Donor development officer jobs

Temporary Fundraising & Sponsorship Advisor – Job Description

Introduction / Opportunity Framing

The Lit & Phil is entering a significant development phase through its “Lit & Phil Open” project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising and Sponsorship Advisor to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our fundraising strategy at a critical moment.

This is not a steady-state role. It is an opportunity to design and implement a fundraising approach that will support both immediate project needs and long-term financial sustainability.

About the Organisation

The Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne (“Lit & Phil”) is a historic charity established in 1793, dedicated to advancing education.

• Based in central Newcastle, operating from a Grade II* listed building
• Home to over 200,000 books and music items
• Delivers approximately 150 public events annually
• Serves thousands of visitors and members each year
• Supported by staff and a strong volunteer network

The organisation is embarking on a major heritage and engagement project to expand access, grow audiences, and secure long-term sustainability.

The Role

As our Fundraising and Sponsorship Advisor, you will provide expert strategic and delivery support across two key priorities:

1. Securing match funding for a major Heritage Fund Delivery Phase bid
2. Building sustainable income streams to improve long-term financial resilience

You will operate both strategically and hands-on, working alongside trustees and project advisors.

You will:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising and sponsorship strategy
• Design and execute a targeted fundraising campaign for “Lit & Phil Open”
• Build a pipeline of funding opportunities across individuals, trusts, and corporate sponsors
• Strengthen and manage relationships with donors and stakeholders
• Create compelling funding proposals, applications, and reporting materials
• Develop promotional materials for fundraising campaigns
• Organise and support fundraising events and donor engagement activity
• Monitor, evaluate, and refine fundraising performance

Key Deliverables (Development Phase – 6 Months)

• Months 1–2:
  • Deliver a review of current fundraising and sponsorship activity
  • Provide recommendations aligned to priority funding needs
  • Initiate early-stage fundraising actions
• By Month 4:
  • Produce a detailed Fundraising and Sponsorship Strategy
  • Include long-term sustainability planning beyond the project phase
  • Provide costings and resource considerations
• By Month 5:
  • Deliver a presentation of the strategy to trustees/stakeholders
• By Month 6 (September 2026):
  • Secure at least 3 grants totalling £10,000+
  • Secure sponsorship from at least 3 organisations

Key Deliverables (Strategic Priorities)

Priority 1: Capital / Project Funding

• Secure match funding to support a potential £4.5m Heritage Fund Delivery bid
• Develop funding streams across individuals, trusts, and corporate donors

Priority 2: Revenue Growth

• Develop fundraising approaches to increase annual income by ~40% by 2029
• Expand income across:
  • Subscriptions and membership
  • Sponsorship
  • Events and ticketing
  • Venue hire and commercial activity

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies
• Strong track record in securing funding (trusts, grants, corporate, or individuals)
• Excellent bid writing and proposal development skills
• Experience in donor relationship management and reporting
• Ability to design and deliver fundraising campaigns
• Strategic thinking combined with delivery capability

Desirable

• Experience working with cultural, heritage, or educational organisations
• Experience with National Lottery Heritage Fund or similar funding bodies
• Experience in membership-based organisations

Personal Attributes

• Strategic and analytical thinker
• Proactive and solutions-focused
• Able to work independently while engaging stakeholders effectively
• Adaptable within a project-based and evolving environment
• Strong communication and influencing skills

Reporting Line

• Reports to: Trustee Board Member (Finance Lead)
• Works with: Project team, trustees, and external advisors

Contract & Timeline

• Contract Type: Consultancy / Fixed-term
• Duration: Approx. 6 months (Development Phase)
• Start Date: April 2026 (or as soon as possible)
• Potential Extension: Delivery Phase (Jan 2027 – 2029), subject to funding approval

Monitoring & Reporting

• Monthly progress reports (max. 3 pages + dashboard)
• Regular engagement with trustees and project leadership
• Flexibility to respond to stakeholder and funder queries

Closing Statement

This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping the future of a historic institution, contributing to a major heritage project while building a sustainable fundraising model for the long term.

