Principal Gifts Lead

Hearing Dogs For Deaf People

. Establish and grow a pipeline of principal giving prospects, focusing on new donor acquisition and developing relationships from a predominantly unengaged prospect base .

Posted 10/12/2026full-timePrinces Risborough • United KingdomSenior💰 £60,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in securing significant philanthropic gifts from high-net-worth individuals, developing tailored cultivation strategies, and managing fundraising pipelines. Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders while delivering on income and activity targets.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Philanthropic Gift SolicitationHigh-Net-Worth Individual EngagementFundraising Pipeline DevelopmentRelationship ManagementCommunication and Negotiation Skills

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

New Donor AcquisitionCultivation Strategy DevelopmentIncome ForecastingCRM System UtilizationProposal Development

Soft Skills

Proactive ApproachConfidenceResilienceCollaborationEthical Fundraising

Certifications & Qualifications

DBS Check

Industry Keywords

PhilanthropyHigh-Value FundraisingUK Philanthropy LandscapeHealth SectorAnimal Welfare

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Establish and grow a pipeline of principal giving prospects, focusing on new donor acquisition and developing relationships from a predominantly unengaged prospect base
Work with Prospect Research to identify, qualify and prioritise high-net-worth individuals with potential to make gifts of £100,000 and above
Open doors and create opportunities through tailored outreach, warm introductions and trustee, senior leader, supporter and professional adviser networks
Develop and manage qualified pipelines with engagement strategies, relationship plans, milestones and income forecasts
Lead cultivation and solicitation of significant philanthropic gifts of £100,000 and above
Develop bespoke giving propositions aligned with donor interests, motivations and Hearing Dogs' strategic priorities
Work with the Head of Philanthropy and senior stakeholders on high-value opportunities and long-term philanthropic commitments
Deliver individual income, pipeline development and fundraising activity targets
Build and maintain relationships with high-net-worth individuals, families and representatives
Collaborate with the CEO, trustees and senior stakeholders to facilitate introductions and engagement
Develop and deliver cultivation and stewardship plans, including donor meetings, visits, events and personalised communications
Work with the Case for Support function on proposals and impact reporting
Contribute to the long-term growth of Philanthropy at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Requirements

What you’ll need

Proven track record of securing significant philanthropic gifts, ideally at six-figure level or above, from high-net-worth individuals
Demonstrable experience of new donor acquisition and building high-value fundraising pipelines, including developing relationships with previously unengaged prospects through to successful solicitation
A proactive, commercially minded approach to fundraising, with the confidence, resilience and initiative to open doors, create opportunities and build lasting donor relationships
Experience developing tailored cultivation strategies and compelling philanthropic propositions aligned with donor motivations and organisational priorities
Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage credibly with high-net-worth individuals, trustees and senior stakeholders
Strong organisational and relationship management skills, including the ability to independently manage a portfolio, use CRM systems effectively and deliver against income and activity targets
A collaborative and ethical approach to fundraising
Willingness and ability to travel across the UK for donor meetings and events
DBS check required
Applicants must disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, and relevant non-conviction information
Desirable: experience in health, disability, social care or animal welfare sectors
Desirable: knowledge of the UK philanthropy landscape
Desirable: experience engaging family offices, professional advisers or other intermediaries
Desirable: experience working with senior stakeholders, Boards or Campaign Committees
Desirable: experience developing multi-year philanthropic partnerships or securing significant gifts for strategic organisational priorities
CV and covering letter required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Employee Assistance Programme
Death in Service Payment
Annual leave enhancements recognising long service
Day off for your birthday
Defined contribution group personal pension plan
Enhanced sick pay
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Eye care
Hearing tests
Learning and Development opportunities
Discounts on merchandise at Hearing Dog gift shops
Pet Dog Policy