Fundraising manager jobs in Durham, county durham

About us

Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue. We’re looking for a new Philanthropy Manager, homebased in the South East of England, to join our expanding Philanthropy Team. The Philanthropy Team supports the RNLI by working with individuals who are passionate about our work and want to make a difference through high-value gifts.

This is an exciting time to join the team as we are about to embark on a £150m capital appeal which the Philanthropy Team will be a key part of delivering. This is a new role, our second in the South East, and you will work closely with our experienced Philanthropy Manager who has been managing the whole area. You will have a dedicated geography of focus around but not exclusive to Essex, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey and part of London.

Some of the benefits

• Flexible working
• 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Health and dental cash plan option
• Training & Development in Major Giving

Your role

As a Philanthropy Manager, you will be tasked with focus on the following areas:

• Growing and managing a portfolio of up to 70-90 major donors, to solicit and close five, six and seven figure gifts
• Building compelling cases for support that inspire and align with donors’ interests and identified needs
• Developing and hosting a small number of engagement, prospecting, and recognition events
• Providing excellent customer service and stewardship

About you

We’re looking for someone who loves meeting people and has a natural aptitude for selling and prospecting. You’ll thrive on developing relationships, inspiring others in the work of the RNLI. Your great communication skills will allow you to flex your style to a wider range of audiences, whether colleagues, senior stakeholders, donors or prospects. You’ll be self-motivated working as part of a remote team and be comfortable working outside regular office hours and travelling occasionally within the rest of the UK and Ireland as the job demands.

To be considered as a Philanthropy Manager, you will need:

• Ideally you will be able to have easy access to your key geographical areas highlighted above
• Relevant or transferable experience of account managing and developing and maintaining excellent relationships with individuals. You excel at Customer Service.
• Experience of working with stakeholders at all levels both internal and external, securing and managing meetings with senior stakeholders, flexing style to the audience.
• Excellent numerical skills and ability to prepare financial information, and ability to discuss and present complex information, and the ability to communicate with passion and authority
• This post requires a valid driving licence

So, as a Philanthropy Manager if you have the drive and enthusiasm to be part of our One Crew to achieve our Philanthropy goals and want to see how you can support our organisation’s aim to reduce drowning, this could be the role for you. To apply, please visit our jobs page.

Closing date: 9 August 2026.

Interview date: 18 August 2026.

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.

Do you want a role that makes a difference? Do you know how to turn high-value opportunities into long-term partnerships and income?​

Can you maximise local fundraising potential and create lasting impact across, Newcastle, Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne & Wear, Teesside and Sunderland?​

Every 3 minutes, someone in the UK dies from heart and circulatory disease. It can affect anyone. At the British Heart Foundation, we fund the research that helps change this - and as our Fundraising Manager - North East Counties every relationship you build will help more people live healthier, longer lives. 

What you’ll make happen 

In this is a varied, meaningful and outward-facing role,  you’ll make a real impact across your region. 

You’ll: 

• Inspire people to take action — from first-time fundraisers to long-term supporters 
• Build and grow relationships with community groups, businesses and high-value supporters 
• Identify high-value opportunities and develop them into long-term partnerships 
• Plan and deliver strategic fundraising activity that drives sustainable income growth 
• Deliver exceptional supporter experiences and stewardship that keep people engaged, connected and valued 

You’ll work in a region full of potential, with autonomy grow partnerships, unlock opportunities and build a strong pipeline of support. Every conversation, every event and every connection you make will bring us closer to a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases. 

Who we’re looking for 

We are looking for someone who can identify opportunity, build momentum and convert it into sustainable income. 

Whether your background is in the private, public or third sector, we’re most interested in your ability to show: 

• A proven track record of achieving income targets and KPI’s, including developing or managing higher-value opportunities 
• Experience of identifying opportunities and progressing them through a pipeline to secure income 
• The ability to build and grow partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, from community groups to corporate organisations
• Experience motivating and engaging others, including volunteers, supporters or corporate partners -  to take action
• Strong planning and prioritisation skills, managing multiple initiatives meet targets and deadlines 

If you’re driven, commercially minded and able to inspire and connect with people, we’d love to hear from you. 

Why join us? 

Working at the British Heart Foundation is more than a job — it’s being part of a shared mission to save and improve lives. 

