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.

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…