Rugby Giving Lead Consultant - ChildFund Rugby
Application deadline: 14 August 2026
1. Organisational Context
ChildFund Rugby partners to use rugby as a powerful tool for positive social impact, supporting children and young people to play, learn and lead. ChildFund Rugby is World Rugby’s global Social Impact Partner, a multi-year partnership that builds on previous partnerships across five consecutive Rugby World Cup events.
ChildFund Rugby’s partners use Pass It Back, a set of integrated rugby and life skills learning products, so that children and young people in vulnerable situations have opportunities to develop critical social and emotional skills, overcome challenges, inspire positive social change and take leadership roles in their lives.
ChildFund Rugby is establishing the Pass It Back Collective, a global community of rugby-connected supporters whose significant investment will help Pass It Back reach more children and young people. Launching with an inaugural group and growing over time, the Collective will be built through trusted introductions, individual relationship-building, meaningful engagement, major giving and long-term stewardship.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to develop trusted relationships with a defined portfolio of rugby-connected prospective donors and progress those relationships towards significant charitable donations to Pass It Back and long-term membership of the Pass It Back Collective.
This is a relationship-based fundraising role. The Rugby Giving Lead will combine the credibility, relationships and lived experience of an elite rugby athlete with structured training and support in donor engagement and major giving.
3. Portfolio
The Rugby Giving Lead will own a defined regional portfolio of qualified prospective donors and cultivate relevant connectors who can provide trusted introductions and open doors.
The portfolio will generally comprise approximately 25–35 prospects at different stages of qualification and cultivation. Its final composition will reflect the agreed geographic focus, prospect readiness and level of effort.
4. Scope of Services
A. Portfolio Development and Relationship Management
- Own and actively manage an agreed portfolio of prospective supporters, maintaining clear relationship strategies, current records and next actions;
- Draw on their rugby experience, credibility and networks, and work with trusted connectors, to secure warm introductions to priority prospective donors;
- Build authentic relationships through individual meetings, small gatherings, rugby events, Pass It Back briefings, in-person visits and virtual experiences that enable prospective donors to understand Pass It Back’s work and impact firsthand;
- Progress relationships through qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, regularly reviewing priorities and addressing stalled or unsuitable prospects.
B. Major Giving and Collective Development
- Assess prospect readiness and work with the Co-Directors and fundraising advisers to develop appropriate gift strategies;
- Prepare for, participate in and, where appropriate, lead major-gift conversations and solicitations;
- Use selected rugby and supporter events to connect with prospective donors, facilitate introductions and progress relationships, with appropriate preparation and follow-up;
- Follow through on prospective commitments, documentation and agreed actions;
- Steward Collective members through meaningful communication and engagement, identifying opportunities for renewed giving, advocacy and introductions;
- Contribute to the Pass It Back Collective’s shared membership and revenue targets through a relationship-led approach.
C. Representation and Collaboration
- Represent ChildFund Rugby and the Pass It Back Collective confidently at selected meetings, events and supporter engagements;
- Communicate Pass It Back’s purpose and impact clearly, drawing appropriately on personal rugby experience to build trust and connection;
- Work cl