We welcome applications from experienced advisors who can bring both strategic insight and practical delivery to this ambitious programme.

CABI is a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives by harnessing scientific expertise and delivering actionable knowledge to tackle challenges in agriculture and the environment. With roots stretching back to 1910, CABI is an intergovernmental organization guided by 48 member countries, shaping our work across International Development and Publishing.

Our team of over 500 passionate professionals operates across 16 countries, with vibrant offices in Brazil, China, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, the UK, the USA, and Zambia.

THE ROLE:

We are seeking a highly adaptable and experienced project development or fundraising professional to join our Project Development Group in Oxfordshire. In this pivotal role, you will drive the growth of CABI’s international development and publishing initiatives by identifying funding opportunities, supporting compelling bid development, and engaging with donors worldwide. While the role involves global engagement, you will also have the chance to specialize in cultivating UK funding streams, making a tangible impact on our ambitious projects around the world.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

CABI, in conjunction with our international donors and partners, implements and manages a wide range of initiatives around the world, ranging from research projects to rural development activities. The successful candidate will become part of the Project Development Group, supporting project development (finding funding sources, project design, proposal development) in all regions, helping CABI staff to articulate project ideas, develop logical frameworks and budgets, and ensuring that monitoring and evaluation, as well as important aspects such as gender perspectives, climate change and youth are addressed in CABI project proposals, during the project design/scoping phase. 

ABOUT KIDS CANCER CHARITY

Kids Cancer Charity have been supporting children affected by cancer from all over the UK since 1989.  Life changes when a child is diagnosed with cancer, every aspect of their life and that of their family is thrown into turmoil.  We offer support through our care breaks and Play Therapy during treatment and beyond.

We are looking for a passionate, talented Individual Giving Manager to join our ambitious, successful Fundraising team that has been growing year-on-year since 1989 as we approach our new fundraising strategy.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Individual Giving Manager will lead the development of Kids Cancer Charity’s first comprehensive individual giving programme, building all activity from the ground up. This includes designing compelling supporter propositions, establishing donor journeys, and creating engaging campaigns that drive acquisition and long-term support.

A key part of the role will be scoping, procuring, and managing external suppliers, agencies, platforms, and partners required to deliver individual giving products and activity. This includes the development and future launch of new income streams for Kids Cancer Charity, such as a charity lottery, as well as regular giving, legacy marketing, and in-memory giving opportunities.

The postholder will play a central role in shaping the future of supporter engagement at Kids Cancer Charity, introducing best practice, ensuring strong stewardship, and embedding a supporter‑centred culture across the organisation.

JOB PURPOSE

To develop, launch, and grow Kids Cancer Charity’s first individual giving programme, building sustainable income streams that support our vital work in supporting children affected by cancer in the UK. As the first dedicated individual giving role, you will design the strategy and deliver hands on activity, creating compelling propositions, supporter journeys and campaigns across regular giving, one‑off gifts, lottery, legacies and in‑memory giving.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning and Strategy

• Develop Kids Cancer Charity’s first Individual Giving strategy, setting clear plans, targets, and opportunities for growth across all giving products.
• Introduce and embed best practice in compliance, data management, supporter care, and ethical fundraising.

Supplier and Partner Development

• Scope organisational needs and procure/manage suppliers, agencies and platforms required to deliver individual giving activity.
• Lead onboarding and manage delivery to agreed standards, budgets and timelines.

Supporter Engagement and Campaign Development

• Design end‑to‑end supporter journeys (acquisition, welcome, nurture, upgrade, reactivation, retention).
• Plan and deliver multi‑channel campaigns (digital, social, email, paid, direct mail) to acquire, retain and engage supporters.
• Build audience understanding through segmentation, insight and experimentation.
• Work closely with other teams to embed Individual Giving into the organisation.

Product Development

• Scope and pilot propositions for: Regular Giving, Digital one‑off, Charity Lottery, Legacy Giving, In‑Memory, Appeals/integrated campaigns, and Mid‑value.
• Produce product business cases with KPIs, budgets, phasing and implementation plans.

