As our Head of Philanthropy, you’ll lead and grow our major donor programme, securing six- and seven-figure gifts that fuel transformational change.
What you’ll do:
* Develop and deliver an ambitious philanthropy strategy, driving sustainable income growth.
* Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and networks of high-net-worth individuals.
* Position Practical Action as a thought leader in international development philanthropy, leveraging trends such as impact-based philanthropy and trust-based giving.
* Create high quality donor experiences, from exclusive events to field visits that showcase our life-changing work.
This is a rare opportunity to shape philanthropy at Practical Action and create lasting change. If you’re ready to take major donor fundraising to the next level, we’d love to hear from you!
What you’ll bring:
* A proven track record of securing high-value gifts from major donors, trusts, and foundations.
* Exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to engage and inspire high-net-worth individuals.
* Strategic thinking with a flair for identifying and unlocking new funding opportunities.
* Passion for international development and a talent for powerful storytelling.
Accountabilities:
Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement an ambitious philanthropy strategy that delivers significant income growth from high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and foundations.
Team Leadership: Lead and develop a small team, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring fundraising excellence.
Collaboration & Leadership: Work closely with senior stakeholders, including Trustees, the CEO, and global teams, to leverage influence and deepen donor engagement.
Innovation & Future-Proofing: Identify and implement innovative fundraising approaches, including digital philanthropy, giving circles, and social investment models.
Data & Insights: Use CRM and donor analytics to inform strategy, measure impact, and drive data-led decision-making.
Portfolio Development: Expand and diversify our philanthropic network, including engaging global high-net-worth individuals, diaspora philanthropy, and Donor Advised Funds (DAFs).
Major Gift Fundraising: Build and steward a pipeline of major donors, personally cultivating and soliciting six and seven-figure gifts to drive sustainable long-term support.
Engagement & Stewardship: Develop bespoke donor experiences, including high-profile events, personalised communications, and opportunities to see Practical Action’s work firsthand.
Global relationships: Working with country and regional offices, the International Directorate, the Impact & Influence Directorate and Finance, developing processes and proactively working to unblock issues crucial to successful philanthropic growth.
Skills Development: Champion and facilitates the development of skills and capacity among fundraising staff globally in support of the philanthropy strategy.
PERSON PROFILE
Experience, Knowledge and Skills
* We’re looking for an experienced philanthropy professional with a passion for international development and a strong track record of securing major gifts. You will bring:
* Proven expertise in major donor fundraising, with a track record of securing six and seven-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals and foundations.
* Strategic vision and leadership, with the ability to develop and implement successful multi-year philanthropy strategies.
* Exceptional relationship-building skills, able to engage and inspire senior donors, Trustees, and high-profile stakeholders.
* Creative and entrepreneurial mindset, with experience exploring innovative fundraising models such as impact philanthropy, digital philanthropy, and DAFs.
* Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the ability to craft compelling cases for support.
* Experience in leading and developing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of ambition, innovation, and collaboration.
* Knowledge of international development and the motivations of philanthropic donors in this space.
* A proactive, results-driven approach, with strong financial acumen and the ability to manage budgets, pipelines, and income targets.
* Cultural Sensitivity with experience of remote working, working with people from diverse backgrounds and working with multiple teams.
* Language Skills: Fluency in English required. Competence or fluency in Spanish, French and/or Arabic, desirable.
* Alignment with our work and commitment to development principles.