An estimated 172 million children in India are considered ‘at-risk’ from various forms of harm and exploitation. Children are made vulnerable by a complex network of interconnecting factors such as high levels of poverty, gender inequality, unsafe migration, cultural norms and poor implementation of schemes and laws. The Child Opportunity Fund’s goal is to create more safe spaces to ensure that millions of children can live their lives to the fullest potential. To achieve this, they are aiming to raise $25m which will be matched by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, totalling a $50m fund.
We are looking for an exceptional philanthropic fundraising leader, with experience of leading an appeal and first-hand programme management skills, to undertake a one year maternity cover as the Interim Head of Child Opportunity Appeal. The postholder will be responsible for overseeing the appeal, working collaboratively with the team to reach their significant fundraising targets across HNWIs, trusts, institutional funders and corporate partners.
This is an incredible opportunity to join a dynamic team that is creating a lasting impact that will enable future generations to not only survive, but also thrive.
About the role
As Interim Head of Child Opportunity Appeal, you will:
- accelerate and coordinate fundraising for the Child Opportunity Appeal across a diversified range of high value income streams in the UK, India, Dubai and globally;
- drive and implement the fundraising strategy, ensuring KPIs are monitored and met;
- coordinate internal working groups as well as external senior volunteers to ensure a consistent and aligned approach to fundraising and new donor engagement;
- produce effective prospect research and robust donor pipelines to secure major donations at the 6 and 7-figure level from HNWIs, corporates, trusts, foundations and institutional funders;
- ensure all donors and partners receive first-class stewardship and relationship management, working closely with in-country, programmes and communications colleagues to produce compelling proposals, reports and updates;
- support the CEO to manage the partnership with the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation;
- develop and deliver strong engagement opportunities and leverage cultivation event and project visit opportunities;
- contribute to financial planning and reporting, and develop processes and systems for effective fundraising and stewardship.
About you
Ideal skills and experience:
- Demonstrable experience of operating in a senior philanthropic leadership role with a strategic mindset and high levels of ambition
- Exceptional project/programme management skills
- Experience of running a significant philanthropic appeal/campaign, or playing a senior role in the delivery of a large project in a complex organisation
- Experience of implementing a fundraising strategy and successfully meeting KPIs and targets
- Strong track record in securing high value gifts from warm and cold donors and partners, including demonstrable ability to independently manage the fundraising process from research/identification to closing the ask
- Exceptional communication and networking skills with the confidence to engage stakeholders of all levels (SMT, Trustees, senior volunteers, donors, partners and colleagues)
- Strong team leadership skills with a supportive and motivating approach to rally colleagues across the organisation to deliver on the Appeal
- Ability to be both strategic and operational
- Ambitious, a natural-analyser, trustworthy, calm and proactive