Fundraising engagement lead jobs

About the opportunity 

This is an exhilarating time for Advancement as we have recently embarked on our second comprehensive campaign. Your leadership will be vital in cultivating complex relationships with high-net-worth individuals, industry collaborators, and innovative organisations, building a vibrant ecosystem of supporters committed to advancing science, technology, engineering, maths and business.

The Director of Development, STEM and Business is a senior role in the team, responsible for growth of the University’s fundraising program within the University’s Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering and the University of Sydney Business School.

Building on several established relationships and a strong trajectory of major philanthropic gifts, this position will establish, manage and nurture relationships with existing and potential donors for the STEM and Business portfolios.

Working closely with academic leadership, this position is also charged with growing a culture of philanthropy across the Faculty and schools to increase awareness of and engagement with the fundraising process.

You will bring a wealth of experience in major gift fundraising, a proven track record of closing gifts, and a strategic mind adept at navigating complex stakeholder environments. You will be a creative, inspiring leader, motivating and developing a team of development professionals dedicated to achieving bold goals.

The following overview of Activities and Accountabilities are designed to deliver outcomes aligned with the University’s strategic goals:

• Demonstrated success in closing multi-million dollar gifts and meeting stretch financial targets.

• Ability to think strategically and provide robust, tactical advice on fundraising strategy.

• Current knowledge of best practices in development.

• Expert influencing skills and the demonstrated ability to coordinate and optimise outcomes from competing objectives across the institution through collaboration, negotiation and priority setting to mitigate internal competition.

• Proven leadership experience with the ability to mentor, inspire and motivate a group of ambitious and goal-oriented professionals.

• Proven ability to present complex information in a clear and compelling manner in writing and in person.

• Demonstrated success in establishing, cultivating and maintaining high-level, strong relationships with influential donors.

• Experience building collaborative working relationships with colleagues and senior leadership to achieve the organisation’s goals.

• Relevant tertiary qualifications would be beneficial.

About us

The Advancement Portfolio team at the University of Sydney is the most successful fundraising program in Australian higher education. Having completed the nation’s first $1BN fundraising campaign and recently launched on the next, the team is not only the finest performing, its success facilitates the largest real-world impact that philanthropic giving makes possible.

Since its inception 175 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to philanthropy and underpin our long-term strategy for excellence and growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence.

Why us

When you join the University of Sydney, you become an integral part of a community in which you are fully supported to achieve your career ambitions. You’ll be in a workplace where development is encouraged, and intellectual pursuits foster a sense of purpose and confidence including:

• 35-hour work week

• flexible working model

• up to 36 weeks paid parental leave.

• tax-efficient salary packaging options

• ongoing training and development in-house and external

• subsidised parking on campus

• access to Relocation Assistance and sponsorship if needed

Note for candidates from overseas

• The University will cover costs and travel for the final shortlisted candidate interviews.

• We will also assist with a temporary visa for this position, assist with immigration and family relocation costs

Closing date: 11:59pm Tuesday 27th January 2026

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
 

If you are passionate about the power of philanthropy to impact the future of research and education, and if you seek a rewarding opportunity to inspire change across multiple sectors, we would be delighted to hear from you. Join us in shaping a legacy that will benefit generations to come, in a vibrant university renowned for its innovation, diversity, and opportunities.

Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact, Sarah Scott, Recruitment Operations.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

This is a rare opportunity to join the Scottish Wildlife Trust at a transformative time and play a leading role in one of our most ambitious fundraising initiatives.

For over 60 years, the Trust has championed healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas.

We are now creating the role of Major Gifts Manager. Joining our Development Team, and managing our Development Officer, you will lead philanthropic giving, with a particular focus on securing the Inverbroom Endowment – a multi-million pound campaign to safeguard the long-term future of our newest and largest wildlife reserve.

Working closely with an external fundraising agency, senior staff and volunteer leaders, you will manage and grow a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, secure major gifts (including six-figures and above), and develop compelling cases for support that bring complex conservation challenges to life.

