Overview

The Philanthropy Manager plays a critical role in implementing a major donor program that supports Lewa Wildlife Conservancy’s strategic conservation and community development goals. He/she will primarily focus on UK and Europe based opportunities.

The Philanthropy Manager is a key member of an effective nine-staff development team, led by the International Executive Director.  Lewa’s international team is currently based across the USA and UK, working in close collaboration with the team in Kenya.  This position reports to the Deputy Director of Development, currently based in New York, for day-to-day management and ultimately reports to Lewa’s International Executive Director, currently based in London.  The position sits within Lewa’s International Fundraising Department.

The Philanthropy Manager is entrepreneurial, experienced in nonprofit management and development, and passionate about both fundraising and donor cultivation.  This challenging role demands a highly organized, detail-oriented, entrepreneurial individual with strong verbal and written communications skills and the ability to work independently.  He/She understands the importance of data management, nonprofit administration, and budget oversight. A deep commitment to and interest in the protection of wildlife and natural heritage is advantageous.

Occasional domestic and international travel, including travel to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, will require adjustments in personal schedule. The Philanthropy Manager should be flexible to work from a home office and/or shared Lewa office in central London (post pandemic restrictions).

Key Responsibilities

1. Major Donor Management and Stewardship

• Manage a portfolio of 100+ individuals, institutions and corporations giving between £5,000 and £100,000 including:
  • Regularly conduct prospect research. Qualify prospects and present information and strategies to Deputy Director
  • Cultivate meaningful relationships through substantive contacts and visits, as appropriate
  • Develop and execute solicitation strategies
  • Steward existing donors
  • Build a robust international donor base, primarily focused on the UK and Europe
  • Lead and/or assist team in writing thorough reports and grant-winning proposals
  • Lead development and submission of some reports and proposals that require coordination among offices, including international offices and Lewa Kenya, and across LWC programs
  • Meet or exceed growth oriented fundraising targets annually
• Support development and communications goals related to annual giving by participating in campaign discussions and strategy development; increasing awareness of campaigns among donors; and securing matching gifts to be offered during campaigns.
• Manage all aspects of Lewa UK’s participation in the annual Big Give campaign.

2. Special Events

• Develop strategies to raise Lewa Wildlife Conservancy’s visibility and attract new major gift donors.
• Primary contact for bi-annual gala in London (post pandemic restrictions). Work with team to plan and execute successful fundraising events, including mobilizing sponsors for the gala.
• Support US-based team members as needed on planning and executing a bi-annual gala in New York City (currently planned for fall 2022).
• Work with Lewa’s International Advisory Council and Board members to plan and staff smaller cultivation or fundraising events.
• Work with Kenyan colleagues to plan and conduct visits, presentations, and events in the UK and Europe.
• Support the annual Lewa Safari Marathon held in Kenya and virtually. Help manage sponsorship, donor relations, and travel for the marathon.
• Support team in preparations for International Board and Committee meetings (both virtual and in-person).

3. Fundraising Management

• Regularly input development actions and donor information into Salesforce;
• Monitor and evaluate fundraising activities to ensure that goals are being achieved;
• Utilize team tools like Dropbox, Salesforce, Google products, and Basecamp to manage tasks and projects.

Qualifications and Competencies

This challenging role demands a highly organized, self-driven, entrepreneurial individual with strong communications skills and the ability to work independently. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a genuine commitment towards Lewa’s mission and vision.

The post holder must demonstrate:  

Track record of success in fundraising from individual, foundation and corporate donors. He/she must be able to identify, solicit, engage and steward current and new donors to meet or exceed growth oriented fundraising targets.

Excellent written & verbal skills in English, great attention to detail and commitment to high standards is required.

Professional Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in major gift fundraising required
• A successful track record of stewarding and securing gifts from major donors
• Experience writing/editing successful technical proposals highly preferred
• Experience working with Boards and/or fundraising volunteers
• Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM required
• Knowledge of conservation/international development issues is preferred
• A general-to-good understanding of the Kenyan/African social-political context is essential.  Experience in Kenya, East Africa and or other parts of Africa is desirable

Personal Qualities

• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and ability to foster positive working relationships that contribute to a healthy organizational culture in a multinational, multicultural environment
• Self-driven and able to take direction
• Ability to travel internationally and domestically
• Proven ability to work effectively and efficiently against pressing deadlines, with problem solving mindset.
• Ability to work in harmony with teammates, enthusiastic contributor to team goals, and able to accept and incorporate feedback
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity
• Dedicated to personal professional development.
• Willingness to adapt schedule and work outside of typical hours when required.

 Education and Training

• Relevant University degree required; MSc in Conservation/ relevant field preferred
• 5+ years’ experience in similar role at a conservation or sustainable development NGO in an international setting
• Skilled in Microsoft Office and use of a CRM database (Lewa currently uses Salesforce)

Compensation and Benefit

• Lewa provides a competitive salary between £42,000 and £52,000 depending where based/ level of experience, plus holiday compensation package
• Will consider flexible work from home/work from Lewa office (post pandemic) arrangement

Application Process

Please submit resume/ CV and cover-letter by email to: lewaintl@lewa.org with “Philanthropy Manager (UK)” in the subject line by 5pm DST Wednesday February 17.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Lewa is not able to sponsor employment visas.