Donor development officer jobs

Details of the role You’ll play a leading role in ensuring our most generous donors receive a best-in-class donor experience.

Using your strong project management skills, you’ll take responsibility for the delivery of bespoke donor experience activity for a portfolio of donors each giving £1 million+ to the University. You’ll ensure that the right processes, systems and relationships are in place for the effective management of our largest gifts. This will include liaising with colleagues across the University, monitoring progress against milestones, actively identifying and mitigating risks, and coordinating gift boards or groups to make sure we fulfil our commitments to our donors.

You will work closely and collaboratively with fundraising leads and will be their donor experience advisor on strengthening and developing the relationships with prospects/donors. You’ll proactively plan, design and deliver donor experience activity for transformational donors. You’ll use your creativity and knowledge of best practice to develop inspiring stewardship plans that deepen donors’ relationship with us. And – by building strong working relationships with beneficiary teams across the University – you’ll find new ways to ensure donors are made aware of the incredible impact they’re having.

As a member of our Donor Experience team, you’ll play an essential role in providing strategic support and consultancy to colleagues across the Division of Development and Alumni Relations and beyond. Your work will have a significant impact on our donors and the many people whose lives are touched by their gifts.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more on our website.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

For general enquiries or enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews, please click the apply button for contact details.

WCCM seeks to appoint an experienced, creative, and highly motivated Grant and Major Donor Fundraising Manager to lead fundraising and grant management across a global organisation dedicated to the teaching of Christian Meditation. Working to the Executive Director, you will interact with our decentralised finance, marketing and communications staff and volunteers.  Together, you will nurture Major Donor relationships and create and manage appropriate donor stewardship schemes and rationalise our income streams. You’ll ensure grant reporting and management is kept on track whilst developing targeted proposals for new funding from sympathetic donors in the arena of Trusts and foundations.  You will work to support both our teaching and resourcing of meditation and the running of our retreat centre in Bonnevaux, near Poitiers in France. An excellent writer with excellent financial and budgeting skills, you will be adept at pulling together relevant, succinct and compelling information for our donor reports and bids. You’ll work with communications staff to develop impactful donor communications which enhance our accountability and inspire renewed major donations.  You will have a demonstrable track record in winning grants as well as in the stewardship of major donors.  Occasional trips to France. Interest in Christian Meditation/Spirituality an advantage.

Z2K is a small but fearless anti-poverty charity. We combine frontline advice with bold influencing to tackle the systems that drive poverty - and we’re recruiting our first Major Donor & Corporate Lead.

You’ll lead on building and delivering our strategy for major donors and corporates, cultivating long-term partnerships rooted in shared values. Working closely with our Chief Executive, senior leadership team and trustees on major donor and corporate fundraising, and with our Communications Lead on fundraising communications and campaigns, you’ll shape compelling approaches to inspire support. You’ll also line manage our Fundraising Officer (grant funding & events), helping diversify Z2K’s income to change lives and challenge injustice. This is a hands-on role with plenty of scope to shape your approach. You’ll lead on identifying new prospects, crafting compelling proposals, and making the case for support to a wide range of external audiences. 

You’re a strategic relationship-builder who thrives on finding and forging connections that deliver lasting impact. You bring a track record of securing income from major donors and corporates, whether in the charity sector as through a business development function in the private sector. You know that successful fundraising starts with research, curiosity, and consistent cultivation. You’re confident identifying new prospects, opening doors, and developing tailored approaches that speak to both hearts and minds.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, values-led team, and your work will directly contribute to our ability to improve lives and push for systemic change.

You will benefit from 31 days annual leave + bank holidays, enhanced sick and parental leave, matched pension up to 5%, income protection, life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Programme.

Oxford is excited to invite applications for a newly created role that will lead fundraising for its School of Geography and the Environment (SoGE). The Head of Development will be a key member of the Social Sciences Development team within Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE), who will work closely with SoGE and DAE leadership to establish a small Geography team, and to develop a fundraising strategy that serves the School’s goals and grows its philanthropic support.

