High value relationships prospect research officer jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing date: Midnight on Monday 20 April 2026

Interested?

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

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

Purpose of the job

As Major Donor Manager, you will support the delivery of UK Youth's major donor programme, cultivating high-value, long-term relationships with high-net-worth (HNW) individuals in support of UK Youth's mission and vision. You will build and manage a pipeline of major donors and prospects, working towards income targets that grow year on year, and play a critical role in securing unrestricted funding, programme funding and transformational capital investment.

This role requires a strategic, relationship-led approach and a deep understanding of major gift fundraising. You will work closely with senior leadership to ensure credibility, effective stewardship and meaningful donor engagement. The Major Donor programme prioritises depth of relationship and long-term value over short-term income targets, and you will be instrumental in embedding this culture across the organisation.

The role sits within the strongly performing and highly motivated Fundraising department, including events, corporate, trust and foundation fundraising.

Why work at UK Youth?

Every young person deserves a youth worker. UK Youth exists to make that a reality. As the UK’s infrastructure body for youth work, we support a network of thousands of youth organisations to improve young lives every day. At the same time, we are transforming the policies, investment, and ideas needed to future-proof youth work for generations to come.

UK Youth exists to widen the reach and deepen the impact of youth work and outdoor learning. By joining UK Youth, you can help create a society that backs young people – through each spark, struggle and success.

Key responsibilities

• Major Donor Fundraising and Pipeline Development

• Cultivation, Stewardship and Events

• Capital Appeal Support – Avon Tyrrell

• Communications and Engagement

• Strategy and Performance

Experience we're after

• Proven experience in major donor fundraising, with a track record of cultivating and securing five or six figure gifts from HNW individuals.

• Experience of building and managing a major donor pipeline from prospect identification through to solicitation and stewardship.

• Experience of senior stakeholder management, including working with CEOs, trustees and senior volunteers.

• Experience of managing a diverse workload with multiple deadlines, stakeholders and deliverables.

• Experience of thinking strategically and developing compelling fundraising propositions aligned to organisational priorities.

• Experience of delivering cultivation and stewardship events for major donors.

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave (24 days + 3 days winter closure) plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: 14th April 2026 at 23:59 (midnight)

Provisional Interview Dates: w/c 27th April 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

Head of Fundraising (Part-Time, 3 days/week)

Hybrid – Vauxhall, London | £47,342 (pro rata)

1-year FTC | Start ASAP

Join the UK’s leading personal safety charity and play a pivotal role in protecting lives.

Suzy Lamplugh Trust is looking for a strategic and relationship-driven Head of Fundraising to lead our income generation across trusts, foundations and statutory funders. This role is perfect for someone who wants autonomy, impact, and the chance to shape sustainable growth for a mission-driven organisation.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and deliver our fundraising strategy
• Build a strong pipeline of trusts, foundations & statutory funders
• Craft compelling bids
• Lead excellent stewardship and funder relationships
• Work across teams to align opportunities and organisational needs

What We’re Looking For

• Proven fundraising success, including significant grants
• Strong writing and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing fundraising pipelines and reporting
• Highly organised, collaborative and mission-aligned

Why Join Us?

Your work directly supports victims of stalking, advances national safety initiatives, and influences policy that protects millions.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining how you meet the essential criteria.

Location: The Upper Room, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12

Hours: Part-time, 28 hours per week (4 days)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £40,000–£42,000 FTE (£32,000–£33,600 actual salary for 4 days)
Working Pattern: Hybrid, with at least 1 day per week in the office
Reports to: CEO

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About the Role

The Upper Room (TUR) supports individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, social exclusion and involvement with the criminal justice system. Through UR4Meals and UR4Driving we provide practical support, dignity and opportunity to some of the most disadvantaged members of our community in West London. 

We are seeking an experienced Trusts and Grants Manager to take full ownership of and grow our most important income stream.

Trusts and foundations account for over half of our income, and we have an established portfolio of funders alongside several multi-year grants. This role is central to maintaining that income and driving its growth.

This is a hands-on, autonomous role requiring someone who can independently manage a live pipeline, write high-quality applications, and build strong, long-term funder relationships.