We are looking for a confident fundraiser with at least five years’ experience in philanthropy, ideally within the environmental NGO sector. You will have a strong track record of meeting financial targets, managing prospect pipelines, and stewarding long-term donor relationships.

If you are a confident relationship builder who acts with integrity, thrives on collaboration and wants your work to deliver real, lasting impact for nature, we would love to hear from you.

Are you a natural relationship-builder who is motivated by the impact your work can have? We are a young and vibrant charity that is dedicated to supporting those who have been bereaved by suicide.

We are looking for a Corporate Partnerships Officer to join our fundraising team. Reporting directly to our CEO, you will play a crucial role in helping us to grow our income and support more people.

This role is a 12-month placement from 1st April 2026 - 31st March 2027 funded by The Rank Foundation as part of their Time to Shine Leadership Programme (see below).

You will contribute to the charity's overall fundraising strategy by actively seeking, securing, and managing mutually beneficial corporate partnerships. It will involve preparing compelling proposals, cultivating relationships, and ensuring high standards of stewardship.

We would like to hear from you even if you don’t feel you have all the skills or experience mentioned in the accompanying job description but you do share our values and mission.

Time to Shine Leadership Programme

The Time to Shine Leadership Programme is aimed at those who are currently unemployed or underemployed and provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience within a charity as part of a 12-month work placement. It incorporates personal and professional development activities, including several residential events, as well as membership of the RankNet community and access to a mentor.

The key upcoming dates to be aware of are 28th April and 6th May for the programme launch - you will need to be available to attend these (travel expenses will be covered).

There is a link to find out more information in the accompanying job description.

Generous Giving Manager
Canterbury, Kent
£36,397 pa plus excellent benefits
35 hours per week

The Generous Giving Manager is a very exciting and influential role at the Diocese, as you will build on the strong and energetic foundations within our two-person Generous Giving Team to strengthen the financial sustainability of local churches by encouraging generosity in time, talents and financial giving.

Working closely with deaneries, parishes and their leadership teams, you will identify local challenges and opportunities for generous giving, sharing innovative giving practices to help parishes and deaneries develop creative and effective ways to resource their mission.

Communicating clearly and inspiringly the principles of Christian giving to diverse audiences, you will keep up to date with National Church resources, promoting and supporting a wide range of giving methods such as the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS), online and contactless giving. You will also offer guidance to parish officers for resources on giving campaigns, legacies and grant funding.

This is an ideal role for someone with a good understanding of church life, a passion for helping local churches thrive, a strong commitment to community engagement and an understanding of generosity grounded in Christian teaching.

With demonstrable experience in fundraising or parish ministry, you should bring an awareness of the financial and missional challenges facing churches today, particularly in rural contexts. 

With an understanding of the Church of England’s structures, ethos, and range of traditions, you will have the proven ability to plan, advise on and lead giving or fundraising programmes in a not-for-profit or charitable context. You should also have a clear understanding of the teaching which underpins the Christian principles of giving.

Your motivational and collaborative approach across a variety of settings, combined with your outstanding interpersonal skills and natural ability at rapport building will ensure you are able to generate and develop creative, solution-focused ideas, engaging and inspiring individuals and groups, both in person and online.

Typically, you will operate during office hours but will need to adjust your working pattern in order to meet with parishes in the evenings and/or occasionally attend their Sunday worship, so the ability to travel to remote locations and work flexibly is a necessity.

Canterbury Diocese is the oldest diocese in England, stretching from Maidstone to Thanet, the Isle of Sheppey to the Romney Marsh. We have 350 miles of coastline with historic ports and seaside resorts, alongside rural communities, market towns and commuter-belt urban developments. Affluent areas often sit alongside pockets of major deprivation, offering an exciting and challenging mission context. 