Reporting and Evaluation

• Establish reporting and monitoring frameworks for Individual Giving activity.
• Use early data and insight to inform decision‑making, future planning, and product development.
• Ensure all activity complies with the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Practice, GDPR, PECR and Gambling Commission requirements.
• Monitor and report on individual giving performance against KPIs and targets, reporting on performance to the General Manager. 

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• All other duties reasonably associated with your role, as directed by the General Manager,
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, supporting a culture of collaboration, learning and innovation.
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up-to-date documentation as part of Kids Cancer Charity’s compliance programme.
• Demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards at all times.
• Help create an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued, everyone can contribute, and everyday actions ensure we meet our duty to uphold and promote equality.

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• Demonstrable experience of individual giving across multiple products, which may include regular giving, one‑off gifts, lottery, legacy giving, in‑memory giving, and appeals.
• Ability to craft compelling supporter propositions and use storytelling to communicate impact and motivate giving.
• Proven track record designing and managing supporter journeys that improve acquisition, retention, and lifetime value.
• Experience of delivering multi‑channel integrated acquisition campaigns, (digital and offline approaches).
• Experience of procuring and managing suppliers, agencies, and platforms, ensuring high‑quality delivery and value for money.
• Data‑driven mindset, comfortable with metrics, segmentation, reporting, insight gathering, and budget forecasting.
• Strong understanding of return on investment (ROI) and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness, sustainability, and value of fundraising activity.
• Strong understanding of CRM systems and fundraising technologies, and how these support effective individual giving programmes.
• Understanding of fundraising regulation, GDPR, and ethical fundraising practices.
• Experience managing budgets and ensuring effective allocation of resources.
• Comfortable working in an environment where systems, processes, and programmes are being built from the ground up.

Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• Knowledge and understanding of Kids Cancer Charity’s mission, values and strategic priorities.
• Experience of working in a charity or organisation where individual giving programmes have been developed from the ground up.
• Experience of launching new giving products such as lotteries, regular giving propositions, or digital donation platforms.
• Knowledge of fundraising compliance frameworks, including the Gambling Commission requirements (or similar relevant regulation).
• Understanding of digital fundraising trends, including peer‑to‑peer fundraising and integrated digital journeys.

Operation Smile is an international medical charity specialising in cleft surgery and care for babies, children and adults. Since 1982, the organisation has transformed lives through safe surgery and comprehensive cleft care, while strengthening local health systems through training, education and partnerships

Operating in more than 30 countries, Operation Smile raises around $100m globally each year. Operation Smile UK plays a vital role within this international network as a fundraising office, working closely with Operation Smile Inc. to fund programmes and support medical volunteers delivering care around the world.

The organisation is entering an exciting phase of development through its Operation 100 strategy, which focuses on strengthening surgical systems by supporting district hospitals closer to the communities they serve. This approach creates compelling opportunities for philanthropy, enabling donors to support highly tangible, life-changing interventions while helping build sustainable surgical capacity in low-resource settings.

Operation Smile UK has a strong individual giving programme and well-established relationships with corporate partners, trusts and institutional donors. Major donor fundraising, however, is still developing, presenting significant untapped potential and an exciting opportunity to help build a structured and sustainable philanthropy programme.

Operation Smile UK is now seeking a Philanthropy Manager to help grow major donor fundraising, building new philanthropic relationships and expanding support from HNWIs.

As Philanthropy Manager, you will:

• Develop and implement Operation Smile UK’s major donor strategy alongside the Director of Partnerships
• Identify and cultivate new major donor prospects through research, networking (internally and externally) and peer-to-peer introductions through supporters and board members
• Steward a small but warm portfolio of existing donors while focusing primarily on developing new prospects, delivering full lifecycle stewardship from cultivation through to long-term relationship management
• Develop compelling restricted funding propositions aligned with programmes, including geographically or thematically focused projects
• Lead cultivation activity including donor meetings, proposals, events and programme visits
• Represent Operation Smile UK confidently with major donors, prospects and senior stakeholders
• Contribute to the continued development of philanthropy fundraising within the wider Partnerships team
• Occasionally travel internationally to visit programmes and accompany donors, providing first-hand insight into Operation Smile’s impact

