59 Senior major gifts manager jobs

Who we are

Nature is in crisis. People are destroying and consuming the natural world at a devastating rate, threatening the ecosystems on which all life depends. Birds are our early warning system, revealing the health of our planet and helping us understand the urgent action needed to protect it.

BirdLife International is the world’s largest partnership for nature conservation, bringing together 125 national organisations across six continents to protect birds, biodiversity and the natural systems that sustain life. Through our unique local-to-global approach, we work at the intersection of science, policy and community action to tackle the global nature and climate crises.

Using world-leading bird science, we collect and analyse data from across continents, landscapes and seascapes to identify the most effective and innovative conservation solutions. Our work conserves species, safeguards critical habitats and empowers communities to create lasting change for nature and people.

At the heart of BirdLife is a powerful global movement. More than two million birders, scientists and local volunteers help track, study and protect birdlife around the world, generating the knowledge and action needed to drive conservation impact at scale. Together, we are giving nature a voice and building a future in which birds, wildlife and people can thrive.

BirdLife International’s Development Team is in an exciting new phase of recruitment and growth and will be hiring for a number of roles to support growth and sustainability across the organisation – including this newly created role.

About the role

As Philanthropy Manager for the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region of BirdLife International, you will play a key role in growing philanthropic income to support the RENATE initiative and wider ecological restoration programmes across the region. Working with conservation partners throughout Europe and Central Asia, you’ll help secure support for landscape-scale restoration projects in the Balkans, Türkiye and the Caucasus, while building relationships with donors and foundations across key philanthropic markets, including Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK.

Joining at an exciting stage of growth, you’ll help shape BirdLife ECA’s approach to philanthropy, develop new funding opportunities and build lasting partnerships that support some of the region’s most important restoration programmes.

This is a newly created, highly external-facing role within a growing fundraising team, focused on engaging European foundations, major donors, family offices and donor-advised funds. You’ll play a leading role in establishing a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support while helping to grow BirdLife ECA’s profile and fundraising reach across the region.

• Develop and implement a philanthropy fundraising strategy, including prospect cultivation and donor stewardship plans.
• Build a strong pipeline of prospective donors through research, networking and relationship development.
• Cultivate, solicit and steward new philanthropic relationships, securing first-time gifts, repeat support and multi-year partnerships.
• Create compelling funding propositions and tailored donor materials in collaboration with programme and development colleagues.
• Represent BirdLife International at donor meetings, conferences, networking events and cultivation activities across Europe.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an entrepreneurial, relationship-driven fundraiser excited by the opportunity to create something new within an international conservation network spanning Europe and Central Asia. This could be the ideal next step for someone with experience in philanthropy, major donor fundraising or another relationship-led discipline who is ready to broaden their experience and take on a more strategic, internationally focused role. What matters most is your ability to build trust, spot opportunities, develop meaningful relationships and engage supporters around a compelling vision.

You will bring sound knowledge of the European philanthropic landscape, excellent communication and influencing skills and the confidence to engage senior stakeholders with diplomacy, professionalism and discretion.

• Experience building and managing donor or stakeholder relationships, ideally within philanthropy, major giving, or another relationship-led fundraising environment.
• A proactive, self-starting approach with the confidence to help shape a newly created fundraising programme.
• Excellent communication skills, both written via strong proposals and verbal, with the ability to inspire, influence and negotiate with a range of audiences.
• A talent for networking, identifying opportunities and turning connections into long-term partnerships.
• The ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues, partners and supporters across different countries, cultures and time zones.
• A willingness to travel across Europe and Central Asia to build relationships and represent BirdLife’s work.
• An interest in international conservation, nature restoration, climate action or sustainable development.
• Excellent written and verbal English; additional European languages are an advantage.

Location: Remote, UK, with travel to the David Attenborough Building in Cambridge / Brussels
Closing date: 9 a.m. Thursday 8th October

Philanthropic Partnerships Lead – Trusts and Foundations (parental leave cover)

Application Closing Date: 9th October 2026

Location: Remote or hybrid working within the UK (preferably within regular commuting distance to London); individuals will be required to attend episodic in-person office days in London as needed and additional external facing events as prescribed by the organisation. This role requires applicants to be able to show that they have the right to work in the UK.

Term: full time - 35 hours a week. This is a fixed term contract for a period of 12 months covering parental leave. Ideally looking for a candidate to commence the role from November 2026.

Organisation: Global Greengrants Fund UK

Salary: Salaries at Global Greengrants Fund UK (GGF UK) are dependent on applicable salary scales, internal pay policies including equity considerations and budget. Due to the ways in which salary negotiations perpetuate existing structural inequities, GGF UK has moved away from salary negotiation processes for any candidate. Our best offer for this position is £70,600 per annum.

Benefits: We have improved our benefits package and we now offer 10% employer’s pension contribution, remote and flexible remote working, generous family and sick leave, employee assistance programme, health and life insurances, 28 days annual leave plus all UK bank holidays.

About Global Greengrants Fund

Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) supports grassroots activists and civil society organisations around the world working to address environmental and social justice in over 160 countries.  GGF applies a participatory and decentralised model in making grants to grassroots groups through regional and thematic boards of advisors, global partner networks and independent funds, to support grassroots environmental and social justice action.

Global Greengrants Fund comprises two organisations: one located in the USA, Global Greengrants Fund Inc (established in 1993), and Global Greengrants Fund UK (established in 2012). The two organisations work closely together with a shared grantmaking programme and strategic collaboration at the senior leadership level. GGF UK consists of sixteen staff members working on fundraising and influencing philanthropy; finance; communications; and operations, with all of these functions operating autonomously but in close collaboration with their US counterpart functions.