SoGE is one of the foremost geography and environment university departments in the world, internationally recognised for the quality of its research and teaching. Geography at the University of Oxford is a large, vibrant and intellectually diverse community comprising the core academic department of the School of Geography and the Environment, its three research centres: the Environmental Change Institute (ECI), the Transport Studies Unit (TSU) and the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment (SSEE) and several geographers based elsewhere in the wider university.

This is a special opportunity to work collaboratively with academic colleagues who craft robust, imaginative and forward-looking answers to pressing questions about the environment, technology, geopolitics and socio-economic change.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced major gifts fundraiser who is looking to grow their career in Higher Education through a senior role combining significant fundraising with management of a small team. You will be a collaborative fundraiser with expertise in major gifts and a strong track record of securing complex philanthropic support. Thriving in a fast-paced environment, you will be a strategic thinker and a skilled operator—communicative, adaptable, and adept at building strong, lasting relationships. Your ability to establish credibility and foster trust across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to your success, as will be a knowledge of and passion for issues relating to the School’s work, and that of the Social Sciences more broadly. Experience in Higher Education or the charitable sector, as well as of managing staff, is desirable.  Above all, you will share Oxford’s mission and be driven to create meaningful impact through strategic philanthropic partnerships.

What We Offer 

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as: 

· 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service. 

· One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave. 

· A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle. 

· An excellent contributory pension scheme. 

· Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans. 

· Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs. 

Sponsorship and Right To Work

This role may meet the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa. 

Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship. 

 Application Process 

To apply, please upload: 

· A covering letter/supporting statement 

· Your CV 

· The details of two referees 

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 26 September 2025 

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 8 October 2025 and will be held in person in central Oxford.

The University of Oxford Development and Alumni Engagement Office is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences, and reflects the community that we serve. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

The Development and Alumni Office (DARO) exists to support the University of Birmingham's academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research projects, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships, as well as providing a versatile programme of engagement opportunities for our global alumni community.

This is an exciting opportunity to join DARO as Donor Experience Manager, helping to shape and deliver outstanding donor journeys for multiple audiences. In this role, you’ll play a key part in deepening relationships with our donors and volunteers, ensuring that their experience of supporting beneficiaries is meaningful, personal and impactful.

You will lead on the planning and delivery of our donor experience programme, from tailored communications and impact reports to stewardship and cultivation events, campus visits and administration of our Recognition Circles. With a strong understanding of donor motivations, you’ll create experiences that reflect the transformative impact of philanthropy and build long-term engagement.

You will manage a team of two Donor Experience Officers, setting individual and team objectives while providing day-to-day support, clear direction, and opportunities for professional development. As a team leader, you’ll create a collaborative and high-performing culture, ensuring that workload is prioritised and balanced, deadlines are met, and work is consistently delivered to a high standard. This role sits in the Fundraising team within the Development and Alumni Relations Office.

Working closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Charitable and Corporate Partnerships (Trusts and Foundations), Communications, Events, Data and Supporter Insight and Campaign Management, as well as academics and Professional Services colleagues across the University, you’ll ensure a joined-up approach that puts donors at the heart of our work. You’ll also support the engagement and recognition of volunteers, including bespoke activity for our Alumni Leadership Mentoring Programme members.

We’re looking for a creative and collaborative individual with experience in donor or stakeholder engagement, event delivery, and writing for impact. You’ll bring a strategic mindset, excellent relationship management skills, and a genuine passion for enhancing the donor experience at a leading university.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work.

Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme.

Who we are:

Muslim Aid is a UK faith-based international development organisation that provides support to communities around the world affected by disasters, conflict, or endemic poverty without regard to their social, religious, or ethnic background. 

Established in 1985, Muslim Aid has facilitated the engagement of the British Muslim and non-Muslim community in support of its work in a variety of ways. Over the years, its humanitarian work has included responses to major crises around the world including, famine in East Africa, earthquakes and flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as conflicts in Syria and Yemen. 

We place strong emphasis on long-term development projects that build the capacity of local people to help themselves. In addition to the 5 country offices worldwide we also work with multiple partner offices focusing on sustainable Development Programmes and providing humanitarian relief during times of crisis.