At the heart of all we do is a vision of transformation for ourselves and our communities: no one can encounter God and remain unchanged. In the Diocese of Canterbury, we want to increasingly become a Christian community transformed through encounter with Christ, growing and overflowing to transform and bless the families, homes and communities we serve: Changed Lives, Changing Lives.

Closing date: 9 February 2026.

Located in the historic town of St Andrews, St Leonards is one of Scotland’s leading independent schools, recently named Scottish Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2026 by The Sunday Times. It is a vibrant, co-educational boarding and day community with a true international outlook.

Approaching its 150th Anniversary in 2027, the School is preparing to launch the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history. This is a career-defining opportunity for an exceptional professional to drive this initiative, instilling a culture of philanthropy that will secure the future of St Leonards for generations to come.

Reporting directly to the Head, this post will be targeted with generating £500k+ of revenue and will demand both exceptional relationship building skills and technical fundraising expertise. The successful candidate will have freedom to innovate and make a tangible difference and be able to engage prospective donors and the wider highly supportive Seniors (Alumni) community. You will protect the School’s reputation by conducting thorough due diligence on donors and ensuring full compliance with OSCR regulations.

You will be responsible for the School’s capital and strategic fundraising initiatives supported by the Alumni and Development Officer and will work with the supportive, mission-driven Executive Team and Board of Governors to develop and implement these.

To be successful you will be educated to degree level and have knowledge and experience in previous roles where you have developed a demonstrable track record of devising and implementing multi-year fundraising strategies which have allowed you to personally secure 5 and 6 figure gifts from individuals, trusts or foundations. You will possess the financial and legal expertise to structure complex gifts and bring them to completion.

More information on the responsibilities of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required of candidates can be found in the Candidate Pack.

St Leonards is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory PVG check.

Interviews are expected to commence in St Andrews week beginning 26th January 2026

Are you a creative and curious relationship builder with an interest in science and technology, and its ability to change the world?

University of Oxford’s world-leading Mathematical Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Development team is looking for their next aspiring fundraising professional, offering the chance to learn, grow and hone their skills in the role of Development Officer.

 Offering an exceptional salary and benefits package along with unrivalled opportunities for professional development, this is a unique early-career opportunity for a driven individual with fundraising, marketing or transferable relationship skills looking for a stimulating and nurturing learning environment.

About the role:

From climate science and robotics, to drug discovery and surveying and conserving tropical rainforests, Oxford scientists are at the forefront of international research and their work has global impact. You’ll join the country’s most successful higher education Development team working closely with academics and researchers with an international reputation for excellence.

You will help to raise funds for cutting-edge, innovative and life-changing research, scholarships, access and outreach, and a number of key capital projects.

You’ll also develop your skills and experience across a range of income streams: regular giving, stewardship, legacies and major gifts, including gaining experience facilitating gifts up to six figures.

About you:

You’ll already have some fundraising, business development, alumni relations, or marketing experience. We’re looking for you to be able to positively and confidently engage and build rapport, both in conversation and writing.

You’re naturally curious and keen to learn more about the potential for scientific developments impact world issues, and change people’s lives.

We’d also love to see you demonstrate the following skills and qualities:
Think strategically and tactically about the relations between potential donors and fundraising goals.

· Be creative in producing materials, with an understanding of how to articulate projects for donors.

· Able to manage, prioritise and adapt to a diverse workload, meet deadlines, and work calmly under pressure.

In return for your passion and commitment, you’ll receive a generous salary and benefits package, joining a supportive team that will encourage and nurture you to thrive. 

What we offer:

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

· Flexible hybrid working

· An excellent contributory pension scheme

· 38 days annual leave

· Membership to CASE

· Training and development opportunities

· A comprehensive range of childcare services

· Family leave schemes

· Cycle loan scheme

· Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

· Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

 Application process

 · Click the link to ‘Apply’ and follow the on-screen instructions on our Application portal.

· Applications must include of a CV and a letter of application, in your own words (in PDF format), outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon on 14 January 2026 can be considered.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place 22 January 2026, in person in Oxford.

