Major donor jobs

This new post will build on our Charity fundraising work which seeks to generate income from a portfolio of philanthropic sources, including trusts, foundations, individuals, corporate sponsors, and statutory bodies. The primary focus of this role will be to support the Reinventing Borde Hill project, helping to transform Borde Hill’s South Park and establish a community growing garden at Sugworth Farm.

The project has an am fundraising target of £1million, to be raised over the next two years. Additionally, this post will also seek and pursue opportunities to support the work of Borde Hill Garden Charity more widely. Working with the Reinventing Borde Hill project team, the role will effectively manage funders, driving the financial sustainability of the project and wider charity operations.

Your passion for heritage, the natural landscape, and community involvement will feed into compelling funder proposals and ongoing relationship-building with supporters. You will report to the Managing Director, and prepare monthly/quarterly updates for the Project Board and NLHF.

Philanthropy Lead

CAP celebrates the value of diversity and our aim is for our workforce to be as inclusive as possible as well as representing the communities we serve. With this in mind, we welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from black and ethnic minority backgrounds. We are committed to continue building an environment that embraces diversity and includes all.

Context

We are building a church-based movement against poverty, delivering the right messages at the right times to inspire action and support. Our goal is to strengthen the CAP supporter and church movement as we roll out our 2026 messaging: Poverty stops with us.

As a directorate, we call people to action. We invite members of the movement to:

• Get help

  • Access the help they need when they are facing or vulnerable to financial crisis.

• Give financially

  • Have abundant lives which generously share with others.

• Partner with us

  • Be actively involved in the end to UK poverty as a partner, coach, volunteer or client.

• Advocate for those in poverty

  • Belong to a shared vision that advocates for those most in need: a local and national movement.

• Prayerful discipleship

  • Become followers of Jesus, living a life of discipleship where we pray for those in need.

We are driven to raise the necessary funds and partnerships needed to achieve CAP's vision of transformed lives, thriving churches, and an end to UK poverty. We collaborate with other fundraising and communications teams to provide a fantastic and rewarding supporter experience.

Purpose

The Philanthropy Leads, reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, are responsible for inspiring new prospective, cultivating and stewarding high-value donors into greater involvement with Christians Against Poverty. They aim to draw supporters closer to the work we do, deepening their relationship and support of CAP. Income from CAP’s major donors is vital for the future expansion of CAP in the UK.

Each Philanthropy Lead may be allocated one or more area of Philanthropy engagement in order to specialise in, but will be expected to support in any area as required. Such areas include:

• Principle gifts

• Philanthropy prospecting and development

• Trusts and Foundations

Along with seeking direct support for the organisation Christians Against Poverty, there is also an expectation for the postholders to support the raising of funds for the wider movement, particularly for local Church frontline partners.

They themselves will be an experienced and confident relationship builder, communicator and fundraiser, cultivating relationships with high-value donors and partners to achieve ambitious targets.

Passion

Our supporters are more than donors, they are a crucial part of the work we do. We are passionate about ensuring our supporters feel connected, engaged, inspired and committed to tackling poverty in the UK through CAP. We want to give our supporters the best experience of Christians Against Poverty.

Role

Accountabilities:

Strategic Implementation & Fundraising

• Implementation of a strategic plan to significantly increase major donor income.

• Implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy for major donor income, aligned with CAP's overall strategic priorities.

• Execution of market research and competitor analysis to identify new funding opportunities and best practice in Philanthropic fundraising.

• Build strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, in order to identify points of engagement  and draft appropriate funding bids.

• Represent CAP at high-level events and conferences to build relationships with potential donors and partners.

Major Donor Development

• Manage a designated caseload of high-net-worth individuals or trusts, cultivating deep and meaningful relationships.

• Conduct face-to-face meetings, personalised communications, and bespoke stewardship plans to cultivate and steward major donors.

• Develop compelling restricted funding projects to attract major donor investment.

• Implement a donor recognition program to acknowledge and celebrate major donor support.

Philanthropy Team Membership

• A member of the Philanthropy Team of our Mission and Movement Directorate.

