Major Donor Manager

FareShare

Job Description – Major Donor Manager 

Reporting to: Senior Major Donor Manager

Location: Hybrid / London

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 Hours

Salary:  £41,000-£45,000              

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident Employer that welcome disabled applicants and provide reasonable adjustments.

About FareShare

FareShare is the UK’s largest food redistribution charity, working with a network of 18 independent organisations to make sure good quality surplus food reaches people who need it most, rather than being wasted. We rescue food from farms, factories, supermarkets and food outlets and send it to almost 9,000 charities working on the frontline to support their communities. FareShare food nourishes people in need and connects them with vital support services to help them build a brighter future.

Every day, millions of people skip meals or go without any food, driven to food insecurity by the cost of living crisis. Yet at the same time, over three million tonnes of good to eat food goes to waste in the UK – enough for 7 billion meals.

In 2022/23, FareShare redistributed enough food for almost 130 million meals, but we know there is more food out there that could be used to support communities in need rather than needlessly wasted. This is an exciting time to join FareShare, as we embark on a new, ambitious three-year strategy that will maximise the social and environmental impact of rescuing surplus food.

FareShare’s Strategy & Vision

Vision: We have the vision of a UK where “No good food goes to waste”.

Mission: To use surplus, fit for consumption, food to feed those who are vulnerable in the UK by supporting frontline charitable organisations that tackle the cause and not just the symptoms of food poverty.

Our Values:   Passion – for our cause and the challenge that lies ahead.

Ambition – to go the extra mile and drive the change that must happen.

Respect – for ourselves, each other, our volunteers, our partners and our beneficiaries.  

Collaboration – it’s only by working with others that we can be stronger.

Focus – on providing the best service possible so that we deliver and achieve the most for our clients/customers.

The role

We are looking for an exceptional Major Donor Manager to play a crucial role in ensuring the ongoing success and expansion of our new Major Donor team. Working closely with our Senior Major Donor Manager and Prospect Research Manager, this new role will lead on nurturing high-value relationships with prospective Major Donors who have capacity to give between £10k and £100k to FareShare, and develop and deliver a calendar of high-value cultivation events tailored to opportunities within our networks to strengthen relationships and maximise support.

As the cost of living crisis pushes millions into food insecurity, and the world is faced with a climate emergency, the difference you can make by joining the Major Donor team is substantial. Our dual social and environmental purpose has never resonated more with donors and we have just launched an ambitious strategy to double the number of meals we can provide, amplifying our impact and presenting a compelling case for support.
Key responsibilities

• Build relationships with a portfolio of prospective Major Donors, understanding their philanthropic motivations, nurturing an affinity in FareShare, and tailoring opportunities for engagement to inspire major gifts.
• Foster a deep understanding of FareShare's work and strategy to effectively communicate, inspire and solicit funds. This includes developing relationships across the FareShare regional network and building a sound understanding of FareShare operations to support warehouse and frontline charity visits and tours.
• Develop innovative and personalised stewardship plans, in collaboration with senior colleagues when appropriate, to deepen donor relationships. Craft compelling written communications including emails, proposals, and reports to showcase the impact of donor support.
• Lead the planning and delivery of engaging cultivation events through opportunities presented in our networks, aimed at establishing new relationships and strengthening existing ones.
• Prepare effective briefs for our CEO and other senior stakeholders attending Major Donor meetings or events.
• Work closely with the Senior Major Donor Manager and Prospect Research Manager to enrich the prospect pipeline, always seeking opportunities within our internal and external networks.
• Work with colleagues across the Fundraising sub-teams to maximise cross over opportunities between income areas.
• Constantly scan the external environment and charity sector to optimise Major Donor experiences and identify new opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions in our CRM system and consistently update cultivation plans.
• Ensure compliance with Fundraising Codes of Practice and GDPR.

Person Specification

As an employer committed to Equal Opportunities, we will assess applications in line with the below criteria.

Essential Criteria

• Proven track record in developing strong relationships with HNWIs and securing major gifts personally.
• Strong interpersonal and networking abilities, with a high level of emotional intelligence and adept at building rapport quickly.
• Proactive, target-oriented, and innovative in Major Donor engagement, demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit to developing relationships, expanding a Major Donor portfolio and income growth.
• Capable of managing multiple projects under pressure, with a solutions-focused approach.
• Experience of collaborating with senior leadership to leverage peer connections and increase support.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of event management.
• Experience of Salesforce.

Competencies and behaviours

• Passionate about FareShare's mission.
• Personable and approachable.
• Proactive, resilient, and reflective.
• Commitment to Equal Opportunities.
• Willing to travel across the UK and work occasional evenings. 

Benefits

• Hybrid / Flexible working
• 28 days’ annual leave + 8 bank holidays
• Employers pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Program Interest free bicycle purchase loan scheme
• Season ticket loan