Major gifts officer jobs

The Philanthropy team at Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) is responsible for securing donations from individual major donors, grant-making trusts and foundations. The role of Philanthropy Officer is key to the success of the Philanthropy team, working closely with other team members and stakeholders across ARUK.

At the heart of the Philanthropy team is our desire to help our supporters change the world, in a way that is meaningful and exciting to them.

We work with a growing portfolio of individual donors and charitable trusts, getting to know them - through meetings, events, lab tours, reporting on the impact of their donations and regular touchpoints - so that we can match their philanthropic goals to our research initiatives. We work hard to provide bespoke stewardship, build relationships, and impart scientific information to promote ARUK and give donors the best possible experience of working with us.

By nurturing these relationships, we gain long-term meaningful support from donors and their networks, and as a result can secure significant donations which range all the way up to eight figures.

We are looking for an articulate, proactive and people-orientated individual to join our highly successful team. The ideal candidate will have strong relationship management skills, a high degree of emotional intelligence, and will be an ambitious self-starter.

We are seeking someone who understands the importance of investing in dementia research and can convey that with passion to our supporters. In return, we can offer an exciting, supportive working environment and the opportunity to join a small major gifts team that punches well above its weight.

 

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

Relationship building and income generation

· Build relationships with a portfolio of current and prospective major donors and charitable trusts, gauging their level of interest in our work, providing them with opportunities to engage with ARUK, and encouraging them to invest in our research.

· Develop an engagement plan for each relationship, taking full ownership and moving each donor / trust forward through qualification, solicitation and stewardship.

· Fundraise for different aspects of ARUK’s work, including key research initiatives such as the Drug Discovery Alliance.

· Think ambitiously and creatively in producing compelling and persuasive written communications for donors, including letters, proposals, applications and progress reports.

· Solicit donors for gifts at face-to-face meetings, where appropriate.

· Provide an exceptional level of stewardship to donors, ensuring they are thanked and updated and that their relationship with ARUK grows in depth and value.

· Think innovatively and support the team’s goal to embed the use of digital in our work.

· Work with senior volunteers and senior staff, where appropriate, empowering them to open their networks and ask for support.

· Build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues in the Science Communications, Media and Engagement, Research and Finance teams.

CRM

· Ensure donor records are kept up-to-date through daily use of Salesforce.

· Use Salesforce to track income and activity, and as a planning tool.

Events

· Support the Donor Relations Manager in planning bespoke events / lab tours for our supporters, by providing guest lists, communicating with invitees and updating Salesforce records.

· Represent ARUK at Philanthropy team events, and at other ARUK events where major donors or the representatives of charitable trusts may be attending.

 

What we are looking for:

· Experience gained working in a major gift fundraising or client relationship management role

· Demonstrable experience of developing long-term / strategic relationships

· Demonstrable experience of developing / influencing relationships through face-to-face conversations

· Demonstrable experience of working effectively without close supervision

· Ability to communicate with, and enthuse, a wide variety of people in a compelling, professional manner

· Exceptional listening skills

· Strong writing skills with the ability to write persuasively for a range of audiences

· Ability to absorb and process new information quickly

· Ability to grasp complex scientific concepts to a reasonable level (ie. well-informed lay person)

· Ability to plan, prioritise and set goals, and to follow through each piece of work to completion

· Ability to work collaboratively and see the bigger organisational picture

· An understanding of the principles of major gifts fundraising

· Excellent IT skills, including strong working knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel and Powerpoint

· High levels of emotional intelligence

· Genuine interest in people

· Curious and creative, enjoys investigating and solving problems

· Driven and highly proactive - adept at spotting opportunities and maximizing them

· Feels strongly that dementia research is valuable and vital

· Confident and personable

· Diplomatic and discreet; has integrity

· Belief in the importance of striving for excellence

· Flexible approach, with willingness to undertake occasional evening work

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £32,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 21st September 2025, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.

We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK

Z2K is a small but fearless anti-poverty charity. We combine frontline advice with bold influencing to tackle the systems that drive poverty - and we’re recruiting our first Major Donor & Corporate Lead.

