Assistant Director of Fundraising (Major Donors)

Assistant Director of Fundraising (Major Donors)

Are you an experienced major donor fundraiser ready to step into a senior leadership role with real strategic influence?

We are seeking an exceptional Assistant Director of Fundraising (Major Donors) to lead and grow a high-value philanthropy programme while acting as a key deputy within an ambitious Income Generation Directorate.

This is a pivotal role for a confident, relationship-led fundraiser who combines a strong track record in securing major gifts with the credibility and strategic judgement to operate at director level.

The Opportunity

You will lead the major donor programme, managing and growing relationships with high-net-worth individuals and strategically significant supporters. Alongside direct portfolio management, you will shape income strategy, support directorate-wide planning, and deputise for the Director of Income Generation when required.

You’ll work closely with senior leadership and trustees, influencing and guiding their engagement with major donors to maximise impact and long-term income growth.

This is an opportunity to:

• Take ownership of a major donor income pipeline with ambitious targets

• Develop compelling multi-year proposals and personally make high-value asks

• Play a visible leadership role across a collaborative fundraising team

• Leverage events and cultivation opportunities to deepen supporter engagement

• Contribute to strategic planning, forecasting and directorate decision-making

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects

• Develop and deliver strategic cultivation and stewardship plans

• Own pipeline management, forecasting and income targets

• Prepare high-quality proposals, briefings and reports for senior stakeholders

• Support and deputise for the Director of Income Generation

• Line manage fundraisers and foster a high-performing, collaborative culture

• Ensure excellent CRM management and data integrity

• Maximise fundraising events as major donor cultivation opportunities

About You

We’re looking for a senior major donor specialist who brings:

• Significant experience securing and stewarding major gifts

• A strong understanding of major gift fundraising theory and pipeline management

• Experience working to income targets and managing budgets

• Confidence leading donor meetings and making financial asks

• Line management experience and the ability to influence senior stakeholders

• Excellent written communication and proposal development skills

• Strong CRM and data management expertise

• Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to organisational planning

• A collaborative, values-driven and emotionally intelligent approach

Experience across events or high-value cultivation activity would be advantageous.

Why Apply?

This role offers the chance to combine hands-on major donor fundraising with strategic leadership responsibility. You’ll help shape income growth, strengthen cross-team collaboration, and play a visible role in driving organisational impact.

If you are an ambitious senior fundraiser ready to step into a broader leadership role while maintaining meaningful donor relationships, we would love to hear from you.