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Key Responsibilities

Trusts and Foundations Fundraising (lead responsibility)

• Identify, research and secure funding from trusts, foundations and statutory sources
• Develop high-quality, persuasive funding applications, including larger and multi-year bids
• Manage and maintain a robust pipeline of funding opportunities
• Lead on reporting, monitoring and reapplications
• Build and steward long-term relationships with funders
• Work closely with service teams to develop clear, evidence-based cases for support

Strategy and Income Growth

• Contribute to and support delivery of TUR’s fundraising strategy
• Identify opportunities to increase income and strengthen long-term sustainability
• Monitor performance against income targets and adjust plans where needed
• Provide clear and accurate reporting to the CEO and Board

Wider Contribution

• Contribute to broader fundraising activity where appropriate
• Represent TUR externally with professionalism and credibility

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Person Specification

Essential

• Direct experience securing funding from trusts and foundations; applications without this experience will not be considered
• Demonstrable track record of securing five-figure grants (and ideally multi-year funding)
• Experience managing the full funding cycle, from prospect research through to reporting and stewardship
• Experience managing a pipeline of multiple funders and deadlines
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, compelling and tailored proposals
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work independently
• Confidence engaging with funders and representing an organisation externally
• Commitment to The Upper Room’s mission and values

Desirable

• Experience in homelessness, criminal justice or related sectors
• Knowledge of the London or West London funding landscape
• Experience contributing to fundraising strategy or income growth

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Why Join Us

The Upper Room is a values-led organisation committed to empowering people facing poverty and exclusion. You will be joining a small, committed and supportive team, with the opportunity to take real ownership of a critical income stream.

This role offers the chance to work closely with the CEO and play a direct role in strengthening the organisation’s sustainability and impact.

Flexible working arrangements are supported, with at least one day per week in the office.

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Additional Information

• Attendance at quarterly evening Finance Sub-Committee meetings is required (time off in lieu provided)
• Occasional evening or weekend events may be required (time off in lieu provided)
• The Upper Room is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check

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How to Apply

Please send your CV along with:

• A covering letter (maximum 500 words) outlining your suitability for the role

We welcome informal conversations prior to application.

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Recruitment Process

Panel interview focused on experience, track record and approach to trusts and grants fundraising

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Closing Date

11.30pm, 23rd April 2026

Job title: Head of Principal Gifts
Employer: Imperial College London
Salary: £69,365 to £79,257 per annum
Location: White City, London W12 (Hybrid)

About the role:

Are you a fundraiser looking for a new challenge at the highest levels of philanthropy? Are you looking to transition into the field of principal gifts?

Here at Imperial College, we are recruiting a Head of Principal Gifts to join our brilliant and growing team. This is a new position, part of an expansion of our Advancement Division.

What you will be doing:

As Head of Principal Gifts, you will play a transformative role in securing the philanthropic investments that drive groundbreaking discoveries, life-changing innovations and sustainable solutions. Your work will directly impact fields critical to shaping the future – from climate resilience and AI to global health and business innovation. You will have the opportunity to work with amazing colleagues driven to tackle some of the most difficult problems facing society. 

At Imperial, philanthropy has the power to change lives. In this role, you'll be at the heart of that - cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals and like-minded stakeholders, and helping drive our most ambitious fundraising and alumni engagement campaign to date.

Working closely with the Director of Development: Principal Gifts and Global, you'll lead on gifts that are genuinely complex and career-defining in scale.

What we are looking for:

We're looking for someone entrepreneurial and ambitious: a natural relationship-builder who thrives in complexity, navigates ambiguity with confidence, and knows how to bring the right people together at the right moment. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial.

Our culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, eliminating discrimination and creating an inclusive working environment. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity and innovation.

Further Information

This is one of two exceptional opportunities to join our dynamic team. As we continue to expand our international presence, we are recruiting for the following role:

• Head of Global Development, Asia

Each of these roles offers a unique opportunity to shape our strategic direction and build impactful partnerships.

Closing date: Midnight on Thursday 16 April 2026.

Interested?

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

Imperial is partnering with Erin Hall-Westfall and Joanna Logan of Constellate Global Talent on this search.

No agencies please.

Polka Theatre in Wimbledon seeks a Development & Events Manager to join our successful and welcoming team.

This is the role for you, if you:

· Would like to work for a pioneering national theatre for children.

· Enjoy planning and delivering fundraising events, which leverage immediate and ongoing support for the charity.

· Want to help a charity inspire supporters and build quality relationships with them, by telling the story of our impact.

· Are creative, personable, dynamic and great at communicating.

Polka is seeking a Development and Events Manager to coordinate Polka’s regular giving programmes, manage an established programme of events and oversee a committed portfolio of corporate supporters. As a key member of the Development Team, this is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help shape Polka's future as a leading children's theatre. 

The Development and Events Manager will help donors feel inspired, appreciated, and compelled to support Polka. You will do this through high-quality communications and events for Polka’s donors, potential donors and corporate partners. The postholder will devise and coordinate a varied annual programme of stewardship and cultivation events and take a proactive role in attracting new supporters.

