actionaid uk - head of philanthropy and partnerships

Head of Philanthropyand Partnerships at ActionAid UK.

2ActionAid UK . Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

CONTENTSINTRODUCTION

ABOUT US

ACTIONAID INTERNATIONAL'S STRATEGY

ACTIONAID UK'S STRATEGY

STRUCTURE

ROLE PROFILE

PERSON SPECIFICATION

HOW TO APPLY

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Introduction from Helen McEachern, Director of Fundraising

Dear Candidate

Thank you so much for your interest in the role of Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at ActionAid.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of fundraising and particularly high value giving at one of the UK’s leading development organisations. You’ll be heading an experienced and talented team, building on their strong fundraising track record and helping them, as well as the rest of us, realise our potential to mobilise giving at the highest level.

At ActionAid we work in over 45 countries, supporting the poorest women and children in the world to change their lives for good. Our local staff provide immediate, hands-on support to women and children who live on the margins of survival. ActionAid demands action at local, national and international level, ensuring we achieve lasting change.

Since I joined the UK team four years ago we have seen our high value income more than double. All the evidence suggests we are well placed to continue this growth. Our CEO and Chair are passionate about fundraising, and our mission to create lasting change for the world’s poorest people and especially women and girls is demanding increasing resources.

Every day in 45 countries around the world ActionAid is fighting poverty. Across the world, women and girls are the most affected by poverty. From the moment they are born, girls face inequalities and injustice in almost every aspect of their lives. ActionAid puts women and girls at the centre of our work.

We make sure girls go to and stay in school, we work with communities to end gender-based violence, and we train people in the skills they need to earn a living or prepare for and recover from disasters.

We are looking for a Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships who is passionate about our mission and who can inspire others to share that passion, and motivate them to give and make long term commitments at the highest level. Charisma and high level major gifts experience is essential to excel in this role, and a network of contacts is highly desirable. The team of 20 requires the experience and judgement of a capable manager and leader to empower and motivate them. Senior staff and the Board require support and a collaborative approach to bring their assets to benefit the programme.

Our current strategy is targeting philanthrophy income over £6 million by 2017 through increased opportunities with trusts in and outside the UK, an expanded major gifts team, investment in prospecting and the launch of a new principle giving programme. With a new CEO and a motivated Board there is no doubt that this is a perfect time to join ActionAid and support us to move to the next level in this competitive area.

I very much look forward to meeting you to discuss this wonderful opportunity.

Yours sincerely,

Helen McEachern, Director of Fundraising

ActionAid UK . Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships 3


Our reach...ActionAid is a leading international charity working in over 45 countries. Since 1972, we have been fighting poverty and working with the poorest women and children in the world to change their lives for good. We respond fast to women and children affected by deep-rooted poverty, violence and disasters with practical, hands-on help. We support women to take an active role in developing solutions that will be most effective for them and their children to ensure we have a long-term, sustainable impact.

ActionAid has been fighting for a fairer world by galvanising the public to challenge the national and global policies and practises that keep people poor. We work with local volunteers and campaigners to help monitor and track public money, holding governments accountable to ensure public funds are spent effectively and where they are needed the most. Together with our staff across the world, we demand action at local, national and international levels.

EducationActionAid is a leading international organisation working to promote children’s rights within education. We work with over 5,000 schools across Africa, Asia and Latin America, helping over a million girls and boys to get the free, quality education they are entitled to. An expert in the field of education, our pioneering approach to adult learning – Reflect – is now used by over 500 organisations in 80 countries and has been awarded five UN prizes.We believe that education plays a key role in transforming the lives of children, their communities and their countries. We want to see schools where girls and boys are treated equally, where children feel safe and where every child can reach their full potential.

Our Promoting Rights in Schools initiative focuses on ensuring that schools are free, safe, relevant, non-discriminatory, properly equipped and staffed with trained teachers.

Women and girlsActionAid supports women to earn a living and build a sustainable future for themselves and their children. We offer women training in practical skills such as fishing, sewing or sustainable farming along with the knowledge of how to run a business. We help women advocate for fair wages and safe working environments. For millions who rely on farming for the income and food, we support innovative farming methods using sustainable techniques to adapt to climate change and enhance business practices. We also challenge laws that prevent women from owning land and have helped over 100,000 women gain access to land so they can grow enough food for their families.Women and girls are at the heart of everything we do. We make sure girls go to and stay in school, we work with communities and governments to end gender-based violence, and we train women in the skills they need to earn a sustainable living. We respect women’s own knowledge and give them the support they need to understand their rights and the power they have to change their own lives. As powerful agents of change, we believe that supporting women to lead their communities out of poverty and participate in civil and political life is the simplest, strongest way to build a sustainable, peaceful and just society.