You’ll lead on building and delivering our strategy for major donors and corporates, cultivating long-term partnerships rooted in shared values. Working closely with our Chief Executive, senior leadership team and trustees on major donor and corporate fundraising, and with our Communications Lead on fundraising communications and campaigns, you’ll shape compelling approaches to inspire support. You’ll also line manage our Fundraising Officer (grant funding & events), helping diversify Z2K’s income to change lives and challenge injustice. This is a hands-on role with plenty of scope to shape your approach. You’ll lead on identifying new prospects, crafting compelling proposals, and making the case for support to a wide range of external audiences. 

You’re a strategic relationship-builder who thrives on finding and forging connections that deliver lasting impact. You bring a track record of securing income from major donors and corporates, whether in the charity sector as through a business development function in the private sector. You know that successful fundraising starts with research, curiosity, and consistent cultivation. You’re confident identifying new prospects, opening doors, and developing tailored approaches that speak to both hearts and minds.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, values-led team, and your work will directly contribute to our ability to improve lives and push for systemic change.

You will benefit from 31 days annual leave + bank holidays, enhanced sick and parental leave, matched pension up to 5%, income protection, life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Programme.

Major Gifts Manager

Location: Home Based, United Kingdom

Group: Social Impact

Vacancy type: Permanent

35 hours per week

£35,000 - £40,000 per annum / pro rata (plus allowances) 

Remote

The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 130 years. We run local services that support children when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We're there for children, every step of the way. 

This role sits within our Social Impact Group and you will work closely with Senior Major Gifts Manager, AD of Philanthropy (Major Gifts), Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships, Major Appeal Programme Director, Executive Director Social Impact and senior leaders at all levels to identify and access new and existing networks of wealth, opportunity and influence.

Our step-change in impact with children will be achieved by a step-change in our philanthropy & partnerships: as a Major Gifts Manager, you'll play a crucial role in this transformation through development and personal leadership of a portfolio of philanthropists and donors that contribute major gifts (over 5 figures+) and support

In order to be successful in this role, you must have: 

-Strong knowledge and successful track record delivering significant income through personal approaches, liaising with philanthropists and personally securing and building senior volunteer networks

-Expert knowledge of major donor methodology with experience of developing powerful and impactful cases for support, giving proposals and asks of major donors.

-Proven experience of personally meeting income targets and delivering against stewardship and repeat giving objectives, activities, implementation, and risk mitigation plans

-Knowledge of legal, regulatory and ethical environment of major gift fundraising

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer. 

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more. 

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with.  As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks.  We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 15th September 2025.

Major Gifts (Trusts) Manager

Location: Home Based, United Kingdom

Group: Social Impact

Vacancy type: Permanent

35 hours per week

£35,000 - £40,000 per annum / pro rata (plus allowances) 

Remote

The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 130 years. We run local services that support children when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We're there for children, every step of the way. 

This role sits within our Social Impact Group and you will work closely with Senior Major Gifts Manager, AD of Philanthropy (Major Gifts), Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships, Major Appeal Programme Director, Executive Director Social Impact and senior leaders at all levels to identify and access new and existing networks of wealth, opportunity and influence.

Our step-change in impact with children will be achieved by a step-change in our philanthropy & partnerships: as a Major Gifts (Trusts) Manager, you'll play a crucial role in this transformation through development and personal leadership of a portfolio of trusts and foundations that contribute major grants and donations (over 5 figures+) and support

In order to be successful in this role, you must have: 

-Relevant knowledge and experience gained in a role applying for significant funding with demonstrable track record of securing grants/donations valued at 5-figures+

-Strong knowledge and successful track record delivering significant income through successful funding applications with trusts and foundations

-Expert knowledge of developing compelling funding applications with experience of developing powerful and impactful cases for support and giving proposals

-Knowledge of legal, regulatory and ethical environment of trust fundraising

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer. 

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more. 

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with.  As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks.  We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 15th September 2025

Senior Major Gifts Manager x2

Location: Home Based, United Kingdom

Group: Social Impact

Vacancy type: Permanent

35 hours per week

£50,000 - £55,000 per annum / pro rata (plus allowances) 

Remote

The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 130 years. We run local services that support children when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We're there for children, every step of the way. 