This is a permanent, full-time role. More details are in the recruitment pack on our website.

This role will suit candidates with fundraising experience, particularly with individual giving and events. We also welcome applications from people with transferable skills who can draw on their experience in other sectors. 

The role is primarily on site at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, with up to 2 days working from home per week.

Polka's commitment as an equal opportunities employer means we are keen to encourage applications from people from the Global Majority, people across the gender spectrum and people who self-identify as disabled, who are underrepresented in our sector.

Polka is funded by Arts Council England, London, registered charity number 256979.

Development Manager (Individual Giving & Major Donor Fundraising)

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation | Shalford, Surrey (Hybrid)
Salary: £40,000–£45,000, dependant on experience

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is seeking an experienced and relationship‑driven Development Manager to lead our individual giving and major donor fundraising. This is a pivotal fundraising role within a conservation charity dedicated to protecting endangered species across Africa and Asia.

As our Development Manager, you will:

• Shape and deliver strategies for major donors, mid‑level giving, regular giving, adoption programmes and campaign‑led appeals
• Cultivate and steward high‑value donors through personalised engagement
• Oversee donor journeys and ensure an exceptional supporter experience
• Provide strategic leadership for key fundraising events
• Work closely with colleagues across Conservation, Education, Art, Marketing and Finance
• Line manage a Development Executive and play a key role in developing a coordinated, high‑performing fundraising team

We’re looking for someone with:
✔ Proven success in major donor / high‑value individual fundraising
✔ Strong relationship‑building and communication skills
✔ Experience developing donor journeys and direct marketing appeals
✔ Confidence working with senior stakeholders
✔ Passion for wildlife conservation and DSWF’s mission

Why join us?
You’ll be part of a small, committed team making a tangible impact on global wildlife protection. We have invested over £14 million into frontline conservation since 1984 and continue to drive meaningful change through anti-wildlife crime initiatives, education and the power of art.

Role details:

• Hybrid (home + 2 days/week in Shalford, Surrey)
• Full time, 35 hrs/week
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + extra days at Christmas
• Pension + Employee Assistance Programme
• Start date: As soon as possible

How to apply:
Send your CV and a cover letter (no longer than two pages) by email by midday, Monday 20th April.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in conservation and the arts.

Are you looking for a pivotal role which will shape the future of a CIC and Charity working on key challenges in housing, education and employment? Are you excited to take on a strategic post which will demonstrably improve the charity’s work with its service users, supporters and other key stakeholders? If so, we’d love to hear from you! 

Kineara is looking for an experienced Communications Manager who can grow our fundraising potential and engage key stakeholders across the sector, while shaping and delivering communications and outreach campaigns that demonstrate our social value proposition and grow our support base. They will play a key role in helping Kineara grow our communications channels, increase audience engagement, expand our fundraising potential through data-driven campaigns and powerful storytelling; and build strategic relationships with existing and potential funders.

You will work closely with project managers and the Senior Leadership Team to shape communications around our key delivery areas including identifying how support services can reduce barriers to secure housing, work and school; prevent evictions and homelessness; and improve health and wellbeing of people facing challenges. You’ll use this understanding and data to shape impact storytelling and communications with existing and new stakeholders.

You will feel real ownership over your work and need to be self-starting, flexible and hungry to grow within an already impactful charity with a strong social mission and vision. You will be keen to understand how our work makes a difference to people and use our impact to demonstrate our social value.This role crosscuts a range of key specialisations, so you may have experience working in communications and be keen to widen your skillset; you may have a background in impact evaluation, you may have experience in curating digital content for charities; or you may have worked in fundraising or development for a non-profit. We are keen to invite candidates with a range of experience from a variety of non-profit roles and are especially interested to meet candidates who have been part of, or are ready to be part of, the strategic growth of a social organisation. 

Why us, now? Kineara is going through exciting changes as we rapidly expand our service user base and are opening up new avenues of finance, engagement and growth. Our most recent projects have put us at the forefront of innovative ways of delivering support to private renters or those living in temporary accommodation, working in partnership with housing services, private landlords, local authorities, solicitors and health services to envision secure housing for all. We are also a team with lived experience and are a culturally diverse, spirited and mission-focused team that takes care of each other. 

Why you? You are motivated by seeing people who have experienced marginalisation or vulnerability thrive and you have the drive to grow the reach of our organisation so that more people in need can access our support. You have a wide skillset and open attitude, ready to learn what you don’t already know and confident to lead on your projects but understand the value of listening, collaboration and working towards joint and shared ambitions.