ABOUT US


ActionAid campaigns for lasting changeWe support people in 45 countries to work their way out of poverty – but we know that this alone is not enough. To change lives for good, we need to fight the root causes that keep some of the world’s most vulnerable women and children poor in the first place. We hear communities talk of the constant abuses of rights and systemic inequality that holds back families and keeps them in poverty. Standing with the people most affected, ActionAid puts pressure on governments and corporations to change the policies that keep the world’s most vulnerable people in poverty. We support women and children to claim their rights and advocate for policies and rules that combat violence, women’s lack of representation in politics, badly paid and unsafe work, and lack of access to education.

Humanitarian and emergency responseWhen disaster strikes, we believe those living through the emergency are best placed to know what is needed to recover, rebuild and move towards a resilient future. We put women at the front of our emergency response work, as they often know what their families and communities need the most. But people need support from our local staff on the ground to put their ideas, energy and experience into action. That is why ActionAid’s philosophy is twofold - to respond to the immediate needs of a humanitarian emergency swiftly, but also to stay on and work with affected communities to implement long term recovery programmes. We do things differently, by supporting local people to be at the forefront of rebuilding and development work, and doing our best to use local resources, laying the groundwork for long-term sustainable recovery and progress.

ABOUT US


ABOUT US

Our distinctive organisation…In 2003 ActionAid decided that, in line with its strategy and the rapidly shifting global political and economic environment, to remain effective, we needed to move from being a UK-governed organisation to being a globally-led and governed federation. We were the first UK international development organisation to move our base from London to the global South. A new federation was formed, with an International Secretariat in Johannesburg and greater power was given to each country office. This enables us to practise what we preach – by creating greater understanding of poverty and enabling poor countries to have more control over their own decision-making. This forward thinking, visionary move also released a new energy – enabling tremendous growth and new thinking across ActionAid and increasing our ability to respond to the world around us.

We are proud that most of the staff in the 45 countries in which we are based are nationals and 27 national Boards have been established around the world to govern our country programmes. This strengthens our ability to negotiate on the issue of rights with both local and central government. We also have a strong track record in building the capacity of national staff members, especially women leaders. This way of working ensures relevance, rootedness in communities and legitimacy. It also enables members to raise funds locally. Given the reality of today’s economic and political environment it is clear that it was a far-sighted move which has opened up enormous potential to respondto the current challenges of global poverty.

ABOUT US


How can we bring about real and sustained positive change in the lives of women, men, young people and children in poverty?’

That’s the question we asked ourselves and the communities we work closely with as we collectively formed our current strategy that will result in millions of people having quality education, enough food to eat, access to land, improved public services, more accountable governments, freedom from violence and a greater resilience if disaster strikes.

In the international strategy we set five objectives(which were agreed by all the country offices aroundthe world):

• Promote sustainable agriculture and control natural resources for people living in poverty.

• Advance the political influence of people living in poverty to hold governments and corporates accountable.

• Improve the quality of public education for all children and support young people to become drivers of change towards a poverty-free planet.

• Build the resilience of people living in poverty to conflicts and disasters and respond to disasters with people-centered, rights-based alternatives.

• Ensure that women and girls can break the cycle of poverty and violence, build economic alternatives and claim control over their bodies.

We have also made ten key change promises withspecific targets against which we hold ourselves toaccount:

• Secure women’s land rights.

• Harness youth leadership to end poverty and injustice.

• Promote sustainable agriculture.

• Build people’s resilience to conflict and disaster.

• Hold governments to account on public services.

• Respond to disasters through rights.

• Achieve redistributive resourcing of development.

• Increase women’s and girls’ control over their bodies.

• Transform education for girls and boys.

• Generate women-centred economic alternatives.

To view our international strategy please visit:https://www.actionaid.org.uk/about-us/our-strategy

ACTIONAIDINTERNATIONAL’SSTRATEGY:PEOPLE’S ACTIONTO END POVERTY(2012-2017)

https://www.actionaid.org.uk/about-us/our-strategy


Please note this statement is for information only and does not form part of a contract. This list is not exhaustive and you will be expected to undertake such duties as may be assigned to you by ActionAid from time to time. Staff are expected to be flexible in their work in order to deliver the objectives of the organisation.

