Major Donor Executive

Job Profile

CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, working with people of all faiths and none around the world. We work in more than 40 countries, with more than 500 local partners, standing side by side with them to end poverty and injustice through practical support, emergency relief and advocacy. 

Last year this meant 594 grants and programme payments worth £41.8 million across 42 countries.  

These funds reached 1 million people directly who are vulnerable and excluded, helping them to survive and thrive now and into the future. Our strategy enables us to take a proactive and energetic response to many of the challenges facing the development sector. Whether it be supporting local leadership with development programmes or addressing the increasing number and complexity of crises around the world that require a humanitarian response, CAFOD supports hundreds of local partners making a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around the world. 

CAFOD’s Major Donor Executive will play a key role in delivering our fundraising programme. They will help develop and implement operational plans, manage a portfolio of existing donors and work to identify prospective new donors and their networks. They will work alongside a collaborative and talented team of fundraising professionals who support and encourage each other to reach their fundraising and operational goals. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to make an impact on CAFOD’s growth through a sound knowledge of high-value major gifts principles, already established warm long-term and prospective donors, experience with peer-to-peer approaches and hands-on experience with this specialist form of philanthropic giving. 

Key Responsibilities

Donor relationship management 

• Develop lasting relationships with existing donors and new prospects, building and managing a portfolio of donors giving £5,000 upwards  

• With the Philanthropy Manager and Major Donor Team, devise and implement online and offline communication plans with a clear focus on securing funds for CAFOD’s core programmes 

• Steward donors effectively, to ensure satisfaction and long-term commitment. Communicate, thank and report back on the work of CAFOD using donors preferred channels, ensuring the highest standards of donor care 

• Ensure systematic data input and management so that key information, donor interactions and communications are appropriately recorded  in line with organisational systems and processes, and in compliance with GDPR and fundraising best practice 

• Work with the Philanthropy Manager, the Research and Information Team, Senior Management colleagues and Trustees to carry out donor research, identify new prospects and grow the pipeline of donors. 

• As part of the team’s wider work, contribute to (and at times lead on) hosting cultivation and stewardship events – including planning event logistics; sending and tracking invitations; hosting and speaking at events; co-ordinating follow-up and completing evaluations 

 Contribute to Major Donor strategy, plans and income targets 

• Contribute to the development of team annual plans and income forecasts 

• Maintain focus on your own and teams’ income and other KPIs 

• Monitor your portfolio, prepare required analysis for monthly and quarterly reports and regular income forecasting exercises 

• Develop ad hoc reports and data analysis to improve the donor programme and communicate key learnings to internal and external stakeholders 

• Participate in regular team reviews of the donor portfolio to discuss moves management and next steps in donor contact plans 

• Identify new funding opportunities with stakeholders and develop ways of working with influential supporters 

• Attend and contribute to regular section and CAFOD-wide meetings and briefings 

• Participate in training and other activities as requested by your line manager 

About you

We are in search of a candidate with expert major donor knowledge and a proven track record in donor management and fundraising. You will have experience soliciting five and ideally six-figure donations and have the ability to develop compelling appeals to raise funds for CAFOD’s core programmes. Additionally, you will comprehensively understand the significance of prospect research and portfolio management. You will have excellent communication skills and high emotional intelligence, enabling you to foster strong relationships with donors and work colleagues. 

Essential criteria for the role will include: 

• Proven experience of managing major gift relationships at five-figure giving level 

• Experience of implementing donor cultivation and stewardship plans – including online and offline appeals, tailored approaches and feedback communications; face-to-face meetings; event management 

• Achieved successful income growth strategies 

• Good written and presentations skills that would enable donors to engage with the work of CAFOD    

• Good knowledge of how to input and use databases and how to follow systems and processes 

• Prospect research experience 

Person Specification

 Understanding our context  

• CAFOD’s mission; Can explain to others what is distinctive about CAFOD as a Catholic development agency. 
• Understanding international development: Can appeal and fundraise for international development. Explain CAFOD’s partnership model, rooted in solidarity and subsidiarity. 

To read more and apply, please visit CAFOD's website to for the full Job Description.