Shape the Future of a Unique Regimental Museum
HorsePower, the Museum of The King’s Royal Hussars, is embarking on an ambitious transformation. We are developing a bold new “Museum of the Future” that will reinterpret over 300 years of regimental history through engaging, modern and interactive displays.
We are now seeking an experienced, motivated Fundraising Manager to play a pivotal role in raising £100,000 by mid-2027 to fund the redesign phase and to help establish strong, sustainable fundraising practice for the museum’s next chapter. This is an exciting opportunity for a fundraiser who wants real ownership, influence and the chance to make visible impact in a small but ambitious heritage organisation.
About HorsePower
Located at Peninsula Barracks, Winchester, HorsePower tells the story of The King’s Royal Hussars from 1715 to the present day, spanning India, Waterloo, the World Wars and modern conflict. The museum holds a fascinating collection and unique archives and is now launching a five-year strategic plan to become one of the most vibrant and accessible small military museums in the South of England.
The Role
This is a new role with scope to shape both strategy and delivery. You will lead on trusts, foundations, corporates and major donors, working closely with the Fundraising Trustee and Curator to:
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of funding opportunities.
- Write compelling grant applications and major funding proposals.
- Cultivate relationships with individual and corporate supporters.
- Put in place effective fundraising systems, processes and reporting.
- Develop long-term relationships for future capital funding appeals.
You will be confident working independently, comfortable in a small organisation and motivated by building something with lasting value.
Key Responsibilities
- Audit current fundraising activity, supporters and data
- Research, develop and submit high-quality trust and foundation applications
- Identify and cultivate prospective major donors and corporate partners
- Support stewardship, recognition and donor communications
- Maintain accurate CRM records and GDPR-compliant processes
- Produce concise monthly progress reports for trustees
About you – Essential. You will bring:
- At least three years’ successful fundraising experience (trusts, foundations, major donors and/or corporate partnerships)
- A strong track record of securing significant gifts and grants, ideally within culture, heritage or the wider nonprofit sector
- Excellent written and numeracy skills and experience of crafting persuasive funding proposals
- Confidence building relationships with funders, trustees and senior stakeholders
- Highly organised working practices and strong attention to detail
Desirable - Experience in museums or heritage, an interest in military history, and a creative, entrepreneurial approach to income generation.
Why join us?
- A rare opportunity to shape a museum redevelopment from the ground up
- Flexible working in a supportive, purpose-driven organisation
- A high-impact role where your work will directly influence the museum’s future
Applications: Interested applicants are requested to submit a short covering letter or email stating why they are suitable for the role, a CV and two references.
Closing date: 25 March 2026
Interviews: Late March/early April (online first round, final stage in Winchester)
We may close early if sufficient strong applications are received.
HorsePower is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We also welcome applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate relevant transferable skills and experience gained through work, study, volunteering or other life experience.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)
Salary£49,321.55 per annum
LocationLondon/Hybrid
Weekly Hours35
The Vacancy
Job Title: Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)
Location: London/Hybrid
Salary: £49,321.55 per annum
Weekly Hours: 35
Reference: YMC1095733
We seek a strategic and relationship-driven Philanthropy fundraising professional with a passion for making a difference to young people’s lives. If you thrive on securing transformational gifts and building meaningful connections with high-value donors, then YMCA England & Wales has an incredible opportunity for you to shape and lead our Major Giving programme as our new Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving).
About YMCA England & Wales
YMCA England & Wales supports 83 local YMCAs, advocating for vulnerable young people by providing essential building blocks for a better life—like a safe home, guidance, friendship, and employment skills. We are committed to ensuring fairness and opportunity for all, and through our collective voice, we influence national policy and media to improve the lives of young people across the country.
Fundraising at YMCA England & Wales has three pillars:
- Fundraising for distribution through initiatives such as our RoomSponsor programme and national partnerships
- Fundraise to support YMCAs and fund our policy, campaign and research work, which changes the lives of young people
- Help YMCAs fundraise themselves by providing assets, propositions, and advice for local fundraisers.
The Role
As Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving), you will lead the development and implementation of an ambitious new Major Giving strategy to secure and maximise funds from high-net-worth individuals. Your focus will be on nurturing relationships with existing donors while identifying and engaging new prospects, driving initiatives including Giving Circles and Development Boards.
You will work closely with senior leadership, Trustees, and key stakeholders to craft compelling cases for support, aligning with YMCA’s ambitious new housing strategy and broader organisational goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors, developing tailored engagement strategies to inspire long-term support.
- Plan and execute donor stewardship activities, including bespoke events, face-to-face meetings, and personalised communications.
- Work with senior leadership and Trustees to build strong relationships with philanthropists and high-value supporters.
- Develop and deliver compelling proposals, impact reports, and updates to donors.
- Identify and research prospective major donors, developing strategies to engage them effectively.
- Implement YMCA’s ambitious Major Giving Strategy which projects an ever more important focus for this area.
- Oversee the Major Giving income and expenditure budget, providing accurate forecasts and performance reports.
- Collaborate with colleagues across fundraising teams to align strategies and maximise income opportunities.
- Ensure robust data management within the CRM database, adhering to GDPR and best practices.
- Work cross-functionally to develop new fundraising products and giving opportunities, ensuring high-value philanthropy is embedded across the organisation.
About You
We are looking for a highly motivated, strategic, and personable fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing major gifts. You will be confident in building relationships with high-net-worth individuals and passionate about delivering exceptional donor experiences.
You will have:
- Significant experience in major donor fundraising, with a track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts.
- Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to engage and influence high-value supporters.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to create compelling cases for support.
- Budget management and forecasting experience, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
- Experience working with senior stakeholders, including Trustees and senior leadership teams.
- Knowledge of philanthropy trends, donor motivations, and fundraising best practices.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of an ambitious and growing fundraising team, with the opportunity to shape and lead YMCA’s major donor programme.
- Work for a charity that makes a real difference in the lives of young people and communities across England & Wales.
- Enjoy a collaborative and supportive work environment, where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
- Competitive salary and benefits package, with opportunities for professional development.
If you are passionate about philanthropy and have the skills and experience to drive major donor fundraising at YMCA England & Wales, we would love to hear from you!
To apply: please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role
Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
YMCA is the world's oldest and largest youth charity. Collectively, we support 402,501 young people across 708 communities in England and Wales.
Thank you!
Salary: £38,000 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Hybrid working, with regular attendance at Head Office
Duration: Permanent
The Role
The Marketing and PR Manager leads Devon Air Ambulance’s media relations, public relations, and integrated marketing activity to build awareness, advocacy, and income, shaping the organisation’s narrative through compelling PR and multi‑channel campaigns while safeguarding its reputation. They will manage proactive and reactive press activity, oversee social media strategy, produce and approve high‑quality content, and maintain strong relationships with media and stakeholders. The role works collaboratively across teams to create cohesive supporter journeys and develop patient and supporter stories. Additionally, the postholder integrates AI‑enabled and monitoring tools to enhance coverage and content quality, ensures brand and regulatory compliance, and line‑manages the Marketing and Communications Officer to support workload, development, and wellbeing.
The Candidate
We're looking for a strong communicator with proven PR and marketing experience. You will create compelling content, lead multi‑channel campaigns, manage media relations, and confidently handle sensitive stories. The role will suit someone who is creative, collaborative, and digitally skilled, and someone who will bring professionalism, empathy, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, varied role.
The Package
Salary: £38,000 per annum.
As a valued member of the team you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata)
- Maternity/Paternity & Adoption leave
- Pension scheme
- Occupational sick pay scheme
- Free counselling and financial wellbeing services
Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.
