Director of Fundraising

Post Title:Director of Fundraising, Smile Train UK

Reports to:Senior Vice President, Development, Smile Train Headquarters USA

Responsible for: To develop and manage fully operational fundraising channels, including corporate, institutional and individual giving

Location:London Office

Annual Salary: £65,000 – £75,000 GBP depending on experience

Background

Smile Train is an international children’s charity with a sustainable approach to a single, solvable problem: cleft lip and palate. Millions of children in developing countries with untreated clefts live in shame, but more importantly, have difficulty eating, breathing and speaking. Cleft repair surgery is simple, and the transformation is immediate. Our sustainable model provides training and funding to empower local doctors in 85+ developing countries to provide 100%-free cleft repair surgery in their communities. Smile Train also provides comprehensive care; such as speech therapy, nutrition and dental care for the cleft patients.  

Smile Train, Inc. is headquartered in New York City with program and fundraising staff in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Since its founding in 1999, Smile Train has provided over one million free cleft surgeries for children in the developing world.  Smile Train UK is a little over 10 years old and has been largest fundraising program outside of North America and is looking to continue the growth to help even more children with cleft. It’s estimated that 170,000 children in the developing world are born with cleft a year, there is so much more we can and will do. Together, we change the world one smile at a time.

Purpose of Role

In collaboration with headquarters office, the Director will have an exciting opportunity to develop, shape and lead on the implementation of a current & new fundraising strategy, which will diversify and significantly increase income to further the mission of Smile Train.

They will provide fundraising overall strategic direction and management of all fundraising efforts with institutional and family foundations, individual giving, major donors and corporations at a national and international level and will also support events. They will be responsible for providing fundraising reports for quarterly Board meetings.

Primary responsibilities

• The Director is responsible for managing, hiring and effectively leading the Fundraising Team towards the achievement of their individual targets. Providing leadership, vision and strategic direction for the Fundraising team while facilitating and empowering their work, training and developing them, and thus, building a strong team.
• The position demands experience with designing fundraising strategies and good management skills for implementing strong, prioritised and focused work plans that achieve (or exceed, of course) the agreed organisational goals.
• Delegated responsibility to manage the annual budget for the Fundraising Strategy, fulfilling management information and reporting requirements as defined by the CEO for monthly, quarterly and annual budget and target monitoring.
• This position shall work alongside the other Department Heads (Campaigns, Communications and Organisational) to jointly create a positive, campaign-driven image of Smile Train in the United Kingdom as a precondition for successful fundraising in the country.
• Identify and steward new funding partnerships and able to act as a spokesperson for Smile Train, UK.

Experience

• Minimum seven years' experience in senior level fundraising, ideally in a leadership role with oversight over end-to-end execution. 
• European experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of individual, corporate, foundation and major donor fundraising methodology including cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and prospecting of donors.
• Proven track record in leading fundraising and delivering income growth within a similar sized organization.
• Experience in a marketing and public relations role.

Skills Required

• Minimum undergraduate university degree.
• Strong analytical skills, database proficiency and outstanding budgetary and financial skills, including target setting and monitoring and proficiency in Excel.
• Knowledge and/or experience in marketing, fundraising acquisition, development and retention methods and budget management. 
• Excellent communication (oral & written) skills in English.
• Experience in building, mentoring, and coaching a team of fundraising specialists.
• Awareness and knowledge of local fundraising market.
• Big picture thinker, not only locally but globally for the organization.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent judgement and creative abilities, including influencing, negotiating and problem solving skills.
• Independent self-starter with thoroughness and attention to detail and ability to work remotely from reporting line.
• Empathy and interest in the Smile Train’s mission and objectives.
• Exceptional communication skills and abilities, self-confidence, energy and a strong spirit of teamwork.
• Sense of humour, eager and willing to mentor a young team.