Director of major gifts fundraising jobs

Are you a creative relationship builder with a passion for building impactful partnerships and leading high-performing teams? Earth Trust is seeking a dynamic Senior Philanthropy & Corporate Partnerships Manager to cover maternity leave and play a pivotal role in driving fundraising growth through major gifts and corporate partnerships.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine strategic vision with hands-on relationship management. You’ll lead a talented fundraising team, secure five- and six-figure gifts, and develop mutually beneficial corporate partnerships that help nature and people thrive together.

What you’ll do

• Lead and grow high-value corporate partnerships and major donor relationships.
• Craft compelling proposals and pitches that inspire 5-6 figure gifts and multi-year partnerships.
• Lead a high performing fundraising team.
• Collaborate across departments and represent fundraising at senior leadership level.
• Set and monitor targets, budgets, and performance metrics.

What we’re looking for

• A persuasive communicator and relationship builder with proven success in securing multi-year, high value partnerships.
• Strong understanding of corporate social responsibility and partnership development.
• Experience leading fundraising teams and managing budgets.

This role is a maternity cover role, so there is flexibility on the start date. The current postholder is due to be on maternity leave from mid-April 2026 until the start of February 2027.

Senior Development Manager
Location: London (Hybrid working) 20% office, 80% remote or in donor meetings
Salary: £56,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full time (38.5 hours per week)

At UWC International, we believe education can be a force for peace and a sustainable future. Through our global network of schools and colleges, we bring together young people from over 150 countries and backgrounds, offering life-changing educational opportunities to those who might otherwise never access them.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Development Manager to play a central role in delivering UWC’s 2030 Strategy, securing the philanthropic support that underpins scholarships, long-term sustainability and global impact.

About the role
This is a senior, donor-facing fundraising role focused on major gifts and strategic donor engagement. You will manage a personal portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, foundations and other key supporters, securing significant gifts and building long-term relationships aligned with UWC’s mission.

You will work closely with the Director of Development and Funded Programmes, senior leadership, and colleagues across prospect research and operations. Alongside delivering against ambitious income targets, you will help shape mid-level giving activity and may deputise on key fundraising priorities.

This role offers the opportunity to combine hands-on portfolio management with strategic thinking, within an international organisation operating at scale.

About you
You will bring:

• Good experience in major gift fundraising and managing high-value donor portfolios.
• A strong record of securing significant gifts, ideally at six or seven figures.
• Confidence building trusted relationships with donors, senior leaders and volunteers.
• Experience developing compelling proposals, stewardship plans and donor communications.
• Strong judgement, organisation and ethical standards in all fundraising activity.

Experience in education, international development or complex stakeholder environments would be welcomed, but is not essential.

What we offer
UWC International offers a supportive and values-led working environment, with benefits including:

• Hybrid working with flexibility around hours and patterns
• 28 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Income protection and comprehensive wellbeing support
• Learning and development opportunities
• Paid volunteering or study leave
• The chance to work within a truly international organisation committed to equity and inclusion

If you are an experienced major gifts fundraiser looking to apply your skills to a global mission and see the direct impact of your work, we would welcome your application.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Our client is supporting vulnerable women and families facing unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy loss. Through supported housing, a helpline and counselling service, and practical, non-judgemental support, the charity helps pregnant women, often aged 16-25 and in crisis due to homelessness, abuse, or other trauma, build safer, more stable futures. Grounded in the universal values of Humanity, Solidarity, Community, Charity and the Common Good, this charity is strengthening philanthropy to increase impact nationwide. The team is now looking to appoint a Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy), and Prospectus is leading the search.

Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy)

Full time / Part time considered

Home-based with frequent travel to supporter locations; occasional travel to Leamington Spa Head Office

£44,000 per annum (FTE)

The Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy) will manage and grow a portfolio of dedicated major donors, developing inspiring, personalised supporter journeys that deepen engagement and secure repeat and increased gifts. Leading a committed team of four/five fundraisers, you'll raise awareness of the charity's services, build mutually beneficial relationships, and deliver sustainable long-term support through thoughtful cultivation, compelling proposals, and excellent stewardship.

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising and Housing and working closely with wider fundraising colleagues, you will proactively identify and research prospects, plan targeted approaches, and lead solicitations. You will manage a mixed fundraising team, supporting them to deliver the fundraising strategy. The role will also engage with senior church contacts (e.g. Archbishops and diocesan representatives) who have a history of support; while Life is non-religious and non-political, you'll bring sensitivity and confidence operating within these settings to advance shared philanthropic goals.

