Major donor development officer jobs

The Senior Fundraising Manager is responsible for delivering Brightside’s fundraising activity with a core focus on grants from trusts and foundations, and major donors. Reporting to and working closely with the CEO, the postholder will forge new relationships with major donors and manage our grant applications to support Brightside to achieve its fundraising targets. The postholder will deliver high quality stewardship across our major donor relationships and act as the key point of contact for all grant activity, working closely with the delivery teams to support funder relationship management and reporting.

The postholder will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to develop clear cases for support for potential funding projects, as well as managing our approach to individual giving and increasing regular donations. The role will involve working closely with the CEO and the trustees, who will provide warm introductions to their networks of potential major donors and support in their stewardship.

Please review the job description attachment at the end of the advert for full roles and responsibilities, application instructions, the essential criteria and further information on salary and benefits.

Responsible for:

Trusts and foundations:

• Identify and research trusts and foundations that would support our organisational priorities and funding needs
• Develop high quality, compelling grant applications and cases for support
• Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of funding opportunities
• Lead funder relationship management and deliver high-quality stewardship
• Lead on grant reporting, including monitoring, accountability and opportunities for reapplication
• Working closely with technology and delivery teams to build evidence-based cases for support for key projects
• Ensure clear and effective handover of successful grants to delivery teams, including reporting requirements and timelines
• Attending external events and meetings to support our fundraising strategy and learning

Major donors:

• Identify and research potential major donors whose interests and capacity align with our mission
• Cultivate new donor relationships through targeted outreach, contact mapping, networking and events
• Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of potential major donors
• Develop tailored engagement and stewardship plans approaches for each donor
• Create meaningful opportunities for donors to share insight, experience or sector knowledge and ensure this expertise is valued and acknowledged
• Lead major gift conversations and negotiations, including face-to-face meetings
• Provide high quality, personalised stewardship to major donors
• Identify opportunities to grow or repeat giving through deeper donor engagement
• Deliver exceptional stewardship to major donors

Individual giving

• Maintaining regular contact with donors and potential donors (including our volunteers and alumni) to generate donations
• Maintaining and monitoring our individual giving platforms
• Ensure all donations and supporter interactions are accurately recorded and that donors receive timely acknowledgements

Application instructions

• Submit your CV and one-page cover letter via CharityJob
• Your cover letter should be no more than 1-2 pages and must explain how you meet the essential criteria for the role, with a focus on the items tested in application and clear examples (see job description for the essential criteria)
• You must answer the screening question on the application page
• Applications without a cover letter or screening question will not be considered
• Applications due: 23:30 Wednesday 27 May
• First round interviews (online): 4/5 June 2026
• Final interviews (online or in person) 10/11 June 2026

Greater Change

Founded in 2018 by Alex McCallion and Jonathan Tan, Greater Change is an NGO providing cash grants to support people to overcome the financial barriers on their pathway out of homelessness using personalised budgets.

We partner with frontline charities and support workers who refer people to us who would benefit from our financial support. The personalised budgets (supported cash transfers) we provide are typically for rent deposits, ID documents, training courses etc. 

On average, Greater Change spends £1,400 per individual and last year 85% of the people we supported sustained their move into stable housing, saving the public purse over £41,000 per person per annum. 

Our goal is ultimately to use personalised budgets as a dignified and effective tool to end homelessness. 

Our Values 

• Trust & Support 
• Growth & Development 
• Passion with Boundaries
• Clarity & Communication 
• Emotional Security & Maturity 
• Impatience for Change

Philanthropy Manager 

We are looking for an entrepreneurial, ambitious and relationship-driven Philanthropy Manager to help grow Greater Change’s income, impact, and profile. Reporting to the Head of Growth and working closely with the CEO, this is a hands-on role suited to someone who can be creative and structured.

You will lead key income streams across High Net Worth Individuals, Trusts and Foundations, and fundraising events, delivering high-quality proposals and thoughtful stewardship that strengthens long-term partnerships.

The ideal candidate will be someone who understands how we are maximising impact and cost-effectiveness. You will be able to clearly communicate how our work delivers meaningful outcomes.

Above all, we are looking for someone proactive and thoughtful, who is motivated to play a key role in scaling a high-impact, evidence-led solution to homelessness.

