Fundraising manager jobs in Birmingham, west midlands

About the Giving Directorate and Net Zero Carbon Programme
The Church of England ministers to every community in England, and our mission and ministry is sustained and expanded through a culture of generous giving.

The Giving Directorate plays a vital role in equipping dioceses, parishes, and clergy with the tools and confidence to encourage generosity. Through strategic leadership, innovative resources, and collaborative partnerships, we aim to inspire giving that enables the Church to flourish in every community. We lead major funded projects that strengthen giving across the Church, ensuring that generosity is central to mission and ministry.

The Giving Directorate has four teams: Innovation & Insight (leading on innovations, the parish share project, data analysis and marketing); Parish Giving Scheme (giving mechanisms and technology); NZC Fundraising (including policy, philanthropy and gifts in wills) and Learning & Development (delivering training, mentoring, and equipping clergy and diocesan giving advisors, national and regional conferences, and developing online learning resources for parishes).
You will sit within the Net Zero Carbon Fundraising team which leads the strategy to coordinate and support the plans being developed by our dioceses, churches, cathedrals, schools, and departments to secure the significant additional funding needed to decarbonise the Church of England.

What you'll be doing
Legacies have historically played a transformative role for the Church of England - sustaining parish ministry, helping deliver the 30,000+ community projects run by parishes every year, conserving historic buildings and enabling important work for the future, including Net Zero Carbon projects. There is significant untapped potential for legacy giving to make an even bigger difference to our work, but awareness is uneven, and local church leaders often lack the training and resources to talk confidently about gifts in wills.

As the Gifts in Wills Manager, you will lead an ambitious new legacy programme to significantly expand the support and resources available for all parts of the Church of England to effectively encourage legacy giving. This will include creating new legacy giving resources that can be used by parishes, cathedrals and Dioceses as well as new training for local parish volunteers, clergy and senior leaders.

Gifts in wills have the potential for significantly enhancing the work of the church in caring for God's creation, being the culmination of a person's lifetime of commitment and care for the church and God's creation. The role will include specifically looking to develop NZC cases for support as a way to encourage gifts in wills, through linking the ongoing and perpetual care of God's creation with the long term impact of gifts in wills.
Through your work you will create a culture shift where legacy giving is demystified to become a natural part of Christian discipleship. The increased number and generosity of legacy gifts pledged and received will make a long-lasting impact on the financial ability of parishes, cathedrals, and dioceses to fund their ministry and social impact in the communities they serve.

Key Relationships: Head of Net Zero Carbon Fundraising, Deputy Director (Learning and Development), Regional Giving Advisors, Head of Resources & Insights, Diocesan Giving Advisors, NCIs Legal Team, Farewill, Christian Aid.

This is a fixed-term contract role for three years, and interviews will take place on 08 June 2026.

The Senior Fundraising Manager is responsible for delivering Brightside’s fundraising activity with a core focus on grants from trusts and foundations, and major donors. Reporting to and working closely with the CEO, the postholder will forge new relationships with major donors and manage our grant applications to support Brightside to achieve its fundraising targets. The postholder will deliver high quality stewardship across our major donor relationships and act as the key point of contact for all grant activity, working closely with the delivery teams to support funder relationship management and reporting.

The postholder will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to develop clear cases for support for potential funding projects, as well as managing our approach to individual giving and increasing regular donations. The role will involve working closely with the CEO and the trustees, who will provide warm introductions to their networks of potential major donors and support in their stewardship.

Please review the job description attachment at the end of the advert for full roles and responsibilities, application instructions, the essential criteria and further information on salary and benefits.

Responsible for:

Trusts and foundations:

• Identify and research trusts and foundations that would support our organisational priorities and funding needs
• Develop high quality, compelling grant applications and cases for support
• Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of funding opportunities
• Lead funder relationship management and deliver high-quality stewardship
• Lead on grant reporting, including monitoring, accountability and opportunities for reapplication
• Working closely with technology and delivery teams to build evidence-based cases for support for key projects
• Ensure clear and effective handover of successful grants to delivery teams, including reporting requirements and timelines
• Attending external events and meetings to support our fundraising strategy and learning

Major donors:

• Identify and research potential major donors whose interests and capacity align with our mission
• Cultivate new donor relationships through targeted outreach, contact mapping, networking and events
• Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of potential major donors
• Develop tailored engagement and stewardship plans approaches for each donor
• Create meaningful opportunities for donors to share insight, experience or sector knowledge and ensure this expertise is valued and acknowledged
• Lead major gift conversations and negotiations, including face-to-face meetings
• Provide high quality, personalised stewardship to major donors
• Identify opportunities to grow or repeat giving through deeper donor engagement
• Deliver exceptional stewardship to major donors

Individual giving

• Maintaining regular contact with donors and potential donors (including our volunteers and alumni) to generate donations
• Maintaining and monitoring our individual giving platforms
• Ensure all donations and supporter interactions are accurately recorded and that donors receive timely acknowledgements

Application instructions

• Submit your CV and one-page cover letter via CharityJob
• Your cover letter should be no more than 1-2 pages and must explain how you meet the essential criteria for the role, with a focus on the items tested in application and clear examples (see job description for the essential criteria)
• You must answer the screening question on the application page
• Applications without a cover letter or screening question will not be considered
• Applications due: 23:30 Wednesday 27 May
• First round interviews (online): 4/5 June 2026
• Final interviews (online or in person) 10/11 June 2026

A fantastic opportunity has arisen within our award-winning fundraising team, to join us in an exciting new role of Legacy and In Memory Manager (Lead).

At Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, we believe there’s always more we can do for our sick kids and women, and that’s why we will always strive to do more for our patients and families. It’s our mission to raise the vital funds needed to make a real difference to all who use our hospitals, and to make our hospital feel just like home. 

This role requires someone with experience in legacy administration and promotion and/or in memory fundraising, as well as excellent communication skills and a strategic mindset. We need someone with previous experience in relationship management and income generation - ideally within a legacy and/or in memory setting - who is able to lead and inspire our supporters and staff in order to generate long term income and awareness for the charity.

To be successful in this role you will: 

• Lead the development and delivery of legacy marketing and in-memory fundraising strategies to drive sustained income growth and supporter retention
• Be self-motivated, independent and target-driven
• Act as the subject matter expert on legacy administration and in-memory giving, providing guidance, training, and mentoring while promoting a strong culture of philanthropy
• Manage all aspects of legacy casework, including complex and contentious cases, ensuring effective stakeholder relationships and full compliance with legal, regulatory, and best practice standards
• Oversee data management, reporting, and analysis to generate insights, improve processes, and support accurate forecasting and long-term financial planning
• Collaborate across teams to maximise fundraising opportunities, enhance donor engagement across channels, and deliver impactful events and integrated giving initiatives
• Posses a natural confidence in talking to people with high emotional intelligence and resilience due to the sensitive nature of the role, with excellent communication and relationship building skills.

What we offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working to support work-life balance 

• Generous annual leave entitlement with additional leave for long service  

• Enhanced sick pay 

• Enhanced Maternity Pay 
• Employee Assistance Program and Lifestyle Savings

• Free flu jabs 

• Cycle to work scheme 

• Charity events throughout the year 

• Employer enhanced auto-enrolment pension scheme with 8% employer contribution 

• Ongoing commitment to education and professional development 

The Charity is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.  

Successful candidates will have access to vulnerable beneficiaries therefore the role is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.  

If you think you have the qualities we are looking for and the desire to contribute, please download the Job Vacancy Pack and then send us a CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria for the role and making clear why you would like to be considered for it. 

PLEASE NOTE: Within our organisation, this role is titled Legacy and In Memory Lead. This reflects our internal structure and does not change the scope or responsibilities described in this advert.

We will conduct interviews as suitable candidates apply and we're ready to hire if we find the right person before the job ad closes.

Supporter Engagement & Fundraising Communications Manager — Go Beyond £35,000–£37,000 | Fully Remote | Permanent | Full-time

Go Beyond has given over 21,000 vulnerable children life-changing residential breaks since 1994. Young carers who spend their days looking after parents. Children living in poverty for whom a school holiday means hunger, not adventure. Kids who've been bullied or bereaved and need a week away from their ordinary life.

The charity is entirely self-funded. £1.8 million a year, every penny raised by supporters. No government money. Which means the work this fundraising team does is directly and specifically what makes those breaks possible.

This is the role that sits at the heart of that.

What makes this moment unusual:

Go Beyond's flagship campaign, Ice Cream Moments, launches this summer — backed by Louis Theroux, James Acaster, David Gower and Jenny Agutter. The trustees want to go viral. A legacy programme is built and ready to launch. An alumni programme connecting with 21,000+ former beneficiaries is research-complete and waiting for someone to open the door. And a loyal supporter base of 200–300 regular givers — many of whom have been giving for over a decade — is generating £90,000 a year with almost no stewardship behind it.

Sara, the Director of Fundraising, describes what's needed like this: "Think of this as your own company. Think of this income stream as your domain — you could make it something amazing."

What the role involves:

The Supporter Engagement & Fundraising Communications Manager will own the supporter communications function end to end. This is a project management and strategy role — not an execution role. The doing sits with two direct reports and a network of freelancers. Your job is to build the plan, manage the team, deliver the campaigns and make sure the data tells you what's working.

In practice that means:

• Building and managing proper supporter journeys for regular givers, challenge event runners and Ice Cream Moments donors
• Project managing the full campaigns calendar — four annual appeals, Ice Cream Moments, challenge events, and a growing digital communications programme
• Developing and implementing a data strategy, setting up income dashboards and overseeing the CRM
• Launching the legacy programme and, in time, the alumni programme
• Managing two direct reports: a Digital Marketing Officer and a Data & Admin / Challenge Events Officer
• Writing an 18-month strategy with proper pipelines and income forecasts

What we're looking for:

This is not a pure fundraiser role or a pure marketing role. It's a hybrid — and the right person will see that as a feature, not a confusion.

