SENIOR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER - Major Gifts

About the position The Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager - Major Gifts (SSPM) is a key member of the Freedom Fund’s partnerships team, responsible for developing and implementing the organisation’s new individual fundraising strategy. Based in New York and reporting to the Head of Strategic Partnerships, the postholder will work collaboratively with colleagues across the U.S. and U.K. to build and steward a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and help shape the broader strategic partnerships strategy. This is a strategic, high-autonomy role with responsibility for building out a major giving program for the Freedom Fund. The postholder will personally grow and manage a global portfolio of individual donors and prospects, guiding them through all stages of the donor lifecycle - from identification and cultivation to solicitation and stewardship. They will lead the design and execution of a new donor experience strategy to enhance engagement, deepen relationships, and increase long-term support. They will design, curate and host donor salons, convenings, and engagement events in New York City and other priority cities, in order to grow our networks and generate new leads. They will also manage and coordinate the strategic involvement of senior leadership - including the CEO, Managing Director of External Relations, and Head of Strategic Partnerships - in high-level donor engagement. The SSPM will have administrative support from the External Relations Officer, and may manage additional staff as the individual giving function grows. They will also direct the support of an additional donor engagement advisor (consultant) based remotely in the Southern US, who is focusing on activating networks and generating new leads and prospects in the region. They will collaborate closely with colleagues across the organisation - including the Events Manager, Communications team, and Programs teams - to develop compelling donor materials, shape engagement opportunities, and ensure alignment of messaging and strategy. They will also work closely with an SSPM counterpart in London, who leads on institutional philanthropy - acting as a thought-partner and collaborator, and sharing ownership of our growth goals. This role offers an exciting opportunity for an entrepreneurial, dynamic and values-driven fundraiser to build and lead a critical function within a fast-paced, global organisation working to end modern slavery. Responsibilities Donor Cultivation, Solicitation, and Stewardship Personally build and manage a global portfolio of approximately 50–75 principal and major donors and prospects, with a particular focus on donors and prospects capable of giving $100k+. Prioritise and actively advance a core portfolio of high-potential relationships, developing mission-aligned partnerships across the donor lifecycle from qualification and cultivation through to solicitation and stewardship. Guide the development and execution of customised cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans in partnership with colleagues across teams. Collaborate with senior leadership - including the CEO, MD of External Relations, and Head of Strategic Partnerships - to coordinate their strategic involvement in donor engagement. Work closely with colleagues to develop compelling donor materials, including proposals, briefings, and stewardship communications. Plan and participate in donor engagement experiences such as Freedom Fund events, donor trips, and multi-day site visits to program hotspots. Lead on the development and delivery of individual donor engagement events in New York City. Represent the Freedom Fund externally at donor meetings, conferences, and philanthropic forums to build visibility and grow networks. Strategy Development and Leadership Lead the design, development, and implementation of the Freedom Fund’s global individual philanthropy strategy, in collaboration with the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Senior Leadership Team members. Contribute to the broader Strategic Partnerships strategy to ensure alignment across fundraising functions and donor segments. Lead and drive strategies to grow and diversify individual philanthropy, including expansion into new donor levels, geographies, and philanthropic communities. Design and implement a donor experience strategy focused on high-impact events, donor trips, and other tailored engagement that deepen relationships and foster long-term giving. Stay current on trends and best practices in individual philanthropy to inform strategic direction and continuous improvement. Drive progress against key individual philanthropy priorities and workstreams, ensuring strategic initiatives move forward in a coordinated, proactive, and accountable manner. Team Management and Collaboration Provide support and coaching to at least one team member supporting philanthropic fundraising, with potential responsibility for additional team members as the function grows. Foster collaboration across the Strategic Partnerships team, contributing to shared goals, integrated planning, and a strong team culture. Promote and embed fundraising best practices by improving and standardising internal tools, templates, and processes to enhance effectiveness and efficiency. Partner with Communications, Events, Programs, Finance, and Operations colleagues to ensure coordinated, donor-centered engagement. Manage and coordinate the work of external consultants and partners supporting individual philanthropy initiatives and strategy execution. Contribute to building a culture of philanthropy across the organisation by supporting internal capacity-building and aligning fundraising with organisational priorities. Engage with program staff and content to stay informed about impact, strategy, and context. Maintain accurate donor and prospect records in Salesforce to support strategic decision-making, stewardship, and reporting. Executive Support and External Positioning Prepare research, briefings, and talking points to support executive and board members in individual donor engagement. Collaborate with senior leadership and Communications on donor positioning and messaging to high-net-worth audiences. Represent the Freedom Fund externally as needed, cultivating relationships with peer funders, networks, and influencers. Qualifications and experience Essential Minimum of eight years of experience in major gifts fundraising or philanthropic partnerships, with increasing levels of responsibility and leadership. Proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals and managing complex donor relationships over time. Demonstrated success managing a portfolio of individual donors through all stages of the donor lifecycle, from identification to solicitation and stewardship. Experience designing and implementing donor engagement strategies, including events. Proven ability to build and sustain long-term donor relationships, with experience engaging senior leadership in donor cultivation. Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to think entrepreneurially about how to reach new audiences, shape prospecting approaches and diversify donor pipelines. Experience supporting or supervising staff and contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team culture. Solid understanding of nonprofit fundraising systems and practices, including use of CRMs (Salesforce preferred) and tools to drive efficiency and accountability. Familiarity with the human rights, social justice, or international development sectors; a commitment to the Freedom Fund’s mission and values. Outstanding English writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to produce compelling proposals, donor materials, and communications. Right to work in the USA. Desirable Experience working in or alongside a global organisation. Familiarity with donor trends in the U.S. and international philanthropic landscape. Experience planning and executing fundraising events for current and prospective donors. Experience fundraising for major gifts in the New York City philanthropic community. Experience with mid-level donor program design or execution. Knowledge of donor communications, donor experience strategy, or philanthropic positioning. Experience of leading high-quality donor trips. Experience working in a small or growing development team. Experience supporting or collaborating with board members in fundraising efforts. Personal Attributes Essential A deep commitment to the Freedom Fund’s mission, values, and goals, with a passion for advancing human rights globally. Entrepreneurial, strategic mindset with the ability to see the big picture while delivering excellent day-to-day execution. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust-based relationships with donors, colleagues, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. A collaborative, team-oriented approach with a willingness to support and learn from others across departments and geographies. High level of professionalism and discretion, especially in engaging with high-net-worth individuals and senior leaders. Self-starter with strong initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to independently develop and drive new initiatives while managing competing priorities.. Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality in all aspects of work. Comfort working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with evolving priorities. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in donor engagement and workplace culture. Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 25-30%), including for donor trips, site visits, and events. Strong cross-cultural communication skills and a global mindset. Ability to translate complex programmatic content into compelling, mission-driven stories for donor audiences. Compensation Salary: $132,050 to $135,525 annually. 5% employer sponsored 401k contribution (non-matched). 25 days vacation per annum, plus 8 national holidays; 3 days Christmas closure; positive work culture that supports good work life balance. Access to mental wellbeing platform. Annual learning and development budget. Generous health benefits package for medical, dental and vision. Additional cover is provided for spouse and dependents. Generous parental leave allowance and pay. #J-18808-Ljbffr Inside Philanthropy