Major donor fundraising manager jobs

Salary: £50,000 – £55,000
Contract: Permanent
Location: Twickenham, SW London (hybrid working)
Closing date: 23rd March 
Benefits: 30 Days annual leave bank holidays typically 5 closure days. Up to 12% Pension contribution. 

Are you a passionate major donor fundraiser who’s ready to change the future of UK healthcare? If so, we have the perfect Philanthropy Manager opportunity for you.

We are very excited to partner with St Mary’s University as they embark on a ground-breaking chapter: the launch of one of the UK’s first socially accountable medical schools, opening in 2026. With £3.6m already secured and a bold £20m campaign underway, this is a rare opportunity to join a mission-driven institution at a defining moment in its history — shaping a project with national significance and deep social purpose.

As Philanthropy Manager, you will play a pivotal role in growing the University’s major donor programme — securing transformational five? and six-figure gifts that will help tackle health inequalities and support the training of the next generation of socially conscious doctors. You will have direct access to influential stakeholders and an ambitious campaign board, making this is an exceptional platform for a proactive, entrepreneurial fundraiser who wants to make a measurable impact.

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

• A proven track record of securing major gifts (five or six figures) from individuals, trusts, or foundations
• Strategic creativity and the ability to translate organisational priorities into compelling cases for support
• Experience working with senior leaders and volunteers to secure philanthropic support

If you would like to discuss this role with us, please get in touch and quote the reference 2895JP

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. We 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 end the application period sooner.
 

Philanthropy Manager
Location: ZSL London Zoo, Regents Park, London NW1 - Hybrid
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Business Area: Enabling Functions and Professional Services

Purpose of the role

We are looking for a passionate and strategic Philanthropy Manager to help drive our mission to restore wildlife and create a world where wildlife thrives.  This role is focused on raising vital funds from individuals to support ZSL’s global ambition.  You will lead on engaging new and cultivating existing supporters, securing high-value and major gifts. As part of your stewardship and cultivation work, you will build deep, lasting relationships and grow a sustainable income stream that powers our global impact.

This is a hybrid role, with the expectation of spending two days a week in the office at a minimum, alongside attending occasional off-site meetings with donors and stakeholders.  As with many major gift roles, there may be some evening or weekend work to support events, donor visits, or special experiences.

Key responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy: Contribute to strategic planning to ensure a coordinated and donor-centric approach that maximises philanthropic support, in collaboration with the Head of Philanthropy.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: To manage and grow a personal portfolio of high-value and major donors, securing income from high-value and major gifts.

Prospect Research: Identifying and researching potential donors who align with the organisation's mission and goals, with support from the Prospect Researcher.

Proposal Writing and Donor Reporting: Craft compelling and personalised proposals and presentations to secure funding, and work closely with the wider fundraising and project delivery teams to produce high quality reports.

Event Management: Support the organisation and delivery of events to cultivate relationships with donors and prospects.

Financial accountability: Keep accurate records and handle accompanying gift administration and recognition.

About you

• Experienced fundraising and donor development professional within the charity or cultural sectors, with a proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts from individuals, trusts, foundations, and institutional partners.
• Confident in developing compelling proposals and presentations that engage and inspire individual philanthropists.
• Experience working with fundraising databases and donor management systems.
• A proven track record in working with senior volunteers in a fundraising context.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and ethical considerations.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship management skills.

About us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. 

What do we offer? 

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include: 

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct 
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you 
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays 
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme 
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops 
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle 
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work 
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages 

If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team

Closing Date: 6th April 2026

We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

The selection process will involve two stages:

First interview – held virtually via video call.
Second interview – held in person and will include a skills-based assessment.

We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

No agencies please.

Senior Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager

We are seeking an experienced Senior Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager to lead high value fundraising and build transformational relationships with major donors and partners.

Position: Senior Manager, Philanthropy & Partnerships
Salary: £46,000 per annum
Location: Remote within the UK with occasional travel
Hours: Full time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 5:00pm on Thursday 2nd April 2026. (We reserve the right to close the role early should a suitable applicant be found)
 

About the Role

This senior fundraising role leads the strategy and delivery of high value income including major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporate partnerships.