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

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

Job Title: Engagement Manager

 

Contract: Full time with an option of working one day per week from home

Hours / Weeks:37.5 hrs pew week

 

Salary: £37,694 - £46,049

 · Are you energised by new and meaningful connections?

· Does the chance to work creatively and inspire others motivate you?

· Are you excited by the idea of a role you can make your own?

Worcester College is recruiting for the key, senior role of Engagement Manager to be part of its Development and Alumni Relations team of seven. This is a vital role as we seek to deepen and expand connections with the College’s donor and alumni community. The Engagement Manager will be responsible for the development and delivery of an engagement strategy which aims to build relationships with alumni and donors to lead to greater involvement with the College through the giving of funds, time and expertise, to give donors a strong sense of the positive impact of their generosity, and to bring potential major donors closer to the areas of College life that require financial support.

At Worcester we have worked extremely hard to foster deeper engagement with alumni and feedback from our community has been very positive. We are seeking a team member who can bring rigour and focus in order to build on this strong foundation, bringing a proven track record in strategic thinking, effective relationship building, strong attention to quality and detail and project management skills. The role is varied and would suit someone who understands the value to the fundraising programme of creating meaningful connections, with the drive and creativity to deliver an innovative and successful engagement programme. The role gives the opportunity to build on relationship fundraising knowledge and experience through working personally with a portfolio of donors to develop relationships and grow their philanthropic giving to the College.

The Development and Alumni Relations team works in spacious offices in the heart of Worcester College overlooking some of the most beautiful gardens in Oxford. As a team we enjoy a strong sense of purpose and shared success.

Further details of the role and person specification can be found through the document attached in the job advert on our college website.

Application process: Please apply following the link on our website.

 Interview date: Week starting 2nd February 2026

If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks including Right to Work, proof of identity and two references (including your most recent employer).

Worcester College is equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds. Worcester College actively welcomes diversity amongst its staff and students. As a Disability Confident employer, all reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment process, working arrangements and/or environment to accommodate applicants with any form of disability.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy prior to the end date if a suitable candidate is found.

Your aim will be to lead on developing a fundraising strategy and growing the museums' contributed income accross multiple fundraising channels.

Strategy: working closely with the Chief Executive, you will lead the development of a fundraining strategy to deliver contributed income across individual philanthropists, companies and grant makers.

Research and Prospecting: working alongside the Chief Executive, Development Committee and the Board, you will identify and research prospective people, companies and grant-makers that could support Queer Britain.

Pipeline Management: using our CRM system, you will maintain our pipeline, ensuring records are up to date and accurate.

Cultivation: using the full resources of Queer Britain, you will create cultivation plans that may include informal meetings, tours of the museum, meeting with key members of the team, workshop visits and private dinners.

Making the ask: you will be fearless in asking people to support the museum, and will support the Chief Executive with pitching to companies and writing grant applications. 

Stewarding Supporters: you will ensure that all Queer Britain supporters understand the impact of their donation with a stewardship programm that entertains, engages and encourages renewal.

Our ideal candidate would be:

• an outstanding fundraiser with a track record of securing four and five figure donations
• a fundraising professional experienced in working within at least one of the main areas of fundraising, membership, individual donors, grant makers or corporates.
• someone committed to providing outstanding, engaging and exciting donor and sponsor stewardship.
• someone able to build positive relationshipswith internal and external stakeholders, inclusing museum staff, guest artists, visitors,volunteers and Board members.
• someone excited about the prospect of working in a cultural organisation with inclusive storytelling at the heart of everything we do.
• a dynamic individual with the ability to work independently, yet collaboratively accross the entire organisation.
• someone committed to their own professional development, willing to share their knowledge, skills and experience.
• an excellent communicator, confident with technology.

