Head of Major Giving

Based in our City Head Office, you will lead an experienced and high-performing team to build alignment with, and income from, major donors, charitable trusts and foundations, and statutory funders.  You will also work closely with team Heads across other income streams including corporate, events, commercial, individual giving, legacies, digital and community fundraising.

SSAFA is the UK’s oldest tri-service charity having originally been founded as SSFA in 1885.  Our mission is now, as it was then, to relieve need, suffering and distress amongst the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

Our core values are to be understanding, committed and professional, fair and courageous.  We invest in research to ensure we understand and stay ahead of the ever-changing needs of the military family; and through our network of caseworkers and volunteers across the UK we provide outreach and direct support focused on addressing greatest need and promoting independence and dignity. 

About the role

We are seeking an ambitious and strategic-thinking Head of Major Giving to develop and implement a strategy of broadening and deepening partnerships within the existing portfolio of major donors, charitable trusts and foundations, and statutory funders. You will have the opportunity to create a network and pipeline of potential supporters through tailored events and activities that will bring the vital work of SSAFA to new audiences, and develop tailored stewardship programmes to promote and optimise long-term relationships.

You will build win-win stakeholder relationships across the organisation including at senior-level. You will personally manage a portfolio of prospects and donors which focus on six-figure gifts and above.

As a member of the senior leadership team you will also have a role in shaping the fundraising strategy for the organisation as well as addressing and responding to the broader challenges that SSAFA will face in the future.

About you

To carry out this role successfully you will demonstrate a successful track record of:

• initiating, soliciting and managing high value relationships with major donors, charitable trusts and foundations, and statutory funders;
• leading and directing on prospect research, proposal management, and cultivation;
• developing cases for support to meet specific objectives for both restricted and unrestricted funders;
• leading, motivating and developing high performing teams, and supporting professional development.

You will be an excellent written and verbal communicator, and skilled networker with strong persuasion and influencing skills.  You will invest in keeping abreast of the latest trends, relevant legislation and best practice in fundraising and the charity sector so that our major donor, trust and foundation fundraising activities remain innovative, compelling and compliant.

SSAFA is an employer that values the diversity of its workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

No agencies please. Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.

For further information

To apply, visit SSAFA’s website

Closing date: Midnight on 13th January 2018

Interviews: Interview date to be confirmed.