Main Responsibilities

1. Work closely with the CEO on philanthropic relationships, including supporting the Development Board’s engagement, meetings, and follow-ups.

2. Lead all trusts and foundation activity end-to-end, including prospect research, applications and producing reports, while tracking funding deadlines, maintaining a clear pipeline, and providing regular progress updates to the CEO and Head of Growth.

3. Prepare high-quality proposals, cases for support, presentations, and donor communications.

4. Co-lead on developing and maintaining corporate partnerships with the Head of Growth 

5. Manage individual giving, with a focus on donor stewardship and growth.

6. Lead the planning and delivery of fundraising and stewardship events, including stewardship and fundraising events organised by the Greater Change and our Development Board

7. Supporting the Comms team to deliver donor communications across our newsletter and social media channels

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience 

• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to build credibility and trust with senior stakeholders, including high-net-worth individuals and funders. 

• Highly analytical, with the ability to understand, interpret and clearly communicate impact, cost-effectiveness, and outcomes to a range of audiences. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling, evidence-based cases for support and deliver persuasive presentations. 

• Demonstrable ability to think strategically and entrepreneurially, identifying and pursuing new funding opportunities and approaches. 

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively. 

• Proactive and self-directed, with a problem-solving mindset and the ability to navigate ambiguity and complex challenges. 

• Alignment with our mission

Desired Skills, Knowledge and Experience 

In addition to the essential skills, we are especially keen to hear from candidates who are able to meet some, or any, of the additional experience requirements below: 

• Understanding of the homelessness sector or social impact 

• Experience developing fundraising strategy or contributing to organisational growth plans. 

• Confidence in presenting complex ideas (e.g. impact, cost-effectiveness) to senior or non-technical audiences.

• A good understanding of the housing system, homelessness, benefits processes and services which support people who are precariously housed. 

• Strong IT skills in particular G-Suite, Canva and Microsoft Office. 

Personal Attributes 

• High and positive energy levels; you thrive when working at pace. 

• You have high EQ, are a great listener, proactively inviting feedback and curious to hear the ideas of others. 

• Willingness to roll up your sleeves, Greater Change is a ‘hands on’ environment. 

• Strong team player who can collaborate and work with others to achieve results. 

We welcome applications from candidates with lived experience of homelessness.

What we offer 

• Salary - £40,400 

• Up to 5% pension matching 

• Hybrid working model at home and in the office - we are an outcomes driven team, so we want you to work in the way that's most productive for you.

• 9 day fortnight (every alternate week is a 4-day week). 

• Macbook or PC. 

• A work from home budget of up to £250 to buy what you need for your home setup.

• Frequent team lunches, and quarterly team activity days. 

• Training budget of £800/year, to upskill on anything directly related to your work. 

• A remote working allowance of up to 10 days per year (pro rata). 

• A wellbeing budget of £400/year (pro rata). You can spend it on therapy, the gym, a meditation retreat, whatever helps your wellbeing. 

How to Apply 

Please apply with a CV and Covering Letter. Your Covering Letter must outline how you meet the Essential Criteria listed above, as well as any relevant desirable skills, experience and knowledge. Please demonstrate how you reflect our core values and personal attributes throughout your application. 

Interview process

We will review applications as we receive them, so we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. 

Candidates will be required to participate in up to 3 recruitment rounds following application. This will include an online test, an interview and a final culture fit held in person in our London office. This may change and prospective candidates will be informed of any changes. 

• Application Deadline  - Sunday 7th June 2026 
• Stage 1 (Work test) - Rolling Basis 
• Stage 2 (Online competency based  interview) - Wednesday 10th or Friday 12th June 
• Stage 3 (Final stage Inperson) - Tuesday 16th or Wednesday 17th June 
• Ideal Start Date  - July 2026 

About the Charity:

‘Ending Homelessness, Restoring Lives, and Sharing God’s Love.’

Rooted in Christian compassion, our mission is to ensure that every person in Leeds has access to shelter, support, and dignity - regardless of background - through compassionate care on their journeys out of homelessness.

About Our Employees:

The twin objectives of St George’s Crypt are the relief of hardship and poverty among those living with homelessness, poverty and addiction in the city of Leeds and beyond; and the advancement of the Christian religion for public benefit. Therefore, it is key for the employees and volunteers of the Crypt to be sympathetic to the Christian faith which underpins all our work.

