Major Donor Manager

Major Donor Manager

£45410 - £47800 37.5 hours per week

Leicester based with hybrid working

A UK driving licence is an essential requirement for this role

Benefits include:

• Up to 42 days annual leave, life insurance and sick pay

• Enrolment in health cash back plan to cover every day healthcare costs

• Refer a Friend Bonus

• Cycle to Work Scheme / close to park and ride at Leicester Forest East

• Subsidised short breaks at selected RAFA Accommodation

About us

The RAF (Royal Air Forces) Association has a clear objective: to help sustain a resilient and empowered RAF community. Through our sector-leading welfare and wellbeing services, we offer a wide range of support to serving personnel, veterans and their families. With thousands of members and supporters across the UK and further afield, plus hundreds of dedicated employees and volunteers, we have the network and experience needed for a personal one-to-one approach. We work together to make sure no one is ever left behind.

About the role

This newly established role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of major donor fundraising at the RAF Association. As Major Donor Manager, you will lead the creation and delivery of a pioneering programme designed to attract and nurture high-value supporters. With full ownership of the strategy, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors during this crucial launch phase. Acting as a passionate advocate for major giving, you will build authentic, two-way relationships with donors and key stakeholders. Collaborating closely with colleagues across Partnerships & Events, Marketing, Fundraising, and Trading, you will help drive the Association s fundraising ambitions and advance its mission to provide vital support to the RAF community.

Primary responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a strategic, sustainable major donor fundraising programme.

• Identify, research, and build a strong pipeline of prospective major donors, focusing on gifts of six and seven figure gifts.

• Personally manage a portfolio of high-value donors, overseeing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to secure one-off and multi-year gifts.

• Develop tailored engagement plans to ensure donors feel valued and connected to the impact of their support.

• Create compelling, personalised proposals, communications, and impact reports to inspire and retain support.

• Plan and deliver major donor cultivation events in partnership with the Events Manager.

• Represent the Association at external events to build relationships and raise the profile of major giving.

• Be accountable for achieving a personal annual income target.

It is highly recommended that you read the full role profile and person specification which is available to download on our website

About you

Educated to degree level or with considerable equivalent experience, you will have proven track record in securing, managing, and growing high-value donor relationships. You will be a strategic thinker with experience designing and delivering fundraising strategies at a senior level. You will need to demonstrate experience in building and managing prospect pipelines, conducting due diligence, risk assessments and managing donor agreements along with a strong understanding of fundraising legislation and best practice. We need you to be a confident networker with exceptional written and verbal communication skills to enable you to craft and deliver compelling, tailored proposals and pitches. You will need to be able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, target-driven environment. Due to the nature of the role, the Major Donor Manager will represent the RAF Association at prestigious briefings and events which will require occasional travel and overnight stays.

Want to join us?

You may find it helpful to have a look at our website and social media to find out more about who we are and what we do. To make your application really stand out, please take some time to include a cover letter to tell us how your skills and experience align with our role profile and person specification. Relevant supporting cover letters lead to a better chance of shortlisting for interview.

To apply

Closing Date 8am Monday 8 December

Interview Date W/C 15 December

The RAF Association is a Disability Confident employer. Please let us know if you require any assistance with your application.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK as we are unable to enter into sponsorship agreements