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Reporting to: Head of Business Development
Direct reports: None
Location of work: Home based in Scotland. This post holder will be based at home with regular travel across Scotland. The role will involve some irregular travel across the rest of the UK. Travel expenses will be paid in line with our Travel Expenses Policy.
Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week, flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work
Contract Length: Permanent
Salary: £37,500
BACKGROUND
The latest research suggests that 2.7 million children are at risk of hunger, meaning one in five children don’t have enough to eat. When a child is too hungry to learn, they struggle to concentrate, absorb information, and manage their emotions, causing them to fall behind in their studies.
Magic Breakfast provides a nutritious breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma. We are now at an exciting point in our journey as we launch Nourishing Futures, our long-term strategy, which capitalises on market changes and government commitments to scale our work, while redefining breakfast spaces not just as places to eat, but as places to thrive.
To support the delivery of this strategy, we are evolving our Business Development function and creating a new Business Development Manager – Scotland role. This role will unlock opportunities in Scotland across public funding, trusts, foundations, philanthropy and partnerships, ensuring Magic Breakfast grows its income sustainably across devolved nations.
JOB PURPOSE
The Business Development Manager – Scotland will drive income growth and strategic partnerships in Scotland. Reporting to the Head of Business Development, this role will take a lead in developing both public funded income and philanthropic support (trusts, high-net-worth individuals and corporate partnerships).
The postholder will work closely with the Head of Major Giving (Trusts & Philanthropy) and Head of Partnerships in England to ensure joined-up approaches, while developing extensive networks and relationships across Scotland’s funding and commissioning landscape.
This role is both externally focused — cultivating relationships with commissioners, funders, and partners — and internally collaborative, aligning with colleagues across Magic Breakfast to maximise opportunities and deliver against the organisation’s strategic plan.
Key responsibilities:
Leadership and Strategy
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With support from the Head of Business Development, lead the development and delivery of the Scotland Business Development and Fundraising Strategy, ensuring alignment with Magic Breakfast’s UK-wide income priorities, wider organisational strategy, and any Scotland-specific plans across Service Delivery and Policy & Engagement.
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Act as the lead advisor on business development in Scotland, providing insight, guidance and recommendations on market trends, risks and opportunities.
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Build and maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities across public and philanthropic income streams, ensuring accurate forecasting and reporting.
Public Funding
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Identify and secure public funded service contracts in Scotland, particularly with local authorities, education commissioners, and government departments.
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Work with the Policy and Engagement team to develop opportunities with national and regional agencies (e.g. Public Health Scotland, NHS boards, Integrated Joint Boards, Community Planning Partnerships) to embed breakfast provision into wider public health, wellbeing and education strategies.
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Engage with local authority frameworks, grants and tendering processes, positioning Magic Breakfast as a trusted delivery partner for both statutory and discretionary funding streams.
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Build strong partnerships with consortia, third sector networks, and intermediary bodies to access collaborative commissioning opportunities and joint delivery models.
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Monitor and respond proactively to changes in the Scottish Government’s commissioning priorities (e.g. child poverty, attainment challenge, early years and family support, wellbeing economy), aligning proposals with policy drivers.
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Lead the preparation of tenders, bids and commissioned service proposals, ensuring they are compelling, evidence-led and costed appropriately to reflect the value of Magic Breakfast’s offer.
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Ensure clear processes for the qualification, negotiation, contracting and reporting of income agreements, working closely with Finance, Service Delivery and Policy colleagues.
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Collaborate closely with the Business Development Manager responsible for public funded income in England and Wales to ensure a joined-up UK-wide approach to opportunities, share intelligence on successful models, avoid duplication of effort, and apply lessons learned from to maximise income growth.
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Align Scotland’s approach with national frameworks, campaigns, and strategic priorities, ensuring that proposals, tenders, and partnerships complement work happening in other devolved nations.
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Explore blended income opportunities, integrating public funded income with potential corporate partnerships or philanthropic support to maximise funding and sustainability.
