Senior Philanthropy Lead

PLEASE DO NOT UPLOAD A CV OR A COVER LETTER AS THESE ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
Please complete and upload the application form via Breathe HR. Your application will be rejected without a completed application form. Download the application form from the vacancy documents at the bottom.

 If you have any problems with attaching the form, please send it to talent @ bookmarkreading . org

At Bookmark Reading Charity, we exist to change children’s life stories through the joy of reading.We have seen significant growth over the past few years and have built a network of engaged supporters.  As we launch our new strategy, we are looking for a talented individual to lead our Philanthropy Team over the next 12 months and grow our major donor programme so that we can support more children to develop the reading skills and confidence they need for a fair chance in life.
 

Job Description

Delivering the philanthropy plan​

• Manage the philanthropy programme at Bookmark, working with the Head of Fundraising to grow the major donor portfolio within the wider strategy​
• Lead a team of three to deliver on the fundraising strategy, providing direction, support and guidance. Line manage the Philanthropy Manager and support their professional development ​
• Work with trustees, staff, and our wonderfully supportive Partnerships Board to build a robust pipeline of supporters and secure introductions ​
• Own and build a portfolio of new major donors through the full donor cycle who give £25,000 or more, ensuring a first-class cultivation and stewardship journey​
• Lead on the philanthropy events strategy and programme, providing support to the Philanthropy Manager and wider team in delivering income generating, cultivation and stewardship events ​
• Create compelling, relevant and tailored funding proposals, reports and collateral to inspire and inform donors, reflecting Bookmark’s strong brand​
• Work closely with the Corporate Partnerships team to ensure opportunities to maximise income for the fundraising team​

​Work with the rest of the Fundraising team​

• Devise and deliver annual plans, together with associated budgets, in line with the charity’s strategic objectives.​
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team, Chair of Trustees and colleagues across the charity to ensure major donor fundraising activity is aligned with the charity’s wider plans and objectives​
• Use Salesforce to manage the accurate recording and forecasting of major donor income, enabling efficient reporting and KPI management ​
• Ensure that all activity helps to build Bookmark’s brand and is always brand compliant​​
• Ensure Bookmark’s ethical fundraising policy is adhered to​

Person specification​

Essential​

• A successful track record in high value fundraising and acquisition, including a proven track record of securing five or six-figure gifts, to meet or exceed targets​
• Experience line managing individuals, nurturing their development and managing their performance to achieve results​
• Excellent understanding of complex relationship-based fundraising from high-net worth individuals and/or grant making organisations​
• Experience developing and managing a calendar of successful charity events that meet fundraising targets​
• Great verbal communication skills, a passion for presenting and public speaking​
• Experience managing or working with a fundraising board or high value committee​
• You will have the skills to influence, motivate and persuade people to donate​
• Demonstrable experience of writing successful, inspiring, emotive, and technically accurate cases for support and proposals tailored to a major donor audience​
• Experience growing and managing a pipeline, planning for your portfolio and increasing income​
• An understanding and ability to build budgets and work with financials​
• Experience using of Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint​
• You have experience using Salesforce, or another fundraising database​

Desirable​

• Experience managing and growing a Giving Circle​

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Contract type: 12-month fixed term contract, 3-4 days per week
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 pro rata
Location: Bookmark Reading Charity, Charles House, 5-11 Regent Street Saint James's, London SW1Y 4LR​. 1-2 days per week based at the Bookmark office​
Hours: 22.5-30 hours per week . Flexibility around compressed hours
Deadline: Sunday 23rd June 2024, 11.59pm