Global Greengrants Fund has experienced tremendous growth over the past two years and we are thoughtfully, yet rapidly, growing our annual grantmaking, our philanthropic advocacy, and our global partnerships and collaborations to new levels as part of our ongoing transformative journey.

The Role

The Philanthropic Partnerships Lead – Trusts & Foundations will contribute to Global Greengrants Fund UK’s fundraising and partnership objectives by stewarding a portfolio of existing and new Trust & Foundation supporters to secure significant restricted and unrestricted grants and donations for the organisation. Working as part of the Philanthropic Partnerships team and reporting to the Director of Philanthropic Partnerships, the postholder will also collaborate closely with colleagues across the global organisation Global Greengrants Fund, particularly within the Programmes, External Relations and Finance functions.

The Candidate Profile

The post holder will be an experienced, senior-level fundraising leader with a track record of securing and developing successful collaborations with trusts, foundations and partner organisations to achieve ambitious income goals; extensive experience in developing pitches, proposals, and fundraising products; and a strong interest in environmental justice, international development or human rights issues. They will have an extensive knowledge of the funding and philanthropy sectors in the UK and Europe; excellent written and verbal communication skills; and be confident in engaging a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including at senior levels.

The candidate will excel in relationship building and interpersonal skills, capable of managing complex relationships and politics. With excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, they will be adept at developing compelling proposals, presentations, reports, and other fundraising materials. Additionally, they will demonstrate strategic, innovative, and analytical thinking, with a strong capacity for complex problem-solving and decision-making.

The right candidate will understand Global Greengrants Fund’s core values and be committed to the guiding principles and mission of Global Greengrants Fund and ensure they uphold them in the way they take up the responsibilities of the role. They will value transparency and accountability, demonstrating strong critical thinking, strategic risk management, and the ability to influence and resolve differences across boundaries. With a high degree of self-awareness and insight, the candidate will excel in building strong interpersonal relationships, both within and outside the organisation, and possess outstanding communication and collaboration skills.

How to Apply

Please review the full job description and person specification on our website and submit your application via email. Please note that the email address to address your application is listed in the job advert on our website. 

In your application, please send a copy of your current CV and covering letter by 9th October 2026 at 23:00 GMT.  You will need to submit these in English. If you’re intrigued by this position but feel like you don’t fit the profile precisely, please still apply. You can ask questions or seek further information to feel able to apply by emailing us.

We thank all those who apply, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Global Greengrants Fund UK is an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Development Manager: Trusts & Foundations

28 hours per week (0.8 FTE), Monday to Thursday.

c.£44,000 per annum (pro-rata), plus benefits

14 St James’s Square, London SW1Y 4LG (with some remote working possible)

Applications to work full-time, 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, will also be considered.

About The London Library

For 185 years, The London Library has stood as one of the UK's greatest literary institutions, inspiring creativity, and ideas. Our esteemed members, past and present, include literary giants like Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin, Virginia Woolf, and contemporary authors such as Kazuo Ishiguro and Sarah Waters. Our collection boasts around one million volumes, a vast eLibrary, and an invaluable postal loans service, making it a sanctuary for those who cherish the written word.

We are championed by our President, Helena Bonham Carter CBE, and operate as a registered charity. We have over 7,500 members and charitable turnover of circa £5m per year.

About the Role

The London Library is an independently funded membership organisation. It has successfully achieved its goals to eliminate an operating deficit in recent years, which has included developing and growing its membership, the outreach and access programmes and the care of its collections and archive.

Under an ambitious Executive Team and a strong board of Trustees, led by Chair Simon Godwin, the Library is in the middle of a £7 million capital campaign to transform some of its spaces and allow for a growth in membership and partnerships, underpinning its charitable purpose.

Revenue fundraising is essential, and the team raises income through a patrons programme, grants from trusts and foundations, philanthropic gifts, legacies and a biannual appeal to members.

The Library has developed a major giving strategy, which is attracting regular philanthropic gifts towards programming, collection projects, other revenue costs and the capital campaign.

You will be supported by an active and supportive team and work alongside the Director of Development. A new CRM system, adopted in early 2024, enables enhanced prospect and donation management.

Key Responsibilities

· Manage two important strands of the Library’s Development operation: Trusts and Foundations, and Legacies

· Oversee the Trusts and Foundations strategy and solicitation to maximise grants and income from grant giving bodies, including statutory funders

· With the support of a Senior Development Officer, manage the Library’s Legacy programme, develop and implement strategies to promote legacy giving, steward legacy pledgers and grow the number of legacy pledgers

About You

· Previous trust fundraising experience or transferrable strong persuasive writing skills

· Track record in relationship building externally (clients/donors) and internally (programme delivery staff) including customer or donor care experience

· Track record in meeting income targets in a fundraising setting, or other transferrable setting

· Experience of CRM systems

· Ability to plan, prioritise and carry out work effectively to meet deadlines

· Motivated, collaborative and able to work independently in a part-time role

Why Join Us?

The London Library offers a friendly, hardworking, and inclusive workplace where we strive to support the diverse needs of our team. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to equality and diversity. Specific adjustments and access needs can be discussed to make this role suitable for you.

If you want to use your skills to help drive the success of The London Library, we would love to hear from you!

Please note:

• All applicants will be considered on the basis of their merits and abilities for the post.
• We can only consider candidates with the current right to work in the UK.
• We reserve the right to shorten or extend the closing date of any position where a high or low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

How to Apply

To apply please visit our website and apply online.