• Providing peer support and development with other members of the Philanthropy Team, fostering a high-performing and collaborative environment.

• Work with the Head of Philanthropy to set ambitious targets and KPIs for the postholder, ensuring they are aligned with overall fundraising goals.

• Ensure the timely submission of funding applications and effective stewardship of grant and donor relationships.

• Implement robust systems and processes for donor relationship management, data analysis, and performance tracking.

Impact & Reporting

• Ensure that the CRM is updated with engagements, proposal submissions and engagement plans in a timely fashion.

• Develop compelling narratives and impact reports that effectively communicate the impact of major donor support.

• Track and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of fundraising efforts and identify areas for improvement.

• Provide regular updates on fundraising progress to the Head of Philanthropy.

Innovation & Best Practices

• Stay abreast of current trends and best practices in major donor fundraising.

• Implement innovative fundraising strategies, such as engaging new philanthropists, digital engagement, corporate engagement and high-impact events.

• Evaluate philanthropy activities with the rest of the team and the Fundraising Insight & Innovation team to develop a deeper understanding of supporters and identify new prospects, making data-informed decisions.

• Champion a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the Philanthropy Team.

• Create opportunities for supporters to engage at a senior level and deepen their relationship with CAP, working with the CEO and other senior staff.

Communications & Campaign Management:

• Plan philanthropy initiatives that in order to produce excellent bids, proposals, events, and reports, delivered on time and within budget.

• Coordinate with the Brand and Digital Engagement teams to align messaging and campaigns.

• Ensure philanthropy plans align with brand guidelines and fundraising regulations.

Measurable Outputs:

• Implementation of an annual philanthropy plan that contributes to the wider long-term fundraising strategy.

• Deliver assigned agreed annual income targets for philanthropy which may include:

  • Major Donor income

  • Trusts & foundations income

  • Corporate income

• Deliver key philanthropy targets including:

  • Number of major donor prospects engaged and converted to a managed relationship

  • % of major donor caseload met

  • Number of trusts applied to

  • Average gift size from major donors

Culture:

• Clearly live out and embrace the cultural values of CAP.

• Clearly demonstrate a heart and passion for the charity.

• Sincere acceptance, understanding and practice of the Christian ethos and purpose of the charity.

 

Other responsibilities include:
Being willing to pray with staff and fully engaged with our Christ-centred culture.

• Encouraging friends, family and other contacts to support the charity through the Life Changer program, and other fundraising initiatives.

• Attendance at CAP staff conferences.

• Completing all compulsory CAP training within given timescales.

• This role falls within the scope of the FCA’s conduct rules, and you will be provided with training as to how these apply to the role.  It is your responsibility to ensure that you follow these conduct rules.

The above job profile is a guide to the work you may be required to undertake but does not form part of your contract of employment. It may change from time to time to reflect changing circumstances.

 

Person

Education:

Essential:

• HND level or equivalent experience of critical thinking

Desirable:

• A relevant qualification in fundraising/marketing or equivalent in a relevant discipline (communications, sales).

Experience:

Essential:

• Proven track record of success in securing significant major gifts (5-6 figures) from high-net-worth individuals.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in high-value fundraising.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals.

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

• Strong strategic planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills

• Strong understanding of fundraising best practices and regulatory requirements.

Desirable:

• Experience of managing budgets for projects and campaigns.

• Knowledge of fundraising databases and CRM systems and Salesforce in particular.

Skills/ Abilities:

• A proven fundraiser who can inspire, influence and deliver results

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, particularly in securing philanthropic support and building partnerships

• Excellent interpersonal skills to build strong and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders

• Excellent and passionate written and verbal communication skills

• Highly organised and able to manage competing priorities

• Strong financial literacy, including experience managing budgets, tracking performance and forecasting income

• Able to analyse complex situations, identify challenges, and make sound, data-driven decisions

• A high level of emotional intelligence

Christian Commitment:

• The candidate must be able to give both verbal assent to and practical demonstration of Christians Against Poverty’s Statement of Faith and Core Values.

• Must be able to actively participate in prayer and worship, whether individual, small group or corporately, as an expression of their own personal faith and in line with CAP’s Statement of Faith.