This role sits within our Social Impact Group and you will work closely with the Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships, AD of Philanthropy (Major Gifts), Major Appeal Programme Director, Executive Director Social Impact and senior leaders at all levels to identify and access new and existing networks of wealth, opportunity and influence.

Our step-change in impact with children will be achieved by a step-change in our philanthropy & partnerships: as a Senior Major Gifts Manager, you'll play a crucial role in this transformation through strategic development and personal leadership of a substantial portfolio of major donors that contribute significant gifts and support

In order to be successful in this role, you must have: 

-Substantial track record personally securing significant partnerships with major supporters

-Experience leading on developing major account portfolio management, proposal preparation and effective cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors

-Strong communication skills including presentation, negotiation, influencing and writing skills with ability to build relationships across a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders

-Knowledge of legal, regulatory and ethical environment of major gift fundraising

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer. 

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more. 

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with.  As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks.  We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 8th September 2025.

Details of the role You’ll play a leading role in ensuring our most generous donors receive a best-in-class donor experience.

Using your strong project management skills, you’ll take responsibility for the delivery of bespoke donor experience activity for a portfolio of donors each giving £1 million+ to the University. You’ll ensure that the right processes, systems and relationships are in place for the effective management of our largest gifts. This will include liaising with colleagues across the University, monitoring progress against milestones, actively identifying and mitigating risks, and coordinating gift boards or groups to make sure we fulfil our commitments to our donors.

You will work closely and collaboratively with fundraising leads and will be their donor experience advisor on strengthening and developing the relationships with prospects/donors. You’ll proactively plan, design and deliver donor experience activity for transformational donors. You’ll use your creativity and knowledge of best practice to develop inspiring stewardship plans that deepen donors’ relationship with us. And – by building strong working relationships with beneficiary teams across the University – you’ll find new ways to ensure donors are made aware of the incredible impact they’re having.

As a member of our Donor Experience team, you’ll play an essential role in providing strategic support and consultancy to colleagues across the Division of Development and Alumni Relations and beyond. Your work will have a significant impact on our donors and the many people whose lives are touched by their gifts.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more on our website.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

For general enquiries or enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews, please click the apply button for contact details.

We currently have two exciting opportunities to join our team as a Donor Experience Officer. One is a permanent contract, and one is a fixed-term parental leave cover contract from 3 November 2025 to 30 November 2026.

Please indicate whether you would like to be considered for one or both of these roles when submitting your application. As a Donor Experience Officer, you’ll play a central part in providing an outstanding, informative and rewarding experience for thousands of donors through delivery of a best-in-class donor stewardship programme.

You will develop and deliver multi-channel donor journeys for supporters, giving to a variety of important areas. Working closely with fundraising leads and other members of the Donor Experience team, you will coordinate and deliver a calendar of creative touchpoints – ensuring that donors receive an inspiring experience commensurate to the level of their gifts. You’ll also work closely with colleagues leading on key income streams to ensure donor experience activity supports acquisition and retention goals.

You must be comfortable and confident in working to a brief to producing creative communications across digital and print media.

You will be proactive in sourcing powerful impact stories and case studies from across the University and translate these into high quality content that ensures donors feel their support is valued and effective, inspires repeat giving and maximises donor retention.

You will be highly organised and proactive, with excellent interpersonal, teamwork and relationship building skills, with an ability to influence and connect with stakeholders at all levels.

There are two posts available - 1 Permanent contract and 1 Fixed Term contract for 13 months. If you are only interested in one post please stipulate this in your application otherwise you will be considered for both opportunities.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

For general enquiries or enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews, please click the apply button for contact details.

