Head Of Major Gifts And Special Events

Hours: 35 hours per week (part time and compressed hours considered)

About the role and team:

Maximising the value and contribution of our supporters is fundamental to Parkinson’s UK delivering the impact we want to see for people affected by Parkinson's. Building networks, understanding what motivates our supporters, and aligning our programmes to their charitable interests is key to our growth plans for Major Gifts. 

Our Major Gifts and Special Events function are an established and dynamic team of 19 colleagues. We have a well established programme raising circa £7 million a year across the department to fund our vital work. 

This critical role will lead the philanthropy, trust and statutory, Special Events and prospect research and insights teams. Parkinson’s UK has just outlined a refreshed strategy to ensure everyone affected by Parkinson’s can receive the support they need. This role will lead the delivery of the charity’s established high value fundraising -  securing substantial donations and providing a first class supporter experience to our valued supporters. Building from a position of growth you will lead the teams to grow our income further. 

You will work with colleagues and leaders across the charity to identify prospects and opportunities to give at a transformational level. You will present and inspire philanthropic support for our work including our support services and our Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech drug development programme which is leading the way in driving forward new pioneering treatments. You will also be an active member of the Fundraising Leadership Team collaboratively with leaders across Fundraising and Engagement.  

We are also planning to launch a multi year fundraising appeal in early 2024 and you will be instrumental to delivering the private phase of this campaign.  

This is an exciting time to join Parkinson’s UK and our team as we continue to evolve and grow. 

What you’ll do:

• Lead and inspire your team to  implement the Major Gifts and Special Events growth strategy across multiple teams

• Deliver an annual income target of circa 7m in raised voluntary income - effectively forecasting and monitoring and reporting back on performance throughout the year. This includes ensuring strong pipeline management 

• Deliver a range of audience led cultivation and Special fundraising events designed to engage our supporters,  and open up new networks, committees and fundraising influencers

• Lead on the private phase of multi-year, multi-million pound 3 year charity appeal 

• As a senior leader and key member of the Fundraising and Experience Leadership team, you will play an active and strategic role in  the wider strategy, priorities and project delivery, including  our CRM migration project 

What you’ll bring:

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage and coach a team to inspire, motivate and develop high performance 

• Experience of managing a large annual income target (£3m+) to drive continued growth and ensure targets are met 

• Personal experience of philanthropic fundraising including a record of securing 7 figure Gifts and multi year commitments

• Detailed understanding of Special Events delivery both for income generation and cultivation and stewardship

Whilst this is advertised as a full time position, we are committed to being flexible in our roles and would consider part time working and compressed hours. Please specify in your supporting statement if you are interested in a specific working pattern.

Interviews will be held w/c 19 February 2023

Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.