All adults working in or on behalf of CAP have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults. This includes: 

• A responsibility to ensure a safe environment in which CAP services can be delivered. 

• Identifying children and adults where there may be safeguarding concerns.

• Following the CAP Safeguarding policy in addressing any concerns appropriately.

Job overview

In this dynamic role, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership to grow our income streams to £2 million annually and beyond, while maintaining low costs and embedding innovation through AI-driven insights, digital fundraising, and creative projects.

Oversee governance, financial management, grants, lotteries, major donor stewardship, marketing, and a high-performing team, ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies and delivering measurable social value. If you're a visionary leader with a passion for NHS charities, proven fundraising expertise, and the agility to handle hands-on operations—from event planning to risk management—apply now to drive meaningful change and represent us on national stages.

Flexible working with office presence required frequent travel between sites essential.

We kindly request that applicants submit a one-page cover letter along with a curriculum vitae (CV) not exceeding two pages in length when applying. 

Main duties of the job

The Charity Director is responsible for driving the purpose and impact of Frimley Health Charity (FHC), ensuring the charity delivers meaningful benefits to patients, staff, and the wider community. The role combines strategic leadership with active operational involvement, across income growth and translating the charity’s vision into practical initiatives and improvements. The postholder will develop and implement a plan to deliver on the newly agreed FHC strategy to grow income streams, maximise impact, and maintain low operating costs, while also engaging directly in day-to-day operations to ensure the charity runs smoothly and efficiently.

In addition to strategic planning, the Charity Director undertakes hands-on tasks such as financial management, data analysis, market research, process improvement, and reporting to the Charitable Funds Committee and Trust Board. The role involves leading a small, high-performing team, supporting staff in their day-to-day work, and maintaining a culture of collaboration and accountability. The postholder also engages directly with patients, staff, donors, and community partners, and oversees marketing, communications, creative projects, and wellbeing initiatives, ensuring that all activities align to the charity’s purpose. The charity aims to generate an income of £2 million per annum and there is an expectation of the postholder to grow the charity over the coming years.

VACANCY

Philanthropy Fundraiser

£21,000 (£35,000 FTE)

22.5 hours per week

Predominantly Mon-Fri with some evening and weekend working

5 weeks holiday pay plus Bank Holidays (pro rata), Pension Scheme, Staff referral scheme (earn extra pay every time you successfully refer someone), Employee Assistance Programme, including private GP access, National retail/attractions discount scheme, Roadside parking off site, Free DBS check.

Closing date for applicants: 8th January 2026

First interviews via Teams: 12th January 2026

Second interviews (in person): 15th January 2026 

Would you like to work in a genuinely rewarding organisation?

Nottinghamshire Hospice lead the provision of compassionate, community palliative care to those who are dying in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire from a terminal or life limiting illness.  Our values are embedded throughout the organisation – Compassion, Trust and Ambition.

The Philanthropy Fundraiser will play a key role in growing high-value income streams by identifying, building and nurturing relationships with major donors. You will develop tailored engagement strategies, create compelling cases for support, and deliver excellent stewardship to secure significant gifts that sustain and expand our care services for future generations.

The role will do this by focusing on;

· Developing and implementing a philanthropy strategy for Nottinghamshire Hospice.

· Cultivating relationships with donors capable of giving £5000+ annually.

· Working closely with Senior Leadership Team, Trustees and key external stakeholders.

· Storytelling and communicating the impact fundraising has on those we support.

· Organising and attending donor cultivation events and networking.

This role requires an ambitious, self-motivated, and target-driven fundraiser who will form part of our vibrant and passionate fundraising team.

Senior Development Manager
Location: London (Hybrid working) 20% office, 80% remote or in donor meetings
Salary: £56,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full time (38.5 hours per week)

At UWC International, we believe education can be a force for peace and a sustainable future. Through our global network of schools and colleges, we bring together young people from over 150 countries and backgrounds, offering life-changing educational opportunities to those who might otherwise never access them.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Development Manager to play a central role in delivering UWC’s 2030 Strategy, securing the philanthropic support that underpins scholarships, long-term sustainability and global impact.