Essential skills and experience:

• Experience in major donor fundraising with a track record of securing five-figure+ gifts from HNWIs
• Experience managing the full lifecycle of major donor fundraising, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation and stewardship
• Strong prospect research and pipeline development skills, including identifying and developing new donor relationships from cold
• Experience and confidence in building rapport and trust with prospective major donors
• Experience engaging trustees, senior volunteers and colleagues in fundraising and leveraging networks for peer-to-peer introductions
• Confidence and credibility when representing an organisation to HNWIs and senior stakeholders
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to champion major donor fundraising in a collaborative and thoughtful way across the organisation
• A proactive, self-starting approach and the ability to identify and develop opportunities within a growing fundraising programme

Desirable:

• Experience in international development or global health fundraising
• Experience helping to develop a major donor programme from a low base or early stage

We are open to receiving applications from early career major donor fundraisers for this role. The role offers an opportunity to work alongside an experienced Director of Partnerships who has previously built major donor programmes and is committed to supporting the successful candidate through coaching and mentoring.

Employee benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave, excluding bank holidays, with 1-day additional holiday each year to a maximum of 30 days annual leave
• 6.1% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced maternity package (min. 24 months service)
• Employee Assistance Programme

Operation Smile UK are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

Operation Smile UK are a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

Job Title – Project Management Officer

Contract – One year fixed term

Hours – 35 hours per week (i.e. full time)

Salary - £33,000 to £35,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Location - Coram International, Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ; this position is based at our office on the Coram Campus, with some flexibility to work from home up to 2 days per week, depending on business need.

Additional information: Applicants must currently hold the right to work in the UK, as no sponsorship is available for this role.

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About Coram International

Coram International is a research and consultancy team based at the Coram Children’s Legal Centre in London. Our team works with UN agencies, international charities and governments around the world to promote and protect children’s rights.

Our work involves designing and implementing research on a broad range of thematic areas relating to children. We also provide technical expertise to support the development of laws, policies and programmes to protect children’s rights as well as training for professionals and practitioners who work with children. Our thematic areas of focus include: the treatment of children within criminal justice systems; violence against children and child protection; protecting the rights of children in the context of migration and asylum; child marriage; adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health rights; the rights of children in the context of armed conflict and terrorism; and many others. We work in countries throughout the world.

We are seeking a highly organised, diligent and proactive Project Management Officer to manage a portfolio of projects and support the operations of our team.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing date: 23:59 (GMT) Sunday 26th April 2026

Interview dates: Week beginning 4th May and 11th May 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 281222.

Partnerships Officer (Hybrid), London Wildlife Trust

What’s on offer:

Salary: £31,092

· 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and a discretionary Christmas closure

· Benefits platform with discounts on retail, dining and days out

· Salary sacrifice schemes for gym, bicycles and nursery/childcare

· Access to a free Employee Assistance Scheme to support you inside and outside of work

· Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

Location: Head Office (Victoria, London) approximately 1-2 days per week with the remaining from home

Flexible working: Flexible working requests are available from day one. We would also consider applicants looking to work 4 days per week, or looking to work compressed or school hours. 

Role Overview:

The Talent Set are delighted to partner with London Wildlife Trust on a fantastic new Partnerships Officer role. This position offers an exciting opportunity to support impactful collaborations that advance the organisation's mission and help secure high-value philanthropic income from individuals, trusts and foundations, and corporate partners. This is an exciting opportunity to support on building and stewarding relationships, developing proposals and playing an integral part in the growth of the organisation.

London Wildlife Trust is the only charity solely dedicated to protecting London’s wildlife and wild spaces, offering the chance to contribute directly to impactful conservation work. As a grassroots organisation embedded in local communities, the Trust actively engages and inspires people to connect with nature, giving fundraisers meaningful stories and community-driven projects to support.

