Head of Major Gifts

The opportunity

The Head of Major Gifts is a new role, and will be responsible for managing and coaching a team of experienced Senior Development Managers, working with DARO leadership to establish and track progress against KPIs.

The post-holder will manage personally a portfolio of some of the University’s most senior benefactors and prospective donors, ultimately securing gifts in the seven- to eight-figure range.

The Head of Major Gifts will provide strategic support to Durham University Business School, leading on the development of impactful fundraising initiatives and gift propositions.

The post-holder will play a critical role in the delivery of Durham’s bicentenary campaign, currently known as Durham 200. Durham 200 is a major philanthropic initiative in recognition of the University’s 200th anniversary in 2032, which seeks to create a step-change in philanthropic income and increase significantly the impact of giving to Durham.

The Head of Major Gifts must be versatile and able to work closely and with senior University leaders, prominent and public figures, major benefactors and advocates, and senior volunteers in multiple capacities which facilitate the development of principal gifts and major donations and the advancement of Durham University.

You should be comfortable in a management role and able to support the delivery of an operational plan.

Experience and knowledge

• Professional practitioner with specialist knowledge and expertise to influence service delivery, events and activities within the organisation.
• Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice, develop strong and productive working relationships and positively influence organisational reputation.
• Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting service improvements.
• Track record of cross-functional management and development experience and/or an enhanced management qualification applied across a large service team or teams.
• Experience of working in a ‘campaign’ setting would be desirable.

Skills, abilities and knowledge

• Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
• Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including use of Microsoft Office and CRM systems (preferably Raiser’s Edge).
• Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition, e.g. CASE, Institute of Fundraising.
• Substantial experience of working in a principal and major gifts fundraising or business development environment in a key client-facing role resulting in donations or deals at 6, 7 and 8 figure levels.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines, including GDPR and data protection.
• Ability to contribute to planning at operational and strategic levels.
• Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions

How to Apply

Durham University are working in partnership with Execucare to recruit to this post. Applications submitted via this portal will not be considered.

For further information and details of how to apply for this significant appointment at the university, please visit Execucare website: Head of Major Gifts

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