Job Purpose:

To drive, lead and grow our income generation strategy. This senior leadership role has responsibility for developing diverse, sustainable income streams and building strong relationships with supporters, partners, and funders.

To play a key role in shaping the organisation’s future, working closely with the deputy CEO, senior leadership team, and trustees to ensure we have the resources needed to deliver lasting impact.

To increase income from the corporate sector and raise the organisation’s profile within the business community.

Key Job Role Responsibilities and Main Tasks:

Strategy & Leadership

• Improve on and deliver the fundraising strategy aligned with organisational priorities and growth plans.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the fundraising team, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.
• Contribute to organisational strategy as a member of the leadership team.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to the senior leadership team and Board of Trustees.
• Following agreement of budget and discussions with departmental leads, prepare clear objectives for Fundraising.
• Have 3 121s with the team per annum followed by and annual appraisal review.

Income Generation

• Grow and manage income across a range of streams, including:
  • Trusts and foundations
  • Major donors and high-net-worth individuals
  • Corporate partnerships and sponsorships
  • Community fundraising and events
  • Individual giving and digital fundraising
• Identify and develop new funding opportunities and innovative approaches to income generation, particularly corporate donations and partnerships.
• Oversee budgets, forecasts, and income targets, ensuring financial sustainability.

Corporate Fundraising & Partnerships

• Identify, secure, and grow corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and Charity of the Year relationships.
• Build and manage a portfolio of corporate supporters, ensuring effective stewardship and retention.
• Develop tailored partnership proposals, sponsorship packages, and presentations for corporate audiences.
• Represent the organisation within the local and regional business community, including networking events.
• Drive engagement opportunities including employee fundraising, volunteering, and corporate-led initiatives.
• Oversee and grow existing corporate schemes, including the Angel Scheme.
• Monitor corporate income performance against targets and provide regular reporting.

Relationship Management

• Build and steward strong relationships with funders, donors, corporate partners, and key stakeholders.
• Act as a senior ambassador for the charity, representing the organisation externally at meetings and events.
• Work closely with communications and service teams to ensure compelling, accurate impact storytelling.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all fundraising activity is ethical, compliant, and aligned with relevant regulations and best practice
• Manage risk across fundraising activities and ensure robust systems and processes are in place

Person Specification:

Essential requirements:

·Significant experience in a senior fundraising or targeted role, ideally within the charity or not-for-profit sector

·Proven track record of delivering and growing income across multiple streams

·Corporate fundraising experience

·Strong leadership and people-management skills

·Excellent relationship-building and communication abilities

·Strategic thinker with strong financial and analytical skills

·Commitment to the values and mission of tackling homelessness

·Must hold a full, clean driving licence

Desirable:

·Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Trustees or director level equivalent

·Knowledge of homelessness, housing, or social justice issues

·Experience of organisational growth or income diversification

·Relevant professional fundraising qualification

Please see the attached documents for full role details and information regarding the selection process

Do you have fundraising experience and a passion for project management? Do you want to play a key role in helping supporters feel valued while enabling sustainable growth in individual giving? Join BMS World Mission as our Fundraising Officer.

As the Fundraising Officer, you’ll be part of the Individual Giving team delivering inspiring fundraising activity. From project managing quarterly direct mail appeals to shaping compelling supporter journeys, your work will help people engage generously with BMS’ mission. You’ll collaborate closely with communications colleagues to produce impactful fundraising materials, plan supporter events, and ensure excellent, personalised thanking that reflects our commitment to outstanding supporter care.

You’ll monitor performance, learn from data, and apply insights to continually improve our approach. If you enjoy juggling projects, working collaboratively, and combining creativity with analysis this role is ideal for you.

We’re looking for someone with project management experience, strong communication skills and a genuine passion for fundraising. You’ll be aligned with BMS’ Christian vision and values, committed to high standards, and motivated to keep learning and growing.

If you want your work to make a real difference - both to supporters and to communities around the world - we’d love to hear from you.