Philanthropy and Partnerships
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Develop and manage a pipeline and portfolio of Scottish-based trusts, foundations, family foundations, high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), and philanthropists, including those with devolved nation-specific remits. This will include working closely with the Prospect Research Manager and Major Giving colleagues to identify and qualify new opportunities, and to re-engage lapsed supporters in Scotland,
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Take responsibility for cultivating relationships, preparing compelling cases for support, and personally soliciting major gifts (five- and six-figure level), securing multi-year, transformational commitments.
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Work collaboratively with the Major Givings Leads and the Head of Major Giving to integrate Scottish funders into the UK-wide prospecting and stewardship framework, maximising opportunities for uplift and avoiding siloed engagement.
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Deliver high-quality, values-driven donor journeys for Scottish prospects and supporters, including bespoke engagement opportunities such as school visits, events, and briefings that connect funders directly with impact.
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Build relationships with corporates headquartered or operating in Scotland, coordinating with the Head of Partnerships to ensure Scottish corporate engagement complements and aligns national partnerships, avoid duplication, and develop bespoke proposals and stewardship plans where appropriate.
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Contribute to the design and delivery of fundraising campaigns or initiatives with a Scottish focus, ensuring they complement national activity and align with the organisational fundraising strategy.
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Collaborate with the Prospect Research Manager and Major Giving colleagues to identify and qualify new opportunities, and to re-engage lapsed supporters in Scotland,
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Represent Magic Breakfast externally within Scotland’s philanthropy and fundraising networks (e.g. Scotland Fundraising Conference, Association of Charitable Foundations Scotland, SCVO events), raising profile and building new connections.
Collaboration and Internal Contribution
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Work closely with colleagues across the wider fundraising department to ensure Scottish funders and opportunities are aligned with team specific strategies and the overall fundraising goals and objectives
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Share intelligence and relationships with colleagues in England to strengthen organisational-wide fundraising and business development.
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Collaborate with Policy & Engagement colleagues to ensure business development opportunities are aligned with advocacy and campaigning priorities.
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Contribute to a culture of openness, collaboration and innovation across the Business Development team.
Financial Processes, Reporting and Compliance
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Contribute to business development planning, budgeting and forecasting processes, highlighting risks and opportunities to income.
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Ensure accurate recording of pipelines, income and activity in Salesforce, with robust monitoring and reporting.
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Ensure all donor and organisational reporting requirements are met and high-quality reports are delivered in a timely manner.
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Ensure all activity is compliant with ethical fundraising standards, safeguarding, GDPR and Magic Breakfast’s policies.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:
Knowledge and Experience
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Strong knowledge of the Scottish funding and commissioning landscape, including key trusts, foundations, government bodies and corporate networks.
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Excellent practical understanding of procurement rules and policies as well as tender and budget cycles.
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Proven track record of developing and delivering income growth from a variety of sources, including public funding, philanthropy and partnerships.
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Demonstrable experience of managing the full fundraising pipeline — from prospect research and qualification, through cultivation and solicitation, to long-term stewardship and renewal.
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Hands-on experience of securing and soliciting significant gifts (five- and six-figure level) from high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, with evidence of personally closing gifts at this scale.
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Demonstrable experience of building and stewarding high-level relationships with commissioners, funders and corporate partners.
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Experience of preparing successful tenders, bids and proposals, ideally within education, social impact or the charity sector.
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Experience of cross-team collaboration within a UK-wide or devolved nations context (desirable).
Skills and Abilities
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Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders confidently.
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Strong pipeline management and analytical skills, with a track record of meeting or exceeding income targets.
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Strategic thinker with the ability to evaluate opportunities, prioritise effectively and translate plans into action.
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Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver high-quality outputs under pressure.
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Strong team player with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
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Proficient in Microsoft Office and fundraising/CRM systems (ideally Salesforce), as well as ability to use project management systems (such as Asana).
Other
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Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s aim of alleviating child morning hunger as a barrier to learning.
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Commitment to Magic Breakfast’s values and to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion.
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Willingness to travel across Scotland and the UK, with occasional out-of-hours working for events.
WHAT WE OFFER
At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.
APPLICATION PROCCESS
Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, hr @magicbreakfast. com
Shortlisting - w/c 19th January
Interview 1 - w/c 26th January
Interview 2 - w/c 2nd February
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are 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.
Thank you!