About the role
This is a senior, donor-facing fundraising role focused on major gifts and strategic donor engagement. You will manage a personal portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, foundations and other key supporters, securing significant gifts and building long-term relationships aligned with UWC’s mission.

You will work closely with the Director of Development and Funded Programmes, senior leadership, and colleagues across prospect research and operations. Alongside delivering against ambitious income targets, you will help shape mid-level giving activity and may deputise on key fundraising priorities.

This role offers the opportunity to combine hands-on portfolio management with strategic thinking, within an international organisation operating at scale.

About you
You will bring:

• Good experience in major gift fundraising and managing high-value donor portfolios.
• A strong record of securing significant gifts, ideally at six or seven figures.
• Confidence building trusted relationships with donors, senior leaders and volunteers.
• Experience developing compelling proposals, stewardship plans and donor communications.
• Strong judgement, organisation and ethical standards in all fundraising activity.

Experience in education, international development or complex stakeholder environments would be welcomed, but is not essential.

What we offer
UWC International offers a supportive and values-led working environment, with benefits including:

• Hybrid working with flexibility around hours and patterns
• 28 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Income protection and comprehensive wellbeing support
• Learning and development opportunities
• Paid volunteering or study leave
• The chance to work within a truly international organisation committed to equity and inclusion

If you are an experienced major gifts fundraiser looking to apply your skills to a global mission and see the direct impact of your work, we would welcome your application.

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.

Are you a creative relationship builder with a passion for building impactful partnerships and leading high-performing teams? Earth Trust is seeking a dynamic Senior Philanthropy & Corporate Partnerships Manager to cover maternity leave and play a pivotal role in driving fundraising growth through major gifts and corporate partnerships.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine strategic vision with hands-on relationship management. You’ll lead a talented fundraising team, secure five- and six-figure gifts, and develop mutually beneficial corporate partnerships that help nature and people thrive together.

What you’ll do

• Lead and grow high-value corporate partnerships and major donor relationships.
• Craft compelling proposals and pitches that inspire 5-6 figure gifts and multi-year partnerships.
• Lead a high performing fundraising team.
• Collaborate across departments and represent fundraising at senior leadership level.
• Set and monitor targets, budgets, and performance metrics.

What we’re looking for

• A persuasive communicator and relationship builder with proven success in securing multi-year, high value partnerships.
• Strong understanding of corporate social responsibility and partnership development.
• Experience leading fundraising teams and managing budgets.

This role is a maternity cover role, so there is flexibility on the start date. The current postholder is due to be on maternity leave from mid-April 2026 until the start of February 2027.

Prospectus are excited to be working with our client to help them recruit for a Philanthropy Manager to join their team. The organisation is the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity. Founded in 1982, the charity has been championing the safety of the LGBT+ community for over 40 years. They work directly with thousands of LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence every year. They run four national support helplines: for LGBT+ victims and survivors of domestic abuse, survivors of so-called “conversion therapy”, survivors of rape and sexual violence, and LGBT+ people who have experienced hate crime. They provide advocacy services, both in London and nationally, for LGBT+ victims who need longer-term support. They are a service run by LGBT+ people, for LGBT+ people, and the needs of the community are at the centre of what they do.

This role is offered on a full-time permanent contract basis paying a salary between £40,000 to £47,000 per annum with flexible hybrid working arrangements at their London office.

This role aims to develop, execute and deliver a strategic plan for philanthropic growth from major donors. The post holder will work with the Head of Fundraising and Comms to develop the charity's major donor strategy, establishing clear goals with sustainable fundraising targets, helping to ensure the long-term stability of the charity. They will be responsible for developing creative and meaningful high-quality donor experiences. The post holder will be responsible for creating a tailored communication plan for major donors, including regular reports demonstrating the difference their contributions have made.

They are looking for someone with demonstrable experience of raising income from mid and high-level donors. They are looking for a candidate with demonstrable experience of researching, securing and maintaining strong relationships with high-net-worth individuals and other stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of LGBT+ experiences and communities with experience of working in the LGBT+, VAWG, or victim support sectors.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process, then please contact Firas El Dib at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you. 

