Accountable To:Head of High Value Relationships

Job Description

Major Donor Officer

Responsible to:Major Donor Manager

Accountable to:Head of High Value Relationships

Payscale:32 – 36

Description of Role

The Major Donor Officer is responsible for supporting and reporting to the Major Donor Manager implementing the Major Donor fundraising strategy for Sense and Sense International.

S/he will be responsible for recruiting, developing and managing High Net Worth Individuals who are typically able to give gifts of £5,000 and above. S/he will also be responsible for undertaking comprehensive prospect research.

The post holder will be expected to work some evenings and weekends and some travel will be required.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

1.1To deliver in conjunction with the Major Donor Manager strategic and operational plans and targets for Sense and Sense International Major Donor fundraising.

1.2As appropriate, solicit gifts at face to face meetings sometimes involving senior colleagues or peer to peer volunteers in meetings and in making the ask.

1.3Research and identify new prospects in collaboration with the Major Donor Manager for developing major donor fundraising and senior volunteer networks.

1.4Work closely with senior staff and volunteers in the cultivation of major donor supporters and prospects.

1.5Attend Sense’s major donor events and co-ordinate follow-ups with donors and prospects to advance the relationship. Plan and organise smaller bespoke events where appropriate.

1.6Understand and communicate persuasively Sense and Sense International work to prospective donors by preparing well targeted funding applications, pitches and presentations and by all other written and verbal means.

1.7Develop individual cultivation strategies for each donor and prospect in the portfolio, moving them along the solicitation pipeline.

1.8Write briefing and debriefing documents for meetings with prospects and supporters, and support staff / volunteer leaders in advance of and at these meetings.

1.9Implement excellent donor stewardship including ensuring that all gifts received are appropriately acknowledged and establish recognition opportunities for donors where appropriate.

1.10Prepare timely narrative and financial reports for donors on the outcomes of the work funded and in accordance with the donors’ requirements.

1.11Where appropriate, accompany donors and prospects on project visits.

1.12Ensure that appropriate information is recorded on Raiser’s Edge and used in briefings and plans.

1.13Support internal colleagues (including Trustees, the Chief Executive and other senior personnel) to identify potential opportunities and approaches with current supporters, through cultivation and other activities.

1.14Liaise and work collaboratively with other fundraisers, and programme teams, to develop robust fundraising proposals, associated budgets and maximise opportunities.

1.15Work with the Special Events Manager, to support the development and delivery of events that engage major donor supporters and prospects including undertaking research to support cultivation.

1.16Liaise with programme staff to coordinate funding related communication, ensuring that donor criteria are understood and implemented.

Other

2.1To actively support the promotion of the fundraising ‘message’ within the organisation.

2.2Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade and relevant to the objectives of the wider team.

2.3Keep to the Team's stated standards.

2.4Ensure that records are kept in line with the Data Protection Act.

2.5Be aware of and abide by all relevant Sense policies and procedures, especially Health and Safety and Diversity and the organisational Values and ‘I’Statements.

Person Specification

Major Donor Officer

Education and Training
Essential Criteria / Desirable Criteria
Educated to degree level or equivalent experience
Achievements and Experience
Essential Criteria / Desirable Criteria
In depth experience of major donor fundraising with a proven track record of raising substantial gifts. / Experience of managing fundraising committees.
Experience of undertaking comprehensive prospect research. / Experience of working with issues of health and/or disability.
Experience in making ‘the ask’ and securing significant gifts from major donors. / Up-to-date knowledge of the charity sector.
Substantial experience of managing relations with high net worth individuals and supporting them in their fundraising.
Experience of working with senior individuals from both inside and outside the organisation to develop existing relationships and establish new ones.
Experience of planning and leading successful cultivation events.
Knowledge of best practice high value fundraising techniques.
Experience of adapting behaviour and communication techniques to different audiences for example writing style, telephone and face to face meetings
Knowledge of budget setting, forecasting and analysis with regular reporting against targets.
Proficient in MS Office and demonstrable ability to use databases preferably Raisers Edge.
Experience of and desire to work co-operatively.
Skills & Abilities
Ability to build relationships with people at all levels of seniority both internally and externally. / An understanding of, and commitment to, Sense’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
The ability to exercise judgement on a prospect’s giving capacity, on their propensity to give and on when/how to make the financial ask. / Sensitivity to, and willingness to develop an understanding of, deafblind issues.
Ability and willingness to travel in the UK and overseas where relevant. / Experience of raising funds for international work.
Ability to understand and communicate information about Sense and Sense International with passion and conviction. / An understanding of and commitment to Sense’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
Ability to effectively plan and prioritise a complex and varied workload, and to undertake multiple tasks concurrently.
Commitment to the concept of collective responsibility, with particular regard to Sense and Sense International donors and supporters.
Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines whilst maintaining positive team relationships and team working.
Creative and lateral thinker with the ability and skill to identify and develop new opportunities.
Focused, target-oriented and highly motivated.
Sensitivity to and willingness to develop an understanding of deafblind issues.