You will manage key relationships, develop compelling funding proposals and lead strategic collaborations that generate significant income and long term impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering strategy for high value fundraising streams
• Managing and growing a portfolio of major donors, trusts and corporate partners
• Developing partnership proposals and cases for support
• Leading stewardship plans to secure long term partnerships
• Identifying and pursuing new high value funding opportunities
• Leading and developing colleagues within the fundraising team
• Working with senior leadership to support organisational income strategy
• Ensuring effective reporting, compliance and pipeline management

About You

You will be a senior fundraiser with a strong track record in securing major gifts and developing strategic partnerships.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in high value fundraising or partnerships
• Proven success securing large gifts or strategic partnerships
• Strong relationship management and influencing skills
• Experience developing fundraising strategy and income plans
• Ability to lead and develop teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

About the Organisation

This organisation works in partnership with Indigenous and local communities to protect rainforests and tackle the climate crisis. By supporting community led conservation and providing practical resources, they help protect vital ecosystems while strengthening resilience against environmental threats.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Head of Philanthropy, Major Gifts Manager, Partnerships Manager, Trusts and Foundations Manager, Head of Fundraising, Development Manager.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

Job Summary

The Philanthropy Manager will develop a philanthropy strategy, building on the partnerships and resources already in place. You will develop a pipeline backed up by robust prospect research (some administrative assistance will be provided), and instigate a cultivation and stewardship programme, typically adopting a staged approach to major asks.

You will be accountable for the acquisition, development, and stewardship of high value supporters for CUF, both individual philanthropists and non-statutory grant-making bodies. You will develop and strengthen relationships with existing donors, as well as identifying warm prospects currently not supporting CUF financially. A key part of your role will be meeting and engaging major donor prospects to grow the pool.

You will engage with Trustees and senior leaders, to identify and nurture Christian philanthropists and grant body decision-makers within their spheres of influence.

You will lead on developing cases for support and writing grant applications, helped by the wider staff team.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter with high levels of motivation, and the ability to both develop and operationalise strategy as a member of a small team. You will have a track record of successfully initiating, managing and developing relationships with High-Net-Worth individuals and grantmaking bodies, and securing donations and grants, via proposals or through face-to-face meetings, as required.

How to apply

For an informal conversation about this role and for more information, please contact our Deputy CEO, Adam Edwards please see job pack for details. 

To apply, please email an up-to-date CV and covering letter (please note that only CV’s accompanied with a covering letter will be considered for shortlisting) of no more than 2 pages, outlining your relevant skills and experience, relating to the listed responsibilities and person specification to: HR Officer, please see job pack for details.

Closing date: 17:00 Tuesday 24th March, with interviews to be held on 2nd April online.

We have created an exciting new position in our UK team for an ambitious and confident relationship fundraiser to contribute to ambitious fundraising targets and enable Human Practice Foundation’s (HPF) impactful education programmes.  Working closely with the UK Country Manager, the position will build on existing relationships with individuals who make significant personal donations, aiming to grow their contributions, as well as making approaches to new prospects, through compelling, donor-centred approaches and excellent stewardship. 

We are seeking a motivated, creative and confident individual, who thrives on getting out and about and meeting with supporters and can work proactively within a small team.You will have experience of securing gifts from high net-worth individuals making gifts privately or through family trusts, donor advised funds and corporations.

We welcome applicants from within and outside the charity sector. 

About the Human Practice Foundation

Founded in 2014 in Denmark, the Human Practice Foundation works in some of the most marginalised regions in Nepal and Kenya, where poverty and lack of opportunity keep children from reaching their potential. Our goal is simple but powerful: to empower children through education, so they can shape a better future for themselves and their communities. We take a long-term, holistic approach to this goal. Through our Child Empowerment Model, we build and upgrade school infrastructure, train teachers, support parents in creating sustainable incomes, and help students bridge the gap between education and employment. Every project is co-designed with local communities and aligned with public authorities, ensuring it meets real needs and builds lasting ownership.

Our supporters and the communities HPF works with deserve complete transparency about donations and how funds are spent. Thanks to the support of a group of Founding Partners who cover all administrative costs, 100% of project donations go directly to our programmes.

Conditions and Benefits:  

• Salary: £24,000 - £27,000 (£40,000 - £45,000 FTE) 

• Part time (3 days/week).
• 27 days holiday (pro rata) + bank holidays

• Remote working/home-based, accessible for travel to London for meetings. Occasional travel to Copenhagen.

• Flexibility to work outside of normal ‘office’ hours for events and meetings.
• Reports to UK Country Manager. 

• Works closely with other colleagues across HPF and with committed and well-connected HPF Boards. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Donor Identification, solicitation and management 

• Work with the UK Country Manager to grow the donor portfolio in the UK by identifying prospects, building relationships and secure gifts from high net-worth individuals and other philanthropic donors. 

• Identify and deliver unique stewardship and cultivation opportunities for donors.

• Manage a portfolio of major donors through various personalised approaches, including face-to-face meetings, phone calls, events and written and verbal communications. 

• Ensure excellent and timely response to enquiries and stewardship and acknowledgement of gifts. 

Events coordination 

• Work with the UK Country Manager to help shape and deliver events and other engagement opportunities to generate income, cultivate and steward donors. 

