Donor development officer jobs

Prisoners Abroad is a small but powerful organisation supporting people through some of the most isolating and traumatic experiences imaginable. Whether it’s someone surviving a prison sentence overseas, returning to the UK with nothing, or a family facing the distress of having a family member imprisoned abroad, your work here will have a direct and lasting impact.

A fantastic opportunity has opened up to manage and grow a well-established major donor programme, developing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, craft compelling cases for support, and deliver thoughtful stewardship that makes donors feel truly valued and connected. You’ll also have the chance to shape how we grow our pipeline, with support from a team that values creativity, emotional intelligence and collaboration, so plenty of opportunities to get creative and make your mark.

With experience of securing 4–5 figure gifts and a flair for building meaningful relationships, you’ll be a confident communicator with strong writing skills, and you’ll enjoy using insight to create personal donor journeys that inspire generosity.

To apply for this position, please read the job pack which provides lots of information about the charity, the role and how to apply.

The deadline for applications is 10am Tuesday 5th May, however we will be reviewing applications as we receive them, so please apply when you are ready and you may be contacted about your application before the closing date. To ensure inclusivity, all applications received up to the closing date will be considered equally.

If you have any questions about the application or recruitment process, or want to schedule a call for more information, then get in touch and we'll happily arrange that.

About the role:

This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up and see the direct impact of your work on people experiencing homelessness across London. As our first Philanthropy and Major Gifts Officer, you will work closely with the Assistant Director of Fundraising to bring our new strategy to life, shaping how we engage major donors and grow a powerful community of supporters who are motivated to stand alongside Single Homeless Project (SHP) and our clients. Every relationship you build and every gift you secure will help create real opportunities for our clients to move away from homelessness and towards safety, stability and independence.

You will take the lead in developing and managing meaningful relationships with major donors, creating thoughtful and engaging journeys that bring them closer to our work and the difference it makes day to day. Alongside nurturing existing supporters, you will identify and secure new funding opportunities, building a strong and sustainable pipeline of donors and driving forward this new area of income generation within the team. Working collaboratively across SHP, you will connect philanthropists with our services in a way that feels personal, impactful and rooted in the realities of our work, while contributing to the wider fundraising targets that enable us to keep delivering life changing support.

Hybrid working for us means a mix of in office working in Kings Cross and home working. Currently two days in the office (usually Wednesday and Friday) with the rest from home. 

About you:

• You have experience building relationships with donors, supporters or partners, and know how to turn those relationships into meaningful income or long term support.
• You’re a confident communicator, able to bring a cause to life through conversations and written content that genuinely connects people to impact.
• You’re proactive and driven, comfortable spotting opportunities, growing a pipeline and following through to secure results.
• You’re organised and detail focused, able to manage multiple relationships and keep accurate records using CRM or similar systems.
• You’re motivated by purpose and excited by the chance to help shape and grow a new area of fundraising that directly supports people experiencing homelessness in London.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 26th April at midnight

Interview date: Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th May online via Microsoft Teams 

Please note suitable candidates will be invited to a second stage interview in Kings Cross

This post will require a Basic DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role. 

This is a varied, outward facing role focused on building strong relationships with police forces (particularly Police Scotland), federations, benevolent funds, donors, ambassadors, patients, and local stakeholders. The post holder will act as the primary engagement lead for Castlebrae, helping to raise awareness, strengthen partnerships, support income generation, and ensure our work is visible, understood, and accessible.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the main point of contact for engagement activity at Castlebrae
• Building and maintaining relationships with police forces, federations, donors, and stakeholders
• Delivering presentations and attending events, conferences, and wellbeing forums
• Supporting donor recruitment, fundraising activity, and identification of funding opportunities
• Recruiting and supporting charity ambassadors and working with Police Scotland Wellbeing Champions
• Sourcing testimonials and contributing to communications and media content
• Supporting external events, hospitality, and engagement activity at Castlebrae

The role involves regular travel, with occasional evening, weekend, and overnight work.

