Principal Gifts Lead

Job title: Principal Gifts Lead Responsible to: Head of Philanthropy
Based: Hybrid - Saunderton, Buckinghamshire OR Bielby, East Yorkshire
Contract: Permanent, Full Time

The Principal Gifts Lead, along with a second Principal Gifts Lead, will play a pivotal role in establishing and growing principal and transformational giving at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, with a focus on securing significant philanthropic gifts of £100,000 and above. This is a senior, hands-on fundraising role with a substantial emphasis on new business development, prospect cultivation and pipeline growth. Working from a predominantly unengaged prospect base, the postholder will be responsible for identifying and qualifying opportunities, establishing new relationships with high-net-worth individuals and developing these into meaningful, long-term philanthropic partnerships. The successful candidate will be an experienced, proactive and confident relationship fundraiser who enjoys opening doors, initiating conversations and building relationships from the ground up. They will combine a strategic approach to philanthropy with the drive and persistence needed to turn prospective opportunities into significant financial support. Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy, second Principal Gifts Lead, CEO, trustees and senior stakeholders, the postholder will develop tailored engagement strategies, create compelling giving opportunities and lead the solicitation of significant philanthropic gifts. The role carries individual responsibility for establishing and managing a strong pipeline of principal giving opportunities, delivering against agreed income and activity targets, and contributing to the long-term growth of Philanthropy at Hearing Dogs.

The Opportunity This is an opportunity to play a central role in developing a growing area of philanthropy at Hearing Dogs. We have identified a promising pool of prospective supporters, supported by our Prospect Research function, but many of these relationships are at an early stage or have yet to be established. A significant part of this role will therefore involve new donor acquisition, building engagement and developing a qualified pipeline of individuals with the potential to make transformational gifts. We are looking for someone who brings a genuine new business mindset: a fundraiser who is confident approaching prospective donors, identifying opportunities for introductions, building trust and progressing relationships towards significant philanthropic investment. This is not a role centred on inheriting an established portfolio of engaged principal donors. It is an opportunity to build something, taking ownership of developing relationships, establishing a sustainable pipeline and converting philanthropic potential into income and long-term support. You'll be supported by a dedicated Prospect Research function, an established Philanthropy team and senior leaders who are committed to growing philanthropic support for Hearing Dogs.

Key Responsibilities

New Business Development and Pipeline Growth
- Establish and grow a strong pipeline of principal giving prospects, with a significant focus on new donor acquisition and developing relationships from a predominantly unengaged prospect base.
- Work closely with Prospect Research to identify, qualify and prioritise high-net-worth individuals with the potential to make gifts of £100,000 and above.
- Proactively open doors and create new opportunities through tailored outreach, warm introductions and leveraging the networks of trustees, senior leaders, existing supporters and professional advisers.
- Develop and manage a qualified pipeline with clear engagement strategies, relationship plans, milestones and realistic income forecasts, including opportunities to upgrade existing supporters.
Securing Principal and Transformational Gifts
- Lead the cultivation and solicitation of significant philanthropic gifts of £100,000 and above, progressing prospects from initial engagement through to securing support.
- Develop compelling, bespoke giving propositions aligned with donor interests, motivations and Hearing Dogs' strategic priorities.
- Work closely with the Head of Philanthropy and senior stakeholders to progress the charity's highest-value opportunities and secure long-term philanthropic commitments.
- Deliver against agreed individual income, pipeline development and fundraising activity targets.
Strategic Donor Engagement and Relationship Management
- Build and maintain trusted, long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals, their families and representatives.
- Work collaboratively with the CEO, trustees and senior stakeholders to facilitate introductions, cultivate relationships and create meaningful opportunities for engagement.
- Develop and deliver tailored cultivation and stewardship plans, including donor meetings, visits, events and personalised communications.
- Work with the Case for Support function to develop compelling proposals and impact reporting, ensuring exceptional stewardship and opportunities for continued support.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential
- 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, with the willingness and ability to travel across the UK for donor meetings and events.
Desirable
- Experience working in relevant sectors such as health, disability, social care or animal welfare.
- Knowledge of the UK philanthropy landscape, including trends in principal and transformational giving, family philanthropy and donor-advised funds.
- Experience engaging family offices, professional advisers or other intermediaries to identify and develop philanthropic opportunities.
- Experience working with senior stakeholders, Boards or Campaign Committees in a fundraising context.
- Experience developing multi-year philanthropic partnerships or securing significant gifts for strategic organisational priorities.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 due to its duties involving the protection of children and/or adults at risk. Applicants are therefore required to disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands, as well as any relevant non-conviction information. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with the Police Act 1997 (Part V).
Please click below to apply submitting your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the position, including your experience of new donor acquisition, pipeline development and securing significant philanthropic gifts. Applications close on 6th November 2026 .

Benefits

- 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