Head of development and alumni relations jobs
WORKING WITH US
The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.
We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.
As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.
Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.
To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.
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ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
We are seeking a proactive and knowledgeable HR Advisor to join our central HR team. You’ll support a group of academies, providing expert guidance on HR policies, employee relations and workforce initiatives, while contributing to projects that shape the future of education.
This is a dynamic generalist role requiring strong communication, analytical skills and a collaborative mindset. You’ll be part of a pioneering multi-academy trust known for transforming schools and empowering communities. With access to outstanding CPD, a supportive team and a culture of excellence, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow your HR career in a purpose-driven environment.
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MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Your responsibilities will include:
- Delivery of a generalist HR advisory service to the Federation and our Academies, providing up to date and informed HR guidance and support on HR policies, processes and systems
- Providing professional advice and support to Federation and Academy leaders in all areas of HR practice and employee relations such as grievance, disciplinary, performance management and sickness absence management, escalating complex cases as appropriate to the Head of HR and HR Business Partners
- Supporting the HR Business Partner with organisation change programmes including redundancy, restructuring and TUPE transfers; preparing documents, supporting planning, due diligence completion etc.
- Participating in the development and delivery of HR policy skills workshops for line managers and academy HR
- Assisting with end-to-end employee lifecycle and payroll processes
- Preparing HR documents and create and maintain templates
- Producing management information reports
- Evaluating job descriptions and providing advice and guidance on salary bandings to ensure a consistent and fair approach
- Assisting with the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures
For a full job description, please download the Job Pack.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
You should be able to demonstrate:
- Experience providing generalist HR advice on terms & conditions, application of policies and first line employee relations
- Up-to-date knowledge of employment law & current HR practice
- Qualifications to degree level, or equivalent experience
- At least part qualification to CIPD Level 5 or equivalent by experience with a willingness to study
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills
- Confidence and ability to develop and maintain professional relationships at all levels
- Discretion and diplomacy, with the ability to adhere to confidentiality requirements
For a full job specification, please download the Job Pack.
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APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION
If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.
Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.
When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.
A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.
OUR VISION & VALUES
Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.
We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
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WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.
You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:
- Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
- Annual performance and loyalty bonus
- Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
- 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
- Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
- Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
- Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
- Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
- 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
- Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans
For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.
Thank you!
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.
Registered Charity
More than 1000
World-class research and outstanding global education
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
This is your chance to lead a growing and high-profile team at the heart of ARU’s future – building lifelong relationships and a culture of giving that makes a lasting difference.
Applications close at9 a.m. Tuesday 6th January 2026
Who we are
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a modern, inclusive and globally engaged university that transforms lives through innovative, entrepreneurial and socially impactful education and research. Named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023 and rated Gold in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework, we are recognised for excellence in teaching, research and enterprise. With students from more than 185 countries, our community is driven by curiosity, collaboration and the desire to make a difference. Our research spans health, sustainability, creativity and technology, and we are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England. We are also one of the UK’s leading universities for degree apprenticeships, working with hundreds of employers to equip students for meaningful careers.
The opportunity
This is an exciting and pivotal moment for ARU’s Development and Alumni function. Now three and a half years old, the team has already established early strengths in major donor, trust and foundation fundraising, and plays an important role in advancing ARU’s mission around participation and social mobility. We are looking for an inspiring and strategic leader to shape the next phase of our Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Strategy. You will build on strong foundations to develop an integrated and creative approach across fundraising and alumni relations, creating a clearer narrative and a consistent, values-led experience for supporters.
Working closely with the Director of Marketing, Communications and Recruitment, the Vice Chancellor and the Chief Operating Officer, you will have the opportunity to influence at a senior level and help shape a visible culture of philanthropy across the university. You will lead a growing team, foster innovation, and harness digital and AI tools to enhance donor and alumni engagement. This role will also connect with our expanding international development remit, opening new opportunities to engage ARU’s global alumni community and build relationships that have both regional and worldwide impact.
About you
You will bring a strong track record in major gift fundraising and strategic relationship management, with experience across multiple income streams including individuals, trusts and corporates. A confident and inclusive leader, you will inspire your team and colleagues to achieve shared success, building collaboration and creativity across the function.
You will be skilled at developing compelling cases for support and using insight, data and storytelling to connect people to purpose. Experience in higher education or a large, complex, mission-driven organisation would be an advantage, as would familiarity with CRM systems such as Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge and the use of digital and AI-driven approaches to engagement.
Above all, you will share our belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of philanthropy in unlocking opportunity, driving inclusion and changing lives.
At ARU, you will join a values-led institution where ambition, integrity and community shape everything we do. You will be part of a supportive environment that encourages innovation, nurtures potential and celebrates success.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.