• A track record of owning campaigns end to end — not being part of them, owning them. Specific examples, with dates, outputs and results
• Genuine data literacy — comfortable in a CRM, able to run queries, understand segmentation. Not expert-level, but curious enough that you're never caught out
• Financial awareness — you ask what the target is before anything else. You work backwards from an income number
• Hands-on as well as strategic — you can delegate and direct, but you can also do
• Strong project management — multiple workstreams, freelancers, deadlines you can't move

Charity sector experience is welcome but not essential. Commercial direct marketing, agency-side or individual giving backgrounds are all genuinely considered.

What Go Beyond offers:

• £35,000–£37,000 with annual pay review benchmarked to sector
• Fully remote — with the option to use Go Beyond's centres in Cornwall and Derbyshire
• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Friday afternoons off — the whole business shuts down, every week
• Management training through the British Growth Fund's six-week programme
• A collaborative, supportive team culture in a genuinely mission-driven organisation

This role will suit you if:

You're energised by building rather than maintaining. You want to own a function, not just a job title. You think in income as well as engagement. And you want to be part of something where the work — the campaigns, the supporter journeys, the data — is directly connected to a child getting a break they wouldn't otherwise have had.

This role is being recruited exclusively through Raise + Recruit, an independent executive search adviser specialising in the charity sector. All enquiries are handled in complete confidence — including from your current employer.

To find out more or to express interest, contact John Austin. No lengthy application process at this stage — a conversation is all it takes.

Full candidate brief: https://go-beyond-roan.vercel.app/

Team: Community & Events 

Location: Homebased living in Scotland, North-East England or Yorkshire

Work pattern: 35 hours per week, flexible working options available and welcomed 

Salary: Up to £44,289.75 per annum 

Contract: Fixed term until 1st June 2027 

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them. 

Will you join us and make life better for cats? 

Responsibilities of our Community Fundraising Hub Manager: 

The Community Fundraising Hub Manager will manage and drive forward the delivery, growth and reach of community fundraising in a defined geographical location. The successful candidate will take ownership and responsibility for the development and delivery of a local fundraising strategy in line with the organisations broader income generation objectives.

About the Community & Events team: 

• We sit within the Marketing & Income Generation directorate

• The National Community Fundraising team at Cats Protection has recently gone through transformative change, implementing a new community hub structure in six regions across the UK. Leading and enabling community led fundraising in their area, they raise circa £3.5million income per year, making a significant contribution to Cats Protection’s work to make life better for cats. 

What we’re looking for in our Community Fundraising Hub Manager: 

• Lives in Scotland, North-East England or Yorkshire 

• Significant and extensive experience in Community Fundraising

• Line management experience with track record of developing individuals and leading a team

• Direct experience of working with volunteers

• Experience of producing reports and analysis of activity against KPIs 

What we can offer you: 

• range of health benefits 

• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service 

• Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing 

• and much more, which you can learn about

Interested? Here’s how to apply: 

• Application closing date: 20th May 2026 

• Virtual interview date: 29th May 2026 

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to. 

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable.You may be just the right candidate.

If successful, your recruitment journey will include: 

1. Anonymised application form 

2. Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams 

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes. 

Please emailif you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey 

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 South 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 Ambassadors.

All Staff

• Contribute to the vision and mission of Child Bereavement UK; whilst embedding the values into your daily work activities.
• Promote equality of opportunity and diversity in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.
• Contribute to the overall success of the charity’s fundraising needs by providing case studies, attending events and adding value to the experience of our supporters as required.
• Contribute to the brand and reach of the charity by working alongside our Marketing & Communications Team when relevant press opportunities arise or when required for social media and online content (including the use of photography).
• Work to objectives, targets and work plans agreed with your line manager.
• Undertake specific projects and other ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager, fulfilling any deadlines, reviews and reporting procedures required.
• Take an active part in the Quarterly review process and participate in training agreed with your line manager.
• Recognise and champion the lived experience of children and young people with bereavement within your work.
• Ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, volunteers and visitors in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.

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 

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 27th May 2026 at midnight

First Stage Screening Interviews

You may be asked to attend a 10-minute Screening Interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the vacancy, to assess your suitability for the role. During the interview, you will be asked two skills-based questions.

Second Stage Interviews

If you are progressed to a second stage interview, you will be invited to attend a 1-hour formal interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the role. It is our policy to share the role-specific interview questions with applicants ahead of the interview, to aid their preparation. You may also be asked to complete an interview task, which will also be shared with you in advance.

The role

 We are seeking an experienced Manager of Philanthropic Giving with a strong track record in securing major gifts. The ideal candidate will excel at building trusted, long-term relationships with donors and feel confident leading conversations that result in significant philanthropic support. This role will also contribute to the development and delivery of a trusts and foundations strategy, helping to grow and strengthen our portfolio.

Working closely with the CEO, senior leadership and trustees, you will develop compelling funding propositions, steward donors and funders through excellent reporting and engagement, and represent myaware at meetings, events and networking opportunities. You will also maintain accurate records through our CRM system, track performance against targets, and contribute to income planning and reporting. This is a strategic and hands-on role with real impact for people affected by myasthenia.