Key Responsibilities

• With the support of the wider Fundraising team, steward and nurture relationships with existing supporters across a high value audience of major donors, trusts & foundations and corporates.
• Identify, research and cultivate new funding opportunities aligned with organisational priorities.
• Coordinate and facilitate partnership activities, including events, ensuring deliverables are met.
• Track partnership progress, analyse outcomes, and share inspiring updates that report the impact of their support.
• Represent the organisation at meetings, events, and networking functions.
• Maintain accurate CRM records that enable stronger internal collaboration, ensuring compliance with GDPR and best fundraising practice.
• Support the organisation’s outreach and engagement efforts to raise awareness.

Person Specification

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in fundraising, ideally with some expertise of establishing relationships and stewarding high value supporters.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a wide variety of projects, including event activities related to key organisational updates/developments.
• Knowledge/interest of environmental, conservation or sustainability issues to develop compelling funding proposals and reports.
• A proactive and flexible approach with problem-solving abilities.

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

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

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Philanthropy Officer to join a growing fundraising team on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering vital income from philanthropic supporters during a period of continued growth and increasing demand for services.

You will manage and develop a portfolio of trusts, foundations, and major donors, guiding them through the full philanthropy giving cycle, from identification and cultivation to stewardship and recognition.

Key responsibilities include:

• Identifying, developing and managing relationships with funders and donors to meet income targets
• Maximising income through effective stewardship and relationship management
• Writing compelling funding proposals, reports, and presentations
• Securing funding for projects, programmes, and core costs
• Researching and identifying new funding opportunities
• Managing and maintaining a strong pipeline of prospects
• Monitoring and reporting on financial and non-financial KPIs
• Supporting strategic development of the philanthropy programme

About You

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Proven experience in a philanthropy or fundraising role within the charity or not-for-profit sector
• A strong track record of securing and managing donor relationships
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Experience managing donor portfolios and pipelines
• The ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including trusts, major donors, and senior volunteers
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• A proactive, results driven approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A full driving licence and access to your own transport

Full job description available upon request.

Salary: £32,861 pro rata

Contract Type: 12 months FTC, part-time, 26 hrs a week

Location: Huntingdon

Application: Cv and Supporting statement to

Deadline: On rolling basis

If you’re interested and would like to review a full job description, please contact Hannah at Harris Hill at [email protected]

Harris Hill Charities Recruitment Specialists operates an equal opportunity policy and commits to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Co-Head of Development (Job-Share) 

Part-time | Permanent | Hybrid Working

Salary: £49,774 FTE (pro rata)

Help grow local philanthropy across Kent and Medway 

Kent Community Foundation believes in a Kent and Medway where every community has the opportunity to thrive. 

For 25 years we have connected generous people with grassroots organisations creating change in their communities. By working with individuals, families, businesses and professional advisers, we help ensure funding reaches the local charities and community groups that need it most. 

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary and look ahead to the future, we are seeking a Co-Head of Development to help grow philanthropy across the county. 

Working in partnership with an existing Co-Head of Development, this role will focus particularly on developing new philanthropic relationships and opportunities - building partnerships with professional advisers, corporates and prospective donors to support communities across Kent and Medway. 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is highly skilled at building trusted relationships, developing partnerships and connecting people with issues that matter. This role would particularly suit someone who enjoys developing new partnerships and opportunities rather than managing established fundraising programmes. 

About Kent Community Foundation 

Kent Community Foundation is a grant-making charitable foundation dedicated to funding and strengthening communities across Kent and Medway. 

We partner with individuals, families, businesses, trusts and foundations to fund grassroots organisations creating positive change across the county. 

Since our founding in 2001 we have distributed more than £60 million to thousands of charities and community groups, supporting projects that tackle local challenges and help communities thrive. 

Our work is guided by three core values: 

Community first 
Listening to and supporting grassroots organisations who know their communities best. 

Partnership 
Working collaboratively with donors, charities and partners to create lasting change. 

Purposeful giving 
Ensuring funding reaches where it is needed most and creates meaningful impact. 

Together, we are helping communities across Kent and Medway thrive now and in the future. 

The Role:

This is a strategic and outward-facing leadership role focused on growing philanthropic income. 

