Fundraising Manager

There has never been a more exciting time to join National Literacy Trust, with an ambitious Director of Fundraising focused on growth, a CEO brimming with ideas and energy, a compelling and unique case for support, and the whole organisation united behind fundraising.

This is a brand new role in the team which will lead on developing and establishing a sustainable major donor programme.

With an increase in reactive giving from HNWIs, this role has been created to capitalise on these opportunities whilst also setting the foundations for a continued proactive major donor programme.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone to spearhead and shape this income stream which has real potential for success. We’re seeking an innovative fundraiser who can use their relationship building skills to cultivate and engage HNWIs. You will work closely with internal colleagues to build traction for the programme, lead on developing a strong pipeline of prospects, and steward existing donors.

As Major Donor Manager, you will: 

• Lead the development and delivery of a major giving programme to build it into a sustainable income stream
• Build a robust pipeline of prospects and proactively carry out detailed prospect research
• Support and steward a portfolio of major donors giving up to £50k, providing excellent stewardship
• Develop personal engagement plans for donors and prospects, using knowledge and insights to plan appropriate communications
• Develop high value cultivation events to engage donors and prospects with the work of the charity

Ideal skills and experience:

• Experience in a relationship-focused role with demonstrable examples of stewarding and soliciting gifts
• Ability to think creatively about major donor fundraising, identifying opportunities for increased engagement among existing donors and prospects, fostering a strong sense of connection to the charity’s mission
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, and someone who can develop rapport with stakeholders of all levels forging effective and collaborative working relationships
• Experience developing a donor pipeline and conducting effective prospect research

Benefits include:

• 39 days of annual leave per year (pro rata for part-time staff), made up of 28 days’ annual leave plus the closure of the office on all bank holidays and from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day inclusive
• 8% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and shared parental leave and pay policy – after 1 year of service, employees are entitled to 12 weeks on half pay in additional to statutory entitlements, with two weeks of paternity leave at full pay (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership, dental plans, health assessments, shopping and leisure venues