Major gifts manager jobs
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Location: London (we will accept applications outside of London, but you are expected to be in the office a minimum of two days per week)
1st stage interviews: 29/06 (virtual)
2nd stage interviews: 06/07 (face-to-face in our South London Centre)
For more information or to apply, please click 'apply now' to be directed to our careers site.
You can play a pivotal role in unlocking funding that changes young lives.
Join our growing team at The King’s Trust, as we seek to close our £150m 50th Anniversary campaign. Principal Giving Manager is a high-impact fundraising role focused on securing and stewarding six and seven-figure gifts from individuals, trusts and foundations.
You will build deep, long-term relationships with influential donors, crafting compelling proposals, and driving a domestic and international pipeline that delivers £1m+ annually in income.
This role will suit a confident, relationship-led fundraiser who thrives on building authentic connections and influencing at the highest level. You bring energy, curiosity and a genuine passion for the mission, alongside the credibility to engage senior stakeholders and inspire philanthropy. You are highly organised, target-driven and motivated by delivering results, while collaborating across teams to unlock new opportunities and maximise impact.
To succeed, you will bring:
- A proven track record of securing and managing six-figure and above philanthropic gifts
- Strong experience in working in a target-driven environment and delivering to deadlines
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with senior stakeholders and donors
- Experience developing tailored funding propositions and managing a live prospect pipeline
This is an opportunity to shape meaningful partnerships and drive significant income that empowers young people to build brighter futures.
Why do we need Principal Giving Managers?
Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Principal Giving Managers!
Perks for working at The Trust!
- Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year
- Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
- You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events, etc.
- In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role
- Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas.
- Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network).
- Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave.
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme
- Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary)
Equal Opportunities
Here at The King's Trust, we're committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We want to be an organisation that's representative of the communities we serve, which is why we strive for diversity of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion and sex. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone, from any background, can be themselves and do the best work of their lives.
We are looking for people who can bring different perspectives and experiences, and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation and sector, such as candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
We’re a Stonewall Top 100 Employer, and we are an employer that is Disability Confident. Our staff, volunteers and young people are supported by KT CAN (our Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network) and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network).
Safeguarding
The King's Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake basic disclosure checks in accordance with the Codes of Practice for all roles within the Trust, and for our roles working directly with young people, at an enhanced level. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants.
A NOTE FOR RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:
We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a preferred supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you!
Req ID: 4012
Registered Charity 
51 - 100
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
An introduction from our Head of Fundraising
Villiers Park is a national social mobility charity with a strong track record of delivering impactful programmes that support young people from under-represented backgrounds to fulfil their potential.
We are seeking to recruit an experienced Trusts and Foundations Manager to lead and grow income from charitable trusts, foundations and grant-making bodies. This is a pivotal role within the fundraising team, responsible for developing and delivering a successful trusts and foundations income stream to support Villiers Park's programmes and ambitious ‘Beyond Barriers’ growth strategy.
Villiers Park is generously supported by charitable trusts and foundations, which contribute over £500,000 every year towards our work. The Trusts and Foundations Manager will build on and develop Villiers Park’s trust fundraising, by cultivating relationships with current and prospective supporters, preparing compelling applications and reports, and seeking new funders and opportunities to help us to realise our goals and those of the communities we serve.
As Trusts and Foundations Manager, you will be part of a supportive fundraising team (based in our Cambridge office) and will work closely with dedicated and welcoming colleagues from across the organisation including our Communications Manager, Finance Manager, Programmes Team, Senior Leadership Team and Trustees. I hope that you will be inspired to apply for the role and look forward to hearing from you.
Melody Brooker
Head of Fundraising
About the role
Villiers Park is generously supported by charitable trusts and foundations, which contribute over £500,000 every year towards our work. The Trusts and Foundations Manager will build on and develop Villiers Park’s trust fundraising, by cultivating relationships with current and prospective supporters, preparing compelling applications and reports, and seeking new funders and opportunities to help us to realise our goals and those of the communities we serve. Our established portfolio offers a unique opportunity for an experienced Trusts and Foundations Manager to steward relationships and meet with funders across our hubs, to see our work in action.
The successful candidate will be joining the team at an exciting time for Villiers Park. We have five thriving regional hubs cross the UK, and an evidence-based approach that makes a proven impact on young people’s lives. Our Beyond Barriers strategy is focused on further scaling our work to substantially increase our impact across the country by 2030.
As the Trusts and Foundations Manager, you will have the opportunity to work with colleagues from across the organisation, from Progression Coaches who work directly in and with our school partners to members of the Senior Leadership Team and Trustees. You will be part of a small fundraising team so working well in a team, and being flexible to support others, is essential. You will build mutually trusting relationships with colleagues and funders and balance tenacity with empathy.
Key responsibilities
- Prepare and write compelling applications to charitable trusts and foundations who have the capacity to make five and six figure gifts towards the charity’s work.
- Prepare and submit scheduled applications and reports to current funders, ensuring that we hit deadlines and develop relationships with the trusts and foundations currently supporting Villiers Park.
- In collaboration with the Senior Leadership team, and colleagues in Fundraising and Communications, create engaging and accurate reports to current funders that share the impact of their support, including trusts, major donors and university partners.
- Work with colleagues in the Fundraising team to develop and implement targeted stewardship strategies that bring current donors closer to our work.
- Identify new prospects and propose engagement and cultivation strategies.
- With the Head of Fundraising and Chief Executive, develop the trusts and philanthropic strategy to support the organisation’s 'Beyond Barriers’ strategic growth plan.
- Work closely with the Fundraising Operations and Data Manager to prepare pipeline reports to inform budgeting and forecasting.