Key Information

Location: Didcot/hybrid

Hours: 35 hours per week/full time

Employment type: Permanent

Salary: £33,477 per annum

Closing date: 9am on Monday 1 June 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 9 June 2026

Q&A time: Thursday 21 May 12.30 – 13.30

The successful applicant will be a committed Christian. The nature of this role means that this is a specific occupational requirement.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in growing a major donor programme that directly supports life-changing eye care services in the Holy Land. You will work closely with the Executive Director, UK (EDUK) and senior leadership, including the CEO and Trustees, to contribute to the long-term sustainability of a respected and impactful international charity.

As part of a small, ambitious and collaborative UK team, you will play a major role in shaping and developing the major donor programme, building meaningful relationships with supporters and seeing the tangible impact of your work on patients and communities.

The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG) is a UK-registered charity delivering expert eye care to the people of the Holy Land, regardless of ethnicity, religion or ability to pay. It operates through two locally-registered charities to provide services in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.

Job Title:  Development Manager

Location:  London

Reports to:  Chief Executive Officer

Job Summary

The Development Manager will be a dynamic and experienced fundraiser with strong technical skills in grant and funding solicitation, management and stewardship across Crisis Action’s current donor targets including major foundations, governments, and High Net Wealth Individuals (HNWI). They will serve as the anchor of a newly configured fundraising team designed to support Crisis Action to nurture its existing donors and secure the next generation of support for its ground-breaking work.

This role is pivotal in ensuring excellence in our outreach, proposals, reporting and communication to drive resource mobilisation that is essential for the organisation’s financial sustainability at a time when our distinct model and way of working is needed more than ever.

Principal responsibilities

Donor engagement and communications 

• Oversee and coordinate day-to-day engagement with current and prospective foundation, government and individual donors by members of the Crisis Action team
• Represent the organisation vis-à-vis donor representatives 
• Support HNWI donor benefits structure and cultivation plans
• Prepare compelling and timely donor reports, donor updates, letters of receipt and other outreach materials in collaboration with finance and campaign teams.

Grant management and oversight 

• Ensuring timely and skilled drafting, consultation and sign off of high-quality grant proposals 
• Timely acknowledgement of all contributions and compliance with donor requirements
• Preparation of high-quality proposal budgets and financial reports for donors in compliance with grant specifications and deadlines, in close cooperation with the Finance Team
• Review all grant agreements and monitor/ensure the organization's adherence to its contractual commitments. 

Strategic vision and guidance: 

• Provide strategic support to the Chief Executive Officer on short- and long-term fundraising strategies and broader resource mobilisation initiatives to ensure our fundraising strategy and its implementation helps achieve organisational goals
• Set fundraising targets and produce periodic funding forecasts in consultation with members of the team.

Research and intelligence: 

• Carry out donor research and provide strategic insights and donor related updates and background information to relevant colleagues.
• Monitor and ensure a solid pipeline of donor prospects

Team coordination and collaboration 

• Ensure that there is a clear workplan that anticipates what has to happen when to guide team resource allocation and workload management
• Ensure effective and efficient processes of gathering and sharing information across the team to support timely donor engagement and stewardship with clear protocols on the cadence of team calls and written updates 
• Support colleagues to adhere to agreed fundraising roles and responsibilities 

Communications 

• Ensuring effective and timely communications to donors, Crisis Action’s board and team 
• In collaboration with the CEO, ensure timely and regular flow of information to the team on fundraising progress
• Timely production of high-quality fundraising updates for our Board 

Data and Systems Management 

• Sustain, manage and where possible further develop the relevant administrative infrastructure, including grant tracking and reporting systems, Salesforce contact database, events calendars, contact lists, donor profiles, website and annual report donor acknowledgement lists and meeting minutes 

Job Specifications 

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in fundraising, donor relations, or development within the non-profit or international advocacy sector
• A proven track record of engaging with foundations and government officials to secure and manage grants
• Demonstrated ability to forge new donor partnerships, and a track record of bringing in new revenue
• Strong understanding of government and foundation funding landscapes with at least some familiarity with differences between them and the stewardship of major gifts from individual giving 
• Experience in drafting compelling fundraising proposals, reports and donor updates for a variety of donors – foundations, governments and individuals 
• Strong all-round communication and storytelling skills
• Experience producing a range of communications materials for different audiences
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organisational goals into actionable fundraising plans
• Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and grant management tools
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and cultures with colleagues dispersed across the world
• Financial literacy and a proven ability to understand and construct budgets
• Collaborative and empathetic approach to team and donor engagement 
• Enthusiasm, initiative and willingness to learn
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines 
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including a systematic approach to maintaining donor tracking systems
• Fluency in oral and written English 
• Proficiency in Salesforce and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability/willingness to travel to staff retreats and for donor visits. 
• Legal right to work in the UK

