Build transformational relationships with high-net-worth supporters to secure principal gifts that advance London Business School’s strategic ambitions
Why London Business School?
London Business School; a global and vibrant business community based in three of the world’s most dynamic cities, London, Dubai and Riyadh. It’s where extraordinary minds and diverse perspectives connect, to have a profound impact on the way the world does business and the way business impacts the world. We offer best in class hybrid learning to our students and participants, whilst creating a flexible, supportive and dynamic working environment for our people to excel in, whatever their location.
The Role
London Business School is looking for an experienced and ambitious Associate Director, Principal Giving to join our Advancement team.
This is a senior fundraising role focused on developing relationships with high-net-worth individuals and securing principal gifts of £1m+ in support of the School’s strategic priorities. You will manage and grow a portfolio of prospects and supporters in the UK and internationally, building multi-level relationships that lead to long-term philanthropic support.
Working closely with the Director, Principal Giving, the Dean, Associate Dean for Advancement, Executive Director, Giving, Prospect Research, Alumni Engagement and colleagues across Advancement, you will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward key prospects. You will also help shape ambitious principal and major gift strategies for London and other assigned geographic regions.
This is an opportunity to play a significant role in the success of Forever Forward, London Business School’s strategic fundraising campaign, and to contribute directly to the School’s mission to have a profound impact on the way the world does business.
Manage and develop a portfolio of high-net-worth prospects and supporters in the UK and internationally, with a focus on securing principal gifts of £1m+.
Build and sustain lasting relationships with current and prospective supporters, meeting agreed revenue targets and creating opportunities for long-term income generation.
Develop and manage a principal gift prospect portfolio, regularly reviewing progress and strategy with the Director, Principal Giving.
Work closely with Prospect Research to identify new potential supporters through existing donor contacts, networks, School activity and external sources.
Lead and develop ambitious advancement strategies for principal and major gift prospects in London and other assigned geographic focus regions.
Develop tailored engagement plans that maximise income, profile and influence from alumni and friends of the School.
Track prospects carefully through the cultivation cycle, ensuring accurate moves management and timely follow-up.
Support the Dean, Associate Dean for Advancement, Director, Principal Giving and Executive Director, Giving to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward key prospects.
Prepare timely and accurate income reports, forecasts, prospect plans and pipeline updates.
Work with colleagues across Alumni Engagement to identify cultivation opportunities and deliver a customer-centric approach for supporters.
Partner with Donor Relations and Stewardship colleagues to ensure outstanding donor management and stewardship.
Work with Advancement Operations and Campaign colleagues to develop high-quality proposals, updates and campaign materials for prospective and existing supporters.
Attend School and external events to develop networks with faculty, senior leadership, alumni and prospective supporters.
Represent the School at external events and conferences where appropriate.
Build productive relationships across departments including Brand & Marketing, Communications, Faculty, Degree Education and Executive Education.
Extensive fundraising experience at principal and major gifts level, ideally within a university or higher education environment.
Proven experience closing six and seven-figure+ principal and major gifts.
Experience operating with senior-level stakeholders, supporters and prospects.
Outstanding written and verbal communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
Strong relationship-building skills, including the ability to influence and negotiate at senior management and board level, internally and externally.
Political astuteness, tact and diplomacy in complex stakeholder environments.
Experience or knowledge of fundraising outside the UK, with the ability to navigate a wide variety of international cultures and customs.
Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a large and diverse portfolio of high-profile prospects.
Confidence, maturity and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information.
An innovative, creative and energetic approach to fundraising and relationship development.
At London Business School, we support Smart Working - a hybrid approach designed to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance while delivering the best outcomes for your role and the needs of our customers. All roles require a minimum of two days on campus each week to foster a vibrant, collaborative community.
For this role specifically, you will be expected to be on campus 2 days per week.
We operate with ‘core hours’ – 10:00-15:00 – to maximise opportunities for connection and collaboration across teams during the working day. Outside of these hours, you may still be required for meetings or collaboration based on your role and customer needs. Additionally, we offer Protected Time - a flexible, one-hour slot, within the working week dedicated to your learning and development, wellbeing, or focused, quiet work
Our commitment to driving inclusion and belonging
We are a globally reaching institution, committed to creating tangible and sustainable change in driving inclusion & belonging within our School, education and society at large. We are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone in our community feels they belong and thrive. This is a key school priority, and we want everyone who joins LBS to feel respected, welcomed, and heard.
Candidates needing sponsorship should assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship by evaluating their circumstances against the relevant criteria before applying.
Please note we start screening CVs and interviewing candidates from the start of a campaign. A successful candidate could progress to offer before the advertised closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you are interested in any roles.
View Job Description
View London Business School Benefits
Competitive Salary dependent upon experience
Closing date: 8th September 2026