WCCM seeks to appoint an experienced, creative, and highly motivated Grant and Major Donor Fundraising Manager to lead fundraising and grant management across a global organisation dedicated to the teaching of Christian Meditation. Working to the Executive Director, you will interact with our decentralised finance, marketing and communications staff and volunteers.  Together, you will nurture Major Donor relationships and create and manage appropriate donor stewardship schemes and rationalise our income streams. You’ll ensure grant reporting and management is kept on track whilst developing targeted proposals for new funding from sympathetic donors in the arena of Trusts and foundations.  You will work to support both our teaching and resourcing of meditation and the running of our retreat centre in Bonnevaux, near Poitiers in France. An excellent writer with excellent financial and budgeting skills, you will be adept at pulling together relevant, succinct and compelling information for our donor reports and bids. You’ll work with communications staff to develop impactful donor communications which enhance our accountability and inspire renewed major donations.  You will have a demonstrable track record in winning grants as well as in the stewardship of major donors.  Occasional trips to France. Interest in Christian Meditation/Spirituality an advantage.

Location: Hybrid, Old Street, London
Department: Major Partnerships
Salary: £47,349 per annum
Hours: 34.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed-term for 12 months (maternity cover)
 
Plan International UK is a global children’s charity striving for an equal world. One where every child can reach their full potential and every girl can choose her own future.
 
We bring people together to protect children’s rights and keep girls safe, in school and in control of their bodies – even when disaster strikes. And we won’t stop until we are all equal.
 
A rewarding and exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Major Donor Manager to join the Philanthropic Partnerships Team in the Major Partnerships Unit (MPU) for a 12-month maternity cover role.
 
As Major Donor Manager you will lead the major donor team whilst managing three major donor officers. You will be responsible for leading the team to deliver excellent account management and stewardship of the major donor portfolio, contributing to our goal of sustaining and increasing income from high-net-worth individuals. You will also support the team to identify, research and cultivate relationships with new prospects.
 
You will have substantial experience of successfully creating and managing relationships with donors to secure high value gifts. Your strong interpersonal and communication skills will enable you to build relationships, negotiate, influence and collaborate with stakeholders, and you will have excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
 
If this sounds like you, and you have a passion for our values, feminist leadership principles and vision, we would love for you to apply!
 
This is an exciting time to join a high achieving team with lots of ambitious projects under way including the rollout of a new giving circle product and execution of an excellent high-value events programme.
 
For further detail of this role, please see the job profile.
 
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 7 September 2025
 
First round interviews will take place on 24 - 25 September
Second round interviews will take place on 30 September
 
We are committed to the safeguarding and protection of children, young people and adults in our work. We, therefore, apply rigorous recruitment and selection processes to ensure that only those who are suitable are recruited to work for us. Accordingly, appointment to all our roles is subject to a range of vetting checks and for this role this will include a Basic Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working for us; this will depend on the circumstances of any offences.
 
Plan International UK is committed to being an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
 
REF-223526

The challenge should you choose to accept it......

We are so proud of what we do, and we know you will be too. Stewarding great relationships and inspiring people to choose The Hospice of St Francis for their committed charitable giving is absolutely key to making the Hospice the incredible place it is now and for the future.  You could be part of that.

With a rich, diverse history, which began back in 1979, we have cared for and supported over 30,000 local people.  We have a dedicated and generous supporter base, customers, donors, adventurers, fundraisers and volunteers

Today our free care supports up to 2,000 local people every year, in Herts and Bucks.

We truly are a community hospice
– built and funded by the community, to serve the community.

So where do you come in?

People are at the heart of everything we do. And you would be no different. We are all vital cogs in delivering our care and support.

We are looking for a new Development Officer – someone who brings a passion for hospice care and wants to play a part of driving forward relationship-based fundraising at The Hospice of St Francis.

This is an exciting role for someone who is ambitious about developing new fundraising opportunities and wants to play an important role in growing income at the Hospice.

The opportunity......

You will play a central role in growing income across the Hospice and driving forward new, relationship-based approaches to fundraising.

With a focus on Major Donors and Trusts and Foundations you will personally identify, develop and manage relationships, with a focus on £5-25k+ opportunities.

 You will develop a new approach for managing and fundraising from small trusts and have the opportunity to learn and grow through working with the AD for Development on larger opportunities.

You’ll bring creativity and a results-oriented outlook, contributing to the wider success of fundraising at the Hospice.

The must haves.....

