Individual giving and legacy senior fundraiser jobs

The Sutton Trust is the UK’s leading social mobility charity. We believe every young person should have a fair chance in life, regardless of their family’s income, the school they go to or where they grow up. But today in Britain, the opportunity to succeed is heavily shaped by socio-economic background. Our mission is to change this. Our programmes empower young people to access life-changing opportunities, and our research influences national change to deliver a fairer future.

Each year, together with our university and employer partners, we support over 14,000 young people to reach their potential through our university, apprenticeship and career access programmes. And our support doesn’t stop there. We engage our thriving alumni community to help them to succeed in their professions and to act as advocates for social mobility.

Our rigorous and extensive research shines a light on barriers to opportunity from the early years to the workplace, and we strive to influence national policy change with evidence-based solutions to tackle educational and workplace inequality. Using insights from our programmes and research, we also test and scale new ideas in education and employment practice.

As an independent charity, our work is entirely reliant on the generous support of our community of donors. The need to support our work to tackle Britain’s low social mobility has never been greater.

Fundraising at the Sutton Trust

We are seeking a dynamic and confident Philanthropy Manager to join our high-performing fundraising team. The Sutton Trust is at an exciting point in our organisational journey, with a new Chairperson and ambitions to significantly grow our impact and fundraising as part of our 2030 strategy.

Over the past five years the impact of the Sutton Trust has increased, especially in our programme numbers, securing a relatively stable income of c.£6m over a number of years. In recent years this has grown to c.£7m, and our organisational strategy to 2030/31 will continue this fundraising trajectory to increase income to £12m. With a growing portfolio of philanthropic income from individuals – currently accounting for c.£1.2m – there is considerable enthusiasm and opportunity to build upon existing relationships and establish new ones in support of the work of The Sutton Trust.

Our fundraising approach will continue to focus on major gifts, harnessing and increasing our networks, and multi-year partnerships to leverage a range of drivers to secure philanthropic support. We anticipate utilising the structured giving schemes designed for our individual supporters to build a robust pipeline for future major gifts. This will include a focus on building out our newly refreshed Fellowship scheme and, importantly, working with the Head of Philanthropy to implement a segmented fundraising campaign with our 40,000 strong alumni community. Additionally, there is significant opportunity to build upon recent successes and further develop our approach to legacy fundraising.

Main duties

New Business

• Managing and growing the Trust’s Fellowship scheme through scoping, developing and securing new four and five-figure gifts from individual supporters, working closely with the Director of Development, Head of Philanthropy, and senior volunteers appropriately to secure and steward.

• Work with the Head of Philanthropy to identify and cultivate a prospect pool of potential donors at all levels, including utilising the CRM, current low-level donors, stakeholder network mapping through the Board and Trustees, as well as prospects research of philanthropists with an active interest in education/ social mobility.

• Undertake prospect research across the spectrum of philanthropic income in collaboration with the Head of Philanthropy – including identification, due diligence, qualification, and creating briefings and outreach plans.

• Work with the Head of Alumni Engagement to proactively identify Sutton Trust alumni with the capacity and inclination to support our work, developing meaningful relationships, identifying relevant opportunities to deepen their connection to the Trust, and influencing alums to start and continue their giving journey.

• Work with the Head of Fundraising Operations and Head of Philanthropy to design, implement, and promote a low-level online giving journey, including automated stewardship activation.

• Supporting the Head of Philanthropy to implement a compelling legacy campaign.

• Work with colleagues across the Development team to identify, qualify, cultivate and secure prospects, using resources effectively where there are links between corporates, individuals, and trusts & foundations.

Account Management and Development

• Manage and grow the Trust’s Fellowship major donor scheme, creating meaningful, mutually beneficial and long-term relationships.

• Create meaningful and personalised donor plans for your portfolio, including reporting, regular written updates and in person meetings where appropriate.

• Working with the Director of Development and Head of Philanthropy to support the stewardship and management of the Board, and other major donors.

• Be accountable for achieving individual agreed income targets, looking for opportunities to grow funding and diversify philanthropic income.

• Support the Head of Philanthropy in developing high-quality Fellowship and philanthropy collateral and communications.

• Take responsibility for all elements of event management for individual donors, including creating, planning and managing events that create meaningful experiences for donors. This may include drinks receptions, small private dinners, panel events, and programme visits.

Fundraising, Line Management, Finance and Reporting

• Effectively line manage and coach the Philanthropy Assistant, supporting their development as a fundraiser.

• Work with colleagues to deliver impactful events to cultivate prospects and steward partners, with a focus on experience for individual supporters and prospects.

• Act as an ambassador for the Trust with external audiences, delivering presentations and providing expertise as required.

• Work with colleagues across Development and Finance to ensure accurate forecasting, income tracking, donor record keeping, and reporting for philanthropic income.

• Working closely with colleagues, provide philanthropy fundraising expertise to increase awareness of viable funding opportunities and develop organisational understanding of best practice when working with individual supporters.

• Ensure you and your line report appropriately follow policies and procedures on due diligence, Salesforce and data management, account management, stewardship, and reporting.

