Location
UK (minimum 2 days per week in the London office)

Hours
Full-time, 37.5 hours per week with the opportunity for flexible working hours

Salary
£65,000-£68,000 per year

About the Role
Mission 44 exists to drive change and build a fairer, more inclusive future for young people around the world. As our work and partnerships continue to grow, so does our ambition to tell powerful stories that shine a light on the barriers young people face, champion solutions, and inspire meaningful action. The Head of Major Donors will play a critical role in strengthening and stewarding Mission 44’s relationships with high-value donors, philanthropists, and strategic supporters. This role will work alongside the Chief Engagement Officer to lead the development and delivery of a thoughtful, personalised and impactful Major Donors programme that deepens donor pipeline and engagement, increases contributions, strengthens long-term relationships, and inspires continued investment in Mission 44’s mission and impact.
The successful candidate will combine exceptional relationship management skills, a solid network of donors, strong project coordination and communications, with strategic thinking. They will work closely across fundraising, communications, programmes and leadership teams to ensure donors experience meaningful engagement with Mission 44’s work, values and community.

Experience
- Significant experience in major donor cultivation, stewardship, philanthropy or high-value relationship management
- Proven track record of managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, philanthropists or strategic supporters
- Experience developing and delivering donor stewardship plans and engagement strategies
- Proven success in the direct solicitation and stewardship of six- and seven-figure philanthropic contributions
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience producing high-quality donor reports and communications
- Strong project management and organisational skills
- Experience working with CRM systems and donor databases
- Some travel, particularly to the US
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively

About you
- Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Emotionally intelligent and discreet
- Strategic and proactive thinker
- Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to communicate impact in a compelling and authentic way
- Passion for equity, inclusion and social justice
- Commitment to Mission 44’s values and mission
- Resilient with demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Desirable
- Experience of major donor management at a global level
- Experience of fundraising for a grant-making or campaigning organisation
- Experience with Principal Gifts processes
- Experience supporting fundraising campaigns or major gifts programmes
- Understanding of education equity, youth opportunity or systems change work
- Experience working within high-profile or fast-paced organisations
- Event management and donor engagement experience

Benefits
Enjoy 28 days annual leave, plus a day for your birthday
Use our cycle-to-work scheme and free gym access
Save for retirement with our generous pension package
We finish every Friday at noon in August
Optional health insurance and access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Professional development budget of £1,000
Unlimited volunteering leave, as agreed with your manager
Wellbeing allowance to spend in whatever way works for you
Competitive parental leave package