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.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
MAJOR DONOR CULTIVATION AND RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT (70%)
? Lead the organisation's cultivation of new donors and deepening of the major donor pipeline.
? Personally lead the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors and prospects for six/seven-figure gifts.
? Lead the implementation of Mission 44's global major donor stewardship strategy, ensuring all major donors feel engaged in and inspired.
? Manage and coordinate stewardship plans for high-value donors and philanthropic partners
? Build trusted, long-term relationships with major supporters through thoughtful and personalised engagement
? Develop tailored donor journeys that reflect supporter interests, motivations and impact priorities
? Identify opportunities to deepen donor engagement and increase long-term support
? Provide administrative support for the Global Growth Committee
? Work with Head of Engagement and Events to plan and deliver donor engagement opportunities at events, briefings, roundtables and programme visits to bring donors closer to our work
? Support leadership engagement with major donors and key stakeholders
? Coordinate donor experiences linked to Mission 44 campaigns, partnerships and strategic moments
? Help create meaningful opportunities for supporters to connect with Mission 44's mission, young people and impact
DONOR COMMUNICATIONS AND IMPACT REPORTING (20%)
? Ensure donors receive timely, high-quality communication and reporting
? Coordinate the creation of bespoke donor updates, reports and impact communications
? Work collaboratively with programme and communications teams to translate impact into compelling donor narratives
? Work with the communications team to ensure stewardship materials are high quality, aligned to brand and reflective of Mission 44's values
? Support the development of case studies, impact stories and donor-facing content
SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION (10%)
? Maintain accurate donor records, engagement tracking and stewardship activity within CRM systems
? Monitor stewardship activity, timelines and reporting commitments
? Contribute to donor analysis, segmentation and fundraising insights
? Work closely with wider fundraising colleagues, communications and impact teams to deliver integrated supporter engagement
? Support senior leadership and ambassadors with donor preparation, briefing materials and relationship management
? Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing fundraising culture
ABOUT YOU: SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
? 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
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
https://mission44.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Head-of-Major-Donors-Applicant-Pack.pdf
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit an anonymised CV and covering letter (please remove any identifying details such as name, address, or photos) by 5pm on 8th July via the Workable link. (https://apply.workable.com/mission-44/j/D61E5134AF)
In your covering letter, please demonstrate your motivations for applying for the role, how the position aligns with your career plans, and the experience (professional, voluntary, or lived) that makes you a strong fit for the role in line with our values and the criteria outlined in the job description.
We encourage candidates to ensure their responses reflect their own skills, experiences, and personal voice. If AI tools are used, candidates should also explain how and why they used them.