Job Title:Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

Contract type:Permanent

Management and key relationships:Staff managed: Head of Major Gifts, Head of Principal Giving, Head of Research & Project Information, Head of Trusts

Reports to: Director of Fundraising

Main purpose of the role:To lead the Philanthropy and Partnerships function within the fundraising department and a team of managers to deliver a step increase in income (2015 £4.1m) from ‘high value’ funding streams – from high net-worth individuals, charitable trusts and companies, both in the UK and in key markets beyond the UK.

Are you passionate about making a real difference?As part of the global ActionAid family, we are helping to build a fair and just world where everyone can claim their rights. To achieve this we work with local people in more than 45 countries to fight hunger and disease, seek justice and education for women, hold companies and governments to account and help communities cope with emergencies.

In the UK our role is to raise funds to carry out programme work internationally, to motivate and engage our supporters and the general public and to campaign for change. We are a values-driven, forward-thinking organisation, focused on achieving long-term change through supporting our partners to make a sustainable difference.

The Philanthropy and Partnerships team leads ActionAid’s high value fundraising efforts. The team works with major donors, trusts, foundations, small official donors and companies to raise income for ActionAid’s mission. The team is divided into four teams: Major Gifts, Trusts, Principle Giving and Research & Project Information. The team currently raises more than £4million per annum and has ambitions to significantly increase income in coming years.

ROLEPROFILE


Provide high level strategic and ambitious leadership to build the capacity and culture within ActionAid UK to deliver significant gifts

• Develop, implement and drive strategies that will deliver a steep increase in income from major donors, charitable trusts and foundations.

• Work with the Head of Major Gifts and Head of Trusts, to support the development of major donor & trust cultivation strategies, with a particular focus on donors and prospects able to make substantial gifts and grants.

• Work with the Head of Major Gifts and Head of Trusts to improve the internal systems and support required to enable major donor and trust fundraising to flourish.

• Work with the Major Gifts and trusts teams to set ambitious income targets and to monitor performance of income and expenditure budgets and other Key Performance Indicators.

• Work with the Head of Research and Project Information team to ensure that prospect research is delivered in partnership with fundraisers and that the pipeline of donors and prospects is successfully managed.

• Work with the Head of Research and Project Information to ensure that proposals are of a high standard, in line with ActionAid’s strategic priorities and that grants are effectively managed.

• Work with the Head of Principal Giving to support the development and delivery of a brand new strategy and proposition for principal giving.

• Create the environment/framework to foster, and lead on, the generation of new ideas around possible new ‘cases of support’ in line with ActionAid’s strategic priorities.

Engage key stakeholders, networks’ and influencers to increase their involvement with developing support from high value donors

External • Lead on the management of a small number of the

highest value donors/prospects, with support from other members of the team.

• Lead from the front, maximising the highest value, strategic relationships.

• Develop and oversee ActionAid UK’s networking strategy to build relationships with wealthy and influential individuals and organisations. This will include leaders in the business world, celebrities and other public figures as well as philanthropy and wealth advisers.

• Work with the celebrity team to help influence high value individuals to give and do more, and support the development of celebrity prospects as major donors if and when appropriate.

• Be the principal point of contact, alongside the CEO, with ActionAid’s Royal Patron.

• Lead the establishment of a group of volunteers to support prospecting and conversion and recognise those donors at a six figure level or above.

• Represent ActionAid UK at external events and conferences to raise ActionAid’s profile and network to build relationships with prospective donors, door-openers and influencers.

ROLE RESONSIBILTIES


Internal• Actively encourage ActionAid UK’s senior managers

and trustees to build a culture that recognises and appreciates the value that high value relationships can bring to ActionAid.

• Lead on identifying opportunities to build networks, through ActionAid UK’s trustees, other key stakeholders and developing new influencer relationships.

• Regularly update ActionAid UK’s CEO and Director of Fundraising on contacts with the highest level donors and prospects, and support the development of a strategy to bring the CEO and senior leadership face to face with these top donors and prospects.

• Build awareness of high value fundraising at every level across the organisation.

• Develop and oversee a capacity building programme to build the competency of senior staff and trustees in their role in cultivating donors and prospects, and to ensure that the interests and needs of donors are taken into account when setting strategies.

• Strengthen links/relationships with County Programme Directors/Regional Directors to help improve understanding of support required for high value giving. This will require taking a role in the escalation of significant grant-management issues as required.