Closing date: 09 October 2026 @ 12:00pm

Interviews: 15 October 2026

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

This exciting role will support on the delivery of income from a range of high-value donors within our philanthropy and corporate income streams. This position is key for both Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid and the postholder will work closely with the fundraising team, enabling the Senior Corporate and Philanthropy Executive and the Group Director of Fundraising to build successful funding partnerships.

We’re looking for a someone who is an effective communicator with a flair for writing, who is results-focused and organised. This role best suits someone who is eager to learn and work as part of a tight-knit and successful team, and who can respond creatively and consistently to our current and future donors’ requests.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to begin their career in charity fundraising. The candidate will preferably have some experience working or volunteering in the charity sector, and we welcome applications from candidates with transferrable experience, such as working in a client-facing role, in communications, copywriting or in event planning. 

HOW TO APPLY

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 10:00 am on Monday 28th Sep 2026. 

The website form will ask you to: 

• Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.
• Upload your current CV 
• Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

TIMELINE

Closing date: Monday 28th Sep 2026 at 10:00am 

Preliminary interviews (online): 6th Oct 2026

Final panel interviews (in person): 13th Oct 2026 

ELIGIBILITY 

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do 
not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).
(Full details available on the Job Description) 

ADJUSTMENTS 

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll 
always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application 
form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please 
get in touch with us.

EXPERTS BY EXPERIENCE SUPPORT

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network , which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network.

About the Role

Our small Fundraising team has benefitted from significant investment in recent years and this maternity cover role will provide vital continuity as EIA develops and expands its network of philanthropic supporters and strategic partners. You will be joining EIA at a pivotal time, working closely with the Head of Fundraising to sustain momentum across philanthropy, support the launch of our giving circle, Nature Network, and help strengthen selected partnership opportunities that contribute to our fundraising ambitions.

The fundraising team at EIA, is responsible for raising income across trusts and statutory funders, as well as raising funds from individuals. The income raised from individuals has increased in recent years and we are investing further in this area so that we can conduct even more investigative and campaigning work to protect our planet.

The role will focus on developing and strengthening relationships with High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), inspiring supporters to give generously, and stewarding donors so they feel closely connected to EIA’s work to combat environmental crime and abuse around the world, as well as supporting partnership activity where it aligns with philanthropic giving, cultivation and long-term relationship development.

The Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager (Maternity cover) will lead the day-to-day delivery of EIA’s philanthropy programme during the maternity cover period. This will include tailored stewardship for HNWIs, prospecting and cultivation, donor funding propositions, implementing and growing the Nature Network giving circle following its launch in September, engaging our network of ambassadors, Future Stewards, and maintaining effective systems to support growth in philanthropy. The role will also contribute to a focused partnerships pipeline, ensuring partnership activity supports philanthropic income growth and deepens engagement with EIA’s mission.

Key areas of responsibility 

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Development of the existing supporter base:

• Develop and deliver a tailored stewardship programme for higher level donors.
• Establish appropriate KPIs to track progress and measure success.

Expand the donor base by acquiring new high value prospects:

• Conduct regular prospecting and cultivation to identify new potential supporters.
• Use network mapping to identify potential connections with existing stakeholders.
• Lead the development and delivery of cultivation events and exploratory meetings.

Develop donor funding propositions:

• Work with campaign teams and the wider fundraising team to develop funding propositions for HNWI and a Case for Support for the different areas of our work.

Launch and develop Nature Network and associated stewardship:

• Following the September launch of Nature Network, EIA’s giving circle, recruit new members and provide a compelling stewardship journey for supporters giving at this level.

Support aligned partnerships activity:

• Maintain and develop a focused pipeline of prospective partners where there is clear alignment with EIA’s campaigns, values and philanthropic priorities.
• Work with the Head of Fundraising and colleagues to support partnership cultivation, proposal development and stewardship.
• Lead the prospecting and stewardship of our brand ambassador programme, Future Stewards, including developing a social media communications plan with the Social Media and Digital Engagement Manager

Strategy development, budgeting and campaign reporting:

• Work with the Head of Fundraising to deliver philanthropy plans during the maternity cover period and contribute to wider fundraising strategy where relevant.
• Monitor income and expenditure across philanthropy, Nature Network and relevant partnership activity to ensure they meet budget and contribute to the mid-year reforecast process.
• Produce regular income reports that monitor performance against KPIs and feed back to the Head of Fundraising and wider organisation to share successes with the EIA team.

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant experience of identifying, cultivating and stewarding relationships with high value supporters and securing significant gifts.
• Considerable experience of developing and communicating high value funding propositions and writing compelling cases for support and applications.
• Strong verbal communication skills, confident in communicating effectively and passionately with supporters, team members across EIA and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent networking and presentation skills.
• Experience of planning and delivering stewardship events for HNWIs. 
• Experience of managing or supporting giving circles, membership-style donor programmes or structured supporter journeys would be advantageous.
• Experience of partnership development, corporate relationships or cross-sector collaboration, with the ability to identify opportunities that support philanthropic income growth.
• Driven to provide the very best supporter experience.
• Energetic self-starter able to work on own initiative with attention to detail.
• Dynamic and positive attitude. 
• Creative and innovative thinker.
• Well-organised, able to prioritise work and meet deadlines.
• Fully proficient in Microsoft SharePoint and Office 365.
• Fully proficient in Fundraising databases (CharityCRM would be an advantage but not essential)
• Solid knowledge of Charity Law and Fundraising regulations
• Strong interest in or knowledge of wildlife trade and environmental issues
• Flexibility to work out of hours at a few events through the year.