The Manager of Philanthropic Giving will be predominantly home based within the UK (with occasional working and meetings at Derby HQ) and will work in co-operation with the fundraising team and all myaware colleagues to deliver agreed fundraising targets and campaigns. Own transport is essential for this role as occasional travel throughout the UK will be required to attend donor meetings, events and networking opportunities, as well as the ability to travel to the Derby office. There may be the need to occasionally work during weekends and evenings and therefore there is a need to work flexibly when required.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for an experienced and motivated fundraising professional with a strong track record in major donor fundraising along with experience in Trusts and Foundations fundraising. You will have experience in personal communication in asking for high level funds, and experience of stewarding high net worth individuals to maintain high levels of engagement over a significant period. You will have experience of Trusts and Foundations fundraising including pipeline management and stewardship, writing compelling funding applications and impact reports.

You will be a strategic thinker with excellent interpersonal, research and organisational skills, confident managing a complex pipeline and working collaboratively across teams. You will be comfortable working independently, using CRM systems, and engaging senior stakeholders, including trustees and high-level donors. Most importantly, you will share myaware’s values, demonstrate empathy with our cause, and be committed to making a meaningful difference through philanthropy.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we?

Myaware is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to the care and support of people affected by myasthenia. 

We are working hard to raise awareness of myasthenia, as it is a little-known condition. We provide support for people with myasthenia and their families, whilst offering advice and tips for living with the condition. 

We also fund the research that brings us closer to finding a cure as well as funding specialists nurses and advisors. 

Members of myaware have full access to a wide range of support services and events including our specialist benefits and welfare advisor. 

Myaware supports people with myasthenia and their families.  We campaign for better medical services for people with myasthenia and work to inform medical professionals. 

The myasthenias are a group of neuromuscular conditions. They are rare but also manageable and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or nationality. Myasthenia gravis, ocular myasthenia and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are autoimmune conditions whereas congenital myasthenic syndrome is caused by an inherited genetic fault. It is thought that there are approximately 20,000 people currently living with myasthenia in the UK. 

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance
• Perkbox account (global benefits and rewards platform)
• Group Life Assurance after 6 months of service 
• NEST workplace pension scheme
• Free inhouse staff benefits and welfare advice 
• Investment in your personal and professional development
• Annual salary review

Application instructions

Candidates should submit their CV and tailored covering letter by: 11:30pm on Monday 25th May 2026.

Provisional interview date will be week commencing: 01.06.2026

Interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams.

Applications submitted without a tailored cover letter will not be considered.

This post, due to its nature, duties and responsibilities, will be subject to an enhanced check by the DBS. This is funded by Myaware.

This organisation supports anonymous recruitment. That means hiding your personal identifying information, removing bias from the hiring process.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

Role Overview:
The Talent Set are delighted to partner with the client on a fantastic Philanthropy Manager role. This position involves leading high-value donor strategies and stewardship programmes to support long-term income growth for a health-focused charity. The role offers an exciting opportunity to work on impactful projects within a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and cultivate a portfolio of major donors, securing multi-year, five-figure gifts.
• Research and identify new high-net-worth prospects using internal and external data sources.
• Develop tailored cultivation and stewardship plans, ensuring timely reporting and engagement.
• Collaborate with senior staff, Trustees, and volunteers to support donor approaches and network expansion.
• Work with internal teams to align projects with donor interests and prepare compelling proposals.
• Support the organisation’s stewardship and events programme, focusing on relationship building.
• Contribute to the development of new fundraising products for major donors.

Person Specification:

• Extensive experience of fundraising from high-net-worth individuals.
• Proven ability to secure significant gifts in a donor relationship management context.
• Skilled in motivating and inspiring stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong network-building experience both internally and externally.
• Experience in designing impactful stewardship programmes and managing high-value events.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence and negotiate.
• Excellent time-management, organisational, and database skills.
• Knowledge of philanthropy, legal, ethical, and financial considerations related to major giving.
• Ability to work flexibly, manage conflicting priorities, and thrive within a collaborative team environment.
• An interest in medical research or healthcare is an advantage.

What’s on Offer:

• Salary: £40,000 (pro-rata) plus London Weighting of £3,000 or Home Allowance of £450 per annum depending on location
• Location: London or remote
• Contract: 9 month FTC

How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity:
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Background

The University of Birmingham is a global institution working within a diverse and vibrant City, offering an inspiring education to our students, and undertaking critically important research. We are a place of open, critical thinking, and the creation, sharing and dissemination of knowledge. Professional Services put students at the heart of all they do and enable an exceptional educational experience. They provide outstanding support to our researchers and help the University to grow its influence regionally, nationally, and globally. They ensure the University’s resources are used wisely, manage and improve the infrastructure which sits at the heart of the institution, and support decisions to be made quickly and based on sound evidence. Our Birmingham Professional programme operates across the University, supporting colleagues to network and collaborate, offering opportunities to learn and develop, contributing to the delivery of the University’s objectives, and helping everyone to understand the broader context within which we work. 