Summary of the role:

As the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)  Officer focuses on strengthening and supporting the various projects, including the collection of programme wide statistics to detail the reach and results of Muslim Aid UK  (MAUK) programmes. The MEAL Officer will provide guidance, coordination, and technical support to Country Offices and Partner’s MEAL systems through MAUK Programmes, ensuring that the programme has the flexibility to respond appropriately to the context while ensuring quality, effectiveness and responsiveness in line with humanitarian standards, as well as compliance with the Institutional donors.

The position supports a robust monitoring system that facilitates both accountability and learning and includes data collection, analysis, learning reflection and timely action-taking in support of quality service delivery.

You will play a critical role in this unit with an exciting mandate to support and improve the dynamic programmatic portfolio Muslim Aid Implements Globally. You will work closely with partners and country offices and contribute to improving systems within IPD.

About the Role:

1. Collaborate with the MEAL Manager, country offices and partners staff to craft MEAL systems that align with the project, and MAUK Global objectives, are relevant to the context, responsive to assessed needs, are measurable and are in compliance with grant requirements.
2. Ensure that all relevant collaborators have timely access to appropriate information and evidence.
3. Support in the review and prepare timely and accurate MEAL reports, including progress reports and impact assessments.
4. Provide assistance in monitoring programme progress including the design of appropriate MEAL Plans, indicators, targets, baseline data, timelines, data collection tools that can track progress of projects’ progress.
5. Support the preparation of terms of reference of external and internal evaluations, case and impact studies in coordination with the focal points.
6. Support the MEAL Manager on building capacity among staff and partners in MEAL concepts and practices.

About You:

To be successful in this role, you will need:

1. Bachelor’s degree required; postgraduate degree in international development, sustainable livelihoods, humanitarianism, or programme management preferred.
2. Understanding of development programmes design, implementation and evaluation.
3. Experience and understanding of monitoring and evaluation of programmes; using of quantitative and qualitative research data collected in support of programme development.
4. Experience developing logical/results frameworks, indicators, and MEAL plans.
5. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; effective in diverse and challenging environments.
6. Strong measurement, analytical, systematic thinking, planning and organisational skills.

Why you should apply:

Join Muslim Aid as a MEAL Officer at Muslim Aid, you will play a key role in strengthening our global humanitarian and development programmes by supporting the International Programmes Department. The role focuses on enhancing monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems to ensure effectiveness, quality, and compliance with humanitarian standards and donor requirements. By analysing data, demonstrating impact and guiding Country Offices and partners, you will help drive accountability and learning across our global work. If you are passionate about evidence-driven change and improving programme quality. Bring your analytical, organisational, and communication strengths to our innovative team. Apply now and help us transform lives worldwide!

Benefits you will enjoy working for us: 

• 25 days annual leave + 4 Privilege days
• Hybrid working
• Paid time off for medical appointments 
• 2 hours lunch break on Fridays 
• Time off in Lieu (TOIL) 
• Pension Scheme

How to apply:

To apply please submit your cover letter (no more than 1 page) and CV.

The challenge should you choose to accept it......

We are so proud of what we do, and we know you will be too. Stewarding great relationships and inspiring people to choose The Hospice of St Francis for their committed charitable giving is absolutely key to making the Hospice the incredible place it is now and for the future.  You could be part of that.

With a rich, diverse history, which began back in 1979, we have cared for and supported over 30,000 local people.  We have a dedicated and generous supporter base, customers, donors, adventurers, fundraisers and volunteers

Today our free care supports up to 2,000 local people every year, in Herts and Bucks.

We truly are a community hospice
– built and funded by the community, to serve the community.

So where do you come in?

People are at the heart of everything we do. And you would be no different. We are all vital cogs in delivering our care and support.

We are looking for a new Development Officer – someone who brings a passion for hospice care and wants to play a part of driving forward relationship-based fundraising at The Hospice of St Francis.

This is an exciting role for someone who is ambitious about developing new fundraising opportunities and wants to play an important role in growing income at the Hospice.

The opportunity......

You will play a central role in growing income across the Hospice and driving forward new, relationship-based approaches to fundraising.

With a focus on Major Donors and Trusts and Foundations you will personally identify, develop and manage relationships, with a focus on £5-25k+ opportunities.