• Fundraising Success: At least three years’ experience operating in a Trusts and Foundations role (or relevant transferable skills) and a track record of personally securing and stewarding five figure gifts
• Proposition development: Creative in outlook and with experience of developing donor-centric proposals and reports
• Portfolio management: Knowledgeable in developing and managing a portfolio, and key prospect management tools and systems
• Data management: Experienced CRM user and with working knowledge of Data Protection Laws

The it would be nice to have:

• Institutional Funding or Major Gifts experience: Experience of fundraising from institutions or major donors
• Line management: Of staff or volunteers
• Event management: Experience of running stewardship and cultivation events
• Hospice fundraising: Experience of fundraising in a Hospice setting
• Qualification: A relevant fundraising qualification, from CIOF or other

You know it makes sense.....

• 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Wide range of free training courses, plus personal development opportunities
• On-site home cooked food served at a reasonable rate in our bistro​
• You’ll have freedom to make decisions within the boundaries of the Job Description and charity policy and procedure
• Don’t forget a stunning setting, plus #team comradery, support and bags of positivity!

Senior Principal Gifts Manager

Location: Home Based, United Kingdom

Group: Social Impact

Vacancy type: Permanent

35 hours per week

£50,000 - £55,000 per annum / pro rata (plus allowances) 

Remote

The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 130 years. We run local services that support children when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We're there for children, every step of the way. 

This role sits within our Social Impact Group and you will work closely with the Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships, AD of Philanthropy (Principal Gifts), Major Appeal Programme Director, Executive Director Social Impact and senior leaders at all levels to identify and access new and existing networks of wealth, opportunity and influence.

Our step-change in impact with children will be achieved by a step-change in our philanthropy & partnerships: as a Senior Principal Gifts Manager, you'll play a crucial role in this transformation through strategic development and personal leadership of principal gift donors that contribute significant 6-7+figure gifts and support

In order to be successful in this role, you must have: 

-Significant fundraising or income generating experience and a proven track record of securing income at the 6figure+ level from individual or family foundations

-Demonstrated success in managing a high value and diverse portfolio of principal gift donors that include complex relationships

-Experience leading on portfolio management, proposal preparation and the effective cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of (ultra) high net worth individuals

-Knowledge of legal, regulatory and ethical environment of principal gift fundraising

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer. 

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more. 

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with.  As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks.  We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 8th September 2025.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to help us increase our income from mid-level and major donors, trusts and foundations, and legacies.

This is an exciting time to join our charity, Cambridge is changing rapidly, and we are working hard to tackle issues such as the loss of nature, climate change and access to green space. We have inspiring new projects to expand habitats and green spaces on the Gog Magog Hills, to create a new wetland at our Coton Reserve, to plant trees and woodlands and to save one of Cambridge’s oldest buildings. Right now, the work of our charity is needed more than ever before, and we need the financial resources to be able to step up and make even more of a difference.

Committed to our causes, you will use your donor cultivation skills to strengthen existing relationships and use your research and networking skills to identify and cultivate new opportunities. Your excellent written and development skills will enable you to work with colleagues to turn their visions into compelling proposals for funders and our wider support base. Your knowledge of fundraising best practice will ensure that we deliver an excellent donor experience.
You will be an effective worker with an eye for detail who can use your experience to fulfil the administrative and reporting requirements of the funds you are helping to raise.
You will work alongside our Membership & Communications Manager and have some support from our Administrative Assistant. You will also be supported in your work by the CEO, trustees, volunteers, and external contractors.
You will be part of a friendly and committed management team where you can make a difference, and your work will have an impact.
Our office is in an 18th century building overlooking the beautiful Wandlebury estate. Wandlebury is located on top of the Gog Magog Hills just south of Cambridge.

Overall purpose of the role

To lead the development of a regular giving and legacy programme at the AHF, and to support the Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO in development and management of a major gifts programme during the AHF’s 50th Anniversary campaign, with possibility for continued role thereafter. The post holder will be responsible for developing systems to monitor and increase the number of regular and legacy donors to the AHF, including stewardship opportunities, and will assist in prospect research, qualifying, cultivating, and stewarding major donors.

2 Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Work closely with the Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO on development and delivery of the anniversary programme of activities, with particular focus on research to identify potential invitees to and engaging attendees at and after campaign launch and closure events, exhibition launches in Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff, and London, and an industry-facing conference in London.
    