About you

You will be confident, professional, and relationship‑focused, with experience in engagement, partnerships, fundraising, or a related field. You will be comfortable representing an organisation externally and passionate about making a positive difference.

Job Title: Independent Living Capital Appeal Manager
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £47,377
Location: The Rowe, London
Closing Date: 21st April 2026
Interviews: w/c 27th April 2026

About Centrepoint

Centrepoint works with young people aged 16–25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We provide accommodation, health support, and life skills to help young people move into education, training, and employment so they can build independent, sustainable futures. Together with our partners, we support over 15,000 young people each year and aim to end youth homelessness by 2037.

About the Independent Living Programme

Centrepoint’s Independent Living Programme (ILP) is delivering 300 genuinely affordable homes across London and Greater Manchester for young people moving on from homelessness. With 50 homes already built and £23m secured, the Independent Living Capital Appeal is raising a further £27m to complete the programme.

The Role

The Independent Living Capital Appeal Manager will play a key role in delivering this ambitious programme. You will be responsible for helping to deliver the £27m appeal target by managing and growing a portfolio of high-value donors and grant-makers, securing five and six figure gifts, and developing a strong pipeline of new prospects.

Working closely with the Head of Independent Living Appeal, you will lead the cultivation and solicitation of high-value supporters while delivering an outstanding donor experience. You will also work closely with development and programme colleagues to align fundraising with live housing developments and future pipeline opportunities.

You will:

• Lead and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects, securing new and repeat five and six figure gifts
• Identify, qualify and cultivate new prospects to strengthen the appeal pipeline
• Develop and deliver tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Write compelling proposals, reports and donor communications
• Deliver excellent stewardship, designing supporter journeys that connect donors to the impact of their support
• Support senior leaders and volunteers in donor cultivation and solicitations
• Collaborate across fundraising and programme teams to maximise opportunities for support
• Line-manage the Independent Living Appeal Officer, supporting their development and contribution to the appeal

This is an opportunity to play a central role in one of the UK’s most ambitious youth homelessness initiatives, helping unlock hundreds of new homes for young people leaving homelessness.

About You

We are looking for a motivated, relationship-focused fundraiser with a strong track record of securing significant philanthropic gifts. You will bring:

• Experience securing five and six figure gifts from individuals, trusts, foundations or corporate partners
• Proven ability to build and progress a pipeline of high-value prospects
• Strong experience managing and stewarding major donor relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including developing persuasive proposals and reports
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and donors
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver targets
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and functions

Desirable:

• Experience working on a capital appeal or major fundraising campaign
• Experience working with senior volunteers in fundraising

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days
• Healthcare cash plan (dental, optical, complementary therapies)
• Private medical insurance
• Income protection
• Employer pension contributions of 5%
• Cycle to Work and interest-free travel loan schemes

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Centrepoint is committed to fairness, equality, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of homelessness or youth services.

Apply now to play a key role in delivering Centrepoint’s Independent Living Capital Appeal and creating hundreds of new homes for young people moving on from homelessness

Working across multiple income streams, the postholder will support the development and delivery of high-impact fundraising campaigns, compelling cases for support, and meaningful donor communications. With a strong focus on Regular Giving growth and supporter stewardship, the role plays an important part in strengthening long-term financial sustainability.

This is a proactive role requiring strong content development skills, attention to insight and performance, and the ability to contribute to continuous improvement in fundraising systems and processes.

For more information, please download the Information Pack. For an informal conversation about the role, please email recruitment in the first instance.

About the Role

We are seeking a charity professional with evaluation and impact experience, and skills to develop Lewisham Local’s business functions such as service delivery impact with a focus on impact measurements of infrastructure work, premises, and admin.

This is a newly built role to support the charity’s new ambitious three-year strategy.