 You will develop a new approach for managing and fundraising from small trusts and have the opportunity to learn and grow through working with the AD for Development on larger opportunities.

You’ll bring creativity and a results-oriented outlook, contributing to the wider success of fundraising at the Hospice.

The must haves.....

• Fundraising Success: At least three years’ experience operating in a Trusts and Foundations role (or relevant transferable skills) and a track record of personally securing and stewarding five figure gifts
• Proposition development: Creative in outlook and with experience of developing donor-centric proposals and reports
• Portfolio management: Knowledgeable in developing and managing a portfolio, and key prospect management tools and systems
• Data management: Experienced CRM user and with working knowledge of Data Protection Laws

The it would be nice to have:

• Institutional Funding or Major Gifts experience: Experience of fundraising from institutions or major donors
• Line management: Of staff or volunteers
• Event management: Experience of running stewardship and cultivation events
• Hospice fundraising: Experience of fundraising in a Hospice setting
• Qualification: A relevant fundraising qualification, from CIOF or other

You know it makes sense.....

• 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Wide range of free training courses, plus personal development opportunities
• On-site home cooked food served at a reasonable rate in our bistro​
• You’ll have freedom to make decisions within the boundaries of the Job Description and charity policy and procedure
• Don’t forget a stunning setting, plus #team comradery, support and bags of positivity!

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £55 to 60K per annum, depending on experience
Hours: 37 hours per week
Annual Leave: 27 days plus bank holidays
Pension: 8% employer contribution via Royal London
Reports to: Chair of Trustees
Checks: Enhanced DBS and references required

Lead with Purpose. Drive Impact. Shape the Future.

Could you play a crucial role in improving the lives of LGBT+ young people in Sussex?

Allsorts is seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead our organisation into its next chapter. As CEO, you will be at the helm of a passionate and skilled team, driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and sector influence.

This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll work closely with the Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team to ensure Allsorts continues to thrive in a changing political and economic landscape. You’ll oversee the development and delivery of services, manage key stakeholder relationships, and ensure financial sustainability and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction across the organisation
• Collaborate with the Board and senior leaders to shape and deliver long-term goals
• Represent Allsorts externally, building partnerships and influencing policy
• Ensure operational effectiveness, financial health, and regulatory compliance
• Champion a culture of inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement

About You:

You’re an experienced leader with a track record of delivering impact in complex environments. You bring strong strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative approach. While you don’t need to identify as LGBT+, you must have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by LGBT+ communities and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected organisation through its 25th year and beyond. You’ll be part of a team that’s passionate about making a real difference in the lives of LGBT+ children, young people, and their families.

About Allsorts

Allsorts' mission is to listen to, connect, and support children and young people under the age of 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans (LGBT+), or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. 

By placing young people’s voices at the centre of our work and consultations, we ensure that our understanding of their ongoing and evolving needs continues to inform our service provision.

There are three main strands to our service provision, all of which approach things from slightly different angles, but are all in service of improving the lives of LGBT+ children and young people.

Youth Service

We offer youth groups, one-to-one support, activities, residentials, in-school support, and much more for children and young people.

Parents & Carers Service.

We offer groups, one-to-one support, activities, information sessions, and much more for parents & carers of LGBT+ children and young people

Training Service

We provide LGBT+ Inclusion Training for a wide range of organisations, mainly to those working with children and young people, to help build people’s knowledge of LGBT+ issues and their confidence in being LGBT+ allies.
 

You will be joining us at a time that holds the greatest potential for fundraising in our history, following the launch of the UK Government’s Delivery Plan for ME and initial findings of the DecodeME genetics study (co-led by Action for ME) in Summer 2025. 

Building on our charity’s already established level of support from major donors, you will provide exceptional relationship management to existing donors alongside growing our network of high value supporters.

Working closely with the CEO, alongside managing a portfolio of donors and prospects ensuring excellent stewardship, you will support our Breakthrough-ME Group (a group of high net worth and highly networked individuals). There is an established level of support from major donors at Action for ME so this is a role that will require exceptional relationship management to retain our current valued supporters while growing this crucial area of fundraising. 