The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of securing four- and five-figure gifts, crafting persuasive cases for support, and managing high-value pipelines from identification to stewardship. You'll be an experienced line manager within fundraising and will enjoy supporting and leading a team. You'll be a collaborative relationship-builder with excellent written and verbal communication, rigorous research skills, and the ability to tailor engagement for diverse audiences while upholding the Charity's values and client-centred ethos.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Femke Vorstman at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.

In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

Quartet Community Foundation is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our senior team as Director of Development. This new role will drive our ambitious 2026–29 strategy, building partnerships, securing new funding, and growing our endowment to £100 million to support communities across Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.

Key Responsibilities

· Develop and maintain relationships with high-net-worth individuals and key partners.

· Secure significant new funds and grow Quartet’s endowment.

· Broker strategic partnerships to support disadvantaged communities.

· Lead and motivate a team delivering philanthropy, grant-making, research, and pro bono services.

· Represent Quartet at events and networks to raise our profile.

Essential Criteria

· Proven experience in philanthropy and donor relationship management.

· Track record of securing major gifts or revenue funding.

· Strong strategic thinking and leadership skills.

· Excellent networking and communication abilities.

· Experience in the charitable sector and managing teams.

Salary & Benefits

£55,000–£60,000 per annum, depending on experience. Benefits include 6% employer pension contribution, health benefits scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work scheme, and generous holiday entitlement.

Location

Based at our central Bristol office with travel across the region. Hybrid working available.

How to Apply

Download the Recruitment Pack and Application Form from our website. 

Join us in the ambitious ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, which commits to raising over £600 million of charitable funding and 1 million volunteer hours, positioning the University of Birmingham as one of the leaders in philanthropy in the UK. To fulfil our exciting campaign ambitions, we are recruiting a Head of Philanthropy – Global, to maximise philanthropic funding and to take our campaign to the next level.

A key member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office’s (DARO) Philanthropy team, you will be responsible for growing major gifts opportunities and building a sustainable pipeline of future donations from global philanthropic markets. You will have experience of delivering against financial targets, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling ask in both verbal and written form. As the Head of Philanthropy - Global, you will be responsible for growing our international major gifts programme. In collaboration with the Associate Director of Philanthropy you will develop and implement fundraising strategies to increase major giving in Asia and North America as well as emerging areas of focus. You will manage a personal portfolio of six figure + (GBP) potential supporters and personally raise gifts in excess of £1m p/a. You will manage the international philanthropy team of two individuals and support them to deliver their annual fundraising and supporting targets.

As a senior fundraiser in DARO, you will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising opportunities. As part of a dynamic team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you will work across the University to generate significant gifts for amazing philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make long-term, sustainable gifts. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships, the skill to interact with high-level donors and supporters, and the ability to showcase the game changing work of our academics and clinicians.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are and how we work.

Are you an exceptional fundraiser who excels at cultivating high-value relationships and securing transformational gifts? Do you enjoy working with senior volunteers and philanthropists who are deeply committed to changing children’s lives?

Step into a pivotal role within one of the UK’s leading philanthropy teams as you lead our flagship Tick Tock Club appeal — inspiring major donors and volunteers to drive extraordinary impact for seriously ill children.

Salary

The salary for this position is £52,526 per annum and we operate a hybrid working policy of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office. 

In line with our EDI strategy and Total Reward policy, we calculate our salaries based on benchmarking data across the charity sector. To ensure fairness for existing staff and new joiners, we do not offer salaries above the advertised rate.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a personal fundraising target of £1.5m+, securing six- and seven-figure gifts and multi-year commitments from high-net-worth individuals and charitable trusts.
• Lead the £20m Tick Tock Club appeal, shaping strategy and driving one of GOSH Charity’s flagship philanthropic initiatives.
• Recruit, inspire and collaborate with senior volunteers, campaign boards and influential supporters to accelerate high-value fundraising.
• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, using insight-led approaches to build long-term engagement and maximise impact.
• Oversee campaign events, communications and tailored proposals, ensuring activity aligns with income targets and delivers an exceptional supporter experience.
• Provide motivating line management to a small team, fostering professional development, wellbeing and high performance.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A strong track record of securing six- and seven-figure philanthropic gifts.
• Experience partnering with senior volunteers and campaign boards on major fundraising initiatives.
• Strategic leadership skills with the ability to galvanise a team around ambitious goals.
• Exceptional relationship-building, influencing and presentation abilities.
• A creative, solutions-focused mindset with resilience under pressure.