Development Manager - Major Gifts
Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working - minimum 2-3 days on campus)
Salary: £45,025 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Closing Date: midday Friday 16 January 2026
Interviews in person: TBC 28 or 29 Jan 2026
Help to shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at Kingston University.
Kingston University is an incredible place to work. For over 125 years, we've been shaping student futures through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching. Our recent TEF Gold rating reflects our commitment to delivering outstanding education and research. Through our ambitious Town House Strategy, we're embedding a progressive new model of education and driving innovation through partnerships with businesses, communities, and organisations.
The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team plays a vital role in delivering these ambitions. With a global alumni community of over 270,000, we foster meaningful relationships that drive philanthropic support, unlock partnerships, and enhance the University's reputation and reach.
The Role
As Development Manager - Major Gifts, you will be a senior member of the DARE team, responsible for generating philanthropic income to meet ambitious annual targets. Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will:
- Manage a portfolio of high-value donors (individuals, trusts & foundations, corporates), personally soliciting gifts of £10,000+.
- Support the pipeline of mid-level prospects and help develop ultra-high-net-worth individuals for transformative gifts.
- Deliver against KPIs and income targets, contributing to our goal of growing major giving from £450,000 annually to £1 million within three years.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and academic leaders, producing compelling proposals and leading donor engagement.
This is a dynamic, outward-facing role requiring excellent relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and a passion for the impact of fundraising in higher education.
About You
You will be an experienced and driven fundraiser with:
- A proven track record of securing and stewarding four-figure and above gifts.
- Strong influencing and communication skills, with confidence engaging high-profile individuals.
- Experience managing a varied portfolio and achieving ambitious KPIs.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to work across a complex organisation.
Experience in higher education or the charity sector is desirable, but not essential.
Why Join Us?
- Hybrid working (minimum 2-3 days on campus).
- A supportive, ambitious team committed to innovation and impact.
- The opportunity to make a lasting difference to students and the University community.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Apply now and bring your expertise, passion, and authentic self to Kingston University.
Please share a copy of your profile or CV with Philippa at Charity People as the first step.
Benefits include:
* Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days (from entry at all levels), in addition to bank holidays
* Three 'meeting free' weeks each year to create space for reflection and time to plan for the period ahead
* Flexible working - we can consider and accommodate various work patterns
* Family-friendly policies that support the needs of our employees
* Exceptional professional development opportunities
Key Details
- Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working, 2-3 days/week on campus)
- Closing Date: midday on Friday 16 Jan
- Interview Date: in person provisionally 28 or 29 Jan
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Thank you!
This essential role will oversee the coordination, governance, and planning of the Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP) Development Phase. The Programme Manager will supervise the programme's daily operations, manage partner input into key workstreams (capital design, education, citizen science, inclusion), and ensure that timelines, budgets, and deliverables meet The Heritage Fund expectations. The role involves direct responsibility for preparing the Delivery Phase funding application and ensuring that the Development Phase creates a strong legacy platform for long term impact. This includes coordinating evaluation planning, risk registers, governance frameworks, and a sustainable funding strategy. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to facilitate collaboration among multiple partners across diverse catchments and disciplines.
TCCEP is a collaborative, catchment-scale initiative that supports the recovery of the critically endangered European eel by removing migration barriers, restoring river habitats, and reconnecting communities with their local water environments. The project builds on the successful pilot project of the same name.
You will be working closely with project partners including Rivers Trusts, a Wildlife Trust, Zoological Society of London and others.
The role is fixed term for one year, though we would look to extend the role, subject to alternative funding being available to cover the period between the end of the Development Phase and commencement of the Delivery Phase (3-5 months).Standard working week is 37.5 hours, with flexible working arrangements considered. The role will require working from home but will entail travel to meetings across the Thames Basin, and working outdoors in varying conditions.
The Programme Manager will be responsible for: Oversight of programme development, partner coordination, timeline management, and funding bid preparation
FTE: 1.0 • Contract Type: Fixed term (12 months) • Start Date: February - March 2026 (subject to The National Lottery Heritage Fund Permission to Start) • Salary Range: £40,000 - £45,000, depending on experience • Location: Home-based with regular travel to London and Thames Basin partner locations • Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week, with occasional evening or weekend commitments • Annual Leave: 25 days per year plus public holidays • Probation Period: 3 months, during which annual leave is by agreement only • Pension: TRT operates a contributory pension scheme; details available on request.
