Philanthropy Officer

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) was the first charity in the UK to be set up in response to the HIV epidemic, at a time when no other response or frameworks were in place to support people impacted by HIV. The charity has grown to become the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, and one of the largest in Europe.

This is an opportunity to join a talented Philanthropy and Partnerships team, who are tasked with delivering a team target of £2.27m for 2023/24 (growing to £3m in 2024/25) via Trusts, Major Donors, VIP Partnerships and Corporate fundraising.

Over the years, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) has benefited from a strong special events portfolio, which has generated many of their major donors, some of whom have been loyal supporters for 20+ years.The philanthropy team have significant potential to grow income (from c.£725k in 2023/24, with ambitions to increase this to £820k in 2024/25), with the Senior Philanthropy Officer playing a critical part in this.

There is a great pipeline of opportunities for major donor fundraising, including their new 2030 Club which will launch this year at the Chelsea Flower Show and will form a significant part of the portfolio of this role – targeting donors with the ability to donate £5k per annum for 3+ years. As a consequence, the aim and purpose of this role is to ensure that donor stewardship and robust relationships sit at the heart of major donor fundraising, enabling the organisation to have a greater depth of connection with these supporters beyond the calendar of special events activities.

As Senior Philanthropy Officer, you will:

• Take responsibility for your own portfolio of donors at 4- and 5-figure level, supporting a team income target of c.£725k
• Make targeted approaches to potential supporters via phone, e-mail, post and personal meetings, engaging them in THT’s work and securing their support
• Produce detailed and compelling proposals, reports and stewardship communications
• Support the delivery and development of the philanthropy projects or initiatives, such as the 2030 Club

Ideal skills and experience:

• Knowledge of and understanding of philanthropy and supporter journeys
• Experience of securing 4- and 5-figure income from individuals
• Ability to work to income targets and activity KPIs
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with ability to influence, and negotiate with, internal and external stakeholders

Employee benefits include:

• 27 days leave per year (pro rata for part-time employees), increasing to 30 days after 5 years
• Enhanced sick pay entitlement
• Enhanced maternity and adoption leave and pay policy
• Special Leave and Emergency Carers’ Leave – up to five paid days per rolling year (pro rata for part time employees) for one or other or a combination of both.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)