Corporate fundraising manager jobs

Manchester Metropolitan University is a great university in one of the world's best global student cities. We advance knowledge to benefit society and make higher education accessible to those with the passion to succeed. We bring change through outstanding research and excellent education and support our region and its economy by empowering and enriching our students, colleagues and our wider community.

We are seeking to appoint our first Associate Director of Development to deliver the next step change in the University's philanthropic income. Reporting to the Director of Development and Alumni Relations and responsible for a high-performing fundraising team, the postholder will focus on translating strategy into delivery and results, focussing on the solicitation of major and principal donations.

What you'll lead and deliver

• Significantly increase the number of six-figure level and above donations to the University from high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, and corporations.
• Ensure income delivered aligns with the University's strategic priorities, including advancing areas of research excellence.
• Work effectively with the Director of Development and Alumni Relations and the academic leadership to identify philanthropic priorities and projects that will resonate with potential donors.
• Effectively lead a successful and respected fundraising team, further strengthening the performance culture and practice of cross-university collaboration.
• Effectively relationship manage your own prospect pool of high-level donors and prospective donors.
• Work effectively as a key member of the Development and Alumni Relations leadership team, and with colleagues across the Directorate of External Relations and wider University.

About you

• Target-driven, with a proven track-record of managing a high-performing fundraising team.
• Significant experience of the solicitation of six-figure level, or above, donations.
• You will understand the UK higher education sector and have secured philanthropic support for research and scholarship.
• Strong analytical capability and evidence-based decision-making.
• Possess high emotional intelligence and demonstrate nuance and delicacy when dealing with senior and diverse stakeholders.

This is an unparalleled opportunity for the right individual to play a critical role in the advancement of the University, delivering our vision and ambitious agenda over the next decade.

Further information and how to apply

For a confidential conversation, please contact Dominic Boyd, Director of Development and Alumni Relations

Applications must be made via our recruitment system and should include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria being sought.

 - The closing date for applications is Sunday 28 June 2026
 - Interviews will be held in Manchester on Thursday 30 July 2026

About Manchester Met

We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK's largest and most popular universities, we're a force for good, dedicated to delivered outstanding research and excellent education. Much more than a university, we are a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Where world-class facilities combine with exceptional minds to improve lives through innovation. We welcome those who are committed, talented, and hardworking. People who believe in our values and are as driven as we are to achieve shared goals.

Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally, and globally.

Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential. Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met proud. Let's transform lives together. 

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy

QuarterFive are delighted to be supporting STEM Learning, a leading educational charity that believes every young person deserves access to high-quality education and career support, regardless of their background. 

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, and as a member of the Senior Management Team, you will lead the organisation's fundraising strategy and team to secure significant, multi-year income from major donors, trusts and foundations and corporates. You’ll be responsible for expanding their funding base, deepening key relationships, and ensuring the organisation has the partnerships and resources to achieve its mission.

Fundraising has developed rapidly in recent years, with investment, board-level commitment and a growing team driving success. With strong foundations in place and a portfolio of high-value partnerships, there is an exciting opportunity to scale their strategic influence and deepen their impact.

We’re looking for a relationship-driven leader who will take an entrepreneurial approach to identifying opportunities for new funds and develop long-term, high-impact partnerships.

This is a hybrid but mostly home-based role, with monthly team meetings and occasional overnight stays at the N.England headquarters, and fortnightly attendance at the London office. All travel costs covered.

As Head of Fundraising, you will:

• Lead on fundraising strategy with major donors, trusts and foundations and corporates, focusing on driving  new funder engagement and developing long-term, high-impact partnerships
• Secure high-value, multi-year funding partnerships with major donors, trusts and foundations and corporates, achieving six-figure and above income targets
• Manage, develop and inspire a team of five, fostering a proactive, collaborative, innovative and high-performing culture
• Build and maintain a strong, diversified pipeline of new and repeat funders aligned to organisational priorities and ethical fundraising principles
• Engage senior stakeholders including the CEO, Chair, Trustees and senior partners to unlock networks and open opportunities
• Work closely with programme and delivery teams to create compelling funding propositions and ensure excellent stewardship and impactful reporting
• Represent the organisation at senior-level networking events, conferences and sector forums, influencing decision-makers and strengthening brand positioning

Essential skills and experience:

• Success in securing and growing income from a range of sources, including HNWIs and trusts and foundations — delivering six-figure and multi-year partnerships
• Skilled relationship builder with experience developing and stewarding complex, multifaceted partnerships that deliver mutual value and long-term impact
• Strong managerial skills to empower teams and support their professional development and enjoyment in their role
• Strategic business developer with the ability to build and maintain a strong pipeline of funding opportunities, identifying, cultivating, and converting prospects to meet fundraising targets
• Entrepreneurial and proactive, with a strong sense of ownership and the confidence to identify, shape, and present compelling cases for support
• Collaborative and influential, experienced in working across matrix structures and with remote or cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals, ensuring alignment and effective delivery
• Highly skilled communicator, comfortable presenting to diverse audiences and tailoring messages to inspire and engage at all levels
• Strong networker, eager to represent the organisation at events and conferences, identifying new opportunities, and staying informed on market trends and developments in the philanthropic and corporate partnership landscape

Desirable, but not essential:

• An understanding and general knowledge of the education landscape in the UK
• Experience of establishing or maintaining a Fellowship programme

Employee benefits include:

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Up to 15% employer pension contributions 
• Private health care via Benenden Health plus Healthcare Cash Plan and Dental Plan
• Annual salary review
• Electric Car Benefit Scheme

Head of Fundraising

National Role

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000

Are you a strategic fundraising leader passionate about transforming young people’s lives through STEM education? Are you driven by building meaningful partnerships and securing sustainable, multi-year income? If so, this is your opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role in a highly purpose-driven organisation with a mission focusing on improving teaching, enriching learning, and growing the STEM talent pool, to open up a world of opportunities.

About Us

At STEM Learning, we believe every young person deserves access to high-quality STEM education and career support, regardless of their background. We aim to empower students with the skills and knowledge to thrive. 

The Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, and as a member of the Senior Management Team, you will lead our fundraising strategy and team to secure significant, multi-year income from major donors, trusts and foundations and corporates. You’ll be responsible for expanding our funding base including with high-net worth individuals, deepening key relationships, and ensuring STEM Learning has the partnerships and resources to achieve its mission.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for an entrepreneurial, relationship-driven leader who will take ownership for identifying opportunities for new funds and contribute to the overall fundraising strategy of STEM Learning. You’ll have:

• A strong track record of securing significant income from high-net-worth individuals and trusts and foundations.
• The confidence and gravitas to engage senior stakeholders, trustees, and C-suite decision-makers and must be comfortable ‘making the ask’.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with a collaborative, values-driven approach.
• Experience leading and empowering teams to achieve shared goals and maintain momentum.
• Creativity, resilience, adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for and understanding of the power of STEM education and enrichment is desirable.
• Experience of establishing or maintaining a Fellowship programme is desirable, but not essential.

By joining us, you’ll:

· Contribute to exciting, high-profile STEM initiatives that have a lasting impact on students and employers alike.

· Work alongside passionate colleagues dedicated to shaping the future of STEM careers.

· Be supported by a collaborative and dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and creativity.

· Gain the opportunity to grow professionally.

· If you’re passionate about STEM education and ready to progress your career in project management, we’d love to hear from you.

Our Benefits

• 30 days holidays plus bank holidays (plus your birthday)
• Access to an attractive pension scheme
• Our full-time hours are 37 hours per week
• Up to 3 paid volunteering leave days per year
• A comprehensive employee assistance programme
• Access to a voluntary staff benefits scheme including cycle to work loan scheme; health cash back plans; free eye tests; discounted vouchers and much more.

Next Steps

Click to apply and you will be directed to our website.

The closing date for applications is 26 June 2026, at 14:00.

First stage Interviews (via Teams) – 2/3 July 2026

Second stage interviews – week commencing 13 July 2026

Please provide us with:

• Your up-to-date CV including the contact details of two referees (please note, references will not be approached without your permission and will not be taken up until the offer stage)
• A covering letter (no more than the equivalent of 2 sides of A4) explaining your interest in the role and why you think you would be the ideal candidate.

STEM Learning strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to employing teams with diverse abilities, skills, and experiences.

We foster a culture where every employee’s voice is respected and valued.