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Development Director (New Business) provides strategic leadership for Impetus’ new business development, prospect pipeline and high-value funding opportunities. The postholder will have responsibility for identifying, cultivating and converting new corporate, trust and foundation, and high-net-worth donor relationships, as well as continued relationship management for key, established relationships.

In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in probono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus' growth ambitions, helping to increase philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. 

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear new business priorities, pipeline plans and prospect engagement approaches, ensuring a strong flow of qualified opportunities and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with colleagues across Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure prospects and strategic funding opportunities, while overseeing the stewardship and retention of current partners. 

Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor acquisition, pipeline development, prospect conversion and stewardship, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.

Key responsibilities

New Business, Pipeline & Conversion

• Personally lead on six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers, and networks to unlock introductions and new opportunities, providing clear support and follow-up to maximise success.
• Evolve Impetus’ new business strategy, driving the identification, cultivation, and conversion of new high-value donor and partner relationships.
• Translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base, and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for new audiences and sectors.

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth 

• Own and oversee select donor relationships at six and seven-figure levels within the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
• Ensure your donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
• Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
• Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Development and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.

Research, Insight & Pipeline Development

• Provide strategic leadership for the Research & Insights function, ensuring prospect research, donor intelligence and market insight inform fundraising strategy, pipeline development and organisational planning.
• Lead the strategic development of fundraising pipelines, ensuring focus on opportunities with the greatest potential for long-term income growth, impact and strategic fit.
• Ensure donor intelligence and prospect research are used effectively to identify, qualify and prioritise new funding opportunities.
• Maintain oversight of gift acceptance, due diligence and fundraising compliance in relation to fundraising opportunities, ensuring adherence to relevant regulatory requirements and organisational policies.
• Identify and escalate strategic, reputational or compliance risks associated with donors and partners.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Development, providing strategic direction, coaching and performance oversight.
• Establish the Head of Development as the operational lead on new business, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across the wider team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for new business growth, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing team culture that balances pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising capability across your team through leadership, coaching and consistent, fair, and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen strategic partnerships and support long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

• Ensure new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
• Oversee accurate pipeline reporting, forecasting, and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insights inform decision making.
• Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
• Identify and escalate strategic or reputational risks associated with prospective partnerships.

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

• Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
• Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
• Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are leveraged and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
• Back Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Philanthropy team.

Strategic leadership

• Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring new business delivers against organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
• Provide strategic oversight of annual forecasting, budgeting, pipeline performance and resource planning, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and addressed proactively.
• Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support strategic relationship building and new business development.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen organisational fundraising performance and capability.
• Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the Philanthropy team, modelling Impetus' values and supporting continuous improvement.

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

• Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
• Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
• Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
• Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.

Senior stakeholder engagement

• Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.

Leadership & people management

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
• A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
• Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
• Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
• Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.

Strategic & intellectual capability

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
• Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
• Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.

Financial, operational & delivery capability

• Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
• Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
• Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.

Communication, values & ways of working

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
• Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
• Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
• Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

This is a unique opportunity to lead fundraising for a charity at the cusp of substantial growth, with an exceptional track record of recent fundraising success, an engaged base of supporters and significant untapped potential across multiple channels.

Overview
As Director of Fundraising and Development for Plum Village UK, you will provide strategic leadership of the charity’s fundraising at this critical juncture. Building on the successful campaigns that brought our new Being Peace Practice Centre into being, you will lead the development of a sustainable, diversified fundraising operation across donor stewardship, trusts and foundations, regular giving, legacies, and partnerships, to deepen relationships of trust and gratitude with our supporters.

This role is ideal for a fundraising leader, whether from a career fundraising background or another field, who brings strategic capability alongside deep alignment with the Plum Village tradition, where fundraising itself becomes a form of engaged practice in service of mindfulness and community transformation.

Fundraising in the Plum Village tradition is fundamentally relational. It is not a matter of extracting income from a base of supporters, but of deepening the relationships of trust, gratitude and shared purpose with those who make our work possible, in ways that embody the values of the tradition. Done well, fundraising is itself a form of engaged practice. The Director will be expected to lead the function in this spirit.

The role comes with a high level of strategic ownership. An initial fundraising strategy has been developed and shared with trustees, providing a framework of priority channels, governance arrangements and resourcing for the next phase. The new Director will inherit this as a starting frame, and will then be empowered and expected to develop, refine and bring forward a fundraising strategy on their own authority, working closely with the Lead Trustee for Fundraising and presenting proposals to the board as appropriate. The role also carries operational ownership of the fundraising mechanics, including the choice and management of supporting systems, databases and tools.
 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic leadership of fundraising

• Lead PVUK's fundraising strategy, developing and refining the strategic direction, and presenting proposals to the Board for approval and resourcing.

• Set, monitor, and report on fundraising targets across all income channels, in agreement with the Lead Trustee for Fundraising and the Board.

• Provide regular substantive updates on fundraising at quarterly board meetings, working with the Lead Trustee on the preparation of board-level reporting.

• Bring forward analysis and proposals to support the Board in setting wider strategic priorities, including realistic income potential by channel and the investment required to secure it.

• Identify and manage risk in the fundraising portfolio, including channel concentration, donor over-reliance, and the sustainability of resourcing.

Donor stewardship and relationship development

• Lead the stewardship of PVUK’s existing donors, lenders, and supporters with the depth of care that this base deserves, recognising it as the most precious resource of the fundraising function.

• Cultivate and deepen relationships with major donors, including through personal contact, site visits, and tailored communication of impact.

• Work with the Chair of Trustees, the Centre Director, and other senior figures on key relationships that require their involvement.

• Steward the friendly lender base throughout the lifetime of their loans, maintaining trust and keeping them informed of the charity’s progress.