This would be an ideal role for an experienced philanthropy professional seeking to work for a small but ambitious charity, helping us to achieve our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME – better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.

Key duties

Major Donor Fundraising

• Successfully develop and implement the philanthropy strategy to secure and maximise funds from high value individuals for Action for ME achieving annual income of £250k+

• Set plans and budgets which will deliver income through major gift fundraising and philanthropic giving through family trusts and foundations, including quarterly forecasting.

• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors at the £5k to £100k level, to develop and maintain strong and long-standing partnerships

• Work closely with the Director of Fundraising and Development and other colleagues to ensure that plans and activities for fundraising from high value individuals are integrated into the overall fundraising strategy and plan for significant growth.

• Be responsible for our Breakthrough-ME Group with high quality proposition development.  Contribution to Group fundraising activities with a specific focus on ensuring their networks support pipeline growth for future fundraising.

• Lead the delivery of our biennial fundraising gala dinner, maximising income and new opportunities from attendees.

• Develop engaging and inspiring opportunities to steward and cultivate support creating a calendar of activities including events, presentations, approaches, networking and meetings.

• Utilise the CRM database (Raisers Edge) to provide the data required to strategise your approach to philanthropy, monitor progress and provide a high-quality donor experience.

• Ensure utilisation of insight & data, producing management information data to inform planning and strategy development.

• With the Director of Fundraising & Development, create inspiring cases for support and resulting propositions with clear budgets and outcomes.

• Create adequate systems and processes to support the major donor programme.

• Undertake and manage research into prospects and major donors, preparing for approaches and presentations and briefing senior leadership and trustees for donor meetings and events.

• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, a wide range of staff and volunteers from trustee level down.

• Provide regular feedback and internal reporting to line management.

• Work with other fundraisers to ensure that all fundraising opportunities and leads are followed up – particularly in corporate, community and trust fundraising.

• Work with Trustees, the Chief Executive and members of the Leadership Team to develop relationships with major donors.

• Self-administrate including managing your own diary and meetings, keeping accurate and up to date records of activity

• Occasional travel to London, Bristol & events

Other duties

• To positively promote the work and activities of Action for M.E. at all times.

• To contribute to the team’s overall, ongoing and annual planning and budgeting.

• To undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Director of Fundraising and Development, Chief Executive or any other senior Action for ME management.

• Act as an advocate for the Charity and its work.

• To work in accordance with Action for ME’s values of collaboration, equity and empathy.

Main purpose of post
An Appeal Support Officer is required to support the activity associated with a
major appeal for the charity. The appeal will raise £1.85m enabling a step change
in our support of Weston Park Cancer Centre.
Reporting to and working closely with our Senior Major Donor & Philanthropy
Manager, Appeal Consultant and Head of Fundraising, you will support the
coordination of appeal activity planning, as we undertake the public phase of the
appeal.
Supporting our established Appeal Board, you will coordinate communications,
prospecting and stewardship management of our major donor growth
programme and portfolio, as we build up both our private fundraising phase and
undertake our wider public fundraising activity.
You will help bring together a range of different public fundraising activities
planned for the next 12 months.

Key Responsibilities
 Support management of the appeal prospects portfolio, including research,
due diligence checks, profiles development and relationship management
plans.
 Coordinate and manage the appeal plan, including all facets of both the
private and public fundraising phases, liaising with appointed agencies and
contractors.
 Directly support the Appeal Board with communication, prospecting and
donor management planning, under the direct supervision and guidance of
the Senior Major Donor & Philanthropy Manager and Appeal Consultant.
 Act as a single point of contact for public appeal enquires and coordination
of supportive fundraising activity across the internal teams.
 Assist in the formulation of personalised stewardship plans and establish
effective systems to collate information about prospective and current
major donors, ensuring compliance with charity law, fundraising policies
and guidelines, GDPR and our organisational policies.
 Work alongside the team and support appeal event activity, including
planning, communication and coordination of guests, attending events as
required.