Desirable skills and experience

• Proficiency in additional languages
• Established donor networks
• Experience managing major gifts and cultivating individual donor relations
• Knowledge of conflict, human rights, or social justice issues

Key Relationships

• Senior Management Team, Development Team, Finance Team, Campaign Leads, Office Directors

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary & Benefits 

Salary: We have set bands for the salary range for all positions at Crisis Action. The baseline of our salary range for this position is £40K per annum. 

Benefits: 25 annual leave days (30 days after 3 years). Up to 6% contribution to pension. 3-month long service leave after 6 years and one-month sabbatical leave in year 10. CA additionally offers an annual inflationary increase, and 2% salary increase in year 2, 4 and 8 subject to availability of funds. 

DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Statement

Crisis Action values and nurtures an inclusive culture that sees the diversity of its board, staff, partners, and all we work with as a strength and source of innovation and creativity. We welcome applications from anyone no matter your background, gender identity and expression, nationality, language, ethnicity, colour, caste, race, sexual orientation, ability, religion or belief, age, marriage, civil partnership, or parental status. Equality among all is a driving force in our work and a feature of our recruitment. We strive to ensure that all employment decisions are made entirely on merit. 

Greenpeace is a movement of people who are passionate about defending the natural world from destruction. Their vision is a world where everyone has equal access to clean air, water, and energy; where the nature we love is protected, precious habitats are restored and communities are united by ambitious climate action.

The Key Relationships programme sits at the heart of Greenpeace UK’s fundraising, securing the philanthropic investment that powers its campaigning work. The team raises around £15–16 million annually from major donors, trusts and foundations, and legacies, contributing significantly to the organisation’s wider fundraising income of approximately £37 million.

The Individual Major Gifts programme is a core part of this, driving income from high-value supporters including high-net-worth individuals and family foundations. Sitting within a collaborative structure alongside trusts and foundations, it reflects the increasingly blended nature of donor giving.

We are now seeking a Head of Major Gifts (Individuals) to lead this important area. Reporting to the Deputy Fundraising Director, Key Relationships, you will jointly lead the major gifts function alongside the Head of Major Gifts (Trusts & Foundations), combining strategic leadership with hands-on fundraising. You will jointly lead a team of Major Gifts specialists while personally managing a portfolio of the organisation’s most significant donors, securing six- and seven-figure gifts. You will also lead Greenpeace UK’s contribution to a high-profile global capital campaign to raise €100 million, helping fund a pioneering fossil fuel–free ship and accelerate climate and biodiversity work.

As Head of Major Gifts (Individuals), you will:

• Develop and deliver the major gifts strategy, driving ambitious income growth aligned to UK and global priorities
• Lead Greenpeace UK’s contribution to the €100M Global Capital Campaign, translating global strategy into UK delivery
• Personally cultivate and secure transformational gifts from high-net-worth individuals
• Line manage the Major Gifts Manager and wider team alongside the Head of Trusts & Foundations, creating a high-performing, collaborative and values-led culture
• Oversee pipeline development, prospect research and donor stewardship to ensure sustainable growth
• Work across fundraising, campaigns and communications to develop compelling donor propositions
• Influence senior stakeholders, trustees and international colleagues to maximise major donor engagement
• Manage budgets, performance and reporting, ensuring delivery against ambitious financial targets
• Contribute to the leadership of the wider Key Relationships programme and organisational direction

Essential skills and experience:

• Significant experience in senior-level major gifts fundraising with a track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from U/HNWIs.
• Experience of leading fundraising strategy and delivering sustained income growth.
• Demonstrated experience of leading, developing, and motivating teams, with a proven track record of achieving high performance.
• Experience of working with senior stakeholders, trustees, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Strong understanding of international or capital campaign fundraising, with direct experience a distinct advantage.
• Experience of managing budgets and meeting ambitious financial targets.
• Knowledge of, or experience working in, the environmental, climate, or biodiversity sectors is a distinct advantage to enable credible and insightful engagement with expert colleagues, partners and donors

Diversity and Inclusion

Greenpeace UK recognise the value in having a diverse workforce, as well as the importance of creating equal opportunities for all. Applications are welcomed and encouraged from people of all backgrounds.