Please refer to the full job description below for more information.

About the team
 

You’ll join our sector-leading Philanthropy team — recognised as one of the most high-performing and respected in the charity sector. We partner with some of the most generous and committed philanthropists in the UK and beyond to transform the lives of seriously ill children.

Our talented and supportive team of 20+ works closely with colleagues across fundraising, clinical, and research teams to create inspiring, high-impact opportunities for supporters. In partnership with senior volunteers and committees, we drive landmark campaigns including the £300 million Build It. Beat It. appeal and the Tick Tock Club, with exciting plans for a major new research-focused campaign on the horizon.

We’re here to help families facing some of life’s toughest challenges to experience the anticipation, joy and impact of a break from the day to day. Can you help?

Thanks for taking the time to explore the role of Trusts Fundraising Manager at the Family Holiday Charity. The role is becoming vacant as our current Trusts Fundraiser is taking early retirement. We’re super happy for her. But it means time for change! So, we're looking for a new colleague to join us and build forward from all the hard work that she’s put in!

This role is a critical one in our fundraising plans - raising around £300k annually, with pipeline potential for more as you unlock partnership working and programme development across the organisation.

You’ll need to be a bit of an all-rounder - researching and keeping pipelines updated, eccure gifts and donations, consider applications, adapt data and information and inspire with your words, reporting on progress and income. Add a dash of strategic thinking as we develop programmes and look for new funding support to achieve that. We currently raise about £200k (with about ¾ of that as secure as any pipeline can be) but have a budget target of £100k to raise from partnership working and programme development with others in the team. There’s a lot of potential in this area!

The trusts environment is, quite frankly, a bit bonkers so we know that this won't appear on paper to be the easiest role in the world. You’re going to need grit and tenacity as well as all the other skills a good trust fundraiser needs. But we’re a great team, going great things and in a fantastic position to build forward from our existing strong position in Trusts.

We’re a small but flexible team - just like our approach to work. This is a hybrid role, and you’ll need to show your face in the office periodically (for things with a purpose, not just for the sake of it!). I’m open to suggestions on job share or other flexible ways of working so just get in touch and ask.

It's vital that you're happy and confident in making your next career move, so lt's take the time to chat if you'd like to!

This is a very special role with huge potential for the right candidate to deliver transformational impact in our communities in Somerset.

The Opportunity

There is significant potential for growth, particularly through gifts in Wills, working in partnership with professional advisers and growing high-value fundraising. We’re also broadening our appeal to a wider range of donors and partners having launched our Collective Giving Funds, which offer a compelling way for anyone to give strategically to the causes and places they care about in Somerset

As our Philanthropy and Marketing Director you will be at the forefront of this ambition. We’re looking for a strategic leader who can balance vision with execution to deliver great results. You’ll need to be a credible, emotionally intelligent and authentic relationship builder, adept at building trust, genuinely passionate about our mission and have strong alignment with our values.

This senior leadership role also holds strategic responsibility for marketing and brand positioning, enabling us to unlock the full potential of philanthropy in Somerset to drive change in our communities. We’ve recently invested in the growth of our Philanthropy and Marketing Team, and have welcomed a specialist marketing Trustee on to our Board.

We’re looking for an experienced and inclusive manager, confident at providing a balance of coaching and mentoring to help our talented team to develop and shine. And as an active and engaged member of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll share our passion for continuous improvement, help to drive organisational growth and development, and provide expert advice and guidance to our Board of Trustees.

The impact we make as a charity is achieved largely through our funding programmes. You must have an appreciation of the role that community-led charities and groups play in creating positive change locally. And the role we, as a place-based funder, can play to support that work. You do not, however, need experience of working for a funder previously.

Download the recruitment pack to see the roles full responsibilities and required skills, knowledge and experience.

About Somerset Community Foundation

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) (charity no.1094446) is a grant-making charity that helps build strong communities where everyone can thrive. We do this by funding local charities and facilitating local giving.

We provide simple, rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give locally, guided by research and our unrivalled local knowledge.

For small, local charities, community groups and social enterprises, we provide vital funding and support to help their organisations flourish. We raise and distribute between £4 million and £5 million of funding to local groups every year. We’re also building an endowment for long-term investment into our communities, which is currently valued at around £11 million.