Who you are
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Appeal Support Officer
who would relish the opportunity to work on a transformational appeal that will
help improve and save lives of people affected by cancer in our region.
Experience of charity work and fundraising would be an added advantage in this
role, but we need a confident individual who is not phased with bringing together
different elements of a campaign plan to achieve a defined result.
Playing a key, interim role in the appeal, you will be able to quickly absorb
information, suggest planning solutions and improve efficiencies, while
stewarding the appeal plan, monitoring risks and provide regular status
reporting.
You will share our values and join Weston Park Cancer Charity’s busy charity
team. Our Appeal Support Officer will play a vital interim part in our team and
help us to deliver our vision: a better life for those living with, and beyond, cancer
in our region. If you are interested in working on a transformational charity appeal that will make a real difference to the lives of thousands of people, we’d love to hear from you.

About you
 You will have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and hold
relationships with key stakeholders
 You will have significant experience in planning and coordinating a range
of activities, ideally from the charity sector.
 You are passionate about people and place: you want the best outcomes
for people in South Yorkshire living with and beyond cancer
 You will be able to work collaboratively to be part of a ‘One Team’ culture
 Able to manage your own workload and priorities to agreed deadlines
 Support and encourage harmonious internal and external working
relationships

Donor Engagement Manager

Location:  London

Hiring range:  46,000 – 55,000 GBP per year

Staff work a hybrid schedule with 2 days/week in the office

Founded in 1969, IFAW is a global nonprofit with a goal of animals and people thriving together. With 50+ years of expertise in conservation and rescue, and projects in more than 40 countries and international waters, IFAW strives to improve the lives of animals and people and to protect our shared home.

The Donor Engagement Manager is responsible for communicating IFAW’s vision, strategy, and impact to inspire significant philanthropic commitments for IFAW's work from high-net-worth individuals and family foundations. By spearheading best-in-class donor communications, engagement, and stewardship, this role serves an essential function: developing and building IFAW’s reputation to position IFAW as a top charity worthy of significant donations. The Donor Engagement Manager plays a key role in improving the HNW donor journey and achieving our fundraising goals for enhanced programmatic impact globally in conservation, rescue, and policy.

Role and Responsibilities

The Donor Engagement Manager is an integral component of IFAW’s global Development team. Reporting to the Deputy Vice President, Development, the Donor Engagement Manager leads a robust donor communications, engagement, and stewardship program for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals, spearheading the development of strategy and plans, and supervising a team of contractors and freelancers for project implementation. The successful candidate will contribute to the attainment of ambitious growth goals (including current use, endowments, and significant gifts in will), by inspiring donors’ philanthropic support and leading the creation and implementation of a suite of donor communications and experiences.

Critical responsibilities include:

Create dynamic donor engagement plan

· Spearhead donor engagement plans, including cultivation, stewardship experiences, and recognition

· Drive a robust calendar of communications and activities to optimize donor engagement, mission impact, and a best-in class donor experience with IFAW

· Advise and support frontline fundraisers with strategy and content for donor communications and proposals; collaborate with gift officers on HNW individual donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts, including development of custom proposals and cases for support

· Collaborate with communications and program teams to create compelling donor impact reports, donor newsletters, webinars, bespoke proposals, and other tools that drive and support effective engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major- and principal-level gifts as well as larger legacy commitments; maintain curated library of assets for gift officers to use or customize

· Gather and share impact stories, data, and testimonials to demonstrate the value of donor contributions

· Plan and oversee execution of exclusive engagement opportunities (in-person and virtual) for target audience, designed to highlight IFAW programmatic expertise and build stronger donor relationships

· Develop and implement personalized stewardship plans for select principal and major donors, working closely with frontline fundraisers and relationship managers

· Ensure all donor touchpoints reflect the organization’s mission and values, and that donors feel valued and connected

Manage projects and personnel

· Lead, coach, and manage a team of freelancers responsible for communications, stewardship, and engagement activities; oversee contracts, monitor deliverables and expenditures

· Maintain strong relationships with program leaders across the global organization, keeping apprised of IFAW’s programmatic work to identify topics that will appeal to high-net-worth donors and prospects

· Analyze donor engagement metrics, track trends, and report on the effectiveness of engagement and stewardship strategies.