Prospectus is excited to be working with our client to help them recruit for a new Head of Fundraising to join their team.The organisastion is dedicated to improving young people’s lives through the power of STEM. They believe great STEM education builds knowledge and skills that are vital for everyone. They lead to great career opportunities and enable young people to become informed, thoughtful citizens who can help address the extraordinary challenges and opportunities we face. They also facilitate the STEM Ambassador programme, enabling 30,000 volunteers from more than 5000 employers to share their enthusiasm and expertise with young people and teachers throughout the UK.

This role is offered on a permanent full-time basis paying a salary between £75,000 to £80,000 per annum with flexible hybrid working arrangements at their London or York office with regular UK business travel and occasional overnight stays.

Reporting directly to the CEO and managing a 5 people-strong team, the Head of Fundraising will lead their major donor, corporate and trust fundraising strategies, focusing on developing long-term, high-impact partnerships to maximise their income and financial sustainability. The role is to drive new donor engagement and secure sustainable, multi-year funding building on their success, whilst accelerating progress to ensure they have the resources and partners to achieve their vision of a world-leading STEM education for every young person across the UK. The postholder will need to bring creativity, curiosity, and an entrepreneurial mindset to identify new opportunities for partnership and funding. This includes developing compelling ways to present and package the organisation'ss offer to potential supporters, ensuring a clear case for investment and sustained income growth from corporates, trusts, and eventually high-net-worth individuals.

They are looking for someone with demonstrable track record of success in securing and growing income from a range of sources, including corporates, trusts and foundations, and high-net-worth individuals — delivering six-figure and multi-year partnerships. They are looking for a candidate who is a strong networker, eager to represent the organisation at events and conferences, identifying new opportunities, and staying informed on market trends and developments in the philanthropic and corporate partnership landscape. The ideal candidate will have an entrepreneurial mindset and general knowledge of the STEM education landscape in the UK.

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. 

At More Partnership, we are fundraising consultants – and more. We support organisations of all sizes, across education, health, arts and culture, charities, international development and beyond, on every step of their philanthropic journey. That means helping leadership, fundraisers and other professionals to understand the opportunity, set direction, tell their story, or review performance. We believe great partnerships lead to life-changing outcomes, so we go beyond what's expected of us to help organisations realise their vision. At the end of a project, our clients tell us they have more confidence, momentum, and a clear way forward.

We are partners in purpose, and since April 2020, equal owners of our firm. Every team member has an equal vote on key strategic decisions, a share in our success, and a responsibility to drive us forward. We are a virtual firm, networked across Europe, America, Africa, Australasia, and beyond, with a head office in Scotland. We currently have 22 employees and an active community of 15 associates, enabled by an internal team covering business development, finance, operations, and IT.

We now seek to appoint new Consulting Partners at our most senior level to join our employee-owned firm and help shape the next phase of our growth and impact. This is an opportunity for experienced and credible leaders to bring their expertise into a consultancy environment that combines strategic thinking, practical delivery and deep client partnership.

Working alongside colleagues across our community, Consulting Partners will operate as trusted advisors to senior leaders within complex institutions, contributing to high-value client work while also helping to generate new opportunities and strengthen the firm’s long-term success. Alongside client delivery, all Partners play an active role in the leadership, culture and development of More Partnership, contributing to the shared responsibility and sense of ownership that defines our community.

The successful candidates will bring significant experience within fundraising, advancement or related strategic leadership roles, alongside the judgement, credibility and intellectual flexibility to operate effectively across a wide range of client contexts. You will demonstrate strong commercial awareness and relationship-building skills, with the ability to develop trusted partnerships that lead naturally to meaningful work and long-term impact. You will combine strategic insight with a practical, grounded approach, communicating complex ideas with clarity and confidence while remaining collaborative, curious and values-led in the way you work. Above all, you will be motivated by the opportunity to help ambitious organisations achieve meaningful change, while contributing actively to a purpose-driven, employee-owned firm committed to advancing great ambitions.

This role is available full-time, but we welcome applications from those who would prefer to work part-time – at a minimum of 0.6FTE based on the requirements of the role. We are open to candidates from a range of professional backgrounds who can demonstrate the capabilities and mindset needed to drive More’s success.

Our most senior Consulting Partners are currently paid from £100k to £125k, dependent on experience and potential for high performance. 

We actively encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in our community.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Weds 17th June

Information about how we process the personal data of those who contact us about this opportunity is contained in the application pack.