Main Objectives

• Develop and deliver the charity’s Impact and Evaluation framework
• Ensure charity’s CRM Salesforce is used at every level of capturing data

Support, develop and manage Lewisham Local’s business functions such as Admin and Premises management

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Impact Measurement

• Working closely with the SMT and project leads to understand the depth of the work carried out by Lewisham Local and develop an impact and evaluation framework to measure the success of our work.
• Train and support colleagues to ensure the framework is embedded into our daily work measuring the change created as a result of the work carried out by Lewisham Local.
• Run a quarterly impact report for SMT and Board
• Introduce data capture protocols and training on using the charity's CRM Salesforce to ensure data is recorded and up to date
• Act as a champion for this across the team

Manage Admin function

• Manage the two (job share - 0.8 & 0.2 FTE) Admin officers who support the CEO, Board and take on the general office admin tasks
• Develop and improve Lewisham Local’s admin processes

Manage premises – support and training will be offered

• Manage a Premises Coordinator (0.6FTE) in safe running the Orchard Gardens Community Centre
• Support the CEO in developing premises strategy and future proposals

Together with SMT and the CEO manage Lewisham local’s fundraising function, reviewing and contributing to the grant applications.

Core Team Responsibilities

• Build and share knowledge and intelligence internally
• Build strong and effective local relationships across sectors
• Be a visible, active, positive and engaging presence within the community at local events, activities and meetings.
• Contribute and create regular communications content
• Champion the role of local giving, and the contribution of civil society in Lewisham
• Collect and process data, carry out monitoring and evaluation of our impact
• Help other team members at times of increased workload and/or specific events
• Contribute to office organisation and administration responsibilities to ensure the effective running of the organisation and staff presence at the office premises
• Manage volunteers to achieve the portfolio and charity’s aims and objectives
• Attend regular team meetings and supervision sessions as required
• Undertake training and development as required
• Contribute to writing grant applications for future projects and core work

This is not an exhaustive list of tasks, and you may be asked to undertake any other reasonable duties in connection with the role. Job descriptions are reviewed regularly and may be amended at any time in accordance with the needs of the organisation

Please see attached the full job description and person specification.

You will be part of a small energetic and committed team supporting the delivery of Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s philanthropy and income generation ambitions. Working collaboratively with colleagues, you will help grow and steward support from individuals, corporate, charitable and statutory donors, with a lead responsibility for a defined portfolio of relationships and initiatives.

Fundraising and relationship building happen across the charity, and you will manage your own portfolio of donors and partners and work with the Chief Executive and wider team to co-ordinate activity, share insight and maximise opportunities for place based philanthropy in Northamptonshire.

You will need confidence, excellent communication skills and the ability to plan and deliver projects as part of a highly collaborative team. You will be comfortable cultivating, stewarding and sometimes soliciting charitable donations yourself, as well as creating opportunities for the Chief Executive to engage with donors and prospective supporters.

The International department of World Horse Welfare is responsible for implementing the organisation’s strategy in Lower and Middle Income countries and aims to improve the welfare of as many working equids as possible. An important part of the strategy is to increase the size and scope of the international programme.

We are seeking an International Programme Officer to join the team and support and develop the community-based projects that underpin the charity’s presence in developing countries. As the organisation begins to work more closely with the human development sector and raise its profile at government and institutional levels, this role will be influential in developing relationships and seeking funding opportunities to support the expansion of World Horse Welfare’s overseas activities.

This is a UK-based remote position. Candidates must be resident in the UK, have the legal right to work in the UK, and be able to travel internationally when required.

Key responsibilities include:

• Liaison: Staying informed on the development sector and identifying potential opportunities to work with other organisations or donors. Reporting to the department and partners on programme matters and initiatives.
• Influencing: Represent World Horse Welfare with key stakeholders in project countries, including local and national government, academic institutions, official bodies, such as OIE and FAO, other human development institutions including EC, local organisations and the private sector.
• Management: Manage and support local partner organisations, regional coordinators, consultants and professional volunteers.
• Project Management: Support our partner organisations in the design and management of projects in designated countries including budgeting, financial management and the implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Fundraising: Identify funding opportunities relevant to project countries and support local partner organisations to submit funding applications.
• Knowledge: Increase and share learning about project countries concerning working equids, animal welfare and the human development sector.