Collaboration and fundamentals  

· Ensure routine fundraising communications and templates for major gifts are up-to-date, accurate, and on brand (e.g., fundraising appeals, donor education emails, gift acknowledgments, holiday cards, swag)

· Manage creation and updates of bespoke proposals so that they are timely and well-designed

· Improve integration of mail / email outreach

· Collaborate with communications and marketing teams to optimize use and creative repurposing of resources and collateral materials

· Enhance web presence (philanthropy pages) to incorporate donor testimonials and demonstrate impact of philanthropic support

· Update and improve naming opportunities for major and principal gifts, named and endowed funds, larger legacies and blended gifts from HNW individuals

Strategic guidance and innovation

· Collaborate with DVP Development to recommend and implement effective points of contact with donors for the purposes of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of six-figure+ gifts

· Identify opportunities to present our work more effectively and enhance the donor experience

· Launch or relaunch giving societies – e.g., cumulative lifetime giving, high-end annual giving, legacy society – with an emphasis on philanthropy and engagement rather than perks and benefits

· Advise on ways to streamline and improve donor communications and engagement, e.g., by leveraging technology, balancing push / pull outreach, adjusting the mix of print / digital and other media  

· Guide the larger Development team in positioning our programs to inspire greater philanthropic support

Qualifications and Education Requirements

· Minimum 4-5 years of related experience in nonprofit stewardship, donor communications, fundraising, or related transferable experience

· Experience leading a team in a development setting, including direct supervision of colleagues in donor engagement and stewardship; and/or management of a stable of contractors and freelancers

· Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced, multifaceted environment and lead numerous functions and various projects simultaneously

· Exceptional written communication, relationship-building, project management and collaboration skills

· Intellectual curiosity

· Must be professional, highly organized, creative, efficient, and collaborative.

· Cultural competence: ability to work seamlessly with colleagues across four continents.

· Able to work successfully both individually and as part of a team.

· Must be flexible and willing to take on new responsibilities within a growing program

· Ability to travel regionally/internationally for trainings and team meetings

· A degree from a four-year college or university preferred

· Knowledge of Microsoft products, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook required; familiarity with Adobe, Canva or other graphic design / visual communications programs a plus

At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people.  We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.

To apply, please submit CV and letter of interest to Donor Engagement Manager | Opportunities

Overall purpose of the role

To lead the development of a regular giving and legacy programme at the AHF, and to support the Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO in development and management of a major gifts programme during the AHF’s 50th Anniversary campaign, with possibility for continued role thereafter. The post holder will be responsible for developing systems to monitor and increase the number of regular and legacy donors to the AHF, including stewardship opportunities, and will assist in prospect research, qualifying, cultivating, and stewarding major donors.

2 Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Work closely with the Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO on development and delivery of the anniversary programme of activities, with particular focus on research to identify potential invitees to and engaging attendees at and after campaign launch and closure events, exhibition launches in Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff, and London, and an industry-facing conference in London.
    
2. Develop and manage a legacy programme for the AHF including stewardship activities; develop and manage a personal portfolio of legacy donors, including making asks of existing regular supporters to consider legacies and development and drafting of legacy proposals and contracts.
    
3. Develop and manage a programme of higher-level regular giving (over £500 per annum), including stewardship activities and making asks of regular supporters to increase their giving.
    
4. Support the Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO, and CEO, with identification and management of a growing portfolio of major gift prospects, including supporting major gifts asks and helping Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO and CEO with ongoing cultivation and stewardship of major donors.
    
5. Lead on managing the AHF’s donor database, Beacon, ensuring the data is up to date with giving from Charities Aid Foundation and other external gifts, that fundraising activity is appropriately recorded on the database, and that our records are fully compliant with data protection legislation.
    
6. Work closely with the Communications Office and consultants supporting the AHF’s 50th Anniversary campaign, with an eye on developing and maximising opportunities to introduce the AHF to new potential supporters and to bolster our key messaging with those already known to us. As part of this work, sit as Secretary of the AHF Communications and Anniversary subcommittee of our Board.
    
7. Develop and maintain a reporting structure to keep AHF SMT and Board up to date with fundraising activity and opportunities.
    
8. Responsible for maintaining the AHF’s log relating to Donor Due Diligence and assisting the Director of Programmes & Deputy CEO with maintaining appropriate policies related to fundraising, including those associated with donor due diligence.
    
