Major Gifts Fundraiser

Job Title: Major Gifts Fundraiser

Responsible to: Head of Fundraising

Salary: £35,366 to £41,831 Dependent on experience

Hours: Full time: 37.5 hours per week

Location:  Hybrid - 3-4 days in Lib Dem HQ

Tenure:  Permanent

Probation: 3 months

Closing Date: 5pm Monday 26th May 

Purpose of the Role

You will cultivate relationships with new and existing major donors, securing significant contributions to support the Liberal Democrats' mission and electoral success. 

This role is pivotal in driving our fundraising strategy forward, engaging high-net-worth individuals, and ensuring financial sustainability for future campaigns.

Context 

This is an exciting time to join the resurgent Liberal Democrats' fundraising team following our historic success in the 2024 General Election. With 72 seats in Parliament, we are in a prime position to build on this momentum. Our fundraising team plays a crucial role in sustaining and expanding our campaigning efforts, and we are now looking to strengthen our major donor programme. This is a unique opportunity to be at the heart of our ambitious fundraising efforts, working with senior Party figures, key stakeholders, and influential supporters.

Key Responsibilities

Prospect Identification & Research: Lead on proactively identifying and researching prospective major donors, including entirely new contacts, lapsed former donors and potential high-value online donors. Share prospect research across the team, ensuring that prospective donors are approached by the appropriate person.

Donor Engagement, Gift Solicitation & Stewardship: Lead on cultivating new donor relationships in the range of £10,000-£100,000, and provide support to other members of the team on donor cultivation above and below this level. Work with volunteers and stakeholders to identify new potential donors. Initiate contact with prospective donors, build and nurture relationships through tailored engagement strategies, including personal meetings, calls, and donor events. Steward donors to ensure successful long-term relationships.

Event Planning & Execution: Organise high-impact donor events such as receptions and dinners, ensuring strategic engagement with key Party figures and senior stakeholders. Work closely with Fundraising Board members, MPs, and other senior Party representatives to facilitate donor introductions and deepen engagement.

Communications & briefings: Draft compelling donor communications and briefing materials for meetings between donors and Party leaders.

Reporting & Data Management: Track engagement activity and donation pipelines, providing regular progress reports to senior stakeholders. Ensure adherence to GDPR, Electoral Commission regulations (PPERA), and internal due diligence policies. 

Undertake other duties as reasonably required. The scope of the role may be adjusted over time to reflect the changing needs of the team and line manager.

Person Specification

We are seeking a positive, proactive, and entrepreneurial individual who thrives in a fast-paced political environment and is confident engaging with influential high-net-worth individuals. 

You will need to be highly organised, with a strategic mindset and a flair for building meaningful, long-term relationships.

This role requires resilience and tenacity. You will be comfortable navigating challenges, able to adapt quickly, and maintain momentum when faced with setbacks. 

You will bring a donor-centric approach, tailoring engagement strategies to each individual’s motivations and interests in order to build trust and drive impact.

Essential Skills & Experience:

Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters through compelling conversations and strategic relationship-building.

Demonstrated experience in developing long-term relationships and securing financial support.

Strong writing ability, with experience in crafting persuasive fundraising materials and donor communications.

Experience in researching prospective donors/clients and drafting briefing documents.

Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

Experience of major donor fundraising.

Track record of engaging and motivating volunteers and stakeholders in fundraising initiatives.

Experience using Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM databases.

Familiarity with Electoral Commission rules governing political donations and GDPR compliance.

Personal qualities:

Strategic awareness, sound judgement and maturity operating in areas of nuance.

Integrity and a strong ethical compass.

Alignment with the values and mission of the Liberal Democrats.

Application Process

How to apply

Please read through this Job Description fully to learn more about the role before applying and take a few minutes to complete our Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form here: https://digitallibdems.typeform.com/to/uvRCaZ2K Then proceed with your application.

You should include your full, current CV of no more than two pages which includes your telephone number and email address so we can get in touch with you. Please also include a short covering letter (of no more than one side of A4), telling us why you would like to work for us and why your skills and experience will be the perfect fit! This should be sent by email to recruitment@libdems.org.uk. 

Our policy is to review applications as they come in so you’re encouraged to register your interest as soon as you can. If you require any additional support or you feel reasonable adjustments are needed to be made as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Please note: We will not be able to employ you if you are not eligible to work in the UK.

We will not be able to obtain a work permit on your behalf. Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we’re sorry but we will only be able to notify candidates whose CVs have been selected to be taken into the interview stage of the recruitment process.

The Party believes it is essential to foster equity, equality, diversion and inclusion within our workforce. We want our employees to thrive in an environment where everyone is welcome and supported in order to achieve their potential. It is important to celebrate what makes us unique and that you feel valued, appreciated and free to be who you are.

Please note:

This role requires the flexibility to attend midweek evening fundraising events in London (usually once or twice per month), and Party conferences over the weekend (twice a year). 

You must have the right to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor work permits.

The Liberal Democrats are an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.