JOB TITLE: Major Donor Manager

DEPARTMENT: Foundation

JOB FUNCTION: To develop and implement strategies to engage major donors and cultivate meaningful relationships to deliver a new and sustainable income stream.

LOCATION: Stamford Bridge

CONTRACT: Permanent

PLAY YOUR PART (Main Responsibilities):

• Collaborate with the Head of Philanthropic Partnerships to develop a comprehensive major donor strategy, establishing clear goals and sustainable fundraising revenue targets.
• Partner with the Programs, Fundraising, and Club Hospitality teams to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of funding needs, crafting compelling cases for support aligned with the Foundation’s mission.
• Lead and manage face-to-face solicitations by establishing effective and long-lasting relationships that will build a major donor pipeline.
• Work closely with the CEO and Head of Philanthropic Partnerships to brief them on prospective donors and prepare them for meetings and events.
• Ensure timely and meaningful communication with donors, including regular impact reports demonstrating how their contributions advance the Foundation’s mission.
• Coordinate outreach, conduct prospect research, track revenue, and seek additional opportunities for engagement with Major Donors.
• Responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date CRM records, ensuring seamless data management and effective relationship tracking.
• Provide additional support to the Fundraising team as and when required.

DO THE RIGHT THING (Our Expectations):

• To demonstrate and live by the club’s values; Here to Win, Be Brave, Do the Right Thing, Play Your Part, Many Teams, One Club and Proud to Be Chelsea.
• To adhere to the club’s policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR.
• To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels.
• To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead.
• To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department.

HERE TO WIN (Measures of Performance):

• Confidence in building rapport and cultivating relationships with supporters from diverse backgrounds and at various levels
• Skilled at managing multiple work streams and requests, demonstrating sound judgement to prioritise tasks effectively
• Ability to respond to inquiries and communications promptly and professionally
• Delivery of a high-impact major donor program that generates significant funding and increases awareness of the Foundation’s mission

PROUD TO BE CHELSEA (Person Specification):

Experience:

• Proven experience in securing significant gifts,
• Demonstrable experience in successfully building high-level funding opportunities and preparing compelling proposals for potential funders
• Strong networking and relationship abilities with a focus on long-term engagement
• Skilled at identifying and pursuing new funding opportunities
• Proficient in using CRM software to manage donor relationships and track progress
• Experience in cultivating and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders

Skills and Behaviours:

• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively across multiple departments
• Results driven
• Initiative-taking and purposeful
• Ability to prioritise tasks and correspondence
• Ensure compliance with charity legislation and best practice
• Discretion and ability to manage confidential information.
• Strong attention to detail with good written and IT literacy (MS Office)
• Strong project management skills

Chelsea FC and the Foundation is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.