9. Contribute to the development and delivery of new ways of working at the AHF that will see our organisation build and maintain greater philanthropic fundraising success, including bringing examples of best practice from other charities. Assist with other tasks and activities as required, particularly those activities and processes that support the wider engagement of potential supporters with the AHF’s work.

3 Person specification

Essential

• At least five years of experience in fundraising at a charity or educational institution, including at least three years of front-line engagement with supporters;
• Knowledgeable about the processes and legislation surrounding UK fundraising, including data protection and
• A pro-active leader, with demonstrably excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills;
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to multi-task, and both verbal and written communication skills;
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated and target-orientated; able to work effectively on own initiative, set appropriate priorities, delegate where appropriate and meet deadlines;
• A confident and engaging presenter and speaker;
• Demonstrable ability in problem solving in response to challenges posed;
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and a track record of collaborative work with external partners;
• Demonstrable interest in and commitment to the AHF’s mission – to help deliver a sustainable future for historic buildings throughout the UK through community enterprise;
• Strong numeric and financial skills; and
• A commitment to achieving beneficial social outcomes through heritage.

Desirable

• Experience working in a heritage-related charity.
• Experience building or managing legacy programmes.

We’re looking for a creative and results driven fundraiser to lead the growth of our individual donor and supporter base while delivering outstanding supporter experiences. You’ll play a central role in our fundraising efforts: leading multi-channel campaigns, strengthening donor relationships, and shaping the future of our Individual Giving strategy. 

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a key fundraising programme with scope to innovate and grow. If you have proven experience running successful donor acquisition campaigns, strong project management and analytical skills, and a passion for breast cancer prevention, we’d love to hear from you! 

Why join us? 

• To be part of a fantastic supportive team. 

• Work for an organisation that values a positive and inclusive culture. 

• Fully remote working. 

• Competitive salary of £31,171 – £37,340 PA (depending on experience) 

• 29.5 Days Annual Leave Plus Bank Holidays. 

• Option for full time colleagues to compress hours and work a 9 day fortnight. 

• Healthcare cover and employee assistance programme. 

• Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity pay. 

• Great supportive culture with generous professional training and development programmes. 

• For full details see our recruitment pack 

Location: Hybrid, Old Street, London
Department: Major Partnerships
Salary: £47,349 per annum
Hours: 34.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed-term for 12 months (maternity cover)
 
Plan International UK is a global children’s charity striving for an equal world. One where every child can reach their full potential and every girl can choose her own future.
 
We bring people together to protect children’s rights and keep girls safe, in school and in control of their bodies – even when disaster strikes. And we won’t stop until we are all equal.
 
A rewarding and exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Major Donor Manager to join the Philanthropic Partnerships Team in the Major Partnerships Unit (MPU) for a 12-month maternity cover role.
 
As Major Donor Manager you will lead the major donor team whilst managing three major donor officers. You will be responsible for leading the team to deliver excellent account management and stewardship of the major donor portfolio, contributing to our goal of sustaining and increasing income from high-net-worth individuals. You will also support the team to identify, research and cultivate relationships with new prospects.
 
You will have substantial experience of successfully creating and managing relationships with donors to secure high value gifts. Your strong interpersonal and communication skills will enable you to build relationships, negotiate, influence and collaborate with stakeholders, and you will have excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
 
If this sounds like you, and you have a passion for our values, feminist leadership principles and vision, we would love for you to apply!
 
This is an exciting time to join a high achieving team with lots of ambitious projects under way including the rollout of a new giving circle product and execution of an excellent high-value events programme.
 
For further detail of this role, please see the job profile.
 
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 7 September 2025
 
First round interviews will take place on 24 - 25 September
Second round interviews will take place on 30 September
 
We are committed to the safeguarding and protection of children, young people and adults in our work. We, therefore, apply rigorous recruitment and selection processes to ensure that only those who are suitable are recruited to work for us. Accordingly, appointment to all our roles is subject to a range of vetting checks and for this role this will include a Basic Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working for us; this will depend on the circumstances of any offences.
 
Plan International UK is committed to being an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
 
REF-223526