• Build and maintain a culture of gratitude and recognition that appropriately honours the contributions of all supporters.

Income channel development

• Lead delivery and growth across PVUK’s priority fundraising channels: donor stewardship, trust and foundation fundraising, regular giving, legacies and Gifts in Wills, and partnerships with values-aligned organisations and networks.

• Develop trust and foundation fundraising as a substantial new income stream, including scoping aligned funders, building peer-to-peer introductions, constructing tailored funding propositions, and overseeing high-quality application writing and reporting.

• Design and grow a regular giving programme that converts members, retreatants and supporters into ongoing monthly donors.

• Develop a structured legacy and Gifts in Wills programme that normalises legacy giving across PVUK’s communications and supports those who wish to leave a Gift in their Will.

• Develop partnerships with values-aligned organisations and networks where these support both income generation and the wider reach of PVUK’s work, in close consultation with monastics and trustees.

Operations, systems and budget ownership

• Own the operational mechanics of fundraising for PVUK, including the choice, configuration and ongoing management of databases, donor management systems, online giving platforms, and integration with communications tools.

• Manage the fundraising budget, including a discretionary supplementary budget for consultancy, training, materials creation, contracted support and light administrative resource, deployed at the Director’s judgement to develop the function effectively.

• Maintain accurate, GDPR-compliant supporter records and ensure sound data practices throughout the fundraising operation.

• Provide accurate financial reporting on fundraising performance, working with PVUK’s finance function and external accountants as required.

• Make the case for additional resourcing where evidence of need supports it, including the possible recruitment of a Fundraising Officer in due course.

Communications and storytelling

• Lead the development of compelling fundraising narratives that authentically convey the work of PVUK and the Being Peace Centre to multiple audiences, including major donors, institutional funders, individual supporters and the wider public.

• Work closely with the PVUK Communications team on the integration of fundraising communications with the wider communications strategy.

• Commission and oversee the production of fundraising materials, including written content, graphic design, video and digital assets, drawing on contracted specialists where appropriate.

• Ensure that all fundraising messaging about the Being Peace Practice Centre is agreed with the Centre Director before publication.

Working partnerships across PVUK

• Work in close partnership with the Centre Director on all matters relating to Being Peace, with agreed ways of working on messaging, external representation, and any programming commitments made to funders.

• Work with the Lead Trustee for Fundraising as primary day-to-day point of contact at board level, supporting the Lead Trustee to hold strategic oversight of fundraising on behalf of the Board.

• Work with colleagues across PVUK’s communications, dharma programming, sangha-building and partnership functions, with these working relationships developing naturally in the first months of the role.

• Draw on external advisors and specialists as needed for support and assurance, both in technical fundraising disciplines and in sector-specific knowledge.

• Engage volunteer capacity from within the community where this can valuably supplement the fundraising operation.

Take the next step in your fundraising career

Lauderdale House is looking for an experienced fundraiser who is ready for a role with more responsibility and the opportunity to help shape how fundraising develops across the organisation.

This is our first dedicated fundraising role, but you won't be starting from scratch. We have successful previous trust fundraising, established education and community programmes, previous individual donors and a large community of people with a long-standing connection to Lauderdale House.

Working closely with the Director, you'll help develop fundraising into a consistent and sustainable income stream, with a particular focus on Trusts & Foundations andIndividual & Legacy Giving.

You'll develop and manage a pipeline of trust and foundation applications, write compelling applications and reports, build relationships with funders and develop approaches to encourage longer-term support.

You'll also help establish our individual and legacy giving programme, researching and cultivating prospective donors, making fundraising approaches, developing donor stewardship and putting appropriate systems in place for donor data and Gift Aid.

Alongside this, you'll contribute to fundraising strategy, impact and evaluation, cases for support, fundraising communications, reporting and compliance.

About you

We're looking for someone with solid practical fundraising experience and a track record of securing income who is ready to take the next step in their career and possesses all or most of the following:

• a successful track record in fundraising relevant to this role, preferably in arts, heritage and/or community organisations;
• experience managing your own fundraising workload or portfolio with a good degree of independence;
• the confidence to use your judgement, make recommendations and move work forward without extensive day-to-day supervision;
• experience taking responsibility for fundraising targets or income goals;
• a strong understanding of fundraising trends, especially within the arts, heritage and community sectors;
• an understanding of the role of fundraising in organisational growth;
• knowledge of fundraising regulations, data protection, ethical standards and best practice;
• experience using CRM systems, databases or other tools for data mining and supporting prospecting;
• strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the confidence to develop relationships with funders, donors and prospective supporters;
• the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues who aren't fundraising specialists;
• excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• the ability to influence people and inspire trust;
• strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities;
• creative and lateral problem-solving skills and the ability to deal with the unexpected;
• a positive attitude and willingness to help where needed;
• confident use of Microsoft Office and the ability to learn other relevant software;
• excellent and accurate attention to detail;
• an interest in arts, heritage, education and/or community activity and the impact organisations such as Lauderdale House can have; and
• a commitment to equality and diversity.

You don't need to have previously been a Head of Fundraising or run an entire fundraising function. You might currently be a Fundraising Officer, Senior Fundraising Officer, Development Officer or similar and be ready for a role with more responsibility and scope to use your own judgement.

Above all, we're looking for someone who combines fundraising knowledge and real experience with initiative. You won't be expected to arrive knowing everything about Lauderdale House, but you should have enough fundraising experience to recognise opportunities, recommend a course of action and confidently take responsibility for delivering it.