Working closely with the Chief Executive and your Co-Head of Development, you will help drive our fundraising strategy and develop a strong pipeline of new funding opportunities, with a particular focus on professional adviser engagement. 

You will also play a key role in developing our approach to legacy giving, helping to build long-term relationships and position Kent Community Foundation as a trusted partner for planned giving. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Identifying and developing new philanthropic opportunities across Kent and Medway 
• Building relationships with professional advisers, including solicitors, accountants and wealth managers 
• Developing and stewarding relationships with professional advisors involved in estate planning, to strengthen the pipeline of potential legacy pledgers and legacy income 
• Developing corporate partnerships with businesses 
• Growing and managing a pipeline of prospective donors and fundholders 
• Representing Kent Community Foundation across networks, events and professional forums 
• Developing proposals and conversations that lead to new charitable funds, legacy pledges, and long-term partnerships 
• Contributing to the strategic leadership of the Foundation’s development work 

We are looking for someone who enjoys connecting people with purpose and who is motivated by the opportunity to grow philanthropy locally. 

You might currently work in philanthropy, partnership development, professional adviser engagement, or business development. 

We would also welcome applications from candidates working in professional services, financial services or other relationship-led roles who are interested in applying their skills to growing local philanthropy. We are looking for someone who is:

• A confident relationship builder and natural networker 
• Strategic and proactive in developing opportunities
• Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and philanthropists 
• Motivated by supporting communities across Kent and Medway 

Why Join Us? 

• Be part of an organisation making a real difference across Kent and Medway 
• Work with generous donors and partners to support local communities 
• Join a friendly and collaborative team 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements 
• Help shape the future of philanthropy in Kent 

Location 

Our office is based in Smeeth near Ashford, with hybrid working available. The role will involve meetings and events across Kent and Medway. 

Closing date: Midnight 15th April 2026

Interviews: 30th April 2026

LONDON DIRETOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Senior fundraising leadership role with Young Life International. Building transformative relationships with major donors to fund the growth of life-changing youth mission across London and beyond.

Why work for Young Life International?

• Senior leadership role at the heart of a growing and ambitious mission-focused Christian charity
• Salary of £55,000–£68,000 plus up to 18.6% inner London weighting
• Hybrid – min one day per week in London
• Flexible and compressed hours options
• Travel opportunities within Europe and to the USA
• A positive, faith-centred team environment with a healthy work-life balance

Young Life International is a global movement dedicated to helping young people find hope and purpose through authentic friendship and the life-giving message of Jesus. They currently support over 1,000 young people and students across 11 London boroughs.

Their approach is relational at its core: caring adults build bridges of authentic friendship with young people, where they are, as they are, sharing the hope of Jesus in ways and words they understand.

As London Director of Development, you will be at the heart of building and developing relationships with London’s high-net-worth community. You’ll engage with major donors and high-potential supporters, securing transformative funding that enables YLI London’s work to expand.

You will:

• Build and develop an active portfolio of major donors and potential major donors, securing gifts of £10,000 and above
• Lead on securing grants from key UK trusts and foundations
• Plan and host impactful vision events to inspire and engage donors and supporters, including inviting them to experience YLI’s work firsthand
• Implement personalised stewardship plans to retain and grow donor support
• Contribute to staff prayers and, on occasion, lead devotions

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and a PVG check (due to camp in Scotland).

For further details, please view the candidate pack on the Charisma Charity Recruitment website.

For an informal chat to ask any questions, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Please apply through the Charisma website with your CV and supporting statement.

Closing date: Applications are being reviewed on receipt and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. When a suitable candidate is found the role will close, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion*, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

*In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9, it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practicing Christian.

About Us

The Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship is one of the four Loyal Societies supported by His Majesty The King and has been promoting friendship and hospitality across Commonwealth nations since 1901. We remain committed to our founding belief that education, in its broadest sense, is the foundation of human development.

Currently, we are proud to offer Commonwealth students the opportunity to become part of a Commonwealth family, whose values are decency, respect for others, understanding, tolerance, integrity and partnership. 