Volunteer Board Fundraiser
Salary: £28,337 – £31,485 per annum, plus £3,366 Inner London Weighting Allowance
Location: London (Hybrid – 1 day per week in the office, more if preferred)
Annual Leave: 29 days (rising to 32 after five years)

Help shape fundraising that changes lives.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a stable, experienced team during an exciting period of progression and clarity of mission. You’ll work with passionate volunteers and deliver innovative fundraising initiatives that make a real difference for children. The role offers variety, flexibility, and the chance to develop your skills in a busy, diverse environment.

About the team:

• A highly experienced and supportive team, with members who’ve been here for 3 to 12 years
• Recently merged Special Events and Volunteer Board Fundraising teams, creating new opportunities for collaboration
• Strong morale and a renewed focus under new leadership
• Extensive internal and external engagement, with buy-in across the organisation

What you’ll do:

• Support and develop multiple regional and national volunteer boards (currently 12–15), including high-profile boards such as Property, Childline, and Rebuilding Childhood
• Build and maintain relationships with senior volunteers, including CEOs and high-net-worth individuals
• Assist in planning and delivering volunteer-led fundraising initiatives and events, from corporate to creative sectors
• Provide guidance and resources to volunteers to ensure successful outcomes
• Contribute to departmental goals and budgets, helping shape the future of volunteer-led fundraising

What we’re looking for:

• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to engage senior volunteers
• Excellent organisational skills with experience managing multiple projects
• Creativity and enthusiasm for fundraising and volunteer engagement
• Positive, flexible and proactive attitude – this is a role you can shape and develop
• Good communication skills and a collaborative approach

Why join us?

• A great second role for fundraisers looking to broaden their experience
• Flexible working arrangements and a supportive culture with internal networks and groups
• Opportunities to work on diverse boards and events, with evening work in summer for special occasions
• A team that values collaboration, innovation, and impact

Equal Opportunities Statement:
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Senior Supporter Experience Specialist
Salary: £38,000 – £41,000
Contract: 6-month Fixed Term Contract
Location: Fully remote
Closing date: 12th January
Benefits: Generous annual leave, workplace pension, life assurance, discounted gym membership

We have a great opportunity for a Senior Supporter Experience Specialist working for a charity that is driven by insights and impact, committed to transforming attitudes and closing the disability employment gap, and known for creating an equal future with disabled people.
This is an exciting role because you will play a key part in shaping supporter experience strategies, improving engagement, and driving innovation in supporter journeys. You’ll have the chance to make a real impact by combining data-driven insights with creative approaches to enhance loyalty and lifetime value.
As part of this exciting role, you will lead the delivery and optimisation of supporter journeys across individual giving campaigns, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for donors. Additionally, you will work closely with community and events teams to ensure consistent and impactful communications across all touchpoints.
To be successful as the Senior Supporter Experience Specialist you will need:

• Proven track record in fundraising with supporter experience at the heart of what you do
• Experience in developing and delivering email marketing and engagement campaigns
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess campaign performance and make data-driven decisions

If you would like to discuss this role with us please email your CV to [email protected] or contact us and quote the reference 2813AJ.
Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, passionate about improving equality across the sector. You can read more about our commitment to diversity here.
If enough applications are received, the charity reserves the right to end the application period sooner.

About The Role

As a key part of our new organisational strategy there is a new structure in the Fundraising Directorate, designed to support significant income growth. An important part of the new leadership team would be   an exceptional Head of Acquisition and Development to take on one of the most wide-reaching and influential leadership roles at Royal British Legion. This is a big, complex role with real visibility, offering the chance to shape how we attract, engage and build long-term relationships with supporters at a time of significant change.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

This role sits at the heart of how we grow and sustain our supporter base. You’ll be accountable for the strategic direction of supporter acquisition and development, owning the full journey from first engagement through to long-term value. With significant scope and autonomy, you’ll set clear direction, make confident decisions and ensure our approach is coherent, ambitious and built for scale.

Change and transformation are central to this role. You’ll lead the embedding of new processes, ways of working and decision-making frameworks across teams, bringing structure, pace and clarity in a complex environment. Working at senior level, you’ll influence across the organisation, lead our approach to creative, manage competing priorities and ensure delivery remains strong while our fundraising approach evolves.