By inspiring local giving and funding social action, we support local communities to drive change and realise their dreams.

SCF is part of a network of 47 Community Foundations operating throughout the UK. Together we are one of the largest funders of communities across the nation.

As the Head of Philanthropy, Asia you will be responsible for growing our major gifts programme in the Asia-Pacific region. The focus will be on increasing six figure + (GBP) giving through the University of Birmingham Hong Kong Foundation, and from the wider region. Most of our warm donors are based in Malaysia and Hong Kong but there is an active community of alumni in Singapore and scoping to be done across Asia to drive the next phase of our strategy forward beyond alumni donors and to build on a recent seven figure donation as a catalyst for further giving. 

As a University we established our Hong Kong Foundation in 2019 and giving is off to a strong start. Continuing on this trajectory you will work to make it financially sustainable, aiming to have multi-year commitments lined up. You will steer and develop the Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors, increasing giving from their networks, and working with them to distribute funds to programmes at the University that will also benefit Hong Kong. 

As a senior fundraiser in DARO, you will be expected to be innovative, self-motivated, and to take ownership of fundraising in this region. As part of a dynamic team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you will work across the University to generate gifts to key philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make significant gifts. You will also have the opportunity to work with the senior leadership across the University to travel, drive income and develop innovative funding proposals for the region. 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.

Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company and the country’s largest performing arts organisation. Founded in 1962 to make opera accessible to all, the company presents productions of international acclaim, from early works to world premieres. Performances are designed to be inclusive, with supertitles, audio-described and dementia-friendly shows, free and discounted tickets for under-26s, refugees, asylum seekers and schools, and touring productions reaching communities across Scotland. 

The charity is looking for an experienced fundraiser to lead the team across a period of maternity leave. The Individual Giving team look after donors across philanthropy, corporate, members and legators. Internally this role is called the Head of Individual Giving, the job title has been amended for this selection process to reflect the broader remit of the role beyond regular donors.

The post holder will, in conjunction with the Director of Development, set and embed Scottish Operas Individual Giving strategy and will personally solicit gifts and steward key donors, whilst supporting and overseeing the work of the Individual Giving team. 

There are some fantastic projects in the works that Scottish Opera can use to engage donors, and there is brilliant internal buy in and understanding of fundraising. Income performance is strong, so there are solid foundations from which to test and trial new ideas.

This role has wide ranging appeal. Scottish Opera are happy to consider candidates for whom this role might be an exciting step up to managing multiple income streams beyond one specialist area, but equally this would be an engaging role for an experienced Head of looking to work in an exciting arts charity, taking their income success to the next level.

Working within an arts and culture charity would be helpful for the candidate to have but isn't essential.

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact Jo at THINK Recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please contact our team and we will support you.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Monday 12th January 

We are the Advancement Office at the University of Bath, responsible for engaging our community of alumni and supporters and fundraising to drive forward strategic priorities at the University.

About the role

We are seeking a dynamic Head of Systems, Data and Insights to drive digital innovation, champion evidence-based decision making, and lead a high-performing team.

This is not a role for someone who only wants to sit back and strategise. It’s for a leader who thrives on combining strategic vision with hands-on delivery. You’ll set the direction for data, systems, and insights, while also rolling up your sleeves to design processes, deliver technical solutions, and unlock the power of supporter insight.

You’ll be the technical lead for Advancement, owning our alumni database (Raiser’s Edge NXT) and related systems, and ensuring they are optimised to support smarter fundraising, deeper alumni engagement, and more efficient operations.

In this role you will:

• Lead and inspire a team of data and systems professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Own and optimise Raiser’s Edge NXT and related platforms, ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and other regulations.
• Deliver insights and reporting that empower colleagues across the institution to make strategic, data-driven decisions.
• Champion governance and compliance, ensuring data quality, security, and resilience.
• Collaborate and influence across the University, representing Advancement in cross-institutional initiatives and equipping colleagues to self-serve data and insights.
• Balance strategy and execution—from setting long-term direction to personally delivering high-impact technical projects.

If you’re excited by the challenge of leading strategically while delivering hands-on technical impact, we’d love to hear from you.

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Extensive experience with relational databases (Raiser’s Edge knowledge is a plus).
• A proven track record of delivering complex IT and change management projects.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing teams and developing strategies.
• Expertise in data protection, compliance, and governance.
• Technical fluency in business intelligence platforms (Power BI experience an advantage).
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Further information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Laura Underwood, Associate Director of Advancement Services. Please ensure your application is submitted via our website - we cannot accept CVs via email.  