• Stay up to date with philanthropy fundraising best practice, embedding it across the Philanthropy team’s work, and keep abreast of developments and opportunities within the wider fundraising space.

• Other duties as necessary from time to time.

Person Specification

We welcome applications from individuals who have experience in:

• Experience building and managing donor relationships with individuals giving four-figures and above per annum in a philanthropy team or other fundraising capacity, and through structured giving schemes.

• Experience of all elements of the cultivation cycle, including prospect research via multiple sources, to develop a prospect pool of individual supporters.

• Experience of working with key senior colleagues across an organisation to secure major gifts and steward relationships, including making the ask for five-figure gifts.

• Experience of managing meaningful donor events and experiences, from concept to delivery.

• First-class interpersonal skills - a natural ambassador able to represent the Sutton Trust with gravitas and confidence in a range of settings.

• Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability to write persuasive and engaging funding collateral, and to network with Sutton Trust stakeholders and donors to inspire and encourage giving.

• Experience of building or inputting into donor strategy and planning.

• Experience of managing line reports, including effective supervision, feedback and development.

• Experience with working with membership groups such as alumni, implementing online-giving schemes and supporting legacy campaigns (desirable).

• Strong analytical skills.

• Knowledge and experience of the education and/or not-for-profit sector.

• Knowledge of the UK fundraising environment, including trends in philanthropy and the different giving mechanisms utilised by individual donors (i.e. donor-advised funds, family foundations etc).

• Experienced at using Salesforce or other fundraising CRM software to accurately record funding relationships

We are also looking for an individual who:

• Sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and our mission to increase social mobility.

• High degree of initiative and the ability to take responsibility for a range of philanthropy fundraising activity.

• Strong communicator, skilled at persuading others through writing and conversation.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Able to multi-task and prioritise multiple funder relationships.

• Able to work independently and as part of a team.

• Is eligible to work in the UK (see here for information about right to work)

Terms of Appointment

• Contract: Full-time, Permanent

• Salary: £42,025-£48,000

• Working location: Minimum of two office days per week. Our home working policy gives staff the option to work from home for up to 60% of the time, with approval from their line manager.

• Office location: The Sutton Trust, 9th Floor, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP

• Hours: The standard working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. This role is likely to also be required to attend events / meetings outside of normal working hours during weekday evenings and occasionally at weekends, in line with organisational policies.

Interviews

Applications should reach us by 10am, Monday 18th May, with first round interviews held with first round interviews held on Wednesday, 27th May, and second round interviews held on Tuesday, 2nd June. Both rounds will be held in our London office.

Safeguarding statement

The Sutton Trust believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. Therefore all posts undergo a safer recruitment process, including but not limited to, disclosure of criminal records where necessary and eligibility to work in the UK. We have procedures in place to promote safeguarding and a safe culture at the Trust.

Contextual recruitment

The Trust is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and that all applicants receive equal consideration for employment. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those underrepresented at present at the Trust, to apply for this role. As such we particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities, Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds. We are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming place to work and know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the young people we support.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates throughout our recruitment process and during employment.

We also operate contextual recruitment at the Sutton Trust. Our application process gives you the option to include information about your background, such as whether you were eligible for free school meals, whether your parents went to university, or whether you attended a state school. For more examples and information on contextual recruitment, please see our website.

High School of Dundee is a values-led school with a strong commitment to opportunity, inclusion and community. Its core values of Compassion, Challenge and Collaboration shape both its culture and its approach to learning.

The school is committed to ensuring that pupils feel known, supported and inspired to fulfil their potential. While academic achievement is important, the school places equal value on confidence, self-worth, curiosity, creativity and social responsibility.

Founded in 1239, High School of Dundee combines a proud heritage with a modern, forward-looking outlook. It aims to equip young people to contribute positively to the world around them and to make thoughtful, values-based decisions throughout their lives.

At the heart of this mission is the High School of Dundee Charitable Foundation, established in 2000 as a registered charity. The Foundation exists to widen access to a High School education by supporting talented young people who may not otherwise be able to attend due to financial circumstances.

The Foundation’s key objectives are:

• To raise funds for children who need financial assistance to take up their place at the school
• To raise funds to support the school in providing the best possible learning environment

Through its bursary programme, the Foundation promotes social mobility, inclusion and fairness, while enriching the school community through greater diversity of background and experience.

The school and Foundation also contribute more widely through community partnerships, fundraising activity and outreach work that encourages empathy, responsibility and a culture of giving back.

About the Role

This is a newly created opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to lead the next phase of philanthropic growth for High School of Dundee and its Charitable Foundation.

The role sits within the school but works closely with the Foundation, which is a separate entity with its own Board of Trustees and lay members. All funds raised are received by the Foundation and distributed to support agreed priorities, most notably bursaries for talented young people from families who would otherwise be unable to afford school fees, as well as selected capital projects that improve the school’s infrastructure and facilities.

