market insights, donor intelligence, and fundraising learnings with the broader team to strengthen A21’s overall fundraising strategy.
• Foster a safe, fair, collaborative and supportive environment for staff, volunteers, donors and visitors.

Reporting & Finance

• Implement and uphold A21 policies, systems, standards and procedures in alignment with the global organisational framework.
• Ensure confidentiality, safeguarding, compliance and appropriate data protection standards are maintained across all activities.
• Liaise with the Global Finance team and UK accountant, as required, to support UK banking, financial reporting, compliance and other operational requirements.
• Assist with audits, financial reviews and regulatory requirements, providing accurate documentation and appropriate oversight.
• Ensure fundraising and donor activity is conducted in accordance with applicable UK regulations, A21 policies and organisational standards.

WHO YOU ARE

The successful candidate will bring a combination of strategic thinking, relational strength and practical fundraising experience, alongside a deep alignment with A21's mission and values. Additionally, they will have:

• • Demonstrated ability to build and steward strong relationships with donors, partners and organisational leaders, with confidence engaging individuals with high giving capacity.
  • Proven experience cultivating and managing donor relationships, guiding supporters toward joyful, sustained financial investment.
  • Experience communicating effectively with senior leaders, high‑net‑worth individuals, and professional audiences in a way that is informed, compelling and values‑driven.
  • Strong analytical capability, with the ability to evaluate fundraising strategies and outcomes and adapt approaches based on insight and performance.
  • Experience contributing to or leading fundraising or engagement campaigns that result in increased supporter acquisition, deeper engagement, and growth in giving.
  • Highly self‑motivated, organised and disciplined, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
  • A proactive problem solver with a solutions‑focused mindset and resilience in the face of challenge.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen well, communicate clearly and build trust across a wide range of personalities and contexts.
  • Confident presenter with the ability to represent A21 professionally in meetings, events and public settings.
  • Demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, discretion and professionalism.
  • Maintains a positive, collaborative and adaptable approach to work.
  • Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required.