About Lauderdale House

Lauderdale House is a Grade II* historic house in Waterlow Park, Highgate, brought to life as a busy arts, heritage, education and community centre. Around 80,000 people visit us each year, and in 2028 we will celebrate 50 years as an arts and education centre.

Salary: £37,818
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Holiday: 25 working days plus public holidays
Location: Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate N6 – on-site, not suitable for remote or hybrid working

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter to Director Katherine Ives, with the subject ‘Application for Fundraising Manager’.

Your covering letter should explain why the role interests you and how your experience meets the essential requirements. We'd particularly like to hear about fundraising work you have personally been responsible for and examples of income you have successfully helped to secure.

Please also include contact details for two referees and let us know at what point they may be contacted. We will not contact referees without your permission.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Director Katherine Ives.

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

Application deadline: 9am on 5 October
First interviews: w/c 12 October
Second interviews: w/c 19 October

LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university

Salary from £43,277 - £51,714 pa inclusive with potential to progress to £55,497 pa inclusive of London allowance

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with significant experience of fundraising successfully for major gifts from individuals within a charity or higher education setting to join our 100-strong Philanthropy and Global Engagement (PAGE) Division in support of LSE’s strategic fundraising priorities.

For 130 years, LSE’s pioneering research has improved lives, reduced poverty, and expanded the frontiers of human knowledge. We count 21 Nobel prize winners among our alumni and staff and 40 international leaders, past and present, across 27 countries. LSE was named ‘University of the Year 2025’ by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, which also ranked it the UK’s top university.

To deliver on our mission of being the leading social science institution with the greatest global impact, LSE has embarked on its largest ever philanthropic campaign – Shaping the World – aiming to raise at least £750 million from our global community of supporters. We are well on our way to achieving this.

This essential role will sit within LSE’s Philanthropy and Global Engagement Division (PAGE) which serves, engages and works in partnership with alumni and friends, staff and students, volunteers, donors, global partners, organisations and the wider community to further the strategic aims of the School. These reciprocal relationships increase engagement with LSE across the world and increase philanthropic income and strategic partnerships for agreed School priorities.

What we ask of you

• An excellent track record in soliciting, securing and stewarding gifts from individuals at the four-figure level and above
• A high aptitude for relationship management; able to navigate working in a large organisation with multiple internal and external stakeholders, represent the Mid-Level team within PAGE, and work with academics in specialised areas.

What you can expect from us

• The opportunity to join a highly successful Philanthropy team raising millions of pounds a year for academic objectives of global importance
• A professional and supportive division at a university in the heart of London with an exceptional global brand as it embarks on its largest ever fundraising campaign
• We offer an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave, hybrid working, flexible hours, and excellent training and development opportunities.

For further information about the post, please see the how to apply document, job description and the person specification.

To apply for this post, please click the apply button. If you have any technical queries with applying on the online system, please use the “contact us” links at the bottom of the LSE Jobs page. Should you have any queries about the role, please email Emily Pratt, Senior Philanthropy Manager.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 04th October 2026 (23.59 UK time). Regrettably, we are unable to accept any late applications.

Prospectus is excited to be partnering with the UK's leading social mobililty charity in the search for a permanent Head of Corporate Partnerships.

Head of Corporate Partnerships

The Sutton Trust

£60,000-£75,000

Permanent

Millbank, London - hybrid with two days in the London office

Closing: Monday 21 st September 2026

The organisation believes every young person should have a fair chance in life regardless of their family's income, the school they go to our where they grow up. Their programmes empower young people to access life-changing opportunities, and their research influences national change to deliver a fairer future.

As the Head of Corporate Partnerships, you will be an experienced manager and fundraiser, confident in securing new business at a six-figure level through active prospecting and networking, with ingrained knowledge of how to secure and steward strategic partnerships with major corporates and corporate foundations. This role leads the corporate partnerships income strand and will line manager two Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager with specialities in account management and new business. The Head of Corporate Partnerships will join a high-performing income generation team and will report to the Director of Development.

The selected candidate will be experienced in successfully securing, managing, and developing corporate partnerships at six-figures and above, from initial prospect research to contracting and ongoing stewardship. The person will also have experience networking to build and manage relationships that lead to major gifts, particularly in the corporate world with senior non-profit volunteers. You will have first-class interpersonal skills and will be a natural ambassador in this externally-facing role for the organisation.

This role is a full-time permanent position that will have hybrid working in the London offices for at least two days per week. The salary for this role is £60,000 to £75,000.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Ryan Burdock at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you. We are committed to a fair, transparent and inclusive recruitment process. AI may be used to assist our teams, but no recruitment or hiring decisions are made solely by automated systems.

In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

Prospectus is excited to be partnering with the UK's leading social mobililty charity in the search for a permanent Head of Corporate Partnerships.

Head of Corporate Partnerships

The Sutton Trust

£60,000-£75,000

Permanent

Millbank, London - hybrid with two days in the London office

Closing: Monday 21 st September 2026

The organisation believes every young person should have a fair chance in life regardless of their family's income, the school they go to our where they grow up. Their programmes empower young people to access life-changing opportunities, and their research influences national change to deliver a fairer future.

As the Head of Corporate Partnerships, you will be an experienced manager and fundraiser, confident in securing new business at a six-figure level through active prospecting and networking, with ingrained knowledge of how to secure and steward strategic partnerships with major corporates and corporate foundations. This role leads the corporate partnerships income strand and will line manager two Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager with specialities in account management and new business. The Head of Corporate Partnerships will join a high-performing income generation team and will report to the Director of Development.