You’ll have the opportunity to: 

• Contribute directly to life-saving research and national impact 
• Access organisation-wide expertise and resources to help grow your region 
• Work in varied fast-paced role, where no two days are same
• Be part of an inclusive, collaborative, values-led team 
• Grow your career while making a meaningful difference

We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Embracing different perspectives and backgrounds strengthens our organisation and empowers us to make a real difference together.   
 
To hear from our people, check out Belonging at BHF. 

Working arrangements  

​

This fixed term contract covering family leave until Oct 2027
 
This is a field-based role covering North East Counties which includes, Newcastle, Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne & Wear, Teesside and Sunderland. 

​

This role requires regular travel within the area, and occasionally to other parts of the UK.  You must live in the North East Counties region or be willing to relocate. 
 
You must have a full UK driving licence at the time of application with access to your own vehicle.  
 
There will be a requirement for flexible out of hours working to support occasional evening and weekend activity. You will be compensated for this with time off in lieu.  
 
Benefits and development  
 
At BHF, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support our colleagues’ wellbeing and professional growth.    
 
To find out more about our benefits you can download the Benefits document at the bottom of this page or check out our  Benefits​and Development pages. 
 
Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.  
 
Interview process   
The interview process will consist of two stages. First stage interviews will be w/c 03/08 . For those successful, there will be second stage interviews.

At HOPE worldwide UK, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to overcome poverty and fulfil their God-given potential. We have helped over 8,000 people experiencing homeless in London find a place to call home, and empower communities around the world to access education, healthcare and economic empowerment opportunties. Could you help us build on that impact as HOPE worldwide UK’s first dedicated Fundraising Manager? 

About HOPE worldwide UK:

HOPE worldwide UK is a Christ-centred charity with a mission to empower people to overcome poverty and homelessness through compassionate service. In the UK, we help people who are homeless access and sustain suitable accommodation and deliver holiday clubs for at risk children. Internationally, we partner with locally-led programmes that provide practical support including education, humanitarian aid, vocational training and healthcare. We are part of the wider HOPE worldwide international family - serving communities through a shared commitment to dignity, compassion and practical action.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising Manager to grow support for our work in the UK and internationally. 

You will lead the implementation of our 2026–2028 fundraising strategy, develop compelling supporter journeys and creating inspiring propositions that connect donors with the difference their generosity makes. Working closely with the CEO, Senior Management Team and Fundraising Committee, you will bring focus, energy and professional fundraising expertise to a charity with a loyal supporter base and significant potential for growth. 

Key Details:

Location:  UK (Flexible: Remote or Hybrid if preferred). There will be a few in-person meetings/events in our London office or other specific venues each year, with flexibility to work where convenient (office or home) most of the time. 

Hours: Part-time, 3 days per week (0.6 FTE). Flexibility over how hours are distributed across the week.

Salary:  £37,000 – £43,000 FTE, pro rata (c. £22,200 - £25,800 for 3 days per week), depending on experience 

Start Date:  September (negotiable)

Contract:  Permanent 

Benefits:  5% Employer Pension Contribution; 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays 

What You will do:

• Lead the delivery of HOPE worldwide UK’s fundraising strategy, with clear plans, priorities, KPIs and income targets.
• Develop a compelling case for support that inspires existing donors, re-engages lapsed supporters and reaches new and younger audiences.
• Design and deliver segmented supporter journeys across individual giving, regular giving, appeals and stewardship activity.
• Support the growth of sustainable income from high-potential streams including trusts and foundations, major donors, legacy giving, challenge events and corporate engagement.
• Work with programme colleagues to capture impact, develop strong donor reports and translate frontline insight into persuasive fundraising propositions.
• Oversee the effective use of the fundraising CRM, improving data quality, segmentation and insight-led decision making.
• Manage, mentor and encourage the Communications & Fundraising Team, creating clarity, focus and momentum.
• Ensure all fundraising activity is legal, ethical and compliant with the Code of Fundraising Practice, data protection requirements and internal policies.

This job is for you if you:

• Enjoy building relationships, telling powerful stories, and helping supporters see how their generosity creates lasting change in a Christian context.
• Combine strategic thinking with practical delivery.
• Are a confident, competent and values-led communicator.