Department Overview

Our University has a proud history of philanthropy stretching back to its foundation in 1900. With a clear vision to change the lives of the people of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain raised the funds required to build the University from citizens and corporations based locally and around the globe. Since then philanthropy has continued to play an important role in shaping the University. There have been a number of fundraising campaigns, including a £1m urgent capital appeal after the Second World War and a £1.4m campaign to fund the Vale ‘student village’ in the 1960s. In 2015 we closed the Circles of Influence Campaign, raising £193 million, making it the largest HE fundraising campaign outside Oxbridge and London.

The University has global reach, including several partnerships with other leading universities around the world, and is grounded in its local community, having opened the first fully comprehensive University secondary school in the country in 2015. We are an ambitious and successful research-intensive University (one of the top 100 research-led universities globally) and have produced 10 Nobel Prize winners, including three who received their awards in 2016. Academics here are exploring the impact of climate change, helping to address global health epidemics, and changing our understanding of Shakespeare. Our students come from nearly 150 countries and our flagship outreach programmes mean that almost 25% of our student population come from disadvantaged backgrounds: one of the highest proportions in the UK. 

DARO exists to support this academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research trials, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships.

Role summary

Are you looking for a corporate partnerships role that contributes to a better society? Are you passionate about supporting the future pipeline of talent to fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances? Would you like to work with inspiring academics who tackle some of the world’s most pressing global challenges such as the impact of climate change on our woodlands and forests, issues caused by migration and displacement, the rise in youth mental health issues, and the prevention of needless maternal deaths in the developing world.

The University of Birmingham is recruiting a Corporate Philanthropy Manager, an exciting role that will join us in our ambitious ‘Birmingham in Action’ campaign and help us to grow our philanthropic income. You will manage a portfolio of corporate partners and prospects and will work with colleagues across the University to develop a pipeline of significant philanthropic gifts across priority themes and projects, with the opportunity to shape these based on your fundraising experience. This role is a great opportunity to further develop your skills and will play a vital role in delivering projects to change lives locally, nationally and internationally.

A key member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office’s (DARO) Charitable Partnerships team, you will identify, create and manage corporate philanthropic partnerships with local, national and global businesses. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships, the skill to interact with high-level corporate professionals and academics, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling case for support.

The Corporate Philanthropy Manager will be responsible for:

• Developing and strengthening relationships with key current corporate funders to the University to grow philanthropic income.
• Identifying and building relationships with new corporate funders with the opportunity to raise five and six figure gifts.
• Managing a pipeline of short, medium and long-term funding applications and relationships to enable year-on-year corporate philanthropy income growth.
• Oversight of key campaign programmes.
• Building close working relationships with academics, alongside other University colleagues, to find information needed to write clear and compelling proposals on existing and new areas of research, that aligns with the strategic priorities of corporate funders.
• Build effective, co-ordinated, working relationships with a range of external stakeholders.
• Managing the whole donor journey of a corporate funder, from identification to acknowledgement and stewardship.
• Meeting reporting objectives of funders and ensuring an excellent experience for funders.
• Efficiently use the Customer Relationship Management system to record and report on activity.
• Be responsible for adhering to relevant fundraising regulation and current data legislation in the UK and in target markets whilst ensuring fundraising is ethical and that due diligence is undertaken as necessary.
• Understanding the breadth of the University and appreciating the differences of each College.
• Understanding the context of our work in relation to the wider operations of the University.
• Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff. 
• Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures.
• Supports the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade.

 Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications). Where no equivalent qualification is held, significant practical relevant experience and expertise in a similar role will be required.
• Evidence of writing motivational and persuasive reports or proposals – this could be demonstrated through performance in full time, part time or voluntary roles.
• The ability to understand and communicate complex expressions of academic vision to non-academic philanthropic supporters.
• Outstanding 
• Understanding of and ability to represent the vision and mission of the University of Birmingham.
• Experience of working to a minimum of five figure gifts and exceeding targets.
• Ability to prioritise own workload under pressure and balance a range of competing deadlines.
• Passion for and knowledge of Higher Education, particularly research and the role of philanthropy.
• Ability to build strong relationships and engage with individuals and organisations, internally and externally.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide audience internally including academics and Professional Services staff.
• Personal confidence, independence and determination to succeed as an individual and as part of a team.
• The desire to support colleagues in the achievement of their individual and the collective goals and to celebrate others’ success as positively as your own.
• The ability to represent the University internally and externally through excellent interpersonal skills: diplomacy, discretion, tact, persuasiveness, the confidence to deal with a wide range of audiences, along with the ability to deploy negotiation skills when required.
• Good all-round IT skills including competence with all aspects of MS Office.
• The flexibility and willingness to work unsociable hours (evenings and weekends) occasionally, when required.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010. Including fostering good relations and advancing the universities Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
• communication and to present confidently to audiences of all sizes.

About Us:

Stephen’s Children UK is a Christian charity dedicated to providing financial support to the existing and well developed Stephen’s Children ministries in Egypt’s garbage slums outside of Cairo.

These programs are staffed by over 1,500 dedicated and compassionate individuals ready to make a difference. Over 20% of Stephen’s Children staff members grew up in these same impoverished communities. They come back with the hope to break the cycle of poverty for others, instilling a culture of hope by nurturing hearts, training minds, and teaching our families the strength of God’s love, though the provision of schools, healthcare, home visits, summer camps and much more.