• Support ActionAid International (AAI) in their role in building capacity of country programmes.

Increase integration with other parts of ActionAid UK to maximise opportunities to engage with donors to the best effect and improve the quality of income raised

• Understand AAI and ActionAid UK’s strategies ensuring that they relate to the team’s own strategies and plans.

• Work collaboratively with other fundraising teams to manage boundaries, to ensure that donors and prospects are managed appropriately, including the regular migration of donors between supporter marketing and high value fundraising, in order to maximise income opportunities.

• Regularly liaise with ActionAid UK’s Director of Policy, Advocacy and Programmes to discuss and resolve any issues on how campaigning and advocacy work impacts on contacts with corporate donors.

ROLE RESONSIBILTIES


Constructively contribute to the development of the Fundraising Department as part of the Fundraising Management Team

• Contribute to heads of team meetings and support the Director of Fundraising as a key member of the Fundraising Management team.

• Provide valuable input into the development of the overall fundraising strategy and other fundraising and organisational team plans.

• Work with AAI and ActionAid UK’s fundraising affiliates to proactively share learning and develop best practice.

• Represent ActionAid UK in fundraising meetings as required.

Management and development of the Philanthropy & Partnerships teams

• Line Management responsibility for the Head of Major Gifts, Head of Principal Giving, Head of Research & Project Information and Head of Trusts.

• Build on the collegiate structure of the team to support and ensure that the whole team is acting as one.

• Lead on recruiting, developing and retaining talented staff.

• Ensure that all team members fully understand, and are committed to, ActionAid’s mission, vision, values and strategic aims, and work towards their achievement.

• Ensure that all communications are on brand.

• Work closely with staff to create appropriate development opportunities and clear direction through ActionAid’s appraisal system, development and regular 1:1 sessions.

• Proactively ensure that all staff are kept fully briefed on key organisational issues.

Benefits Package• 27 days annual leave• Salary negotiable pending experience• Pension contribution up to 8% • Cycle to work scheme• Season ticket loan• Childcare vouchers scheme• Discounted gym membership

ROLE RESONSIBILTIES


Experience

• Experience of planning and leading a high value and trust programme to create a steep change in income.

• Experience of embedding strategic thinking and planning, and the ability to clearly articulate a strategic direction and plan.

• A proven track record of successfully personally soliciting gifts and/or grants at a six figure plus level.

• Proven ability to set and achieve realistic but stretching income targets.

• Experience of playing a key role in a management team.

• Experience of managing and motivating a team and enabling individuals to reach their full potential.

• Experience of managing managers is highly desirable.

• Experience of developing and managing budgets and providing management information, including forecasting against plan.

• Experience of developing innovative funding products, written funding proposals and case for support documents.

• Experience of working across organisational teams and the ability to generate the trust and support of key stakeholders.

• Experience with Middle East and Swiss foundations and donors would be desirable.

• Willingness to undertake some travel – both overseas and in the UK.

Skills• The ability to develop rapport with major donors,

including those who are at a senior level in the business world.

• Entrepreneurial and target driven.

• The ability to lead and inspire others.

• A natural social networker.

• The confidence and credibility to work with senior colleagues and, where necessary, to influence and manage upwards.

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

• A positive and constructive attitude to meeting challenges, solving problems and identifying opportunities.

• An understanding of and commitment to international development and humanitarian work is desirable.

PERSONSPECIFICATION


To apply, please forward a comprehensive CV together with a supporting statement (maximum two pages of A4). Please provide evidence of your suitability against the criteria in the Person Specification in your statement and explain why you are interested in the position.

You should give the names, positions, organisations and telephone contact numbers of two referees relevant to this role. References will only be taken once your express permission has been granted.

Finally please ensure that you have included mobile, work and home telephone numbers, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable.

Applications should be made via the Prospectus website at: www.prospect-us.co.uk/executive/job/HQ00164871

Recruitment TimetableClosing date: Monday 18th April 2016

First interviews with ActionAid UK:28th April 2016

Second interviews with ActionAid UK:w/c 2nd or 9th May 2016

These dates may be subject to change and candidates will be advised in advance should this happen.

Candidates selected for interview may be required to undertake an online psychometric assessment.

If you wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, or need additional information please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Mateusz Bernatek at Prospectus on 020 7405 4999 or e-mail:[email protected] [email protected]

HOW TO APPLY

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actionaid uk - head of philanthropy and partnerships

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