Essential requirements:

• Faith: A faithful follower of Jesus Christ, committed to the vision and values of Hww UK. 

• Experience: Demonstrable success in fundraising, with a strong track record in individual giving and recurring gift growth. 

• Strategy: Experience in building or delivering a successful fundraising strategy and compelling cases for support. 

• Communication: Excellent storytelling skills with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences (faith-based, secular, and younger donors). 

• CRM and Data: Confident user of a fundraising CRM, able to manage data, segment supporters and use insight to inform decisions.

We know that there will be strong candidates who will not fit all the criteria, or who have important skills we have not mentioned. If that is you, please do not hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Desirable experience and skills: 

• Experience in a faith-based, homelessness, poverty relief or international development charity.
• Knowledge of legacy fundraising, trust fundraising or major donor relationships.
• Experience of community, church or challenge event fundraising.

Why Join Us?

This role offers real ownership: the chance to shape systems, strengthen supporter relationships and build sustainable income that directly supports people experiencing poverty in the UK and overseas. If you are motivated by faith, compassion and measurable impact, we would love to hear from you.

Equal Opportunities:

In light of the Christian ethos of the Charity and the nature and context of the work to be undertaken by this role, it is considered that there is an occupational requirement for the Fundraising Manager to be a practising Christian in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010. 

Candidates will require Right to Work in the UK.

The requirements of job applicants and existing members of staff who have a disability will be reviewed to ensure that, wherever possible, reasonable adjustments are made to enable them to enter into or remain in employment with us. 

How to apply:

Please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your motivation, skills and experience.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to online interviews during August.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with a fantastic international NGO charity in their search for a Partnerships and Philanthropy Manager.

This is an exciting role that will play a key role in driving income growth and will contribute to the delivery of an ambitious growth strategy.

As Partnerships and Philanthropy Manager, you will be responsible for raising income through philanthropy, trusts and foundations, major donors and strategic corporate partnerships. You will support the development and delivery of fundraising strategies, managing key donor relationships, writing high-quality funding proposals and supporting the organisation's growth plans. Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will identify new funding opportunities, strengthen existing partnerships and ensure communications support fundraising objectives. You will also lead on donor engagement and stewardship activities and line managing the Communications Officer.

To be considered for this role you will need: 

• Proven experience of securing income from at least two of the following areas: trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships or philanthropy.
• Experience of developing successful funding applications, proposals and donor reports.
• Experience of building and managing external relationships that lead to income generation or strategic partnership development.

• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to write clear, persuasive and tailored proposals and reports.
• Excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.

If this role sounds of interest to you and you want to have a chat and review the full job description, please do contact Dominic at Harris Hill on [email protected] or call him on 0207 820 7332

Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum

Permanent, full-time

Location: Home based with regular domestic travel and infrequent international travel

Application process: CV and cover letter.

Closing date: Rolling. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis so please apply ASAP.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Role Purpose

Responsible for helping to ensure the effective delivery of the Regional Fundraising strategy in relation to generating sustainable income from third parties and campaigns. You will primarily focus on recruiting support from community groups and associations, businesses and individuals across the North as well as supporting the growth and diversity of the challenge events portfolio.

You will plan, market, deliver and grow your portfolio ensuring all objectives, financial and non-financial are achieved, with an active focus on cost-effective ideas, growth and contingency plans.

Working closely with our service delivery teams across the UK to develop fundraising lead networks, building a robust and community driven income pipeline. You will build powerful, local relationships across your region, and ensure every supporter has an exceptional fundraising experience.

Main Responsibilities

· Support the development and implementation of a fundraising plan to maximise income generation across the designated area, in line with the overall fundraising strategy

· Build knowledge of Child Bereavement UK supporters in the area and develop a community of supporters who have a tangible relationship with our work

· Build relationships with individual supporters, community organisations, faith groups, schools and education facilities, regional corporates and challenge event participants

· Contribute to the development of annual income and expenditure budgets, monitoring results and contributing to regular reforecasts, mitigation and contingency planning to ensure budget is achieved.

· Attract new support and nurture and develop existing support by providing excellent stewardship to maximise supporter journey, value and retention and in-turn income.

· Work alongside the Head of Regional Fundraising and Challenge Event team to develop and promote successful and engaging off-the-shelf fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and challenge events to engage and encourage potential supporters, using research to spot trends and popular initiatives.

