Major Donor Manager

We empower people with the literacy skills they need to succeed in life. Together we're helping people change their stories. You could join us to develop and lead a new major gifts programme.

What you’ll be doing

This is an exciting new role that provides an opportunity to build a new major gifts programme from scratch. Supported by the Senior Development Manager, you will work closely with the CEO, Director of Development and the Board to develop a giving strategy that will directly feed into our organisational strategy, with a focus on increasing engagement and the growth of the major donor income stream.

You will manage a portfolio of existing major donors and conduct prospect research, developing bespoke stewardship of donors giving gifts from £5,000 to £50,000.

As a result of the pandemic and cost of living crisis, the shape of disadvantage in the UK has changed significantly and we’ve seen the fastest growing child poverty in decades. We are expanding our work to meet this growing need and have developed a new strategy to address the risk of social and economic exclusion.

This is a great time to join a thriving charity with ambitious growth in a role that will truly make an impact on our mission and gain significant personal development opportunities.

What we’re looking for

You will be an excellent major donor fundraiser, with experience of designing and delivering high-impact stewardship programmes and events, and a track record of securing major gifts through written and/or verbal proposals. You will need to be a proactive and ambitious team player, able to work from your own initiative.

You will be able to work primarily from home if you prefer, but will need to be able to be in London when necessary – approximately once a month on average – as well as being willing to travel to meet donors when necessary.

Why our work is so vital

Literacy changes everything.

It gives you the tools to get the most out of life, and the power to shape your future. It’s the key to knowledge, confidence and inspiration. It’s better results at school, and better jobs. If children grow up without the tools to communicate, without books to read or opportunities to write, it’s harder to get where you want to go.

The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity helping people overcome these challenges and change their life chances through the power of words – reading, writing, speaking and listening. From first words, through school days to training, jobs and beyond.

· We work collaboratively in local communities, focusing our work in 20 areas of the UK that are facing the biggest challenges.

· We support schools, developing the most effective tools and techniques and providing resources and programmes to engage and inspire children.

· We campaign to make literacy a priority for politicians and decision-makers.

· We support vulnerable adults, people in the criminal justice system and young offenders’ institutions to build their literacy skills

What we offer you

Our team are passionate about our mission and we have a strong and positive working culture, based on shared values and respect. We offer a range of flexible working options and promote a workplace where you can be yourself and contribute to our success, whoever you are.

As well as a competitive salary, we offer benefits including a generous leave allowance totalling 39 days (including bank holidays and office closure between Christmas and New Year), pension contributions of 8% of annual salary, a cycle to work scheme, employee assistance programme and other health and wellbeing benefits.