Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships (Maternity Cover)

The Circle NGO is a unique and dynamic organisation which brings global feminists together to fight for the safety and equality of marginalised and vulnerable women around the world. 

Founded by singer-songwriter and activist, Annie Lennox and other leading women, The Circle is a space for creative ideas, connections and the opportunity to make change. From small beginnings in 2008, we have grown into an independent network of women and allies from all walks of life who are bonded by the desire to live in a world where women and girls’ equal rights and equal opportunities. 

Our vision is future where there is safety for all women and girls. And our mission is to economically empower and end violence against marginalised and vulnerable women across the world by building a network of Global Feminist changemakers who fund, advocate, and amplify. 

Exciting plans have already been put in place and are being implemented by our current Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships. This includes a new major gift, pipeline, new trust and foundation pipeline, corporate partnerships, a music industry initiatives upcoming and more. We are looking for a talented and engaging individual to drive these plans and relationships over the finish line.  

We need someone who understands how a charitable organisation with different income streams works, particularly high value, has a passion for global women’s rights and most importantly can deliver the right combination of high-level strategic insight, whilst being hands-on and propositional to drive results. 

The Circle raised over £500,000 in 23/24 with ambitions to grow this to £700,000 in 2024/25 and £1m over the medium term. Existing funders include a mix of trusts and foundations, HNWIs and corporate partners (including L’Oréal Foundation and Universal Music). This role will help to reach these targets through implementing the fundraising strategy and plans currently in place. 

About the role: 

The Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships will deliver on income and our fundraising strategy, while playing a key role in the senior leadership team (SLT). 

Your focus will be driving income and donor engagement via major donors, corporates and special events and initiatives.  

Key responsibilities include: 

• Act as a key member of SLT, reporting to the CEO and working closely with associated peers to deliver and achieve the organisational strategy 

• Lead The Circle’s major gift fundraising, with a focus on HNWI, philanthropy advisors, corporate partnerships and trusts & foundations 

• Build a sustainable pipeline of income 

• Drive new business activity – identifying opportunities for partnership/support from a variety of high value sources 

• Develop new cases for support, building on existing propositions such as A Living Wage for Garment Workers and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls report. 

• Identify opportunities for special events/initiatives which could also act as cultivation events for new supporters or one-off large scale fundraisers with high ROI. 

About you: 

• An experienced and results driven fundraiser with a major donor and corporate fundraising background  

• Demonstrable expertise in securing five-figure donations from HNWIs/corporate partners/T&F (six-figure experience desirable) and understanding of appeals and events. 

• A strategic, creative doer who strikes the balance between leadership, tactics and being hands-on as required 

• Self-motivated with demonstrable ability to take the initiative and drive activity – The Circle is a small organisation, and the team work remotely 

• Knowledge of partnership agreements and due diligence processes 

• A background in international development and/or women’s rights is desirable 

• Events/special initiatives expertise desirable