Philanthropy Officer

The role

It’s an exciting time for Leonard Cheshire, as we launch our new strategy to support people with disabilities around the world to live, learn, and work as independently as they choose. We are delighted to be expanding our major gifts programme to support the organisation’s global fundraising strategy. We are looking for a motivated, proud, and dynamic fundraiser with proven experience of raising funds from individuals and family run Trusts and Foundations to fill this crucial role in our Philanthropy team. This varied role presents a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious fundraiser with drive, intelligence, and passion to truly excel with a leading global disability charity.

The role will see the successful candidate developing and managing their own portfolio of major supporters via our Pioneer Circle giving programme, building relationships with new and current supporters, creating development plans, devising bespoke pitches and proposals, and offering thoughtful world-class stewardship to our most generous supporters. With a combined UK and International project portfolio, LC offers a unique opportunity to have the best of both worlds – offering a growing and diverse major gifts portfolio to cultivate, with the opportunity (with internal support) to pursue exciting new major gift opportunities.

Through phone, face to face and online conversations, and by producing high quality, persuasive pitch documents and impact reports, you will engage with a broad range of existing and potential major supporters to achieve measurable income growth, with the emphasis on themed and unrestricted funder opportunities to deepen our global impact. 

With a keen eye for opportunities, you will research, identify and help establish new groups of funders, developing relationships with a wide range of individuals how could potentially become influential champions of Leonard Cheshire and take on a formally recognised voluntary role. The successful candidate will also build strong collaborative-led relationships with colleagues across the UK and internationally to identify, cultivate and secure major gifts from internal and external networks.

As part of our pioneering new strategy, working closely with the Philanthropy Manager, you will help refine and improve existing known funding models, processes and products to create new major gifts concepts, including developing innovative approaches to fundraising, stewardship and cultivation events.

The candidate

The ideal candidate will be a positive, creative, and proactive individual who embraces challenge and a diverse workload. With success in cultivating new relationships, as well as maintaining warm relationships with existing supporters, the post holder will also be a self-starter with excellent written and verbal communication skills. You will have a proven track record of generating four figure donations from major donor sources, and first-hand experience of relationship led fundraising. You will be expected to quickly form positive relationships with internal and external partners as a representative of the organisation.

Benefits

We are a friendly and social team, enjoying regular team drinks and picnics in beautiful Vauxhall Park as well as quarterly team away days. When it is Covid-safe, the Philanthropy Officer would be encouraged to visit projects with supporters in the UK and internationally. There is also the opportunity to work from home or to come into the office in Vauxhall part time or full time.

Other benefits include:

• A generous annual leave entitlement
• An amazing 11% pension contribution
• Private health care options with Hospital Saturday Fund
• Access to an employee assistance programme through CanadaLife that looks after your wellbeing with a 24/7 UK-based online GP, counselling, a get-fit programme, legal and financial guidance, and other services.
• Cycle to Work
• Season Ticket Loan
• O2 discount

Leonard Cheshire

Leonard Cheshire supports people with disabilities around the world to fulfil their potential. Our support goes beyond supported living. Our programmes range from community volunteering and social action, to skill-development, employment, and digital inclusion in the UK and across 13 countries in Africa and Asia. 

Leonard Cheshire welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applications from people with a disability, supporting where possible, your requirements for reasonable adjustments.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. A satisfactory disclosure check (PVG membership in Scotland) is required for this post. References will be obtained for all roles.

Shortlisting for this role may take place as applications are received. We therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy once suitable candidates have been appointed.

* No agencies please *

For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 14th December 2021