UK Country Manager (Fundraising)

Human Practice Foundation (HPF) is searching for a UK Country Manager to join the team and further establish the organisation in this market. The charity’s mission is to work sustainably and holistically to build schools and bring 1,000,000 children into a safe and empowering educational environment, with a focus in Nepal and Kenya. 

The UK Country Manager will prioritise continuing the growth of the charity’s funds and will work with an existing network of trusts & foundations and philanthropic individuals, as well as continuing to spread HPF’s message. 

If you are a proactive, creative person with an entrepreneurial mindset, a track record of building incredible relationships and networks, and an ability to work both strategically and operationally, we would love to talk to you about the role. Experience of fundraising, securing and managing major grants, philanthropy, corporate partnerships, or business development would be particularly beneficial.

Please apply before the end of 4th October 2024, with a CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Conditions and benefits: 

• Salary: competitive and commensurate with experience.
• Full time. Part time/ flexible hours considered depending on the candidate (min 3 days/week).
• Home-based. Regular travel to London (at least 1 or 2 days/week). Occasional travel to Copenhagen. Work outside of normal ‘office’ hours for events and meetings.
• Opportunity to visit work in Kenya and/or Nepal. 
• Reports to Global CEO based in Copenhagen. 
• Works closely with other senior managers across HPF and with a committed and well-connected UK Board

Role purpose and dimensions:

• Design and implement a UK Fundraising Strategy, particularly aimed at foundations, institutions, corporates and High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWI) in the UK, capable of delivering significant income growth over the next 3-5 years.
• Independently manage a portfolio of prospects and funders, as well as high level volunteers, with the capacity and propensity to give significant funds in support of HPF’s work. This will involve managing and meeting all application deadlines.
• Identify, research, qualify and manage a pipeline of funding prospects.
• Develop a range of funding proposals, pitches and appeals, to successfully solicit funds.
• Design and implement a donor cultivation and stewardship programme, including a combination of events, proposals, reporting, communications and visits.
• Network on behalf of the foundation, representing HPF at the highest levels and at a wide range of events, working with existing and developing new contacts to secure vital introductions.
• Oversee the governance of the UK operation, including all statutory reporting requirements.
• Regular narrative, financial and KPI reporting to the UK Board and to Copenhagen, including provision of board papers ahead of/ presentations at Board meetings.
• Contribute towards key global initiatives and projects, and lead on Foundations fundraising across HPF.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

• Senior fundraising professional with proven leadership skills and at least three-years’ experience in a not-for-profit organisation
• Strong track record of securing significant donations and grants from foundations and/or institutions (six-figures +). References will be required.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of delivering successful funding applications, proposals and pitches
• Self-starter, able to operate independently, whilst also able to engage meaningfully in virtual team working with other senior colleagues.
• A proactive networker, able to act as a spokesperson and ambassador for HPF at the highest levels.
• Experienced relationship manager, able to build and maintain relationships with funders, as well as experience working with senior staff, board members and volunteers to cultivate donors.
• Demonstrable experience of setting and achieving ambitious fundraising strategies and plans.
• Able to work at both a strategic and operational level.
• Experience of working closely with and reporting to Boards of Trustees.

Desirable

• Strong affinity with HPF mission, values and approach. 
• Track record of securing significant funds from corporates and HNWIs 
• Understanding of charity/fundraising legislation and codes of practice.
• Understanding of good governance processes and the role of charity Boards.
• Strong budget management and financial reporting skills, with experience of monitoring and reporting against targets.
• Strong IT skills, including an understanding of CRM systems. 

More about Human Practice Foundation: 

Human Practice Foundation (HPF) is an International NGO, founded in Denmark in 2014 by former corporate lawyer and HPF CEO, Pernille Kruse Madsen. After witnessing the devastating fates of girls being trafficked from Nepal to India for sexual exploitation, Pernille decided to commit her life to providing education and opportunities for those who need it the most. 

Today, HPF has registered charities in Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK as well as independent NGOs in Nepal and Kenya. The organisation employs 90 people and follows a holistic community approach, using schools as a platform for change. HPF builds schools, improves infrastructure, implements quality education programmes, and stimulates local economies through business building and agricultural impact programmes. All with one aim: create lasting transformation.

To date, Human Practice Foundations has raised over USD 20 million globally (£2 million in the UK since 2019). HPF utilised this funding for more than 100 school projects supporting over 40,000 children, their teaching staff, families, and surrounding communities. HPF’s aims to impact the lives of more than 1,000,000 children by 2030. 

The context for this role: 

This new position, created to lead HPF’s mission in the UK, and lead Trust and Foundation fundraising efforts globally, is a fantastic opportunity for a self-starter to build on HPF’s success and grow its income from UK and international foundations, institutions and corporations, as well as UK-based high net worth individuals. 

HPF seeks a highly motivated, experienced and successful fundraising professional with the vision and skills to develop and deliver a new three-year fundraising strategy, taking UK income from £270k per annum to £500k+. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating at both a strategic and operational level, with no hesitation to roll up their sleeves and be ‘hands on’. 

Whilst the initial line management responsibilities are limited to high level volunteers, it is expected that the successful candidate will expand and shape the programme and team for the future. 

This role will also support the wider development of the organisation. This is an ideal role for someone looking to broaden their fundraising career to include aspects of entrepreneurship, organisational management and leadership.