As part of our ongoing growth and efforts to expand our reach in the UK, we are looking for a dynamic, passionate, and experienced Charity Fundraiser with strong social media and digital marketing skills.

Role Overview:

As a Charity Fundraiser with Social Media and Digital Marketing experience, you will play a pivotal role in raising awareness and funds for our cause. You will leverage your expertise in fundraising, social media strategy, and digital marketing to develop and execute innovative campaigns that inspire individuals and organisations to engage and contribute. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact through creative and strategic digital campaigns.

We are in early discussions with a potential Patron which would significantly boost our profile, and we are in particular looking to develop partnerships with large corporate donors in line with their CSR obligations.

You will be reporting to the UK Trustees.

Key Responsibilities:

Although mostly working autonomously, you will be working with, and representing SCUK on the international Marketing and Communications Advisory Group to ensure a cohesive approach (the Communications and fund raising teams from the various Stephen’s Children entities in other nations): 

• Fundraising Strategy & Campaigns:
  • Develop and implement fundraising strategies that align with the charity’s mission and goals.
  • Manage and grow fundraising campaigns across multiple platforms, including social media, email, and digital channels, as well as occasionally organising and attending fund raising events.
  • Identify and engage potential donors, sponsors, and corporate CSR partners to grow the charity’s financial support base.
  • Organize and manage online and occasional in person fundraising events, appeals, and virtual initiatives.
• Social Media & Digital Marketing:
  • Create and manage engaging content across various social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, etc.) to promote fundraising efforts, events, and the charity's mission.
  • Develop and execute digital marketing campaigns, including email marketing, paid ads, and influencer collaborations.
  • Build a strong online community of supporters and engage with followers through comments, messages, and interactive posts.
  • Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all digital channels.
• Donor Relationship Management:
  • Maintain and nurture relationships with current and prospective donors through regular communication, updates, and stewardship.
  • Coordinate and distribute newsletters [?] and reports for donors, showcasing the impact of their contributions.
• Content Creation & Storytelling:
  • Collaborate with the global content team to create compelling communications to a UK audience that showcase the charity’s impact and inspire action.
  • Write fundraising appeals, success stories, and content that resonates with various audiences.
• Analytics & Reporting:
  • Use digital analytics tools to measure the success of campaigns and track fundraising progress.
  • Provide regular reports on social media performance, campaign effectiveness, and donor engagement.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in fundraising, particularly within the charity sector or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and grow online communities and donor bases.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing, with a focus on social media and online campaigns.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, with the ability to craft compelling content for different digital platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills to effectively communicate when speaking in person to supporters and potential supporters, including Trust and Corporate grant applications.
• Creative mindset with the ability to think outside the box to drive engagement and fundraising results.
• Proficiency in social media management tools and digital advertising platforms.
• Familiarity with fundraising platforms (e.g., JustGiving, GoFundMe, Virgin Giving etc) and donor management tools (e.g. Raiser’s Edge etc.)
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to track, measure, and report on campaign performance.

• Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple campaigns at once.
• Passionate about the charity’s mission and Christian values, and committed to making a difference.
• Availability to visit the work in Cairo at least once per year (funded by the Charity).

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative international team.
• Knowledge of GDPR and data protection regulations as they pertain to online fundraising and social media.

Desirable Skills:

• Previous experience working with corporate donors, Trusts or high-net-worth individuals.
• Knowledge of current fundraising trends and best practices.
• A network of contacts in the fundraising or charity sector.
• Previous experience in organizing virtual or hybrid fundraising events.
• Understanding of the UK charity landscape and fundraising regulations.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a passionate and dedicated organisation making a real difference in people’s lives.
• Work with international counterparts in a dynamic, creative environment where your ideas and contributions will be valued.
• Flexible working hours, mostly remote.

If you are an innovative, results-driven fundraiser with a passion for social media and digital marketing, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and help us create a brighter future for those in need!

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to the email shown. 

Please ensure your cover letter highlights your fundraising experience and examples of successful digital marketing campaigns and corporate sponsorship initiatives that you have led or contributed to.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: Based in Crisis Skylight Birmingham or Newcastle, with home working in line with Crisis Hybrid Working Policy

Contract: Full time

Salary: £45,379 per annum

About the role

Up for a challenge? Excited about Corporate new business and experienced at building impactful philanthropy networks? Join us at Crisis as our Fundraising Manager (England) where we're looking for an experienced high-value fundraiser who specialises in winning and delivering regional corporate partnerships and philanthropy.  

We are at the start of an exciting new journey to grow high value income in our nations and regions. You will have a great role within a motivated team and have the opportunity to build your fundraising strategy: You will have the autonomy to develop your own high value network, prospects and income pipeline: You will collaborate with our wonderful Skylight teams across England to develop and deliver compelling and bold cases for support.

If you have a great track record in identifying and securing regional corporate high value partnerships and donors and aren’t afraid of a challenge we would love to hear from you.

