Principal Gifts Manager

About the Role

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) is responding to the largest emergency in our 40-year history. Over the last year support for our cause has seen significant growth in income as tens of thousands of supporters have joined MAP. Our challenge now is to retain this interest and ensure we sustain income as we respond to the ongoing emergency and the longer-term health of Palestinians over the coming years. With an ambition to be a £50m organisation in the next five years, the principal gifts manager will play a key role in enabling over one million Palestinians to access improved healthcare annually by 2028.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Principal Gifts Manager to lead the development and implementation of our major donor programme. Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy, you will create strategic plans to identify, cultivate, and steward a portfolio of high-value donors, securing five- and six-figure gifts. You’ll manage a pipeline of prospective donors, analyse trends to shape the programme strategy, and deliver inspiring stewardship events. Additionally, you’ll oversee a small team of philanthropy officers, support their donor portfolios, and ensure the programme’s adherence to compliance, financial planning, and risk management practices.

About You

You will have a proven track record of securing significant donations and delivering high-impact stewardship plans. Skilled in performance reporting, data analysis, and forecasting, you bring a strategic mindset to donor engagement. You’re highly proactive, with excellent networking, communication, and relationship-building skills. With experience managing donor events and managing multiple projects, you will be organised and results-driven. 

Duties and key responsibilities 

Leadership and Strategy 

• Support on the development major donor program. Working alongside the Head of 

Philanthropy to create a strategic plan that will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a 

portfolio of Major Donors in line the overall fundraising strategy. 

• Develop a pipeline of new prospective donors, working alongside the Prospect research 

manager. 

• Monitor and analyse trends within major donor giving, both internally and externally, using 

these findings to influence the direction of the programme. 

• Manage and support two philanthropy officers to provide the best stewardship journeys for 

their portfolio (please note the structure is under review and this is subject to change)

Relationship Development and Events

• Cultivate, engage and manage strong relationships with major donors with a focus on multiyear partnerships. 

• Identify gaps in the product offering and work with the Head of Philanthropy to develop and 

launch new products.

• Monitor, analyse and report on major donor programmes, adjusting plans and events based 

on insights. 

• Lead on the development of inspiring stewardship events that covey MAP’s work and 

impact – inspiring major donors. 

Budget Management, reporting and compliance 

• Manage financial planning, reporting, and risk assessment for the Major Donor budget. 

• Ensure that the Major Donor programme adheres to due diligence procedures. 

• Utilise and maintain the CRM database to ensure accurate reporting and stewardship

General Responsibilities

• Support MAP’s mission, ethos and values. 

• Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace. 

• Abide by organisational policies, codes of conduct and practices. 

• Treat with confidentiality any personal, private or sensitive information about individual 

organisations and or clients or staff and MAP data.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience

• Proven track record in securing five and six figure donations. 

• Skilled in performance reporting, data analysis and using insights to shape a major donor 

programme.

• Experience creating major donor stewardship plans that inspire donors and drive income. 

• Good project management skills, including managing multiple projects and priorities at 

once. 

• Experience in planning and budgeting – with proficiency in major donor forecasting. 

• Experience of creating donor events that inspire. 

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Able to confidently analyse results and extract insights to inform the strategic direction of the 

Major Donor Programme.

• Good written and verbal communication skills.

• Effective management and leadership skills (Desirable)

• Highly proactive – excellent at networking, communicating and influencing. 

Personal attributes and other requirements

• Commitment to high standards, fostering trust and confidence in MAP’s fundraising 

initiatives.

• Commitment to a zero-tolerance policies on sexual exploitation & abuse/safeguarding. 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practices and equal opportunities.

• Commitment to the values and ethos of MAP (Solidarity, Dignity, Impact & Integrity).

• An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.

• Ability and willingness to work weekends/evenings in emergencies, and to travel 

overseas where necessary.