From small beginnings in 2008, The Circle has grown into an ever-expanding independent movement of women and allies, using their resources, networks and creativity to cultivate long lasting change and working towards a future where there is safety and equality for all women and girls. Whether it’s fighting for a living wage for garment workers or demanding an end to violence against women and girls, The Circle’s strength lies in the collective activism of its network, bringing together partners, activists, leaders, stars and more.
The Circle celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2023. This is an exciting time to join, with a new five-year strategic plan focused on economic empowerment and ending violence.
We are looking for a skilled and creative relationship fundraiser to join The Circle as its first Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, leading income generation and driving growth to achieve future ambitions and support more women and girls globally.
The Circle achieved over its target of £600,000 income this year, with ambitions to grow this to £750,000 in 2023/24 and £1m over the medium term. 50% of this will be allocated to women-led grassroots partners, focusing particularly on the global south and also some UK-based projects.
Existing funders include a mix of trusts and foundations, HNWIs and corporate partners (including TikTok, L’Oréal Foundation, Universal Music and Movement for Good). There is significant potential with HNWI audiences, corporate partnerships, events and a keen interest in exploring diaspora fundraising.
About the role
The Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships will lead and deliver the fundraising strategy and play a key in the new senior leadership team.
Your initial focus will be relationship fundraising opportunities, driving income and donor engagement via major donors, corporates and special events and initiatives.
Over the long term, you will be supported to diversify into other income streams as the organisation continues to develop, focusing on income growth and diversification alongside opportunities to increase unrestricted funding.
As Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, you will:
- 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 individuals, corporate partnerships and trusts & foundations
- Maximise opportunities via the network of The Circle’s board and membership, identifying opportunities for support/introductions to establish new relationships
- Develop new cases for support, building on existing propositions such as A Living Wage for Garment Workers
- Identify opportunities for special events/initiatives which could also act as cultivation events for new supporters
About you
Ideal skills and experience:
- An experienced, dynamic relationship fundraiser, ideally with HNWI corporate fundraising background and ambitions to develop in a broader relationships fundraising position
- 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 all work remotely
- A background in international development and/or women’s rights
- Knowledge of partnership agreements and due diligence processes
- Events/special initiatives expertise desirable