This is a hybrid role with an expectation of 2 days per week on campus.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

What we can offer you

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A family-friendly workplace 
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.

Senior Development Manager (Philanthropy & Partnerships

Contract Type This is a full time (37.5 hours per week) permanent role, however we welcome applications for flexible working

Salary: £40,814

About Us

Norwich Theatre is one of the leading arts organisations in the UK and the largest in the East of England, encompassing the historic Theatre Royal, the creative hub Stage Two, and the intimate mid-scale Playhouse. We present, produce and co-create a vibrant programme of live performance and creative engagement activities to entertain, enrich and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and we work with national and international partners to ensure we bring the very best theatre to our region.

We are an independent not-for-profit charity with no regular public funding, and rely on a share of ticket sales, one-off grants, fundraising/membership schemes and other commercial activities to deliver the work we do both on stage and in communities.

About the role

The Senior Manager (Philanthropy & Partnerships) will provide strategic management for Norwich Theatre’s high-value income generation, spearheading the development, expansion and stewardship of corporate partnerships, corporate membership, major donor relationships, legacy giving and other transformational fundraising programmes.

This pivotal role will shape and deliver organisational strategies that secure substantial philanthropic and partnership income, cultivate senior-level relationships, and ensure long-term financial sustainability in alignment with Norwich Theatre’s vision and strategic priorities.

About you

You will have proven experience in managing stakeholder and supporter relationships, together with a track record of cultivating and stewarding high-value supporters, clients or partners.

An excellent negotiator, with strong planning and prioritisation skills, you will be highly collaborative, people focussed and proactive.

We offer

A good salary, 25 days holiday, plus public holidays, plus your birthday off, together with an inclusive culture focussed on wellbeing and happiness. We have a commitment to personal and professional development, discounts on a range of on food, drink and theatre tickets and access to My Discounts, employee discount scheme, offering savings on retail, gyms, travel, utilities and more.

As the University builds on its proud heritage, we are looking for exceptional people to help shape our future. We provide a high-quality professional environment, inspired by our distinctive ethos and Catholic mission and values. Our values of excellence, generosity of spirit, inclusiveness and respect inspire us to create an academic community in which everybody is welcomed and which puts the student at the centre of all our endeavours.

St Mary’s University’s new Development Department has a bold five‑year strategy to grow philanthropy and deliver lasting impact. At its heart is the School of Medicine, opening in 2026 as one of the UK’s first socially accountable medical schools, dedicated to tackling health inequalities and serving diverse communities. In just its first year, our campaign has already secured £3.6m towards a £20m goal, funding capital projects, scholarships, and faculty. This is an extraordinary moment to join Development at St Mary’s: you will help shape a pioneering culture of philanthropy, inspire transformational gifts, and play a defining role in building a medical school of national significance and social purpose.

Job Purpose: 

We are seeking a dynamic, results‑driven Philanthropy Manager to grow our major donor programme in partnership with the Development Director. Your primary focus will be cultivating and securing five and six‑figure gifts from high‑net‑worth individuals, building a sustainable pipeline of transformational support. At this exciting moment in St Mary’s history, you will help drive a landmark £20m campaign for the new School of Medicine, inspiring donors to shape the future of UK medical education and tackle health inequalities. Working closely with senior leadership, academics, and campaign volunteers, you will translate strategic priorities into persuasive cases for support and steward lasting donor relationships.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and want to make a meaningful impact we would love to hear from you. 

Closing date: 21 January 2026

Interviews are likely to be held w/c 2 February

St Mary’s University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Learn more about our EDI initiatives and work as a Disability Confident employer. 

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. St Mary’s University is holding a work visa sponsorship licence however we will not always be able to guarantee a Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To avoid disappointment, please ensure you meet the requirements of the Points Based System before applying as we will not be able to provide advice on individual cases. 

BACKGROUND

Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC UK

IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England.

In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.

The Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Associate Director of Philanthropy, UK, the Philanthropy Manager will support the implementation of the UK Philanthropy team’s strategy, with a focus to identify, establish and develop new and existing high value relationships with individuals who have the capacity to support IRC at a five and six figure level. This is an exciting role working with senior stakeholders across IRC, in the UK and internationally, to cultivate and steward relationships with philanthropists to effectively solicit multi-year gifts to fund high-impact programmes that will deliver transformative change for IRC clients across the world.