About you:
You will have experience in monitoring projects, managing budgets and working with diverse stakeholders in varied cultural contexts. You can identify practical, locally appropriate solutions and manage complex or remote operations effectively. Skilled in project planning, communications and using digital tools, you also work flexibly, can travel independently when needed, and bring a respected, values-led approach aligned with our mission. Knowledge of equine health and welfare and experience in handling and husbandry is desirable.

What we offer:

• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions up to 8%, rising to 12% with length of service.
• Employee health cash plan to cover expenses such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, etc.
• 20 days holiday pro rata increasing to 25 days with service, plus bank holidays and a shutdown between Christmas and new year.
• Paid employee sickness absence scheme and compassionate leave.
• Life assurance scheme of 4x annual salary.

About Sheldrick Wildlife Trust UK

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) is a pioneering conservation organisation, working across Kenya to protect endangered wildlife and preserve habitats for future generations. Through projects including our world-renowned Orphans’ Project, veterinary interventions, anti-poaching operations, and community outreach, we are dedicated to securing a future for wild species. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust UK plays a vital role in supporting conservation projects, raising funds, cultivating donor relationships, and engaging supporters to sustain and build upon life-saving work in Kenya.

The Role

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Fundraising Support Officer to join our UK team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about wildlife conservation, eager to learn, and looking to develop a career in fundraising and supporter care.

The Fundraising Support Officer will be central to ensuring our supporters receive the highest standard of care. Working across individual giving and retail, the postholder will gain valuable experience in many areas of charity fundraising and supporter engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporter care, to include answering email, post, and telephone correspondence, providing receipts and donor follow-up.
• Support to the Retail Manager, including acting as first point of contact for order enquiries, exchanges, and returns, and assisting with fulfilling orders from the charity’s online shop.
• Accurate recording of donations and correspondence on the charity’s CRM system.
• Support the regular giving and orphan adoption programmes.
• Support the Communications team by drafting and proofreading thank-you letters, donor updates, and impact reports.
• Assist in developing and attending charity events.
• Assist with general fundraising administration and other duties as required by the team.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience in building relationships with customers or stewarding supporters and donors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a polite and professional manner.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Confident using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfortable learning new systems.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and/or handling supporter or customer data.
• Experience in customer service and administration.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small team.
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and willing to take on a variety of tasks.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environment.
• A genuine interest in wildlife conservation and the mission of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Desirable:

• Minimum two years’ experience in donor care or fundraising in the charity sector.
• Experience drafting written communications for a public audience.
• Understanding of the UK charitable sector and fundraising principles.
• Understanding of data protection, including GDPR.

What We Offer

• A supportive and friendly team environment.
• Opportunities for professional development in fundraising and supporter care.
• The chance to play a key role in protecting wildlife and habitats through one of the world’s most respected conservation charities.

If you believe you are well suited to the role, please send us your CV and one-page cover letter by clicking the 'Apply' button on this page. Use your cover letter to tell us about your previous experience and why you want to work for SWT UK. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Early application is encouraged as we will be reviewing applications throughout the advertised period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time. Successful applicants will be contacted by email to arrange an initial video call to discuss their prior experience, and then an in-person interview at our office in Billingshurst. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are not able to support visa or work permit applications for this role. (No agencies, please).

Mission Without Borders (MWB) is a Christian charity supporting over 10,000 children and 2,000 families living in poverty across Eastern Europe. As we embark on an ambitious new 5‑year strategy, we’re investing in the growth of our UK team and we’re looking for a creative, proactive Marketing & Communications Officer to help expand our reach, raise awareness, and inspire supporters across the UK.

In this exciting new role, you’ll shape and deliver our marketing and communications strategy across both digital and traditional channels. From running targeted digital campaigns and enhancing our online presence to crafting compelling stories and to building relationships with Christian media and, you'll play a key part in growing awareness, engagement and income.

