Head of High Value Fundraising

Winston’s Wish is a digital first organisation leading the way in Digital Transformation across the Bereavement sector. This role is new and exciting and will play a vital part in helping Winston’s Wish turn up the dial across our high value fundraising. The Head of High Value Fundraising is responsible for delivering and significantly growing income from Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropy and Trusts and Grants. Leading a team of committed fundraisers, you will develop a robust strategy that delivers mutually beneficial partnerships, outstanding supporter relationships and long-term sustainable income.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific Duties

Leadership

• To lead and inspire the high value team fostering a collaborative and high culture that delivers against income and objectives
• Provide clear and supportive leadership that motivates staff to achieve, develop and grow in their roles
• Undertake quarterly reviews for all direct reports

High Value Fundraising

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with high-value donors, ensuring effective solicitation, stewardship, and follow-up to secure significant contributions (six-figure gifts)
• To create and implement a strategy including corporate partnerships, trusts & foundations and major donors
• Contribute to the vision and mission of Winston's Wish; whilst embedding the values into your daily work activities.
• Promote equality of opportunity, diversity and anti-racism in accordance with Winston’s Wish policies.
• Contribute to the overall success of the charity’s fundraising needs by providing case studies, attending events and adding value to the experience of our supporters as required.
• Contribute to the brand and reach of the charity by working alongside our Marketing & Communications Team when relevant press opportunities arise or when required for social media and online content (including the use of photography).
• Work to objectives, targets and work plans agreed with your line manager.
• Undertake specific projects and other ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager, fulfilling any deadlines, reviews and reporting procedures required.
• Take an active part in the Quarterly review process and participate in training agreed with your line manager.
• Recognise and champion the lived experience of children and young people with bereavement within your work.
• Ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, volunteers and visitors in accordance with Winston’s Wish policy.
• A proven track record in high-value fundraising, including securing 6-7 figure donations from high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations, and businesses
• Proven leadership and people management skills, with experience in overseeing multi-disciplinary teams. Essential experience includes team leadership, staff motivation, setting clear objectives, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Experience in effectively developing, managing and reporting complex income and expenditure budgets
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and excellent written skills
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Strong networking skills with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders
• A proactive and results-driven mindset.
• Build and maintain a portfolio of Trust & Grants supporters. Responsible for researching, approaching and developing compelling applications with a focus on ensuring Trusts & Grants provide a long-term, diverse and sustainable income stream
• Lead the development and stewardship of the Philanthropy board to identify and secure transformational (6-7 figure) gifts and the development of the Business development Board to open opportunities with Corporate Partners
• Write and design a compelling case for support that is tailored to our High Value audiences
• Build a portfolio of corporate partners, including securing high-value, multi-year partnerships. You will work with the team to grow this income stream from prospecting, approaches, applications, pitches, stewardship and providing excellent account management
• Lead on planning and delivering successful high value cultivation events
• Represent Winston’s Wish at fundraising events and meetings with internal and external stakeholders

Strategy, Planning and reporting

• Lead on developing and delivering effective stewardship journeys and cultivation plans
• Produce regular reports on fundraising activity, analysing performance against targets, and identifying areas for improvement and growth.
• Work with the Director of Income Generation and the Head of Mass Participation Fundraising to develop the annual budget, including leading on monthly performance reports and contributing to quarterly reforecasts and reporting against KPI’s and milestones
• Undertake research and make use of tools to identify potential High Value partners.

Collaboration

• Work closely with the Director of Income Generation, Head of Mass Participation Fundraising, SLT and other teams to maximise high value fundraising opportunities
• Work with the Marketing team to deliver urgent and compelling high value messages tailed for the different audiences
• Work with the Trustees to build networks and increase the reach of Winston’s Wish

All Staff

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Track record of converting cold prospects to planned gifts of 6-7 figures
• Demonstratable strong strategic planning skills and the ability to develop and implement long-term strategies to achieve fundraising targets and enhance the charity's mission
• Experience of successfully engaging trustees and/or senior volunteer committees to drive philanthropic income.

Desirable

• Experience in managing, supporting, developing and motivating colleagues in a digital first organisation
• Experience of salesforce or other similar CRM systems
• Evidence of continued professional development

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: Monday 28th April 2025

Interviews: w/c 5th May 2025

Interview location: MS Teams

Winston’s Wish reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Advertised on behalf of Winston's Wish