· Work collaboratively with the Challenge Event team and Communications team to develop and implement marketing and social media plans for all events/activities.

· Analyse the potential risks and benefits of fundraising events/activities considering risk, time/cost ratios, and overall ROI, to focus effort accordingly.

· Ensure all associated activities are compliant with charity law, regulatory requirements, and best practice, including Data Protection Act and GDPR.

· Develop and follow processes and systems to ensure the effective management of all relevant information, including maintaining and assuming responsibility for accurate information on the charity’s Sales Force database and the community section of the website.

· Work with the Head of Regional Fundraising to recruit Fundraising Committees across the region

· Support with the recruitment of Community

Person Specification

Essential

· Ability to self-motivate and organise yourself to manage multiple priorities, to set and meet deadlines in order to keep projects moving forwards

· Experience in at least one of: fundraising, sales, partnerships, business development, or community engagement

· Confidence and experience in public speaking, both offline and online, and demonstratable ability to represent a cause to a wide range of audiences

· Outstanding relationship-building skills and an ability to manage stakeholder relationships effectively and creatively

· Experience of working to targets and managing budgets

· A positive, proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration

· Confidence working independently and as part of a team

Desirable

· Experience in community fundraising or charity income generation

· Experience of delivering a regional-focused role in the same geographic area

· Experience of managing and supporting volunteers

· Familiarity with CRM systems and data management

Benefits

· 28 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) with increase for long service.

· TOIL for our hours work.

· Contributory pension scheme.

· Company sick pay.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Life assurance.

· Training loans.

· Enhanced family friendly policies.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 26th July 2026 at midnight

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Major Donor Manager (Maternity Cover)

Salary: £45,600 – £48,000
Location: Hybrid, London (ideally once a week, but can be very flexible)
Contract: Fixed term until February 2027
Closing date: 6 July

Lead a high-performing major donor programme at a pivotal moment of growth.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a well-established and ambitious philanthropy team that has gone from strength to strength, doubling income over the past two years and generating over £1.2m in the last financial year.

Joining as Major Donor Manager, you will play a central role in driving the next phase of growth. With strong internal momentum, and a culture of collaboration and shared ambition, you will lead both strategy and delivery across major giving during a key period of maternity cover.

About the role
You will lead the strategic direction and day-to-day management of a thriving major donor programme, mentoring team members, working on specific projects related to next generation philanthropy.

Working closely with colleagues across fundraising and beyond, you will:

• Drive new income growth, personally cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals and securing significant gifts
• Lead and develop a small team, providing hands-on coaching, mentoring and support, particularly for team members newer to major donor fundraising
• Shape and deliver clear supporter journeys, ensuring a strong pipeline of prospects and a robust moves management approach
• Support the redistribution and development of donor portfolios, helping maximise long-term value and engagement
• Identify and unlock new opportunities, including corporate HNWI prospects and wider networks linked to existing supporters
• Provide strategic oversight of cultivation activity, including high-value events and donor engagement approaches
• Work collaboratively across teams, contributing to wider fundraising strategies and shared organisational goals

This role does not hold an active portfolio of existing donors but focuses on strategic leadership, mentorship, high-value asks and team enablement to maximise collective performance.

About you
You will bring significant experience in major donor fundraising, alongside a passion for developing others and delivering ambitious income growth.

We are particularly looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• A strong record of securing high-value gifts and developing new donor relationships
• Experience working with and influencing senior stakeholders, including leadership teams or trustees
• The ability to coach, mentor and inspire a team, supporting their development and confidence
• A creative and strategic approach to pipeline development, cultivation and stewardship
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong financial and analytical capability, with the ability to manage performance and improve ways of working

Why join?
You will be joining a team known for its supportive, collaborative and high-performing culture. This is a group that:

• Shares a clear sense of purpose and direction
• Works closely together to problem-solve and innovate
• Encourages challenge, growth and shared success
• Creates a positive, inclusive and motivating environment

The organisation offers flexible hybrid working, with most of the team coming together regularly in the London office, typically once a week on Thursdays being a popular day, but they are pragmatic about this particular requirement.

Our commitment
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and experiences. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our work and help us achieve greater impact.

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.