We’re seeking someone with strong digital marketing experience, excellent storytelling and relationship building skills, with an understanding of the UK Christian landscape. If you’re passionate about using your skills to make a real impact, and to help bring hope for vulnerable children and families across Eastern Europe, we’d love to hear from you.

Starting Salary: £33,815 - £36,933 (Including LW)
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Location: London, UK – Hybrid working with a minimum of 40% of your time in the Romero House Office

Job Profile
Our Supporter Fundraising team is looking for two dedicated and supporter-focused individuals to become Support Officers. Your job will be to provide administrative support to fundraising colleagues, with a specific focus on enabling, stewarding and thanking supporters who choose to fundraise for us, donate in memory of a loved one, enquire about a legacy or purchase a virtual gift.

We are looking for someone who can bring efficiency and care to our fundraising work. You will have strong attention to detail and be an excellent manager of your own time as you complete tasks for specific projects and colleagues.

This is a varied role, including the creation of email journeys and stewardship communications, assistance with events, co-ordinating mailings and resource production, updating the website and other digital platforms, and ensuring the timely payment of invoices. You will ensure that donor records and database actions are completed accurately and in a timely manner, and fulfil all resource requests quickly and efficiently. You’ll regularly liaise with internal and external stakeholders to complete these tasks.

If you are an able administrator with a desire to learn about supporter fundraising and a commitment to building a better world for our neighbours, then this is the job for you!

Key Responsibilities

Supporter Communications (Events & In-Memory Giving)

• Act as a secondary point of contact for supporters, including challenge event fundraisers and in-memory donors – being a supportive, sensitive and encouraging ear and delivering the best possible standards of supporter care.
• Fulfil resource requests (including fundraising packs, Gifts in Wills packs and other materials) in a timely manner and provide any necessary additional support to ensure effective use.
• Produce tailored thank you letters and cards to supporters about their financial gifts and other support.
• Support volunteers with resource ordering and usage.
• Work across CAFOD teams to help deliver excellent supporter retention and stewardship.

Fundraising Promotions and Appeals

• Work closely with the other Fundraising Support Officer and consult with team leaders to identify pressure points for capacity, creating plans to support work reactively across fundraising teams at key moments.
• Provide administrative support for donation platforms including the World Gifts online shop, liaising with Digital and IT teams to set up and test backend processes.
• Contribute to digital fundraising by improving and updating relevant web pages.
• Support the delivery of multi-donor segment direct mailings, parish mailings and emails for specific and emergency appeals.
• Identify and recommend efficiencies in appeal processes and support additional tasks or projects as requested.

Data Management

• Monitor donations and requests for resources, working with relevant teams (including Supporter Relations, Legacy Marketing, Parish Fundraising and Donor Experience) to produce appropriate and tailored responses, including moments for special acknowledgement.
• Upload inbound communications accurately and promptly on the supporter database, identify and correct data quality issues, and maintain donor contact details in compliance with GDPR and fundraising best practice.
• Process invoices for the team to ensure their timely payment.

Safeguarding
All staff share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.

Person Specification

Understanding our context

• Understanding of Catholic identity: I recognise what Catholic identity means for CAFOD’s fundraising communications
• Understanding CAFOD: I understand, demonstrate and actively support CAFOD’s vision, mission and values and what we aim to achieve

Working together

• Managing ourselves: I am a self-starter; willing to take responsibility, get the work done, and make the best use of my time and capabilities
• Working with others: I help the team and CAFOD to achieve our goals. I work with others openly and collaboratively and without bias
• Communicating: I handle personal circumstances with sensitivity and deliver well-constructed, tailored communications. I understand how marketing principles apply to fundraising communications

Making change happen

• Managing resources: I use information systems and processes to ensure work is completed and recorded efficiently
• Achieving results: I keep focused on the work to be done
• Managing our performance: I provide and seek regular constructive feedback on my performance
• Taking the lead: I lead on my own pieces of work and try to resolve challenges independently

Job-specific competencies

• Experience using supporter or customer databases to monitor or utilise data
• Proven supporter or customer service experience
• An understanding of how to motivate supporters to continue engaging and donating

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in digital marketing and the Salesforce CRM system would be useful

CAFOD is a welcoming, supportive workplace committed to a safe, inclusive culture where everyone is respected. CAFOD will make reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process to ensure candidates with disabilities or individual needs are fully supported.