2. Develop and manage a legacy programme for the AHF including stewardship activities; develop and manage a personal portfolio of legacy donors, including making asks of existing regular supporters to consider legacies and development and drafting of legacy proposals and contracts.
    
3. Develop and manage a programme of higher-level regular giving (over £500 per annum), including stewardship activities and making asks of regular supporters to increase their giving.
    
4. Support the Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO, and CEO, with identification and management of a growing portfolio of major gift prospects, including supporting major gifts asks and helping Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO and CEO with ongoing cultivation and stewardship of major donors.
    
5. Lead on managing the AHF’s donor database, Beacon, ensuring the data is up to date with giving from Charities Aid Foundation and other external gifts, that fundraising activity is appropriately recorded on the database, and that our records are fully compliant with data protection legislation.
    
6. Work closely with the Communications Office and consultants supporting the AHF’s 50th Anniversary campaign, with an eye on developing and maximising opportunities to introduce the AHF to new potential supporters and to bolster our key messaging with those already known to us. As part of this work, sit as Secretary of the AHF Communications and Anniversary subcommittee of our Board.
    
7. Develop and maintain a reporting structure to keep AHF SMT and Board up to date with fundraising activity and opportunities.
    
8. Responsible for maintaining the AHF’s log relating to Donor Due Diligence and assisting the Director of Programmes & Deputy CEO with maintaining appropriate policies related to fundraising, including those associated with donor due diligence.
    
9. Contribute to the development and delivery of new ways of working at the AHF that will see our organisation build and maintain greater philanthropic fundraising success, including bringing examples of best practice from other charities. Assist with other tasks and activities as required, particularly those activities and processes that support the wider engagement of potential supporters with the AHF’s work.

3 Person specification

Essential

• At least five years of experience in fundraising at a charity or educational institution, including at least three years of front-line engagement with supporters;
• Knowledgeable about the processes and legislation surrounding UK fundraising, including data protection and
• A pro-active leader, with demonstrably excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills;
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to multi-task, and both verbal and written communication skills;
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated and target-orientated; able to work effectively on own initiative, set appropriate priorities, delegate where appropriate and meet deadlines;
• A confident and engaging presenter and speaker;
• Demonstrable ability in problem solving in response to challenges posed;
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and a track record of collaborative work with external partners;
• Demonstrable interest in and commitment to the AHF’s mission – to help deliver a sustainable future for historic buildings throughout the UK through community enterprise;
• Strong numeric and financial skills; and
• A commitment to achieving beneficial social outcomes through heritage.

Desirable

• Experience working in a heritage-related charity.
• Experience building or managing legacy programmes.

We couldn’t do the work that we do across the county without the incredible support from our members and supporters. Do you have the desire to help us inspire more people to support our work through donations and membership? Do you want to be part of a fantastically passionate team working hard to nurture individual relationships with our members and supporters and provide regular opportunities for them to visit us, meet us and see and hear about our amazing work?

We are the county’s leading local charity working towards a county rich in wildlife and managing over 3,000 acres of land for wildlife and people across Worcestershire. We work with organisations and landowners to protect and connect wildlife sites across the county.

The organisation is currently supported by around 23,000 members and supporters, which is around one in 25 residents in Worcestershire. To date we have successfully recruited members through our membership recruiters, with others coming direct to us through our website or by visiting us at Lower Smite Farm. We need to continue to grow our membership supporter base and we need someone with the fundraising experience to help lead this growth and introduce innovative suggestions throughout the supporter journey and experience to strengthen recruitment and improve our retention and ultimately increase our income generation.

The role will focus on progressing our work around the supporter journey, ensuring that we reach as many potential supporters as possible and enable them to understand our work and feel motivated to support the organisation. Growing our prospect pool and educating these prospects to inspire them to become long-term supporters of our work is essential to the ongoing success of the organisation.

We’re Wild About Inclusion.  To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better.  It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are valued, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!

A full driving licence is essential. This is full time, permanent position. This role will be subject to reference checks and a DBS enhanced check with child barred list.