As part of this, the Philanthropy Manager will:

· Develop and implement initiatives to identify, cultivate and solicit gifts from donors in the major gift range of £10,000 and above, both in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and through account management of a discreet prospect portfolio

· Work closely with the Director of Philanthropy and the research function to identify and cultivate positive relationships with existing donors and new prospects to significantly grow our major donor pipeline

· Manage a portfolio of major donors through various personalised approaches, including face-to-face meetings, phone calls, events and written and verbal communications

· Develop personalised donor stewardship plans with the aim of increasing their engagement and uplifting their support to achieve the revenue target for the UK Philanthropy team and the overall revenue target for the International Philanthropy team

· Lead on gift management, reporting and proposal development for new prospects and existing donors, ensuring timely and accurate communications that match the individual’s requirements

· Identify and deliver unique stewardship and cultivation opportunities for donors

· Maintain thorough and up to date files and records relating to major donors

· Maintain strong knowledge and understanding of IRC’s work in the UK and around the world

· Collaborate proactively with a network of internal and external senior stakeholders, garnering their support and influence in the development of relationships with philanthropists

· Contribute to profile raising of the IRC’s Philanthropy programme and the IRC more widely through proactive networking and external engagement with potential donors and their advisors

· Proactively collaborate with other members of the Philanthropy team, supporting the delivery of the wider Philanthropy strategy as required

· Carry out administrative activities and other duties, as required, to maximise fundraising.

Scope and Authority

Authority: This position is responsible for supporting the delivery of Philanthropy and contributing to the identification, cultivation and stewardship of £10,000 and above gifts from HNWIs.

Key Working Relationships

· HNWI donors and prospects

· Third party philanthropy advisors

· Key contacts across IRC in UK and internationally:

o International Philanthropy Team

o USA Philanthropy

o Engagement with the UK and International Board

o Global Partnerships and Philanthropic Services

o Communications team

o Policy and Advocacy team

o UK Finance team

o Country Programme and regional teams, the Awards Management Unit as well as IRC’s Technical Units

o President’s Office and Executive Director of IRC- UK

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

 

Partnership identification, cultivation and stewardship (65%)

· Manage a portfolio of HNWI prospects and donors, working closely with the Director of Philanthropy to cultivate successful, high-impact relationships

· Collaborate with colleagues to develop transformative funding opportunities, create tailored plans for the cultivation of donors, deliver unique stewardship and cultivation opportunities, and coordinate internal and external meetings to drive donor relationships forward.

Partnership Management (25%)

· Lead on the creation of inspiring and engaging impact reports and proposals for donors, ensuring timely and accurate communications that are matched to the requirements of donors.

· Use Salesforce and IRC’s internal grant management system, OTIS, to keep clear and accurate records of donor communications and interactions related to all donor relationships

Team collaboration (10%)

· Contribute to the wider ambitions and shared objectives of the Philanthropy team as part of the HNWI Pillar

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications

· Knowledge and understanding of the principles and methods of philanthropy fundraising**

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and enthuse, through the delivery of strong external and internal communications**

· Ability to establish and build relationships with donors, colleagues and senior stakeholders at all levels and from a variety of backgrounds, both externally and within IRC**

· Ability to identify potential donors, produce donor stewardship plans and be able to implement and execute them

· Ability to influence and negotiate with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, ensuring best possible outcomes for the IRC

· Excellent attention to detail

· Excellent Microsoft Office software skills including Excel

· Demonstrable ability to prioritise and organise own workload and meet conflicting deadlines

· Ability to understand and demonstrate commitment to IRC’s Equal Opportunities Policy and to ensure all activities are consistent with Equal Opportunities

· Ability to work collaboratively with members of a fundraising team and across departments, whilst managing conflicting priorities and deadlines in a busy working environment

Experience

· Demonstrable experience of securing gifts from high net-worth individuals**

· Demonstrable experience of writing persuasive and creative proposals and correspondence in a range of relevant styles

· Demonstrable experience of managing a portfolio of high net-worth individuals and relationships with senior stakeholders in a fundraising or corporate context**

· Demonstrable experience of supporting the implementation of events with wealthy individuals and influential contacts

· Demonstrable experience of managing information on a fundraising database e.g. Salesforce

· Demonstrable experience of compiling information from various global stakeholders in order to create compelling tailored proposals and reports

· Demonstrable experience of supporting a team and implementing new administrative systems and processes