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect.  CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse.  CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount.  Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents. 

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent to, these recruitment procedures. 

The Chief Executive & Creative Director holds the most senior post at Dance City, unites the creative and strategic functions of the organisation, and is accountable to the board of trustees for the good management and impact of the charity. The Chief Executive & Creative Director leads and works collaboratively with the board, senior management team (SMT) and stakeholders and partners to ensure that Dance City creates opportunities for people to create, produce and experience dance at its very best. The Chief Executive & Creative Director drives the business, identifying commercial opportunities, securing financial resilience, and ensuring that Dance City’s programme is at the vanguard of sustainable dance development in the region. The Chief Executive & Creative Director is based in the northeast and plays an active role in the social life and cultural communities of the region. 
 

Role Profile and Person Specification 

Key deliverables 

• Lead on Dance City’s vision, values and organisational objectives and ensure the relevance and sustainability of its creative programme.

• Ensure there is alignment between Dance City’s creative ambitions and its business needs and that all activity is delivered to the highest possible standards to plan and within budget.

• Grow the organisation’s earned income and shape and set targets for initiatives embracing commercial ventures, corporate partnerships, public funding, trusts and foundations and individual philanthropy.

• Be accountable to the board and to funding bodies, and for the responsible stewardship of Dance City.

• Ensure a strong profile and reputation for the organisation and for dance practice locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. 

• Initiate, develop and sustain partnerships with existing and potential funders and key stakeholders. 

• Lead and enable the senior team; motivate, inspire, and support the development of the wider staff team.

Role profile 

Leadership and governance  

• Develop and monitor the strategic plan with the SMT and Board. 

• Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure the good governance of the charity and that organisational performance is structured and monitored using well articulated, achievable KPIs. 

• Support Trustees in being an effective Board, ensuring it comprises the appropriate range of skills and has access to training and development opportunities.

• Deploy Trustees’ skills and networks to identify and activate opportunities for commercial development and business growth.

• Be an inclusive leader, collaborate with and empower the SMT, and motivate, support and develop the wider staff team. 

Advocacy, profile and civic engagement 

• Promote the profile and reputation of Dance City locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

• Initiate and enable constructive debate about dance and its development by artists, policy-makers and the public, and to promote Dance City’s role in dance leadership.

• Articulate the transformative potential of dance in enabling social cohesion, the centrality of its place in the wider creative industries sector, and its potential, through civic partnerships and collaboration, to make a major contribution to the economy and well being of the city and region. 

• Ensure Dance City is part of local, regional, national  and international arts discussions and networks, is represented at key events and viewed as crucial to decision-making processes in the dance and wider cultural and social sectors.

• Be the face of Dance City in professional and community networks and at events in the northeast; communicate and advocate for its plans and ambitions to the widest range of people including politicians, the media, funders, artists, audiences and the public.

Creative 

• Shape, co-create and communicate the creative vision for Dance City. 

• Oversee the development and delivery of a creative programme which appeals to a wide range of audiences, demonstrates excellence, and sets out to grow appetite and demand for diverse dance experiences. 

• Build and manage sustainable commercial and funding partnerships which will enhance the profile of the programme and enable the commissioning, programming and presentation of dance within and beyond Dance City.

• Oversee the evaluation of the programme, to ensure quality, to engage in reflection and implement learning with colleagues.

• Maintain an overview of the local and national dance ecology in order to inform advocacy and planning.