- Support the Head of Fundraising to identify and develop fundraising channels, including family trusts, corporate foundations and legacy giving.
- Ensure compliance with Villiers Park’s safeguarding and data protection policies, and with the charity’s gift acceptance and fundraising policies and processes.
This list is not exhaustive, and the post-holder may be required to undertake other tasks relevant to the role and within their capability.
Essential skills and experience:
- Passionate about supporting young people from under-represented backgrounds.
- Experience of successfully building relationships with charitable trusts and securing five and six figure gifts.
- Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail.
- Strong ability to cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Ability to work autonomously and on own initiative.
- Good understanding of financial information and ability to communicate this effectively.
- A team player, who is personable, curious and empathetic.
- A commitment to learning and professional development.
- An understanding of current fundraising trends and connected with relevant fundraising networks.
Desirable skills and experience:
- Experience of fundraising for an educational or social mobility charity.
- Experience of securing multi-year six figure gifts.
- Interest in extending fundraising knowledge and experience, to include major donors, legacies and university partnerships.
Employee Benefits
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rated) and additional leave over Christmas.
- A dedicated wellbeing day for you to take at any time and three days (pro-rated) paid leave for volunteering or study each year.
- Training and professional development, including termly staff development days.
- Support from our wellbeing working group and access to an employee assistance programme.
- Opportunity to join working groups with other colleagues from across the organisation as well as wider networks such as the Fair Education Alliance.
- Flexibility in working hours.
- Additional sick pay and compassionate leave policies.
Safeguarding:
Villiers Park Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and to providing a safe and supportive environment, which secures the well-being and best outcomes for the young people with whom we work.
Safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of Villiers Park's work and integral to the commitment we make to our schools, partners and the young people and communities we serve and work with. All employees and volunteers are expected to share this commitment by adhering to our organisational safeguarding procedures, attending regular in-house training and keeping up to date with developments in policies and legislation. All employees and volunteers will also agree to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Services check and successfully complete our mandatory online training courses including NSPCC Safeguarding in Schools and PREVENT training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Duchenne UK works tirelessly to challenge barriers, deliver practical solutions, and speed up progress for families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The charity collaborate with leading researchers, clinicians, industry and charity partners to deliver hope and measurable progress for people living with DMD in the UK.
Founded by two mothers whose sons were diagnosed with DMD, the charity has raised more than £34 million to accelerate research, improve care and help transform outcomes for families affected by this life-limiting condition.
As the charity enters a new phase of growth, it is investing in the structures, stewardship and fundraising expertise needed to build on that success while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and close community connections that have made it so successful.
A newly created role, the Head of Relationship Fundraising will lead a diverse portfolio spanning Family & Friends fundraising, community fundraising, mid-value and major donor relationships, charity partnerships and corporate fundraising opportunities. Reporting to the Director of Income Generation, you will inherit an established portfolio of supporters and partners while identifying new opportunities for growth across the Duchenne community and beyond.
A key focus will be Duchenne UK’s Family & Friends Funds programme, a nationwide network of more than 50 family-led funds. You will combine ambitious income generation with exceptional supporter care, building trusted relationships with families, supporters, partners and donors whose connection to DMD is often deeply personal.
Working closely with the Director of Income Generation, CEO and co-founder Emily Reuben OBE, co-founder Alex Johnson OBE, and wider senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of relationship fundraising and helping to build a more strategic and sustainable fundraising programme for the years ahead.
As Head of Relationship Fundraising, you will:
- Lead delivery of Duchenne UK’s relationship fundraising strategy, driving sustainable income growth across multiple income streams
- Develop and grow Family & Friends fundraising, community fundraising, mid-value, major donor, partnership and corporate fundraising opportunities
- Build and steward a pipeline of supporters and prospects, developing meaningful long-term relationships
- Develop the Family & Friends Funds programme, ensuring excellent and compassionate supporter experiences
- Develop supporter journeys, stewardship plans and relationship management processes that increase engagement and retention
- Strengthen fundraising systems, processes and ways of working to support future growth
- Operationally lead relationships with charity partners and key stakeholders
- Monitor fundraising performance, pipeline activity and KPIs
- Line manage the Community & Events Fundraiser and help shape the wider fundraising function’s future direction, structure and growth
Essential skills and experience:
- Significant experience in relationship fundraising, with a track record of delivering sustainable income growth
- Experience managing complex supporter or donor relationships in emotionally sensitive or values-led environments
- Experience working with high-value supporters or philanthropy audiences
- Experience developing community, peer-to-peer, high-value or partnership fundraising relationships
- Demonstrable success in achieving income targets and building fundraising pipelines
- Strong relationship management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders
- Experience developing supporter journeys and stewardship approaches that improve engagement and retention
- Strong financial awareness, including pipeline management and forecasting
- Excellent communication skills and experience using CRM systems effectively
- Exceptional emotional intelligence, empathy and a commitment to outstanding supporter care
- A proactive, entrepreneurial and solutions-focused approach
Desirable:
- Experience within a health, medical research or disability-related charity
- Experience of diagnosis-led, in-memory or bereavement-related fundraising
- Knowledge of fundraising regulation, GDPR and Gift Aid
- Experience using Salesforce
Employee benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Summer Fridays – half days on Fridays in July and August (pro rata)
- Team wellness day and team away day
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
Application at this initial stage:
- Your CV, ensuring alignment with the person specification
- Answers to the two screening questions (click on Apply Now to answer these)
Suitable applicants will then be invited to an initial call and full support will be provided for formal application (CV and supporting statement).
