Major Donor Manager

Liberty works to defend civil liberties and human rights in the UK and is now in its 90th year. The organisation focuses on a range of issues, from privacy and state surveillance, to protest, discriminatory policing, the criminalisation of poverty, and trans-rights.

Through a combination of policy advocacy, litigation, legal education, campaigning, and journalism, Liberty promotes and protects human rights and civil liberties. They work to ensure that individuals are treated fairly and justly by the government and other institutions, challenging laws and policies that may infringe on fundamental rights.

We are delighted to be partnering with Liberty in their search for a Major Donor Manager who will play a pivotal role in securing vital funds for Liberty’s impactful work. This is a reworked position for the organisation, leading on Major Donor income and reporting to the Head of Philanthropy.

As Major Donor Manager,  you will build relationships and develop existing relationships with high-value donors, inspiring them to support Liberty’s fight for a fairer, more equal society. You will be responsible for the line management of a team of three Philanthropy Officers, supporting them to achieve objectives and targets whilst their income responsibilities sit with the Head of Philanthropy.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Major Donor Manager who wants to expand their income stream knowledge and experience whilst making their own mark on a Major Donor programme with untapped potential.

As Major Donor Manager, you will: 

• Be responsible for the development of the Major Donor programme, with the goal of moving the programme from a reactive programme to proactive. (Current income of c.£170k, with target of £200k)
• Coach, develop and mentor a team of three Philanthropy Officers
• Work with the individual giving team on the development of a mid-value programme with a view of creating a new pool of Major Donors
• Work with the SLT, coordinating and supporting the efforts to making Major Donor asks to their networks
• Create and deliver bespoke Major Donor events to connect with donors and showcase Liberty’s work, maximising on relationships with the senior legacy community
• Develop and implement strategies to cultivate and steward relationships with donors
• Track Major Donor fundraising progress, providing reporting and analysis as required

Ideal skills and experience:

• An experienced Major Donor Manager with the ability to work with autonomy to develop the Major Donor portfolio, working with ambition and creativity to drive Major Donor fundraising forward
• Experience of successfully developing 5-figure asks with proven ability to manage an existing portfolio, prospecting for new donors, and stewardship of the existing base
• Strong team management experience and enjoys developing their teams
• Experience of working at other human rights organisations is of interest, candidates will need to be able to understand the complex work Liberty does and convey messages to the Major Donor audience informing of the tangible impact their donation will have
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a fast paced but highly supportive environment
• A passion for human rights and Liberty’s mission of defending civil liberties
• A commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment

Employee benefits include: 

• 26 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Discretionary leave between Christmas and new year
• Option to carry forward 6 days annual leave per year
• Enhanced occupational sick pay
• Enhanced family leave pay
• For those meeting the eligibility requirements for SMP, 3 months full maternity/adoption at full pay plus three months half-pay (with opportunity for the second 3 months to be topped up to 90% full pay – please discuss)
• 4-weeks paternity/secondary adopter leave at full pay
• 5% employer contribution pension