Brand, commercial performance and income 

• Oversee the design and delivery of effective marketing and communications strategies that are developed and effectively delivered, to retain existing and grow new audiences for dance in the northeast and to promote the Dance City brand.

• Be proactive in the development and delivery of effective fundraising and income generation strategies for Dance City, to ensure that contributed income grows and is diversified, and to develop commercial opportunities enabled by the building and programme. 

• Play an active role in identifying and approaching prospective donors, sponsors and funding partners.

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with existing and potential supporters and to lead on key public funding and donor relationships.

Finance and operations  

• Be accountable for the financial operation of the organisation, ensuring budgets are set and monitored, appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place, compliance with appropriate legal and fiscal frameworks is followed, and that there is timely reporting to the relevant funders and authorities.

• Oversee and ensure the smooth and efficient management of Dance City’s facilities and infrastructure.

• Ensure Dance City remains a visible champion of environmental responsibility.

• Ensure the organisation is fully compliant with all legal requirements, including health and safety, and that all staff are trained appropriately. 

People and culture 

• Set the tone for and model the organisational culture, be an inclusive and consultative leader, championing employee wellbeing and engagement. 

• Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for recruitment, induction, appraisals and the professional development of staff.

• Ensure the organisation upholds its principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, valuing the wellbeing of all colleagues.

Person specification  

Essential  

• Has held a senior role in a cultural venue or within an organisation with a substantial arts programme or partnerships; is well networked in and beyond the cultural and creative industries. 

• Understanding of the current landscape and eco-system in the cultural sector and awareness of local/national political initiatives that will impact on - and create opportunities for - Dance City and its partner organisations.

• Understanding of the legal, fiscal, social and political context within which the arts operate, and the contribution they make to health, education, social cohesion and civic pride.

• Understanding of the needs of dance as an art form and a commitment to best practice and to promoting inclusion and equality of opportunity.

• An inclusive leader with experience of overseeing organisational transformation and managing change. 

• A track record in relationship building, working in partnership with a range of funders, agencies and organisations, and of successful fundraising and income generation from a range of sources. 

• A strong advocate and compelling storyteller, able to network, represent the organisation, communicate its vision and inspire confidence among existing and potential peers and stakeholders.

• Strong financial literacy and skills, knowledge of charity governance and relevant financial policies and procedures; experience of senior financial accountability.

• Experience of working effectively with a Board of Directors, understanding of best practice in governance and organisational development.

• A commitment to living in the region, able to travel nationally and internationally, and to work some evenings and weekends where there is reasonable expectation to attend events.

Desirable 

• Experience of running a building with a diverse and impactful arts programme. 

• An extensive network in the cultural sector. 

• Experience of significant national/international cultural partnership projects. 

• Experience of managing significant public investment programmes such as ACE NPO, Creative Scotland RFO or equivalent.

Equity, diversity and inclusion 

At Dance City we believe that voices and perspectives from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences make our understanding of the world and the arts more relevant.

We believe that difference is our strength.

Therefore we actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and those that are under-represented in our city and region and in dance leadership. 

Purpose of the job

As Major Donor Manager, you will support the delivery of UK Youth's major donor programme, cultivating high-value, long-term relationships with high-net-worth (HNW) individuals in support of UK Youth's mission and vision. You will build and manage a pipeline of major donors and prospects, working towards income targets that grow year on year, and play a critical role in securing unrestricted funding, programme funding and transformational capital investment.

This role requires a strategic, relationship-led approach and a deep understanding of major gift fundraising. You will work closely with senior leadership to ensure credibility, effective stewardship and meaningful donor engagement. The Major Donor programme prioritises depth of relationship and long-term value over short-term income targets, and you will be instrumental in embedding this culture across the organisation.

The role sits within the strongly performing and highly motivated Fundraising department, including events, corporate, trust and foundation fundraising.

Why work at UK Youth?

Every young person deserves a youth worker. UK Youth exists to make that a reality. As the UK’s infrastructure body for youth work, we support a network of thousands of youth organisations to improve young lives every day. At the same time, we are transforming the policies, investment, and ideas needed to future-proof youth work for generations to come.