Key Responsibilities 

Communications & PR 

• Develop, contribute to and implement impact-driven and strategic communications campaigns that build Kineara’s presence across its wide audiences and expand its fundraising potential

• Manage digital content strategy for Kineara, including producing short from video content, promotional videos, infographics, interviews, thought leadership, impact storytelling, case studies etc. to grow Kineara’s digital and social media footprint 

• Work collaboratively with practitioners and the housing projects manager to regularly develop and publish information sheets, resources and content on Kineara’s website

• Plan and manage campaigns and petitions that influence policy and shape key decisions affecting our client group 

• Ensure consistent implementation of Kineara’s brand messaging across all organisational engagements, campaigns, and materials, in alignment with Kineara’s identity, mission, vision, and core values. 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets to proactively promote Kineara’s work, including identifying relevant media opportunities, pitching compelling stories, responding to media inquiries 

• Work closely with IT and business managers to ensure smooth running of internal communications 

• Maintain and expand Kineara’s website and its functionality to meet the growing needs of the organisation 

Fundraising 

• Develop positive relationships with a range of stakeholders providing funding to charities, including in the third sector, public sector, and the business sector, to raise awareness and promote our work 

• Contribute to grant and tender applications, and manage and coordinate work of external consultants supporting grant writing process where applicable 

• Manage and administer online fundraising platforms, and develop accessible, persuasive campaigns for public donations. 

Impact 

• Work closely with Operations Manager and practitioners to embed outcomes, utilise and optimise frameworks for monitoring and evaluate Kineara’s projects; and produce yearly evaluations and Impact Report of Kineara’s services 

• Utilise CRM software such as Advice Pro to generate data-driven impact analysis and develop evidence-based communications materials for donors, funders and stakeholders

• Use learning from impact analysis to share with team and deliver impact-driven communications and to share our social value to funders and other stakeholders. 

Business 

• Contribute to development of business plans and strategic decision-making, working with the CEO, Finance Lead and Operations Lead (SLT) 

Person Specification 

With a strong alignment with Kineara’s values, you will be: 

• An outstanding communicator who can engage, inspire and support colleagues, donors, trustees, volunteers and other stakeholders. 
• Confident in promoting thought leadership to share our knowledge to develop external alliances and discuss topical issues online
• Passionate about addressing poverty and inequality, and commitment to equality and diversity
• A self-starter and a team player, with a flair for building relationships.
• A creative communicator with a strong awareness of current and emerging trends in the charity communications sector, who proactively develops innovative and effective ways to communicate charitable causes, drive engagement, and inspire support. 
• Adept at big picture thinking and project management, but also be able to engage with the detail to ensure projects are successfully completed. 
• Comfortable with and skilled at change management and relish the strengths and challenges of a small and dynamic team in an evolving organisation.
• Analytical and reflective, but with excellent time management and ability to work under pressure.

Experience and Skills 

We’d like to see a strong track record that is relevant to each of the key components of the role, although we recognise that you may have stronger experience in one or more areas. You will be able to demonstrate that you could deliver in:
 

• Planning, executing, achieving targets to grow income streams, including donor prospect research, developing new donor relationships, and grant writing.
• Working on effective online or offline fundraising campaigns that influence a range of stakeholders, with a reflective, creative and innovative approach. 
• Using impact and outcomes to engage and promote services to funders, partners and other stakeholders.
• Developing brands and brand awareness in line with organisational objectives 
• Creating communications plans in support of strategic objectives, and executing these to a high standard, reflecting and improving these to achieve greater impact. 
• Familiarity with social media channels such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook and solid experience of content creation and website management
• Creating and executing community, outreach and fundraising events. 
• Strong IT skills and familiarity with CRM databases, MS Office, Word Press.
• Ability to put together and manage project budgets.
• Creating, developing and adapting outcomes tools such as survey, questionnaires, and focus groups 
• Planning, creating and executing evaluations of projects, including creating surveys, events, questionnaires and feedback tools 
• Managing communications/fundraising officers and external consultants

How to apply 

To apply for the role, please send an up-to-date CV and a cover letter (up to two pages). Please provide concrete examples and experience where possible, however we are open to hearing how you might develop or demonstrate these abilities or attributes if you have not yet had many years of experience in the field. You can also include:  

• Why you wish to apply for this role   

• Your relevant experience, knowledge and skills, based on the person specification above.   

• What other qualities you have that you could bring to the role   

Please note we will be shortlisting candidates as we receive applications and reserve the right to close the advert before deadline date if the right candidate comes along.