One of our key priorities is to provide a vibrant student house for young Commonwealth students to live in when attending a university or college in London, to make lifelong friends and to learn from each other in a safe and secure environment. The Victoria League Student House is an affordable 'home away from home' whilst studying in London.

About the Role

As General Manager, you will play a central role in leading and developing the work of The Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship, raising its profile and ensuring its long-term sustainability. You will oversee the overall management of the charity, alongside the effective operation of the Victoria League Student House.

This is a broad and hands-on leadership position, combining strategic development with day-to-day operational oversight. You will drive key fundraising initiatives and business development opportunities, as well as support the House Manager and their team, and the Membership and Administration Officer.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and growth of the charity
• Drive fundraising and build partnerships
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Student House
• Support and manage staff
• Ensure effective financial management and governance
• Promote the charity through events, communications, and stakeholder engagement
• Oversee property management and health and safety for the Student House.

Private accommodation at Student House may be available for a reduced salary and on call duties. 

Please see attached the full Job Description and Person Specification.

In 30 years we've helped transform over 10,000 children's lives around the world, giving them the chance of a brighter future. We're feel we are just getting started and are looking for a confident, relational communicator with a heart for transforming children's lives to join our team. 

We're looking for someone who loves fundraising and will thrive in an outward facing role which blends strategy, storytelling and relationship-building. You’ll be as comfortable speaking from a church platform as you are meeting one-to-one with a key donor.

Please read the job description and if you feel this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. 

Office overview

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

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

DARO (The Development and Alumni Relations Office) exists to support this academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research trials, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships. We are currently at the heart of delivering the Birmingham in Action campaign with goals to raise £600m and generate 1,250,000 volunteer hours.

As an office, we are committed to sustainability and value green working practices. The environment is an integral part of our campaign and we encourage eco-friendly ways of working in order to have a positive impact on our campus and global surroundings. 

Role Summary

We are looking for a Prospect Development Officer to join our highly successful prospect development team, working in partnership with our fundraising team to manage their prospect pools and portfolios. You will provide insight and advice on donors, trusts, foundations, corporations, and other organizations, collating and reviewing data and writing concise and informative reports for the fundraising team and senior stakeholders within the University. You will proactively identify new prospects, ensuring that biographical information is accurate and up to date. Other responsibilities include leading on the improvement and expansion of research processes, supporting with bespoke research requests, supporting the Head of Prospect Development with specialist research projects, and providing support to the philanthropic due diligence process.

 We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. 

Do you enjoy building relationships and inspiring people to support a meaningful cause, while being an inspiring team leader and manager? This could be the role for you.

Job Description

As a senior member of the Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity (BWHC) Fundraising & Marketing team, your main objective is to lead the development and management of our community fundraising programme to maximise income to meet annual targets.

You will play a vital role in stewarding effective relationships to maximise support from our existing supporters and crucially, for driving new donor acquisition to ensure the sustainability of our work.  Developing our community fundraising programme is essential to our income base and profile. Central to our work is supporting our volunteer fundraisers, driving participant numbers for challenge events, recruiting and engaging volunteers to help raise awareness of the impact of our hospitals across Bristol and Weston. Crucially, delivering on our 2025-2030 strategy alongside the rest of the Fundraising and Marketing team will be a key part of your role.

Supported by the Head Public Fundraising, you will develop strategic and operational plans and budgets for your operational area to meet growth targets and you will ensure to focus on the objective of focusing on current and lapsed supporters.

This is a dynamic and varied role where you will work closely with colleagues across fundraising, marketing and hospital teams to deliver our 2025–2030 strategy and bring our community closer to the charity’s mission.

