Assistant head of philanthropy jobs

Head of Principal Gifts
Employer: University of Manchester
Salary: £59,966 to £71,566, depending on experience with scope to go beyond for an exceptional candidate
Location: Hybrid working, Manchester

We are looking for our new Head of Principal Gifts to work with our highest level of donors, securing principal gifts in support of the University of Manchester's key priorities - gifts that are truly transformational and enable us to tackle some of the world's greatest challenges.

We're taking our big gift fundraising to the next level with the launch of a dedicated Principal Gifts programme, and we're looking for someone to play a key role in shaping that transformation, building deep, lasting relationships with top-level donors in the UK and internationally.

With our inspirational new strategy in place and our first-ever university-wide philanthropic campaign, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED, launched in November 2025, this is a pivotal moment for Manchester and for your career.

Reporting to the Deputy Director, Principal Gifts, you'll be joining a brilliant, values-driven team with a fantastic pipeline of prospects, strong existing relationships, and academics who are fully engaged in what we're building together.

Great things happen at The University of Manchester every day - from finding new treatments for cancer and discovering wonder materials like Nobel Prize-winning graphene, to providing life-changing scholarships and influencing government policy to help the world's poorest people. This is the work your fundraising will make possible.

If you're a major gifts or big gift fundraiser ready to make your mark at a world-renowned institution and take that next career-defining step, we'd love to hear from you.

Closing date: Midnight on Monday 20 April 2026

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.

The University of Manchester is partnering with Constellate Global Talent on this search. No agencies please.

The Trusts and Foundations (T&F) Officer is an integral part of the Philanthropy team, managing relationships with high value supporters. They are responsible for a portfolio of approximately 40-50 Trusts and Foundations donors, primarily giving between £25k-£100k, but also with the potential to include those giving below and above that level, to support with team capacity and best stewardship. The Trusts and Foundations (T&F) Officer will build strong and strategic relationships with donors, ensuring continued support of MSF.

They are also responsible for seeking and securing new funding from prospective trusts and foundations at the £25k-£100k level. Their overall focus is on delivering stable, new and increased income for MSF's work, and feeding into the  Philanthropy team strategy around the retention and acquisition of new trust donors. 

Job description

Join our Community Fundraising Team and play an important part in stewarding some of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s most dedicated supporters. Line managing the Community Fundraising Assistant, you will effectively steward existing community and corporate supporters, identify new prospects and develop initiatives to engage our audiences.

No two days will ever be the same in this role: one day you might be visiting a golf club or meeting a supporter for a cheque presentation, the next you could be working to grow our ambassador programme, pitching to a corporate team, or finding a new way to engage our supporters. You’ll thrive on this variety and enjoy the meaningful, people focused work.

If you are a high performing fundraise with experience building long lasting relationships with supporters and engaging new audiences, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What you’ll be doing:

- Deliver best in class stewardship to develop long term relationships

- Line manage a Community Fundraising Assistant to ensure they achieve their objectives

- Identify and develop fundraising initiatives to engage community fundraising supporters in line with the Charity’s strategy

- Identify opportunities to raise awareness of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity including giving talks and presentations, and attending local events

- Work with other teams within the Charity, including Finance, Data, PR, Marketing and other fundraising teams to maximise best practice and supporter experience

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for someone who is:

- An experienced fundraiser with a proven track record of securing financial support from community fundraising supporters

- An excellent written and verbal communicator, able to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences

- Proactive with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to take initiative

- Able to build strong and effective working relationships and manage multiple stakeholders

Why join us?

We’re a values-driven charity committed to saving lives by funding world-leading research, treatment, and care at The Royal Marsden. You’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious, and kind team, with plenty of opportunities for learning and development.

What we offer:

- Hybrid working between home and Sutton with occasional travel to Chelsea.

- Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm

- 27 days annual leave rising with length of service

- Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service)

- Training, support and development opportunities

- Access to the Blue Light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities

- Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more

- Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes

- Opportunities for training and career development

Inclusion matters:

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Applications from all backgrounds are warmly welcomed

Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

The Social Media and Digital Content Manager is central to shaping and delivering the Young Vic's social media and digital content strategies. This role will take ownership of the Young Vic’s social media channels, promoting the full scope of programming and projects and bringing the Young Vic’s brand and tone of voice to life for our online audiences. It will also lead the Young Vic's approach to digital storytelling and video content, finding innovative ways to engage new audiences in our programming and bring them closer to the artistic visions and processes behind our work. Cultivating digital partnerships is also key to this role; helping bring the Young Vic to new audiences.

Essential Skills

A strategic, pro-active and creative approach to social media and digital content

Sound knowledge and experience of managing social platforms

Experience briefing and booking freelance creatives, and producing video content

Experience managing social media campaigns and successfully driving reach and engagement online.

Proven copywriting and editorial skills

Experience using social media planning and publishing software, including Meta Business Suite

Knowledge of digital accessibility standards and a strong belief in inclusive content creation

A confident communicator with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Excellent organisational and project management skills, and confidence in managing multiple priorities and stakeholders. Impeccable accuracy and strong attention to detail.

A collaborative approach, with the ability to engage multiple levels of stakeholders.

A pro-active self-starter who takes initiative and loves new challenges.

A passion for the work produced at the Young Vic, and its core mission

Experience managing budgets

Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)

Salary£49,321.55 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)

Location: London/Hybrid

Salary: £49,321.55 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1095733

Join YMCA England & Wales as our next Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving) and play a crucial role in transforming the lives of young people. This is your chance to lead a vibrant fundraising initiative that makes a real difference!

About Us:

At YMCA England & Wales, we uplift vulnerable young people by providing them with safe homes, vital life skills, and the support they need to thrive. We’re all about fairness, opportunity, and collective action—join us in making a difference!

Your Role:

As our Senior Fundraising Manager, you’ll develop and execute an ambitious Major Giving strategy, building strong relationships with high-net-worth donors and engaging new prospects. Get ready to innovate with Giving Circles, Development Boards, and more!

What You'll Do:

- Cultivate and grow a portfolio of major donors.

- Host exclusive events and personal meetings to engage and inspire support.

- Create compelling proposals and impact reports that resonate with supporters.

- Collaborate with senior leaders and Trustees to strengthen relationships with philanthropists.

- Bring your strategic mindset to implement YMCA’s Major Giving Strategy.

About You:

You're a motivated and personable fundraising professional with a track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts. Your relationship management skills are top-notch, and you’re passionate about crafting unforgettable donor experiences. 

Why Join Us?

- Be part of a vibrant, growing fundraising team impacting young people's lives.

- Work for a charity that values collaboration and celebrates your contributions.

- Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

If you’re ready to make a real impact and promote a fun, friendly environment, we’d love to hear from you! Join us and help shape the future of young people across England & Wales!

To apply: please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.