In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon. 

Department

The Office of Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni (OPPA)

Office of Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni (OPPA) works with a community of global alumni and donors to  deepen their ties with York and each other, and encourage them to support the University through York Giving.  This role is part of the Individual Philanthropy Team, which manages major individual philanthropy and the legacy giving programme, working closely with the other OPPA teams:

Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy: developing long term, strategic partnerships with philanthropic  corporate and foundation supporters.

Fundraising Programmes: managing mass fundraising appeals, crowdfunding campaigns, community  fundraising and student projects.

Operations and Experience: providing business intelligence, information and insight, governance and  stewardship of supporter and alumni relationships, and managing all mass communications with alumni and  supporters. 

York for Life: developing alumni communities, volunteering and alumni engagement programmes in  support of the University’s strategic aims. 

OPPA is part of the University’s Directorate of External Relations, and works closely with other sections of the  directorate, which are Marketing, Recruitment, Outreach and Admissions, Communications, Public Engagement  and Events, and International Student Recruitment, Partnerships and Mobility.

About the Role

The role of Philanthropy Manager is to inspire and encourage philanthropic income from major individual donors to the University of York.  You will work to build engagement and involvement of potential major donors and colleagues across the University to develop and deliver a pipeline of significant philanthropic gifts to York Giving’s priority projects. 

You will manage a portfolio of major donor prospects and have responsibility and accountability for fund management and other priority projects for philanthropic funding, including liaising with academic theme coordinators.

This is a demanding and rewarding role that requires resilience and a long term view.  The post holder will work to individual financial cash and pledge targets and KPIs based on meetings, moves, proposals and asks made.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Proven experience in a relationship management role, with both internal and external stakeholders.  Ease at working with people and developing personable relationships with a wide range of people.
• Experience of fundraising or role generating new business.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles related to donor cultivation, asking and  stewardship
• Experience of organising events
• Experience of working in a high education or not for profit fundraising environment.
• Knowledge of data protection laws as they related to donor information
• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge / NXT database or similar relationship management database

Interview date:To be confirmed

MK Community Foundation is a leading local charity that connects people who care with causes that matter. Through our grant-making, philanthropy, and property programmes we support a wide range of voluntary and community groups across Milton Keynes, tackling inequality and helping the city thrive. Every year we distribute vital funding to projects that change lives, strengthen communities, and make Milton Keynes a fairer place for everyone. 

Are you looking to build a career in philanthropy and fundraising? Whether you have formal charity experience or have shown your commitment through volunteering and community involvement, this could be the opportunity for you. 

MK Community Foundation is seeking a proactive and relationship-led fundraiser to join the team as Philanthropy Manager to drive major donor and legacy giving in Milton Keynes.

• A proven track record of securing major gifts and managing high-value donor relationships. 

• Experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies, prospecting plans, proposal writing and project management. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly at senior levels. 

• Strong understanding of fundraising compliance, tax-efficient giving, and donor stewardship best practices. 

• Credibility and gravitas to engage confidently with senior stakeholders and donors. 

• Strong relationship-building, networking, and influencing skills. 

In this role, you will: 

• Lead and develop relationships with individual donors, including major donors and those interested in legacy giving. 

• Contribute to the development and delivery of our individual philanthropy strategy. 

• Support our grant-making programmes by assessing applications, presenting recommendations, and monitoring funded projects. 

• Identify and develop new opportunities for philanthropic income and donor engagement. 

• Work closely with colleagues, fundholders, and community partners to maximise impact in Milton Keynes. 

We are looking for someone who: 

• Has experience in major donor fundraising, legacy giving, or relationship-led income generation. 

• Is a confident and credible communicator, able to build trust with donors, fundholders, and community partners. 

• Is organised, proactive, and analytical, with strong attention to detail. 

• Has a genuine passion for making a positive difference in Milton Keynes. 

This role offers the chance to play a key part in shaping the future of individual philanthropy at the Foundation, while directly contributing to projects that change lives across our community. 