Applications are particularly encouraged from people of colour, disabled people, and people who identify as working class now or in the past.

Candidates will be selected based on how well they meet the criteria for the role and all applicants will be treated fairly throughout the recruitment process. To find out more, including the many ways that diversity and inclusion is encouraged and promoted at Greenpeace UK, please click here.

Anti-racism and inclusion commitments

Greenpeace UK wants its team to reflect the diversity of the communities it works alongside. It is committed to fairness, inclusion, and challenging discrimination and oppression in all its forms.

The environmental sector still has further to go when it comes to representation. Greenpeace UK has published ambitious race representation targets and, through its Anti Racism Plan, is working proactively to achieve stronger representation of people of colour, particularly within leadership positions.

As part of this commitment, a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) is being piloted. Greenpeace UK aims to offer an interview to everyone who opts into the scheme and meets the essential criteria. Guaranteed interview applications will be processed by QuarterFive and shared only with the Greenpeace UK recruiting manager and HR team.

If you identify as a person of colour and meet the essential criteria for the role, you can choose to opt in to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme - see applicant pack for details.

Employee benefits

• 25 days annual leave for full-time staff, with additional leave accrued according to length of service up to a maximum of 32 days
• Once a month, all Greenpeace staff take an organisational ‘breather’ day where the office closes with no expectations of output on these days
• Office closure normally occurs between Christmas and new year and staff are not required to use annual leave to cover this period
• Employer pension contribution of 8.5% of basic salary, provided employees contribute at least 3%
• Interest free season ticket loan, or a tax efficient bicycle loan
• Life assurance scheme (4 x annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme that includes access to free confidential advice with a qualified counsellor

Role Purpose

The Head of Philanthropy is accountable for delivering significant philanthropic income for Justice & Care, including through personally secured major gifts, alongside building and leading a high-performing philanthropy function.

The postholder will design and execute the philanthropy strategy, hold and actively manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, and personally secure five- and sixfigure gifts through direct relationship management and solicitation.

This is a hands-on income-generating role: the Head of Philanthropy will lead from the front on donor cultivation, stewardship and asking, while also setting direction, prioritising effort and building capability within the team to maximise long-term philanthropic income.

They will work closely with the Global Director of Fundraising on key relationships and strategic opportunities, supporting the growth of philanthropy across the UK and expansion into the US and emerging markets.

This role combines senior-level leadership with significant personal income delivery; candidates should expect to spend a substantial proportion of their time directly engaging donors and securing major gifts.

Global Scope

This role will support the growth of philanthropy across multiple markets, including strengthening the UK portfolio and developing opportunities in the US and emerging markets (e.g. Middle East), working closely with senior stakeholders to shape and deliver market-specific approaches. 

Main Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities include, but are not necessarily limited to:

1. Strategic Leadership and Income Delivery

• Lead the development and delivery of the philanthropy strategy, with a clear focuson generating major donor income in the UK and driving growth in the US and emerging markets
• Be accountable for achieving philanthropy income targets, including through personally secured major gifts, working closely with the Global Director of Fundraising
• Translate organisational priorities into fundable propositions and compelling donor opportunities
• Actively shape and drive the philanthropy pipeline, making clear, evidence-based decisions about where time and effort are invested
• Work with the CEO, Board and senior leaders to prepare and support major donor asks, including co-solicitation where appropriate

2. Major Gifts and New Business

• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects, typically at £25k-£250k+ level
• Lead all stages of the donor journey: identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Personally secure new major gifts through one-to-one relationship building, tailored proposals and direct asks
• Develop and maintain a live pipeline of prospective donors with clearly defined next steps
• Take primary responsibility for preparing and delivering high-value asks, working closely with the CEO, Board members and Global Director of Fundraising
• Convert access to senior networks into tangible income outcomes