Thames Rivers Trust (TRT) is a catchment-based environmental charity focused on enhancing river health and resilience throughout the Thames Basin. As a convening organisation, TRT collaborates with local delivery partners, statutory agencies, and funders to implement nature based solutions, support environmental data infrastructure, and improve community access to blue spaces. TRT coordinates the Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP), building on a tradition of multi-partner catchment initiatives to achieve significant environmental and social benefits. The Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP) is a £3 million flagship programme delivered by Thames Rivers Trust in partnership with seven NGOs and catchment groups. The Development Phase, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, runs from January 2026 to April 2027 and lays the groundwork for a three-year Delivery Phase (2028–2030) across six sub-catchments. This builds on the successful Phase 1 pilot funded through The Green Recovery Challenge Fund (2020–2022).
Project Summary: The Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP) is a collaborative, catchment-scale initiative that supports the recovery of the critically endangered European eel by removing migration barriers, restoring river habitats, and reconnecting communities with their local water environments. The project builds on the success of a pilot phase funded through the Green Recovery Challenge Fund (2020–2022), which trained over 200 volunteers, surveyed more than 450 barriers, and helped catalyse collaborative action across the Thames Basin. During this Development Phase (2026), partners will work together to finalise the programme design for a three-year Delivery Phase (2027–2030). This includes site-level feasibility studies, co-designed community engagement, capital project planning, evaluation framework development, and a final funding application for the Delivery Phase. Alongside habitat restoration, the programme also emphasises education, equity, climate resilience, and long-term legacy, using the iconic eel as a flagship species to inspire action and foster connection.
Key Responsibilities • Programme Management and Delivery • Lead day-to-day coordination of all Development Phase activities across partner organisations. You will be supported by a team including a Learning & Engagement Officer, Finance & Admin Officer and four external consultants (activity, conservation, interpretation, evaluation), alongside the TRT CEO and key staff from the delivery partners • Manage and update the programme timeline, risk register, and delivery plan • Oversee preparation and submission of the Delivery Phase application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund • Track milestones and ensure high-quality deliverables across capital planning, education, evaluation, and engagement workstreams • Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination • Convene and chair monthly partner meetings and quarterly Programme Board meetings • Act as the central contact for The Heritage Fund, Environment Agency, and strategic stakeholders • Facilitate input from delivery partners, ensuring alignment with shared priorities and timelines • Communications and Reporting • Support production of communication materials including briefings, reports, and evaluation summaries • Collate and submit regular updates to The Heritage Fund • Ensure clear and effective internal communications among partners • Legacy and Strategy • Lead development of the project legacy strategy and post-2030 sustainability plans Coordinate funding strategy work with TRT’s Fundraising Officer • Embed climate resilience, equity, and inclusion principles across project planning Person Specification Essential • Proven track record of managing complex, multi-partner programmes • Strong organisational, planning, and project management skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Experience with funder reporting and application development (preferably The Heritage Fund or equivalent) • Ability to manage timelines, budgets, and risk registers with minimal supervision • Strategic thinker with a collaborative working style Desirable • Knowledge of river restoration, catchment management, or eel ecology • Experience with The National Lottery Heritage Fund or similar funders is desirable • Familiarity with Thames catchment geography and delivery networks • Experience using collaborative tools and evaluation frameworks in multi-stakeholder programmes • Understanding of equity and inclusion in environmental programme design Additional Requirements • Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for site visits and meetings • Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends • Willingness to travel throughout the Thames Basin and London region.
Application Process To apply, please send a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a one-page covering letter detailing your interest and suitability for the role.
Deadline: 11.59pm Friday 16th January 2026 Interviews: 27th – 30th January 2026.
To apply, please send:
• A CV (no more than 2 pages)
• A one-page covering letter detailing your interest and suitability for the role
Deadline: 11.59pm Friday 16th January 2026
Interviews: 27th – 30th January 2026
If you would like to discuss the role, please contact: info @ thamesriverstrust . org . uk
Registered Charity
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To bring together organisations across the Thames River Basin, and foster collaborative working to benefit the environment, wildlife and communities.