Salary: £45,732 - £50,614 
Contract: 12-month FTC
Location: UK Hybrid (2 days/week in office in either London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Warrington)
Closing date: 31 December
Benefits: Generous annual leave, employee assistance programme, flexible working arrangements. 

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior New Business Development Officer to join a bold and innovative initiative that’s mobilising £20 million in philanthropic and investment capital to support climate adaptation enterprises. You’ll lead on developing and delivering a fundraising programme, building relationships with major donors, foundations, and institutions to drive real-world impact.

Working closely with senior leaders and sector partners, you’ll craft compelling campaigns, secure strategic funding, and help position the fund as a trailblazer in climate finance and international development.

To be successful as the Senior New Business Development Officer you will need:

• A strong track record of securing six-figure gifts from major donors or institutions
• Excellent project management and campaign analysis skills – in particular developing fundraising pipelines and stewardship plans
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building abilities
• Knowledge of climate finance, impact investment, or international development (ideally)

If you would like to have an informal discussion, please get in touch and ask for Heather, quoting the reference 2800HB

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, we use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs. We are passionate about improving equality across the sector, you can read more about our commitment to diversity here.

We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you as the leading charity recruitment agency.

If enough applications are received the charity reserve the right to end the application period sooner.
 

Job description

Are you looking for an exciting new opportunity in Philanthropy fundraising and have a real passion in making a difference? Eden Brown Charities is delighted to be working in partnership with an incredible leading UK Charity to find them a Senior Philanthropy Manager to lead a team to deliver high quality engagement, development, stewardship and recognition of high value donors.

About the role

You will be joining the Charity at a really exciting time and will have a huge impact on the high value fundraising team and driving forward philanthropic giving. You will be responsible for devising and implementing a fundraising strategy as well as developing income from high net worth individuals and managing a high performing team.

About You

To be successful in this role you must have

- Experience of stewarding high net worth individuals up to five/ six figure gifts
- Experience of implementing a Major Donor Strategy
- Experience of managing relationships which have resulted in significant gifts
- Experience of managing a team

Please note that this is a Hybrid role with a time spent either in London or Manchester. Please call Laura Iliff on 07442607841 for more information on this incredible role. Please note that interviews will be taking place on a rolling basis.

Eden Brown Synergy is an equal opportunities employer.

Eden Brown Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales with registered number 3643845. Our registered address is 5th floor 4 Coleman Street, London, EC2R 5AR, part of nGAGE Specialist Recruitment Limited T/A nGAGE Talent. Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. This message is intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please send it back to us, and immediately and permanently delete it. Do not use, copy or disclose the information contained in this message or in any attachment. We take reasonable precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this email but cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage sustained as a result of computer viruses and the recipient must ensure that the email (and attachments) are virus free.

Development Officer - Major Gifts
Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working - minimum 2-3 days on campus)
Salary: £39,407 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Closing Date: Mon 26 Jan 2026
Interviews in person: 9 February 2026

Help to 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 delivering outstanding education and research. Through our ambitious Town House Strategy, we're embedding a progressive new model of education and driving innovation through partnerships with businesses, communities, and organisations.

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 meaningful relationships that drive philanthropic support, unlock partnerships, and enhance the University's reputation and reach.

About the role

We are now seeking a Development Officer - Major Gifts, you will be a key member of the DARE team, responsible for generating philanthropic income and supporting the pipeline for transformational gifts. This is a dynamic, relationship-driven role and we're looking for someone who thrives on creativity and can spot potential and transform it into meaningful opportunities.

Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will:

* Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, personally soliciting gifts at the four- and five-figure level.
* Support the cultivation of ultra-high-net-worth prospects for transformative gifts.
* Deliver against KPIs and income targets, contributing to our ambitious fundraising growth strategy.
* Assist with compelling proposals, donor engagement activities, and major gift events.
* Work collaboratively across the University to embed philanthropy and alumni engagement into Kingston's culture.

About You

An ambitious, curious and motivated fundraiser with:

* Demonstrable experience in development or fundraising, ideally in higher education or charity.
* Excellent communication skills.
* A proven track record of securing and stewarding donations.
* Strong influencing and relationship-building skills, with confidence engaging donors.
* Excellent organisational and project management abilities.
* A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for Kingston's mission.
* Passion for the impact they can have through fundraising in the higher education sector

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

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: Mon 26 Jan 2026
- Interview Date: Monday 9 Feb 2026

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.