The selected candidate will be experienced in successfully securing, managing, and developing corporate partnerships at six-figures and above, from initial prospect research to contracting and ongoing stewardship. The person will also have experience networking to build and manage relationships that lead to major gifts, particularly in the corporate world with senior non-profit volunteers. You will have first-class interpersonal skills and will be a natural ambassador in this externally-facing role for the organisation.

This role is a full-time permanent position that will have hybrid working in the London offices for at least two days per week. The salary for this role is £60,000 to £75,000.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Ryan Burdock at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you. We are committed to a fair, transparent and inclusive recruitment process. AI may be used to assist our teams, but no recruitment or hiring decisions are made solely by automated systems.

In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Development Director (Philanthropy) provides strategic leadership across Impetus’ philanthropy and stewardship portfolio, with responsibility for relationship management, renewal, growth and selected new business activity. The postholder will work with high-value funders, including corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.

In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in pro bono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus’ growth ambitions, supporting the increase in philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. 

Working closely with the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear stewardship, renewal, relationship-growth and selected new business plans, ensuring strong donor retention, high-quality engagement and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will oversee the donor lifecycle across the philanthropy portfolio, with particular focus on strategic stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and the effective transition of selected prospects into long-term donor relationships. They will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure donor relationships and selected funding opportunities, while working with colleagues to ensure the philanthropy pipeline, stewardship plans and account management disciplines are strong.

Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and selected donor acquisition, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth

• Own and oversee strategically significant donor and partner relationships at six and seven-figure levels, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
• Set and embed best practice stewardship standards, ensuring donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
• Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
• Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Philanthropy and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.

New Business: Pipeline & Conversion 

• Personally lead on select six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers and networks to support warm introductions, relationship development and follow-up, in line with agreed new business and stewardship priorities.
• Work with colleagues to translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for donors, prospects and priority audiences.

Performance and KPI Reporting

• Accountable for ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of fundraising performance frameworks, KPIs and reporting disciplines.
• Use performance data and insight to improve team effectiveness, inform portfolio planning and resource recommendations, and identify opportunities for retention, renewal and growth.
• Oversee philanthropy portfolio data quality, reporting and forecasting, ensuring robust systems and processes.
• Ensure robust systems, processes and performance disciplines are in place to support delivery of agreed philanthropy portfolio objectives and wider fundraising goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and evidence-led decision-making across the philanthropy portfolio and direct team.

Donor Communications

• Provide strategic oversight of donor communications for the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring messaging is clear, compelling, timely and aligned to Impetus’ voice, values and evidence base.
• Work with Communications and Philanthropy colleagues to design and continuously improve philanthropic communications, including cases for support, proposals, pitches, stewardship materials and donor updates.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Philanthropy, providing direction, coaching and performance oversight within agreed strategy and priorities.
• Develop the Head of Philanthropy as the operational lead for stewardship, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across their team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and portfolio delivery, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, balancing pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising and stewardship capability across the team through coaching and consistent, fair and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen donor relationships, partnership value and long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

• Ensure philanthropy and selected new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
• Oversee accurate philanthropy pipeline reporting, forecasting and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insight informs portfolio planning and decision-making.
• Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
• Identify and escalate strategic, financial or reputational risks associated with donors, prospects and partnerships.

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

• Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
• Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
• Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are well managed and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
• Model Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across the philanthropy portfolio.

Strategic Leadership

• Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring stewardship, renewal and relationship growth contribute to organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
• Provide strategic oversight of philanthropy portfolio forecasting, budgeting input, pipeline performance and resource recommendations, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and escalated proactively.
• Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support donor stewardship, relationship growth and selected new business development.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen philanthropy portfolio performance and wider fundraising capability.
• Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, modelling Impetus’ values and supporting continuous improvement.

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

• Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
• Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
• Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
• Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.

Senior stakeholder engagement

• Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.

Leadership & people management

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
• A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
• Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
• Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
• Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.

Strategic & intellectual capability

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
• Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
• Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.

Financial, operational & delivery capability

• Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
• Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
• Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.

Communication, values & ways of working

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
• Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
• Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
• Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

About Animal Defenders International

London – Los Angles – Bogota – South Africa. Animal Defenders International (ADI) is a UK non-profit; ADI Foundation is a UK registered charity (inc. Lord Dowding Fund for Humane Research); Animal Defenders International Inc.US (nonprofit). Animal Defenders International South Africa, PBO (charity), funding the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. ADI works to protect wildlife, our environment; to end suffering of animals in entertainment (circuses, movies, shows, sports); replacement of animals in research & testing with advanced technology. When governments ban the use of all, or wild animals in entertainment, or wildlife pets, ADI supports with relocation of the animals, emptying all circus cages in Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Guatemala. The ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS), South Africa, is home to over 30 rescued big cats from circuses, illegal pet trade, zoos. 

Location: London (hybrid/remote; 3 days office, 2 days remote)

Terms:             Permanent, full time. Benefits: 20 days annual leave; national holidays; 5 days office closure Christmas–New Year; Stakeholder pension.

Reports to: ADI President and Vice President

Position objective:

• Ensures every aspect of ADI’s work is fully funded.
• Planned growth of ADI income from general public, marketing, special projects and appeals, foundations and corporate support.
• Implements fundraising appeals; marketing strategies; major gifts, foundations, corporate support; promotions of legacies; estates.
• Obtains funding for special projects, e.g., science research, ADIWS support, capital projects.
• Annual and quarterly plans, strategies, alliances, growth of ADI income through marketing, social media, legacy media, donor relationships, corporate support.
• Effective management of fundraising and development teams.