Key Accountabilities

Community & Events Fundraising

• To maximise fundraising income by managing and delivering overall recruitment and stewardship of fundraising groups, individual supporters (including in memory fundraisers and funeral collections), ambassadors and volunteers
• To develop and manage the team, empowering them to deliver the BWHC ‘In Aid of’ strategic plan, focussing on expanding the network of supporters who fundraise for and are happy to represent BWHC externally
• To develop, manage and deliver the BWHC Community Group plan, focusing on acquisition of new supporters and development of our retention plan
• To raise income and profile through the development, management, promotion of a portfolio of events (BWHC events, third party events and In Aid of events), ensuring maximum participation
• To develop and manage the team to deliver stewardship of in memory fundraisers and income from funeral collection
• To work with the Hospital Partnership Manager to develop a strategic approach to increase levels of hospital staff fundraising
• To manage and develop BWHC’s trading offer, including overall management of the physical Fundraising Hub and development of online shop
• To ensure exceptional, personalised but proportionate donor stewardship including continued development of product led stewardship e.g. in celebration
• To oversee the recruitment, training, stewardship and management of volunteers to provide support across the charity
• To work with the Brand & Marketing Team to create and deliver a media programme to maximise participation in BWHC activity
• Supported by the Head of Public Fundraising, to work with the IG & Legacy Manager and Supporter Experience, Data & Insight Team in particular to define, develop and deliver cross-portfolio supporter journeys and consistent supporter care.
   

Leadership & Management

• To provide strong leadership and management to the Community Partnerships & Events Fundraising Officer, Community Partnerships & Event Assistant and Volunteer Officer to ensure they are encouraged and motivated to perform at their best, fulfil their role and achieve agreed targets/KPI’s.

Strategy and Planning

• Contribute to the development and review of Fundraising & Marketing strategy.  
• Accountability for Community Fundraising plan and maximising long-term growth in this area
• Develop, implement and monitor annual operational plans, budgets and income forecasting, and ensure internal reporting is completed
• Ongoing evaluation of activity to ensure maximised return on investment
•  Keep up to date with relevant legislation and developments which affect the charity
• To contribute to the overall work and reporting of the fundraising and communications team through excellent team-work and cross-team working

Deadline for applications: 11.30pm, Friday 24th April
Interviews planned for: W/C 27th Apri. 

Our Benefits:
 

• 27 days annual holiday entitlement (pro-rata) plus an additional day off on your birthday and a wellbeing day. Plus an additional two days leave after five years of service. 
• Commitment to hybrid and flexible working
•  Competitive pension scheme. We'll match employee pension contributions up to 8% (minimum 5%)
•  Additional support via our enhanced Employee Assistance Programme, including up to eight sessions with a licensed counsellor
•  Life assurance cover - 4x annual salary
•  Commitment to training and development with budget set aside
•  Medicash health plan - claim cash towards a range of medical costs
•  Free Blue Light Card that allows access to hundreds of discounts at major retailers.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and cover letter, outlining how your experience fits the role and skills required. 

Polka Theatre in Wimbledon seeks a Development & Events Manager to join our successful and welcoming team.

This is the role for you, if you:

· Would like to work for a pioneering national theatre for children.

· Enjoy planning and delivering fundraising events, which leverage immediate and ongoing support for the charity.

· Want to help a charity inspire supporters and build quality relationships with them, by telling the story of our impact.

· Are creative, personable, dynamic and great at communicating.

Polka is seeking a Development and Events Manager to coordinate Polka’s regular giving programmes, manage an established programme of events and oversee a committed portfolio of corporate supporters. As a key member of the Development Team, this is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help shape Polka's future as a leading children's theatre. 

The Development and Events Manager will help donors feel inspired, appreciated, and compelled to support Polka. You will do this through high-quality communications and events for Polka’s donors, potential donors and corporate partners. The postholder will devise and coordinate a varied annual programme of stewardship and cultivation events and take a proactive role in attracting new supporters.

This is a permanent, full-time role. More details are in the recruitment pack on our website.

This role will suit candidates with fundraising experience, particularly with individual giving and events. We also welcome applications from people with transferable skills who can draw on their experience in other sectors. 

The role is primarily on site at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, with up to 2 days working from home per week.

Polka's commitment as an equal opportunities employer means we are keen to encourage applications from people from the Global Majority, people across the gender spectrum and people who self-identify as disabled, who are underrepresented in our sector.

Polka is funded by Arts Council England, London, registered charity number 256979.