Overall purpose of the job
Secure significant six and seven-figure philanthropic gifts from high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and family offices, generating multi-year income that underpins Trees for Life's costs and strategic rewilding projects. The post-holder will lead on the creation, development and delivery of a major-gifts strategy, building a robust prospect pipeline and providing outstanding stewardship to deepen donors' long-term commitment to the charity.
Key liaisons
In this role you will work closely with the Head of Fundraising and Marketing, the wider fundraising team, the Chief Executive and the senior leadership team. You will also work across the organisation with colleagues in the finance and field teams.
Strong networking skills are crucial to this role, across philanthropy forums, professional advisers and peer organisations. A highly collaborative approach is essential in this role.
Key responsibilities
●Be responsible for, develop and implement and new Major Gifts strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and values. Continually reviewing and developing opportunities for major giving.
●Lead on creating and managing high value bespoke relationships, linking donors to project leaders and facilitating relationships between stakeholders. Bespoke relationships involve those that deliver significant income and brand awareness at a national or international level for Trees for Life.
●Identify, research and qualify prospective HNWIs in the UK and overseas; maintain a dynamic prospect pipeline and accurate income forecasts.
●Cultivate and steward a portfolio of donors and prospects, creating bespoke engagement, solicitation and stewardship plans, in collaboration with the senior management team.
●Produce compelling proposals, presentations and impact reports that inspire transformational giving and showcase project outcomes. Translating budgets into clear, accessible narratives that strengthen proposals and help major donors understand the impact of their support.
●Plan and deliver high-impact cultivation events, briefings and field visits, working closely with internal teams to provide memorable donor experiences.
●Negotiate gift agreements, pledges and payment schedules; ensure all gifts comply with ethical fundraising policy and due-diligence requirements.
●Champion a culture of philanthropy across Trees for Life, coaching colleagues and volunteers to engage confidently with major donors.
●Monitor, evaluate and report on major-gift activity, using insight to refine strategy and improve return on investment.
●Represent Trees for Life at meetings, conferences and networking events as a senior ambassador for the charity.
●Ensure compliance with the Fundraising Code of Practice, UK GDPR, OSCR best practice, charity law, and internal policies to uphold best practice and donor trust.
●Undertake any other duties reasonably required to achieve the objectives of the post.
Person specification
The successful candidate for the role will be:
●Passionate about nature restoration and the mission of Trees for Life
●An inspiring relationship-builder with the gravitas to engage credibly with high-profile individuals
●Motivated by results and driven to achieve ambitious income targets
●Collaborative, positive and collegiate in their approach to teamwork
Knowledge and experience
Essential:
●Proven track record of securing five, six or seven-figure gifts from HNWIs or family foundations
●Demonstrable experience of developing and managing major-donor pipelines and journeys
●Strong understanding of philanthropic motivations, wealth-research tools and data-protection regulations
●Experience of drafting high-quality funding proposals, budgets and impact reports
Desirable:
●Knowledge of environmental or conservation funding landscapes
●Experience of working with senior volunteers, patrons or development boards
●Familiarity with CRM systems
Personal attributes
●Professional, self-motivated and resilient
●Discreet and empathetic, able to handle confidential information sensitively
●Excellent interpersonal skills – warm, professional and persuasive
●Flexible and adaptable, comfortable working in a fast-moving environment
Skills and competencies
●Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to develop meaningful relationships with donors
●First-class written communication and storytelling ability
●Excellent planning and organisational skills, with meticulous attention to detail
●Confident networker and public speaker; able to represent the charity at senior level
Working conditions and special demands
●Permanent, 35 hours per week; occasional evening and weekend work for cultivation events
●Based at Findhorn, Dundreggan with hybrid home working, with regular UK travel and potential overseas trips
●Ability to spend time on location in the Scottish Highlands to give donors first-hand insight into project delivery
●Full driving licence (or ability to travel independently to remote locations)
●All staff share responsibility for health and safety and for minimising the organisation's environmental footprint.
Staff benefits
* Living wage employer and progressive salary structure
* Workplace pension scheme with 3% employer contribution
* Enhanced holiday allowance – up to 37 days per year
* Festive shutdown – offices closed over Christmas break
* Flexible and hybrid working (depending on role)
* Enhanced sick pay
* Outdoor clothing allowance
* Cycle to work scheme
* Training and development opportunities
* Sabbatical leave
* Volunteering opportunities
* Use of pool cars for work-related travel
* Dog friendly offices.
Please apply by filling in an application using the link on our website -
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £29,996.00-£34,133.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Bereavement leave
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Enhanced maternity leave
* Enhanced paternity leave
* Flexitime
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
* Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Forres IV36 3TH