Duties:

• Production of quarterly and annual fundraising, marketing corporate and media plan: targets – quarterly, annual; schedules, outlines, incorporating senior management team objectives (media, science projects, campaigns, education, rescues, ADIWS).
• Outreach – corporate, foundations, major donors, other.
• Donor base: sustained giving; digital and postal direct response; increasing donor engagement and retention; planned giving; special events/calendar dates; major gifts; grants; corporate; legacies, trusts, estates; new income research.
• Manages fundraising calendar, mailings, events, targets, tracking; includes social media.
• Grant Applications, foundations, corporate: Identify, plan, approach, draft grant applications/letters of inquiry and collateral for foundations, trusts, corporate partnerships and gifts, major donor gifts.
• Donor liaison, relationships: high donors, foundations, estates, corporate, sponsors.
• Reporting – weekly, monthly, quarter, annual: income tracking, supervise production of data for quarterly reports, annual.
• Liaison with senior directors: Weekly.

Publications, Social, Websites, Online & Print

• Weekly Social media posts – contribute copy, graphics
• Weekly E-News alerts to supporters (with public relations director)
• Contributes fundraising and development section to Annual Report
• Contributes copy for quarterly Rescuer magazines
• Other contributions to publications as needed
• General: Drafting copy, editing, production; collaborates with public relations/senior directors on various publications
• Oversees production of print and online publications – liaison with external graphic designers (collaboration with public relations director)
• Websites – contribute content, collaborate with public relations on structure.
• Advertising, marketing, ADI YouTube channel – develop fundraising, marketing.

Management, data, oversight, reporting:

• Management of UK supporter engagement, fundraising team.
• Oversight of Raiser’s Edge NXT, Engaging Networks, interface with financial database and records; liaison with Chief Financial Officer.
• Monitor, manage, daily: data entry, gifts, acknowledgements, income tracking, donor communications; distribution of newsletters; calls to action; appeals. Reporting.
• Monitor, manage reconciliations, data manipulation, data-integrity projects, audits, segmentation, quarterly and other reports.
• Oversee planning, mailings, responses, data management.
• Monthly and quarterly reports: income, mailings, gifts, trusts, estates, corporate, other.

Who should apply:

You have the necessary skills and experience, with at least 4 years’ experience in fundraising planning and management for charities, including:

• Educated to degree level in a related field (or equivalent experience) (required).
• A successful track record in direct response campaign fundraising and marketing.
• Excellent written English, you can demonstrate impactful and persuasive content for high donors, foundations, corporate support, supporters, social media, marketing and legacy promotion (required).
• Strong technical skills, data management, manipulation; MS Office suite, Excel/Google, etc; competent with digital research (NB: ChatGPT not permitted for ADI product) (required).
• Strong Raiser’s Edge NXT and Engaging Networks skills (or similar); segmentation, creating lists and reports, data hygiene, audits (required).
• Some knowledge of social media tools, e.g. Canva, Photoshop, or other.
• You can plan and deliver programs for regular and planned giving, major gifts, estates, support from foundations, corporate support (required).
• Management of external vendors for direct response campaigns, production of merchandise catalogue and other sales, marketing, collateral.
• Ensures compliance with ADI’s language, policies, communications style guidelines, editing and publications authorization process (required).
• Skilled at organization and multitasking, you can successfully handle competing priorities and deadlines (required).
• Supporter Engagement culture: strong verbal and written communication skills, you can create a friendly, welcoming approach, for supporters with their donations and advocacy.
• Oversight and Management of staff and supporter relations (required):

- Create friendly, positive, service-oriented approach to help supporters donate and advocate for animals.

- Diligent processing/handling of donations, acknowledgements, correspondence, phone calls.

- Integrity and confidentiality in the handling of sensitive and confidential information

- Integrity of financial records with finance database; liaison with CFO.

• You are reliable, able to work both independently and collaboratively.

About Us:

ADI is Great Nonprofits Top-rated; Charity Navigator 4-star. Operating from London, Los Angeles, Bogota and South Africa. Exposes animal suffering and works for legal protection; replacement of animals used in research; ending the suffering of animals in entertainment; movies, advertising, circuses, sport. Wildlife trade, environment. Once animal circuses are banned ADI helps governments with implementation and relocation of the survivors to ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa: ADI has featured in CBS 60 Minutes, Animal Planet Discovery features and made award-winning documentary, Lion Ark (broadcast in over 40 countries).

Our internal policies:

ADI is dedicated to ending the suffering of animals and works for their legal protection. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment, and a plant-based lifestyle is preferred. ADI is also committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability or other.

How to apply: 

• Apply early – no closing date – applications and interviews on rolling programme.
• Send email detailing how you meet our criteria, together with your CV.
• A formal application form will be sent if you have been selected for interview.
• Interviews online and in person – once your application form has been reviewed.
• In-person interviews arranged following virtual interviews.
• If you have been selected for interview we will send you an application form to complete beforehand; this is an essential part of our recruitment process.
• Virtual interviews will be arranged once your application form has been reviewed.
• In-person interviews will be arranged following virtual interviews.

CAHN is seeking an ambitious, creative and experienced Head of Fundraising & Events to lead our fundraising and events portfolio and help drive the organisation’s next phase of growth.

You will lead fundraising development, identify new income opportunities, build strong relationships with funders, corporate partners and supporters, and deliver high-profile events that generate income, engagement and impact.

Working closely with senior colleagues and external stakeholders, you will combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery to grow sustainable income, strengthen partnerships and maximise opportunities for CAHN.

We are looking for a confident and results-driven professional with a proven fundraising and events track record, excellent relationship-building skills and a passion for tackling health inequalities affecting Black Caribbean and African communities.

This is your opportunity to use your expertise, creativity and leadership to help create lasting change.