About you

· Dynamic, experienced, high-value fundraiser

· Specialist in identifying, delivering and winning regional corporate partnerships and philanthropy

· Experienced at identifying, pitching and successfully securing 5 and 6 figure partnerships

· Enjoy creating and delivering compelling Cases for Support

· Results-driven – we have ambitious plans as a charity and as a team

· Enjoy travel; you will be based at either Crisis Skylight Birmingham or Newcastle with regular travel as required. NB we have Skylight Centres in Birmingham, Newcastle, Merseyside, Oxford and London

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds. 

Working at Crisis 

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.  

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including: 

· A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.

• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy. 
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5% 
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave. 
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm 
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly 
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website) 

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career. 

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Sunday 17 May at 23:59

Interview process: Competency-based interview

Interview date and location: Thursday 28 or Friday 29 May, Online Interview

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences.

Accessibility 

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please contact our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help. 

For more information about our work please our website

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094 

About Degrees

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of the Global South to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM) geoengineering, a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that the Global South should be empowered to conduct its own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for fifteen years, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim. 

We seek a Fundraising / Development Manager to manage relationships with our existing funders and to help bring in new donors and partners to diversify our funding base. This position offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to increase the capacity of a field-leading charity, help empower the Global South, and contribute to one of the world’s most important climate-change debates. If you are an ambitious, relationship-driven fundraising leader with an interest in climate policy, science or global development, this is an opportunity to step into a role with purpose, international influence, and real impact.  

The charity is rapidly scaling up, recently doubling its annual budget to £6 million. Degrees has partnered with leading climate change funders and research partners including the Quadrature Climate Foundation, Open Philanthropy, Crankstart, Navigation Fund, Outlier Projects, LAD Climate Fund and UK Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). Transparency of funding is essential to our work. We do not accept support from anonymous donors or funding from the fossil fuel industry.

Role

We now seek a full-time team member to build on this base. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and working closely with the Founder & CEO and the Chair of the Trustees, the Fundraising / Development Manager will support and coordinate fundraising efforts aimed at securing multi‑year, diversified funding. He / she will also introduce robust processes for pipeline management and donor stewardship, and will support and coordinate the complete donor lifecycle (from identification to cultivation to solicitation and stewardship) of a portfolio of top prospects. The post holder will receive initial onboarding support from the Senior Philanthropy Advisor. As fundraising grows, the team may expand in the future.

Initial priorities include expansion beyond the current donor pool, with a strong push to engage new funders, and putting in place the systems (CRM, reporting cadence, key performance indicators) to support growth at scale.

As this is a new role, responsibilities are expected to evolve but some key items will include: 

Strategy & planning

• Work with the CEO, COO, Senior Philanthropy Advisor, the Chair of the Trustees, and other senior staff to support the development and implementation of a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organisational objectives; 

Pipeline development & new opportunities 

• Maintain and coordinate the fundraising pipeline, supporting the fundraising activities of senior staff and the Chair; 

• Support the identification and development of new funding opportunities from trusts and foundations, government funders, and multilateral donors in the development and climate sectors on an ongoing basis; 

• Reach out to networks of climate philanthropy advisors for referrals; 

• Manage contact with funding opportunities; 

Grant writing 

• Draft and coordinate the preparation and submission of grant proposals; 

Donor stewardship & reporting 

• Maintain excellent relations with existing funders by keeping them informed on charity and sector updates, inviting them to events, and ensuring the delivery of annual reports and notices; 

• Ensure and manage ongoing reporting; 

Events & engagement 

• Working with the Events Manager, help design and deliver fundraising events for existing and potential funders, particularly in the UK and US; 

• Manage invitation lists, track attendance and ensure bespoke follow-up to attendees; 

• Assist in the design of events that will inspire and engage funders while involving Southern experts in the Degrees research community; 

• Coordinate all fundraising outreach and related programming for the Degrees Global Forum (a conference to be held in 2027); 

Processes, systems & administration 

• Support the development and implementation of structured processes across the entire fundraising and donor lifecycle; 

• Develop and track KPIs, providing regular reports to senior staff and the Trustees; 

• Be responsible for fundraising data, contacts and administrative records. 

Qualifications 

Essential 

• At least ten years’ experience in fundraising or transferrable relevant experience;

• Track record of helping secure six- and seven-figure grants income from foundations, major individual donors, and/or public agencies; 

• Strong organisational and project management skills; 

• Experience and comfort with Microsoft 365, fundraising CRMs and other common software tools; 

• Experience organising events; 

• Ability to write clearly and communicate effectively in English with a keen attention to detail; 

• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills, including an ability to work with people of all levels and backgrounds; 

• Experience creating and maintaining fundraising processes; 

• Ability to adapt and remain comfortable in a dynamic, remote start-up environment in a small organisation; 

• Ability to travel internationally; 

• Legal right to work in the UK. 

Desired

• Experience successfully fundraising from climate donors; 

• Experience with a strong network of international funders; 

• Experience building and scaling a fundraising effort; 

• Experience supervising staff (as we expect the team to grow in future); 

• Tech savvy and eager to work with new software solutions; 

• Knowledge of climate science, policy and SRM. 