Are you an exceptional fundraiser who excels at cultivating high-value relationships and securing transformational gifts? Do you enjoy working with senior volunteers and philanthropists who are deeply committed to changing children’s lives?

Step into a pivotal role within one of the UK’s leading philanthropy teams as you lead our flagship Tick Tock Club appeal — inspiring major donors and volunteers to drive extraordinary impact for seriously ill children.

Salary

The salary for this position is £52,526 per annum and we operate a hybrid working policy of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office. 

In line with our EDI strategy and Total Reward policy, we calculate our salaries based on benchmarking data across the charity sector. To ensure fairness for existing staff and new joiners, we do not offer salaries above the advertised rate.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a personal fundraising target of £1.5m+, securing six- and seven-figure gifts and multi-year commitments from high-net-worth individuals and charitable trusts.
• Lead the £20m Tick Tock Club appeal, shaping strategy and driving one of GOSH Charity’s flagship philanthropic initiatives.
• Recruit, inspire and collaborate with senior volunteers, campaign boards and influential supporters to accelerate high-value fundraising.
• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, using insight-led approaches to build long-term engagement and maximise impact.
• Oversee campaign events, communications and tailored proposals, ensuring activity aligns with income targets and delivers an exceptional supporter experience.
• Provide motivating line management to a small team, fostering professional development, wellbeing and high performance.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A strong track record of securing six- and seven-figure philanthropic gifts.
• Experience partnering with senior volunteers and campaign boards on major fundraising initiatives.
• Strategic leadership skills with the ability to galvanise a team around ambitious goals.
• Exceptional relationship-building, influencing and presentation abilities.
• A creative, solutions-focused mindset with resilience under pressure.

Please refer to the full job description below for more information.

About the team
 

You’ll join our sector-leading Philanthropy team — recognised as one of the most high-performing and respected in the charity sector. We partner with some of the most generous and committed philanthropists in the UK and beyond to transform the lives of seriously ill children.

Our talented and supportive team of 20+ works closely with colleagues across fundraising, clinical, and research teams to create inspiring, high-impact opportunities for supporters. In partnership with senior volunteers and committees, we drive landmark campaigns including the £300 million Build It. Beat It. appeal and the Tick Tock Club, with exciting plans for a major new research-focused campaign on the horizon.

Salary: £52,000 - £60,000
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Closing date: Review on a rolling basis
Location: Hybrid, based in either London or Manchester office
Benefits: 5% Employer pension contribution, Private medical insurance, Healthcare cash plan, income protection

We are thrilled to be working with an amazing national youth charity as they search for a passionate Senior Philanthropy Manager to join their incredible team. 

The Senior Philanthropy Manager will lead the Philanthropy function, driving the team forward as they embark on the cultivation of a strong new prospect pipeline. As part of the role, you will be responsible for a team bringing in income of over £1.3m per year, with a view to double income over the next 3 years.

Working closely with the Head of Relationship Fundraising, you will lead the development of team plans, ensuring that they are diversifying their high value donor portfolio, and delivers sustainable unrestricted and restricted income.

This is a great opportunity to lead a high performing team, and spearhead an exciting Philanthropy Programme with buy-in and investment from stakeholders across the organisation.

To be successful in the role of Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will need:

• Proven experience of working with high value donors as a leading professional in the area of philanthropy.
• Demonstrable experience of securing major donor gifts at £100k, with excellent writing skills to support the delivery of proposals.
• Proven experience of developing effective donor relationships and provision of excellent stewardship, with knowledge of the changing philanthropic landscape.

If you would like to have an informal discussion, please call and ask to speak to Jake. CV's are being reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, we use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable roles. We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment, working ethically, supporting people to find their perfect role within the not-for-profit sector. 

We are passionate about improving equality across the sector, you can read more about our commitment to diversity here. 

If enough applications are received the charity reserve the right to end the application period sooner.