The school has not had a dedicated fundraiser in post since before COVID. In recent years, fundraising has been absorbed within other teams, with activity focused more on maintaining relationships than generating significant new income. Legacy giving has remained strong and has helped sustain the Foundation, while events such as the annual Gala Ball have continued to attract support. However, there is substantial untapped potential across alumni, parents, donors and the wider school community.

At a time when independent schools are facing increased financial pressure, including the impact of VAT on tuition fees and rising delivery costs, the school has taken the strategic decision to invest in dedicated fundraising leadership.

The new Head of Development will work closely with the Executive Rector, Foundation Chair and Board of Trustees to develop and deliver a new fundraising strategy for the future.

The role will focus on:

• Growing philanthropic income across a range of streams
• Strengthening alumni and supporter engagement
• Increasing annual bursary funding from £150,000 to £500,000 over five years
• Delivering a first-year target of an additional £50,000

This is a standalone role, so the successful candidate will need to combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. It will suit someone who is comfortable building relationships, shaping a clear plan, influencing senior stakeholders and delivering fundraising activity directly.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising strategy and income generation

• Grow fundraised income from alumni, individuals, trusts and foundations, corporates and other friends of the school
• Develop a multi-income fundraising strategy in partnership with the Executive Rector, Foundation Committee and Trustees
• Create segmentation, cultivation, stewardship and solicitation plans for existing and prospective supporters
• Ensure fundraising priorities remain aligned to the school’s wider strategic goals

Donor and stakeholder engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, with a particular emphasis on the UK and Europe
• Engage alumni as ambassadors, volunteers and supporters of school priorities
• Work closely with groups connected to the school, including alumni committees and related networks
• Support senior staff, Board members and Foundation representatives in approaches to high-level donors
• Help identify, cultivate and steward major donor relationships

Events and development activity

• Lead collaboration with senior staff and volunteer leaders to plan and deliver cultivation and fundraising events
• Support events such as lunches, dinners, personal visits and other donor engagement opportunities in Dundee and elsewhere as required
• Develop and deliver an alumni volunteering and ambassador programme, including support for internships, guest speakers and mentors

Leadership and operational delivery

• Provide fundraising expertise and guidance to colleagues across the school where needed
• Manage the fundraising budget effectively and ensure activity is approved and delivered within budget
• Raise the profile and reputation of the Development function internally and externally
• Maintain awareness of fundraising best practice, regulatory requirements and sector developments
• Ensure all fundraising activity adheres to relevant professional codes and regulations
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as directed by the Executive Rector

Person Specification

Essential experience and knowledge

• Significant fundraising experience, including a track record of growing income
• Understanding of effective fundraising within the education sector or a comparable charitable setting
• Experience of working across complex organisations and managing multiple stakeholders
• Strong communication and engagement skills
• Financial management and budgeting experience
• Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience

Essential skills and competencies

• Ability to deliver against agreed income and engagement targets
• Strategic thinker with the ability to solve problems and turn plans into action
• Strong relationship-building, influencing and cross-organisational collaboration skills
• Confidence working with senior leaders, Trustees, volunteers and donors
• Ability to work calmly in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and manage ambiguity
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Strong alignment with the values of the school and its commitment to bursary support and widening opportunity

Desirable

• Experience in school, higher education or charity fundraising
• Personal experience of bursary support or a strong understanding of its impact

What the School is Looking For

The school is seeking someone who is both strategic and hands-on. This is a high-profile role at the centre of school life, so the successful candidate will need to bring warmth, credibility, excellent judgement and the ability to build trust quickly.

A genuine commitment to the mission of widening access to education is essential. The school is keen to appoint someone who understands that this work is rooted in opportunity, fairness and long-term impact.

High School of Dundee describes itself as anything but elitist. Many families make significant sacrifices to invest in their children’s education, and the successful candidate will need to feel comfortable and aligned within that environment.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: £55,000–£60,000, depending on experience
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Working pattern: Flexible
• Contract: Full-time, permanent
• Reporting to: Executive Rector
• Direct reports: None
• Location: Euclid Campus, Dundee / hybrid, with an expectation of around 2 days per week on site
• Annual leave: 37 days including public holidays
• Pension: Defined contribution scheme with employer contribution options of 8% or 13.55%, depending on employee contribution level
• Benefits platform: Pluxee
• Fee remission: 40%
• Additional benefit: Access to the school gym at Mayfield outside school hours

Safeguarding and Eligibility

The successful candidate will be required to undertake a check through the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. Any offer of employment will be conditional on satisfactory PVG clearance.

Please note that this role is only open to candidates who already have the legal right to work in the UK on a permanent basis.

How to Apply

Applications should be made by CV and covering letter, with neither document exceeding two pages.

This recruitment campaign is being managed by Abeer Macintyre Consultancy.

Early applications are encouraged, as candidates of interest will be invited to a short pre-screen interview as part of the shortlisting process.

Key dates

• Closing date: Midday, Sunday 3 May 2026
• First stage interviews: Wednesday 20 May 2026, at High School of Dundee
• Second stage interviews: Thursday 21 May 2026, via Teams

For further information, please contact Abeer via the email address above.