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Alan Gosschalk
Director Of Fundraising at Plan International UK
Professional Background
With an extensive and rich career in fundraising and charity management, Alan Gosschalk stands as a prominent figure in the non-profit sector. His trajectory has seen him take on pivotal roles in some of the leading charitable organizations in the UK, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for enhancing fundraising effectiveness and creating sustainable partnerships. Alan's impactful work led him to serve as Director of Fundraising at Plan International UK, where he played a crucial role in driving forward the organization’s mission to advance children’s rights and equality for girls. Moreover, his time as Interim Director of Partnerships & Fundraising at Comic Relief solidified his reputation as a strategic leader capable of inspiring teams to achieve ambitious fundraising goals. Beyond these roles, Alan also served as the Interim CEO at The Dystonia Society, illustrating his leadership versatility within diverse organizations.
Alan's commitment to sector advancement is reflected in his long-standing involvement with the Institute of Fundraising, where he progressed from the position of vice-chair to Chair. This role allowed him to influence the landscape of fundraising in the UK significantly and advocate for best practices in the sector. His dedication to philanthropy is further showcased through his tenure as a trustee at Hope and Homes for Children, where he contributed to the vision of providing loving homes for children in need around the world. His belief in creating cooperative frameworks is encapsulated in his personal motto: "Let's build bridges not walls," an ethos he embodies in his professional undertakings.
Education and Achievements
Alan Gosschalk's educational background laid a strong foundation for his distinguished career. He pursued a comprehensive education in management, beginning with his studies in General Management at the prestigious Ashridge Management Centre, where he honed his skills in leadership and organizational strategy. Prior to that, he achieved a BA Honours degree in French and Management from the University of Leeds, graduating with a 2.1 classification. Furthermore, he received his early education at the esteemed Manchester Grammar School, known for its academic rigor and commitment to holistic education. This robust academic grounding equipped Alan with the analytical and creative skills necessary to thrive in the multifaceted field of fundraising.
Alan's professional accomplishments are numerous and noteworthy. During his time as Director of Fundraising at Scope, he successfully led campaigns that significantly increased awareness and funding for disability initiatives, demonstrating his ability to galvanize support for vital causes. His prior experience as Director of Fundraising at SHELTER allowed him to engage the public in critical conversations about homelessness in the UK, while his leadership at RNID underscored his dedication to advocating for those with hearing loss. Each role has been characterized by Alan’s innovative approaches to fundraising and donor engagement, earning him widespread respect and recognition within the sector.
Achievements
Not only has Alan Gosschalk excelled in various directorial and management positions, but he has also contributed to the overall landscape of fundraising through his consultancy work. As a fundraising consultant at Sense, he further fine-tuned strategies that enriched the fundraising capabilities of non-profits. His tenure at Bluefrog as Client Services Director involved overseeing client relationships and ensuring that the fundraising messages resonated effectively with audiences. Additionally, his interim leadership roles at AMREF UK and other organizations have cemented his reputation as a go-to expert for organizations in transition looking for direction and innovative fundraising solutions.
Alan Gosschalk's career reflects a deep commitment to philanthropy, coupled with an impressive array of leadership experiences. His influence is felt across multiple organizations, where he has driven impactful change, nurtured relationships, and inspired a generation of fundraisers. His personal approach to leadership—emphasizing collaboration and innovation—continues to resonate with colleagues and peers in the charitable sector. With a powerful combination of educational background, diverse career experiences, and an unwavering commitment to fostering positive change, Alan stands as an exemplar for aspiring fundraisers and leaders in the non-profit field.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
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