• Take responsibility for tailored and timely event follow-up to maximise relationships and using learnings and data from past events to develop donor engagement, referrals and gifts. 

Research, communications and administration  

• Research potential new donors and funding streams.

• Support the production of proposals, pitches, reports and general supporter communications. 

• Use Salesforce to manage the accurate recording of interactions and progression related to all donor relationships 

• Provide executive assistance to the UK Country Manager and senior stakeholders in relation to scheduling supporter meetings, drafting communications and provision of information to underpin successful supporter engagement. 

• Maintain strong knowledge and understanding of HPF’s programmes. 

• Carry out administrative activities and other duties, as required, to maximise fundraising. 

Skills, Qualifications and Experience 

• Experience developing relationships with and securing funding from high-net-worth individuals and other philanthropic donors. 

• Entrepreneurial approach to relationship management and creating new fundraising initiatives. 

• Experience in coordination and delivery of bespoke, high-quality events for influential audiences. 

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, and a proactive networker, able to act as a spokesperson and ambassador for HPF. 

• Experience of writing inspiring, emotive, and technically fundraising communications and materials tailored to a major donor audience. 

• Exceptional organisational and time management skills to prioritise and manage own workload. 

• Results driven self-starter, able to operate independently and under pressure, whilst also able to engage meaningfully in a virtual team. 

• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels, across multiple teams and geographies. 

• Strong IT skills, including an understanding of CRM systems. 

• Strong affinity with HPF mission, values and approach.  

Desirable: 

• Experience working in an international organisation. 

• Experience working with a fundraising board or high value committee. 

• Experience of working closely with and reporting to Boards of Trustees. 

• Experience using Salesforce, or another fundraising database. 

Location: Contracted to our Peterborough office with the flexibility for hybrid working
Contract Type: 12-month fixed term contract – maternity cover
Full time: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £36,000 - £42,000 depending on experience
Benefits: We want all our employees to feel valued and engaged and are committed to offering a positive working culture along with a good work-life balance. As well as ensuring we pay our employees fairly, we offer the following benefits: Flexible working, Generous annual leave, Private Medical Insurance, including dental and optical, Pension Scheme, Sick Pay, Death in Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Bike Loan Scheme, Cycle2Work Scheme, Eyecare, Discount Portal.

Closing date: Sunday 29 March 2026

Telephone interviews will be held week commencing 30 March and in-person interviews will be held in Peterborough week commencing 6 April 2026

No agencies please

Be a part of an energetic and vibrant team who are driven by the desire to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease.

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who thrives in a fast paced, ambitious environment. We want to prevent kidney disease from becoming a public health emergency and find better treatments for kidney patients sooner.

We are looking for a talented philanthropy manager who will be responsible for a portfolio of prospects and donors to build long lasting and highly engaged relationships. Working closely with the head of philanthropy and the major appeals manager you will play a key role in growing our income from major donors over the next 3-5 years by building a pipeline of new and existing donors and securing five and six-figure gifts.

This external facing role will manage our mid to high value prospects and donors and you will build personal relationships though understanding donor motivations, delivering tailored funding proposals and communications, and creating a bespoke donor journey with the aim of increasing their giving and connection to the cause.

We operate a hybrid, flexible working style and regular weekly office attendance is encouraged. The role is contracted to our Peterborough office. You will also be required to regularly attend external meetings and events.

If you are interested in the position, please complete the online application form and submit together with your CV.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

About Kidney Research UK:

Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease and for more than 60 years the research, we fund has been making an impact. But kidney disease is increasing as are the factors contributing to it, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, making our work more essential than ever.

At Kidney Research UK we work with clinicians and scientists across the UK, funding and facilitating research into all areas of kidney disease. We collaborate with partners across the public, private and third sectors to prevent kidney disease and drive innovation to transform treatments.
Over the last ten years we have invested more than £71 million into research. We lobby governments and decision makers to change policy and practice to ensure that the estimated 7.2 million people living with all stages of kidney disease in the UK have access to the most effective care and treatment, and to make kidney disease a priority.

Most importantly, we also work closely with patients, ensuring their voice is heard and is at the centre of everything we do, from deciding which research to invest in to how we plan our priorities and our work across the charity.

Those patient contributions are vital, always helping us and our partners to understand what life is like with kidney disease, always ensuring we see the patient behind the treatment and always reminding us that behind every statistic and every number is a person – the patients and the carers who inspire our mission and push us forward to make a difference and change the future of kidney disease.

You may have experience of the following: Philanthropy Manager, Partnerships Manager, Head of Philanthropy, Head of Partnerships, Fundraiser, Senior Fundraising Officer, Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, Major Gifts, Corporate Partnerships, Business Development Manager, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, NFP, Not for Profit, etc.

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