Benefits of working at Degrees 

• You will join a growing and dynamic charity operating at the intersection of climate change and global development.

• You will have the opportunity to contribute to a potentially high-impact issue by helping shape global conversations on climate science, empowering researchers in the Global South, and collaborating with some of the world’s leading SRM experts.

• The role is fully remote, allowing you to live anywhere within the United Kingdom. The charity has no central office and offers each employee up to £250 per month (including VAT) to cover co-working space costs. The team meets face-to-face at quarterly ‘awaydays’ in the UK, which are organised and paid for by the charity.

• Degrees provides an 8% employer pension contribution with no required employee contribution, which is generous by the standards of the UK third sector.

• The role includes opportunities for international travel.

• You will receive 36 days of annual leave per year, including UK public holidays.

• Personal development budget of £1,000 per year.

Salary: £20,500–£23,000 pro rata (£41,000–£46,000 FTE equivalent), plus £2,000 London Weighting (pro-rated) where applicable

Contract type: Permanent; part-time (2.5 days per week, spread across 3–5 days)

Location: London, Birmingham or Bristol

Hybrid: Envision operates a hybrid working policy with one day per month in a regional office, plus an expectation to travel in and across regions for donor meetings, events and team training. 

Role: This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development and stewardship of Envision's major donor programme, playing a central role in securing and nurturing the significant philanthropic investment we need to fulfil our mission. 

As Philanthropy Manager, you will identify, cultivate and steward high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), building a well-researched prospect pipeline and securing five- and six-figure gifts through compelling proposals, presentations and face-to-face asks. You will maintain high-integrity, personalised stewardship for existing and lapsed donors, producing bespoke communications and impact reports that keep supporters connected to our work. 

You will join a supportive and collaborative Philanthropy and Partnerships team that has grown income year on year, diversified its funding base and built lasting partnerships with a growing community of donors and supporters. You will champion the transformative impact of Essential Skills on young people from under-represented backgrounds, translating that impact into inspiring asks that motivate donors to give generously and sustainably. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Identify and qualify new major donor prospects and manage a healthy, well-researched pipeline 

• Secure significant philanthropic gifts working towards an annual financial target 

• Deliver personalised stewardship and high-quality communications for existing and lapsed donors 

• Coordinate donor engagement opportunities including events and programme visits 

• Contribute to income planning, reporting and Salesforce records management 

Essential Experience, Knowledge and Competencies: 

• Proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts from HNWIs at all stages of the donor journey 

• Demonstrable success in building and maintaining relationships with significant donors and prospects 

• Experience cultivating new relationships through networking, events and research 

• Ability to write high-quality, compelling donor-facing materials including proposals and impact reports 

• Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities 

• Commitment to Envision's vision, mission and values 

Envision seeks to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. We actively encourage applications from candidates from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from socio-economically less-advantaged backgrounds, as they are currently under-represented in our organisation. Envision graduates will be guaranteed a first-round interview. 

To apply, please submit your application via Charity Job. For an informal chat about the role, contact our Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, Robyn, whose contact details can be found in the application pack.

Deadline — Midnight, Sunday 17th May 

Please note: 

• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately we are unable to sponsor visas at this time. 

• We will only be contacting candidates who have been shortlisted for interview. If you do not hear from us, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. 

• Successful candidates will be subject to a full Enhanced DBS check and reference checks. 

- We will be interviewing as we go along, so early applicants are encouraged.  

- We also regret to inform you that, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will be unable to provide you with feedback regarding your application.

Salary: £41,063 – £45,626 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full time
Location: Home based (with regular travel to London and across the UK)
Closing date: 8^th May
Benefits: 27 days annual leave bank holidays with the option to buy another week & additional December closure day, enhanced parental leave, Cycling UK membership, Medicash Healthcare plan

We’re very excited to be recruiting a Philanthropy Manager to join the team at Cycling UK and play a pivotal role in shaping and growing the organisation’s major donor and legacy fundraising programme.

This is a senior and influential role, offering the opportunity to build and embed philanthropy at the heart of Cycling UK. Working closely with the Head of Fundraising and colleagues across the organisation, you will help transform a developing programme into a mature, relationship-led income stream that delivers sustainable long-term growth.

You will lead the development and delivery of the philanthropy strategy, managing major donor and legacy pipelines, designing compelling stewardship and engagement opportunities, and securing high-value, multi-year gifts. The role combines strategic leadership with hands?on delivery and will suit someone motivated by building meaningful donor relationships, creating inspiring propositions and demonstrating impact.

To be successful as the Philanthropy Manager, you will need:

• Proven experience in major donor and relationship-led fundraising, with a strong track record of securing high-value gifts
• Understanding of legacy and trust & foundation fundraising, including pipeline management and stewardship
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders and supporters

If you would like to discuss this role with us, please email your CV to [email protected] or contact us quoting reference 2945JP

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency. We use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs and are passionate about improving equality across the sector — you can read more about our commitment to diversity on our website.
We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you as the leading charity recruitment agency.

If enough applications are received, the charity reserves the right to close the application period early.