This advert will come down before the role closes, so please be aware that the closing date is 9 a.m. Tuesday 6th January 2026 and to visit Peridot Partners for the full details and the job pack.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Location: Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 8LX: on site or hybrid; remote working will also be considered.
Team: Marketing & Communications Team
Reports To: Head of Marketing & Communications
Salary: £26,523 per annum
Employment Type: Full-Time
All Nations Christian College has been leading the way in cross-cultural mission training for over 60 years. We provide a flexible undergraduate programme validated by The Open University, alongside specialist short courses and a well-established postgraduate programme for mission leaders. Based in the UK, north of London, we are an independent, evangelical, interdenominational Bible college welcoming students from all over the world. Our mission is to serve the global church by training disciples of Jesus Christ for mission in a multicultural world.
Role Overview
The Donor Relations Officer will be responsible for crafting compelling, donor-centred communications that strengthen long-term relationships with partners and supporters, deepen engagement and inspire giving. One of the main areas of responsibility will be to produce proposals and reports for stakeholders, especially strategic partners and donors. The postholder will work closely with the other members of the Marketing and Communications team, as well as collaborating with other departments within the college. The ideal candidate will have proven experience of producing copy for fundraising and donor relations purposes, and will be a skilled storyteller who can translate the strategic objectives of the college into resonant narratives, understands donor motivations, and writes with clarity, empathy, and purpose.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & Stewardship Writing
- Develop persuasive and high-quality copy for multi-channel fundraising campaigns (direct mail, email, website, social media etc.)
- Write impact reports and stewardship letters that convey gratitude and demonstrate impact.
- Create case statements, proposals, and presentations for major donor and foundation audiences.
- Oversee the ongoing use of Donorfy CRM to ensure it functions in a way that optimises ANCC's efficiency and makes full use of its functionality; carry out system integrations as needed.
Storytelling & Content Development
- Interview students, alumni, partners, staff and donors to develop authentic, mission-driven stories.
- Adapt organizational content for various donor segments, ensuring a consistent voice and message.
- Collaborate within the Marketing & Communications team to pair copy with strong visuals, and input to other priority projects as required.
Editing & Quality Control
- Proofread and edit donor communications to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with the college ethos and brand guidelines.
- Maintain a consistent, donor-focused tone across all written materials.
Collaboration & Strategy
- Work closely with the members of the Marketing & Communications team to align donor messaging with campaign goals.
- Collaborate with other teams across the college including the Academic, Training and Finance Teams.
- Contribute to the development of content calendars and communication strategies.
- Track and analyse response rates and engagement to inform future copy.
· Fully participate in All Nations community activities when possible.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
- 3+ years’ professional writing experience, preferably in donor relations and fundraising communications.
- Proven ability to write clear, compelling, and engaging copy and marketing materials for diverse audiences.
- Strong interviewing, research, and storytelling skills.
- Excellent editing and proofreading abilities with strong attention to detail.
- Familiarity with donor stewardship best practices and fundraising language.
- Experience of producing and tracking fundraising campaigns, tracking impact, reporting and lesson learning.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively present information and engage cross-culturally.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multicultural team and wider organisational departments.
- Experience with CRM or donor database systems.
Preferred:
- Knowledge of direct response fundraising principles.
- Basic understanding of SEO and digital content best practices, and awareness of upcoming trends and changes in the sector, including best use of AI.
- Experience of working with Canva and other document editing software which pair visuals with text.
- A heart for Christian cross-cultural mission and commitment to the goals and ethos of All Nations Christian College.
Core Competencies
- Mission Alignment: Deep commitment to the organization’s mission and values.
- Empathy: Ability to write from the donor’s perspective, honouring their role in making impact possible.
- Creativity: Innovative in approach while respecting brand and voice consistency.
- Collaboration: Works well across teams and responds constructively to feedback.
- Deadline-Driven: Manages multiple projects efficiently while maintaining high quality.
Other Information
· There is a genuine requirement for this role to be filled by a committed Christian who is passionate about cross cultural mission and fully able to articulate the overall purpose as well as the detail of the College’s mission, from a personal faith basis.
· All Nations Christian College is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk from abuse and neglect. We expect all staff who work with us to share this commitment, and staff will be required to be checked with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS).
· Located at Easneye, Ware, Hertfordshire, UK: this role can be on-site or hybrid; remote working will also be considered.
· Working hours at college are 8.40am - 5.10pm. Occasional weekends and evenings will be required in this role eg for events
· Holiday: 30 days per annum (pro rata) plus 6 of the 8 bank holidays when they fall on a normal working day.
· Applicants must have the right to work in the UK
Benefits
§ Salary of £26,523 per annum
§ Employer pension contributions of 8%. A salary sacrifice scheme option is also available.
§ Life Assurance of three times salary
§ Employee Assistance Programme
§ 30 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays (excluding the May bank holidays) plus the days the College is closed between Christmas and New Year.