UK Youth exists to widen the reach and deepen the impact of youth work and outdoor learning. By joining UK Youth, you can help create a society that backs young people – through each spark, struggle and success.

Key responsibilities

• Major Donor Fundraising and Pipeline Development

• Cultivation, Stewardship and Events

• Capital Appeal Support – Avon Tyrrell

• Communications and Engagement

• Strategy and Performance

Experience we're after

• Proven experience in major donor fundraising, with a track record of cultivating and securing five or six figure gifts from HNW individuals.

• Experience of building and managing a major donor pipeline from prospect identification through to solicitation and stewardship.

• Experience of senior stakeholder management, including working with CEOs, trustees and senior volunteers.

• Experience of managing a diverse workload with multiple deadlines, stakeholders and deliverables.

• Experience of thinking strategically and developing compelling fundraising propositions aligned to organisational priorities.

• Experience of delivering cultivation and stewardship events for major donors.

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave (24 days + 3 days winter closure) plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: 29th April 2026 at 23:59 (midnight)

Provisional Interview Dates: TBC

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

Senior Individual Giving Officer

Job Advert

Are you passionate about turning supporter generosity into sustained income that helps people with a learning disability live their lives to the full? Do you have experience running multi-channel fundraising campaigns and using data to improve performance? If so, we have a role for you to impact our growing Individual Giving programme.

We are looking for a Senior Individual Giving Officer to join our Public Fundraising team at Mencap. You will lead the planning and delivery of acquisition and retention campaigns across cash, lottery, regular giving, value exchange, raffle and payroll giving channels, working across face to face, direct mail, email, digital and telephone. You will work closely with colleagues in Legacy, Wills and Trusts, Community Fundraising and Challenge Events to deliver joined up supporter journeys that increase lifetime value and broaden our audience reach. Reporting to the Senior Individual Giving Manager, you will play a key part in delivering our Mencap 2030 strategy.

This is a permanent, full‑time position. We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements, with a requirement to attend our London office for a minimum of two days per week. Occasional travel within the UK may also be required.

What you will do

· Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of direct marketing campaigns, including campaign schedules, briefs, copywriting, data checks, print and postage processing, finance processing and stakeholder management.

· Manage campaign budgets, monitor KPIs and report on performance, delivering activity on time and to a high standard.

· Build and manage complex data selections and automated email journeys, supporting the roll out of our new CRM and using insight to improve targeting and results.

· Keep the supporter at the heart of the journey by creating authentic, compelling stories and personalised donor journeys that drive repeat giving, upsell and cross sell.

· Work collaboratively with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure campaigns are aligned and executed effectively.

· Analyse campaign performance, adopt a test and learn approach and make data driven recommendations for improvement.

· Ensure all fundraising activity complies with GDPR, the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice and Gambling Commission regulations. Support invoice processing, monthly management accounting, quarterly reforecasting and annual budget setting processes.

· Champion equality, diversity and inclusion in campaigns and across the organisation.

What you will bring

· Proven experience of planning and delivering multi-channel individual giving campaigns.

· Strong data and CRM skills, with experience of building selections and automated journeys.

· Excellent project management and stakeholder management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines.

· Strong copywriting and supporter communications skills, with a focus on storytelling and supporter care.

· Experience of monitoring and analysing campaign performance and using insight to improve results.

· Knowledge of fundraising compliance and best practice. A collaborative approach and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Why join us - You will be part of a friendly, inclusive, values-driven fundraising team working to improve the lives of people with a learning disability in the UK. We offer flexible working, generous holiday, a supportive learning culture and opportunities to develop your fundraising career. You will play a key role as we expand and improve our Individual Giving Program. 

The advert will close on 26 April with initial interviews held via Microsoft Teams shortly afterwards. We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications or once a suitable candidate has been identified. 

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.

Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.

Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

· Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.

· Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes

· Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.