Head of major donor fundraising jobs

Role Purpose

The Head of Philanthropy is accountable for delivering significant philanthropic income for Justice & Care, including through personally secured major gifts, alongside building and leading a high-performing philanthropy function.

The postholder will design and execute the philanthropy strategy, hold and actively manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, and personally secure five- and sixfigure gifts through direct relationship management and solicitation.

This is a hands-on income-generating role: the Head of Philanthropy will lead from the front on donor cultivation, stewardship and asking, while also setting direction, prioritising effort and building capability within the team to maximise long-term philanthropic income.

They will work closely with the Global Director of Fundraising on key relationships and strategic opportunities, supporting the growth of philanthropy across the UK and expansion into the US and emerging markets.

This role combines senior-level leadership with significant personal income delivery; candidates should expect to spend a substantial proportion of their time directly engaging donors and securing major gifts.

Global Scope

This role will support the growth of philanthropy across multiple markets, including strengthening the UK portfolio and developing opportunities in the US and emerging markets (e.g. Middle East), working closely with senior stakeholders to shape and deliver market-specific approaches. 

Main Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities include, but are not necessarily limited to:

1. Strategic Leadership and Income Delivery

• Lead the development and delivery of the philanthropy strategy, with a clear focuson generating major donor income in the UK and driving growth in the US and emerging markets
• Be accountable for achieving philanthropy income targets, including through personally secured major gifts, working closely with the Global Director of Fundraising
• Translate organisational priorities into fundable propositions and compelling donor opportunities
• Actively shape and drive the philanthropy pipeline, making clear, evidence-based decisions about where time and effort are invested
• Work with the CEO, Board and senior leaders to prepare and support major donor asks, including co-solicitation where appropriate

2. Major Gifts and New Business

• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects, typically at £25k-£250k+ level
• Lead all stages of the donor journey: identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Personally secure new major gifts through one-to-one relationship building, tailored proposals and direct asks
• Develop and maintain a live pipeline of prospective donors with clearly defined next steps
• Take primary responsibility for preparing and delivering high-value asks, working closely with the CEO, Board members and Global Director of Fundraising
• Convert access to senior networks into tangible income outcomes

3. Team Leadership and Development

• Line manage and develop the Philanthropy Specialist and future members of the team
• Build capability within the team to support pipeline growth, donor stewardship and future expansion of the philanthropy function
• Establish strong ways of working, including prioritisation, pipeline management and CRM discipline
• Set clear objectives and KPIs for the team

4. Events and Strategic Engagement

• Design and lead a programme of philanthropic events with clear income andpipeline objectives
• Personally leverage high-value donor events to progress relationships towards major gifts
• Use international engagement and trips selectively where they support donor cultivation and solicitation
• Represent Justice & Care in philanthropic networks to generate new donor relationships

5. Pipeline, CRM and Reporting

• Own and maintain a live, decision-ready major donor pipeline
• Ensure robust pipeline management and accurate forecasting
• Maintain high-quality CRM data and reporting (Salesforce)
• Provide strategic insight on income performance, risks and opportunities

6. Other ad hoc duties

• Collaborate across the organisation to support delivery of shared objectives
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and organisational initiatives
• Undertake other tasks as required to support Development Team and organisational priorities

As the Head of Philanthropy, Asia, you will play a key role in growing Birmingham’s philanthropic programme in the Asia-Pacific region. The focus will be on increasing six-figure+ giving through the University of Birmingham Hong Kong Foundation and from the wider region. Most of their warm donors are based in Malaysia and Hong Kong, but there is an active community of alumni in Singapore and scoping to be done across Asia to drive the next phase of their strategy forward beyond alumni donors, and to build on a recent seven-figure donation as a catalyst for further giving.

The University established their Hong Kong Foundation in 2019 and giving is off to a strong start. Continuing on this trajectory you will work to make it financially sustainable, aiming to have multi-year commitments lined up. You will steer and develop the Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors, increasing giving from their networks, and working with them to distribute funds to programmes at the University that will also benefit Hong Kong.

As a senior fundraiser in the Development & Alumni Relations Office (DARO), you will be expected to be innovative, self-motivated and to take ownership of fundraising in this region. As part of a dynamic team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you will work across the University to generate gifts to key philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make significant gifts. You will also have the opportunity to work with the senior leadership across the University to travel, drive income and develop innovative funding proposals for the region.

The University believes there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. They are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. They have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. They are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of their strategy.