Free, freshly prepared lunch at the College on your working days on site.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
To cultivate biblically rooted, hope-filled and culturally relevant engagement with God's mission by training and equipping disciples of Jesus Christ
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Overview
The Campaigns and Alumni Relations Office (CAR) at the University of Sheffield is dedicated to inspiring alumni (former students) and supporters to make philanthropic gifts, as well as giving their time and expertise. A donation to the University of Sheffield can change lives, from supporting students in financial need to furthering world-leading research.
As part of the Individual Giving team in CAR, this role encourages people to make gifts of up to £10,000 using a data-driven approach and a range of communication and fundraising channels. The Fundraising Officer will also coordinate our community fundraising and in-memory programme to typically raise over £150,000 per year, as well as project managing direct mail, digital appeals and stewardship communications.
Acting as an advocate for philanthropy, you’ll support and motivate volunteer fundraisers and play a significant role in delivering the University’s flagship fundraising event, the Big Walk. You’ll also support the team to deliver fundraising and donor impact communications using a range of channels (email, print, web and video). On an ad-hoc basis you’ll manage our team of scholarship ambassadors to help engage donors, this may include coordinating small telephone fundraising sessions.
This role would suit someone who excels at managing relationships and is confident interacting with donors and fundraisers on a daily basis. The successful candidate will also be a skilled project manager and communicator, able to juggle multiple tasks and think creatively to overcome problems.
Main duties and responsibilities
● Plan and deliver key fundraising projects using a range of channels (email, direct mail, events) to make direct asks for support through gifts and community fundraising.
● Ensure that all supporters have an exceptional experience and coordinate activities that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy in a meaningful and personal way to retain all donors.
● Support the wider team with elements of larger, multi-channel appeals. This will include building relationships with beneficiaries, suppliers, copywriting, using our mass email platform and manipulating data to personalise appeals.
● Deliver community fundraising activities primarily the Big Walk, supported by the Individual Giving Manager and the Communications & Events team.
● Manage relationships with long-standing community fundraisers, as well as supporting ad-hoc fundraisers to maximise donations, showcase the University’s work and raise awareness of philanthropy. Proactively identify opportunities to build the supporter community and increase participation in fundraising.
● Manage relationships with corporate partners capable of sponsoring or participating in our fundraising activities, such as the Big Walk.
● Work with the team of scholarship ambassadors (students who have benefitted from donations) to gather and create content that tells their stories and demonstrates impact to donors.
● Oversee the day-to-day operations of ad-hoc telephone fundraising sessions. Including training and motivating the students, enabling them to make direct asks.
● Coordinate the fundraising team’s shared inbox and phone line, including delegating to other members of the team. Act as a key point of contact for donor and fundraiser enquiries, ensuring each supporter receives the highest level of customer service and
● Ensure that accurate records are maintained on the CRM database, Raiser's Edge and use JustGiving to optimise fundraising. Work with large datasets to personalise appeals and communication approaches, working to a data processing brief.
● Ensure fundraising activity fulfils its regulatory and statutory obligations (GDPR and Fundraising Regulator Code of Conduct) and its obligations for the health and safety of fundraisers and event participants.
● Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
*This role will involve some flexible working for telephone appeals and events, outside of core hours - time off in lieu will be granted.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Essential criteria
● Experience in fundraising, volunteer management, marketing or a relationship focused role (assessed at application / interview)
● Experience building and managing supporter or customer relationships with integrity and sensitivity (assessed at application / interview)
● Experience delivering communications or marketing projects to different audiences across a range of channels including print and email (assessed at application / interview / selection task)
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make direct asks for support through written communications (assessed at application / interview / selection task)
● Experience of working collaboratively and flexibly, as part of a team, and with colleagues from across teams and the wider organisation (assessed at application / interview)
● Ability to deliver an outstanding supporter experience whilst acting as a passionate ambassador for the University (assessed at application / interview)
● Ability to manage and progress multiple projects across a busy and varied workload, including producing and working to clear briefs, project plans and deadlines (assessed at application / interview)
● Understanding of the principles of fundraising and a genuine belief in the transformative power of philanthropy in Higher Education (assessed at application / interview)
● A creative approach to problem solving with the ability to react and work flexibly in a fast-paced and dynamic environment (assessed at application / interview)
Desirable criteria
● Ability to manage and motivate individuals, volunteers and/or a team to achieve targets (assessed at application / interview)
● Experience of Raiser’s Edge database or equivalent CRM database and a high level of attention to detail when it comes to working with data (assessed at application / interview)
Further Information
Grade: 6
Salary: £32,080 - £36,636 per annum
Work arrangement: Full-time - flexible arrangements considered
Duration: 12-month contract, starting January or February 2026
Line manager: Head of Individual Giving
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.