We’re looking for a senior fundraising or marketing leader who can strategically think and engage with the challenges we face, to create the right solutions and sell them in across the organisation. Successful candidates will have  deep, hands-on experience of leading large-scale acquisition and development in a complex organisation. You’ll be comfortable operating at leadership level, accountable for performance, and confident leading teams through change. If you’re motivated by scale, influence and the opportunity to shape the future of mass fundraising at a large and well recognised national charity, this role offers a rare and career-defining challenge.

You will be contracted to our Haig House London hub with a minimum expectation of two days per week working in person at the hub and flexibility for working remotely/at home when not on site.

Employee benefits include -

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Private Healthcare
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our shortlisting is performed on the evidence provided in your application against the Essential and Desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

Interview Dates:       
First-stage interviews: 29 January – 2 February

- Interviews will last 90 minutes
- Candidates will be asked to complete a task as part of the interview

Second-stage interviews: TBC

- Successful candidates will be invited to a one-hour interview with an executive director

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

We’re looking for a confident and experienced fundraiser to lead our corporate partnerships during a pivotal year of growth. This 12-month parental leave cover will oversee a small portfolio of existing corporate supporters, while driving forward our corporate strategy to build new partnerships—particularly within the finance and professional services sectors.

The role sits in PEAS’ small and ambitious Development Team, which raises over £7M annually to support our education programmes across Uganda, Zambia, and Ghana. You’ll work closely with senior leaders and colleagues across the organisation to deliver excellent stewardship, create compelling proposals, and grow our pipeline of corporate support.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and manage our corporate fundraising strategy
• Build new relationships and identify partnership opportunities
• Deliver high-quality stewardship, reporting, and proposal development
• Line manage a Development Officer supporting on events and communications

We’re looking for someone with:

• 5+ years of experience in corporate fundraising or business development
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and developing tailored pitches
• Excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative working style
• This is a great opportunity to take ownership of a growing income stream and help drive impact for thousands of young people through quality education.

Please refer to the attached job pack below for further details of this fantastic role.

How to apply

To apply, please click the 'Redirect to Recruiter' button to be redirected to our application form. Please ensure you have read the job pack attached to this job advert before applying.

We will be reviewing and shortlisting applications on a rolling basis, and will close the application process once we have a suitable number of candidates. Therefore, please do submit your application as soon as possible. Due to high volumes of applications, if you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of submitting your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. We are committed to ensuring our opportunities are accessible to all, so if there is any way that we can support you to be the best you can be in the recruitment process, please do get in touch by e-mail. We welcome all applicants and will always treat every application fairly based on merit. 

Prospect Research Manager

Are you an established and confident prospect research professional with experience within the charity sector? Do you have a track record in identifying and qualifying prospects across philanthropy, corporate and/or trust markets? Are you able to communicate and present complex information to different audiences? If so, we have the perfect role for you.

We are recruiting a new Prospect Research Manager to join our team on a part time, permanent basis for 3 days per week (22.5 hours). Here at Mencap we understand that some of our office based colleagues can do their role from a range of locations, which is why we like to be flexible. We only ask for this role that you can commit to 1 day in our London Office per week, plus attend any other meetings when required.

The Prospect Research Manager will lead the development and delivery of prospect research to strengthen Mencap’s pipelines for trust, philanthropy and corporate fundraising teams in order to enable sustained income growth. Reporting into the Senior Philanthropy Manager, this post works closely with trust, corporate and philanthropy teams whilst working regularly with teams across fundraising, including community, events, fundraising operations and legacy teams.

Core responsibilities:

· Devise and implement targeted prospecting strategies to identify and qualify potential trust, statutory, corporate and philanthropy prospects.

· Support fundraisers through prospect management, portfolio development and network mapping.

· Deliver insightful prospect research to inform cultivation and engagement strategies.