Greenpeace is a movement of people who are passionate about defending the natural world from destruction. Their vision is a world where everyone has equal access to clean air, water, and energy; where the nature we love is protected, precious habitats are restored and communities are united by ambitious climate action.

The Key Relationships programme sits at the heart of Greenpeace UK’s fundraising, securing the philanthropic investment that powers its campaigning work. The team raises around £15–16 million annually from major donors, trusts and foundations, and legacies, contributing significantly to the organisation’s wider fundraising income of approximately £37 million.

The Individual Major Gifts programme is a core part of this, driving income from high-value supporters including high-net-worth individuals and family foundations. Sitting within a collaborative structure alongside trusts and foundations, it reflects the increasingly blended nature of donor giving.

We are now seeking a Head of Major Gifts (Individuals) to lead this important area. Reporting to the Deputy Fundraising Director, Key Relationships, you will jointly lead the major gifts function alongside the Head of Major Gifts (Trusts & Foundations), combining strategic leadership with hands-on fundraising. You will jointly lead a team of Major Gifts specialists while personally managing a portfolio of the organisation’s most significant donors, securing six- and seven-figure gifts. You will also lead Greenpeace UK’s contribution to a high-profile global capital campaign to raise €100 million, helping fund a pioneering fossil fuel–free ship and accelerate climate and biodiversity work.

As Head of Major Gifts (Individuals), you will:

• Develop and deliver the major gifts strategy, driving ambitious income growth aligned to UK and global priorities
• Lead Greenpeace UK’s contribution to the €100M Global Capital Campaign, translating global strategy into UK delivery
• Personally cultivate and secure transformational gifts from high-net-worth individuals
• Line manage the Major Gifts Manager and wider team alongside the Head of Trusts & Foundations, creating a high-performing, collaborative and values-led culture
• Oversee pipeline development, prospect research and donor stewardship to ensure sustainable growth
• Work across fundraising, campaigns and communications to develop compelling donor propositions
• Influence senior stakeholders, trustees and international colleagues to maximise major donor engagement
• Manage budgets, performance and reporting, ensuring delivery against ambitious financial targets
• Contribute to the leadership of the wider Key Relationships programme and organisational direction

Essential skills and experience:

• Significant experience in senior-level major gifts fundraising with a track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from U/HNWIs.
• Experience of leading fundraising strategy and delivering sustained income growth.
• Demonstrated experience of leading, developing, and motivating teams, with a proven track record of achieving high performance.
• Experience of working with senior stakeholders, trustees, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Strong understanding of international or capital campaign fundraising, with direct experience a distinct advantage.
• Experience of managing budgets and meeting ambitious financial targets.
• Knowledge of, or experience working in, the environmental, climate, or biodiversity sectors is a distinct advantage to enable credible and insightful engagement with expert colleagues, partners and donors

Diversity and Inclusion

Greenpeace UK recognise the value in having a diverse workforce, as well as the importance of creating equal opportunities for all. Applications are welcomed and encouraged from people of all backgrounds.

Applications are particularly encouraged from people of colour, disabled people, and people who identify as working class now or in the past.

Candidates will be selected based on how well they meet the criteria for the role and all applicants will be treated fairly throughout the recruitment process. To find out more, including the many ways that diversity and inclusion is encouraged and promoted at Greenpeace UK, please click here.

Anti-racism and inclusion commitments

Greenpeace UK wants its team to reflect the diversity of the communities it works alongside. It is committed to fairness, inclusion, and challenging discrimination and oppression in all its forms.

The environmental sector still has further to go when it comes to representation. Greenpeace UK has published ambitious race representation targets and, through its Anti Racism Plan, is working proactively to achieve stronger representation of people of colour, particularly within leadership positions.

As part of this commitment, a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) is being piloted. Greenpeace UK aims to offer an interview to everyone who opts into the scheme and meets the essential criteria. Guaranteed interview applications will be processed by QuarterFive and shared only with the Greenpeace UK recruiting manager and HR team.

If you identify as a person of colour and meet the essential criteria for the role, you can choose to opt in to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme - see applicant pack for details.

Employee benefits

• 25 days annual leave for full-time staff, with additional leave accrued according to length of service up to a maximum of 32 days
• Once a month, all Greenpeace staff take an organisational ‘breather’ day where the office closes with no expectations of output on these days
• Office closure normally occurs between Christmas and new year and staff are not required to use annual leave to cover this period
• Employer pension contribution of 8.5% of basic salary, provided employees contribute at least 3%
• Interest free season ticket loan, or a tax efficient bicycle loan
• Life assurance scheme (4 x annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme that includes access to free confidential advice with a qualified counsellor