· Maximise use of CRM system (Salesforce) and analytical tools to deliver high-quality reporting and to support forecasting and pipeline planning.

· Monitor and interpret external and internal trends and influences to ensure Mencap’s prospect pipelines are managed optimally.

· Work collaboratively to identify and qualify potential philanthropic donors from across the fundraising directorate.

· Deliver training to fundraisers on matters of prospect research, as the need arises.

Your Experience

· Strong understanding of the UK philanthropy, trust and corporate giving landscapes, including trends, motivators and vehicles for giving.

· Detailed knowledge of research tools and techniques including wealth analysis in a fundraising environment.

· Understanding of the regulatory landscape in which research exists, and the need for compliance and sensitivity.

· Established experience in delivering prospect research within the charity sector, with a track record in identifying and qualifying prospects across philanthropy, corporate and/or trust markets.

· Curiosity, creativity and innovation in exploring new sources, methods and connections.

· Skilled communicator, able to present complex insights clearly, persuasively and succinctly. Familiarity with CRM systems, ideally Salesforce.

· Extensive knowledge of compliance requirements including GDPR, Fundraising Code of Practice and others.

*More information can be found on the job description.

Why join Mencap?

At Mencap, you can bring your whole self to work. We are committed to inclusion, kindness and continuous learning, and we believe that when our people feel supported and valued, they can do their best work.

If you’re ready to make a difference, please get in touch today by providing an up-to-date bespoke CV that demonstrates all your relevant skills and experience. 

The role will close on the 18th January and we will look to hold first stage interviews week commencing 19th January. There will be a second stage interview to follow week commencing 26th January.

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.

Development Officer - Prospect Research & Systems
Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working - minimum 2-3 days on campus)
Salary: £39,407 per annum (Grade 7)
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Closing Date: Fri 23 Jan 2026
Interview in person: TBC 3 or 5 Feb 2026

Help shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at Kingston University.

Kingston University is an incredible place to work. For over 125 years, we've been shaping student futures through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching. Our recent TEF Gold rating reflects our commitment to innovation and impact. Through our ambitious Town House Strategy, we're embedding a progressive new model of education and driving research, knowledge exchange, and partnerships that make a real difference.

The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team plays a vital role in delivering these ambitions. With a global alumni community of over 270,000, we foster relationships that drive philanthropic support, unlock partnerships, and enhance Kingston's reputation worldwide.

About the role

We are now seeking a Development Officer - Prospect Research & Systems to join our high-performing team. This is a pivotal role supporting major gift fundraising by delivering exceptional prospect research, data insights, and systems management. You'll work closely with fundraisers and colleagues across DARE to identify and research potential major supporters (individuals, trusts, and companies) capable of giving £5,000 to £1 million and beyond. Your work will help shape strategies, inform decisions, and strengthen Kingston's fundraising pipeline.

About You

You'll be curious, organised, and proactive, with experience in prospect research and data management in a fundraising or education setting. Comfortable using CRM systems (such as Raiser's Edge), you'll have strong analytical skills and the ability to produce clear, insightful profiles. Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach are essential. An understanding of philanthropy and donor motivations will be a big advantage.

What We Offer

* A dynamic, ambitious team environment
* Hybrid working with a strong sense of campus community
* Opportunities to make a real impact on student success and the University's future

Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston, where inclusion and belonging are at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities.

Benefits include:

* Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days (from entry at all levels), in addition to bank holidays
* Three 'meeting free' weeks each year to create space for reflection and time to plan for the period ahead
* Flexible working - we can consider and accommodate various work patterns
* Family-friendly policies that support the needs of our employees
* Exceptional professional development opportunities

Key Details

- Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working, 2-3 days/week on campus)
- Closing Date: Friday 23 Jan
- Interview Date: in person provisionally 3 or 5 Feb

How to apply?

The application process is CV and Supporting Statement. In the first instance, please send your up-to-date CV to Philippa at Charity People for further details about next steps.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.