3. Team Leadership and Development

• Line manage and develop the Philanthropy Specialist and future members of the team
• Build capability within the team to support pipeline growth, donor stewardship and future expansion of the philanthropy function
• Establish strong ways of working, including prioritisation, pipeline management and CRM discipline
• Set clear objectives and KPIs for the team

4. Events and Strategic Engagement

• Design and lead a programme of philanthropic events with clear income andpipeline objectives
• Personally leverage high-value donor events to progress relationships towards major gifts
• Use international engagement and trips selectively where they support donor cultivation and solicitation
• Represent Justice & Care in philanthropic networks to generate new donor relationships

5. Pipeline, CRM and Reporting

• Own and maintain a live, decision-ready major donor pipeline
• Ensure robust pipeline management and accurate forecasting
• Maintain high-quality CRM data and reporting (Salesforce)
• Provide strategic insight on income performance, risks and opportunities

6. Other ad hoc duties

• Collaborate across the organisation to support delivery of shared objectives
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and organisational initiatives
• Undertake other tasks as required to support Development Team and organisational priorities

About the Mercury

The Mercury creates and shares stories that are exhilarating, revelatory and relevant. Through the reinvention of classic texts and the creation of bold, new writing, we believe that the transformative power of theatre can enrich the lives of our community.

The Mercury is a significant regional developer of new talent, working with a range of partners across the arts, education and creative industries to deliver a studio programme and a learning, participation and professional development programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of theatre makers.

Everything we do is driven by our values of quality, innovation, diversity, and connection.

About your new role

Are you a commercially minded fundraiser, passionate about garnering support for a cause you love? Come and join #TeamMercury as our new Head of Development and Partnerships.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in identifying and securing funding, building commercial partnerships, and nurturing meaningful strategic relationships that drive sustainable growth.

You will lead on securing income from Trusts and Foundations, statutort funders, lottery sources, individuals, corporate partnerships, membership schemes and commercial coproduction investments.

The successful candidate is creative, highly collaborative and forward-thinking. You will bring experience across a range of fundraising approaches and the ability to make the most of a mix of commercial streams. We would love to hear from you!

To find out more, download the candidate pack.

Applications close at 10am on Monday 18 May 2026. First round of interviews will take place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

Position: Senior Philanthropy Officer – Trusts and Foundations Maternity cover up to 1-year.

Salary: £36,000-38,000 per annum

Reports to: Senior Trusts & Foundations Manager

Location: Shoreditch, East London (Hybrid Model)

Key relationships: UK for UNHCR Head of Philanthropy and Philanthropy Team, Individual Giving Team, UNHCR Private Sector Partnerships division

JOB PURPOSE

UK for UNHCR is looking for an ambitious and proactive fundraiser to work in a Senior Philanthropy Officer role for up to one year’s maternity cover. This role will manage its own portfolio of low to mid-level trusts and foundations and will play a key role in supporting the Senior Trusts & Foundations Manager on the engagement and stewardship of our high-level partnerships, as well as supporting on the delivery of a high-quality supporter experience.

You will be joining the charity at an exciting moment, becoming part of a small but high performing team with big ambitions. This role is integral to the development of our Trusts and Foundations Programme.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic and determined and who enjoys working collaboratively within and across teams, building relationships and inspiring people to support UNHCR’s lifesaving work. You’ll have strong problem solving and communication skills, both written and oral. You’ll be passionate about the refugee cause and UK for UNHCR’s role in supporting refugees around the globe.

Working with our international colleagues, this role will gather information for reports, donor communications and proposals on UNHCR’s key areas of work.

This role will also work across the team to support on growing the trusts and foundations pipeline, through identifying and then building relationships with trusts and foundations aligned with our cause.

Some international travel may be required.

If you think you have the relevant skills and crucially, the passion to support the refugee cause, please apply.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO  

United Kingdom for UNHCR is the United Nations Refugee Agency’s national charity partner for the United Kingdom. We generate public awareness of the plight of refugees and raise funds to help protect them through UNHCR’s humanitarian operations across the world.

Our supporters include UK private individuals, communities, corporate partners, trusts and foundations. The funds we raise help UNHCR deliver emergency relief such as shelter, medical care and basic supplies to people fleeing conflict and persecution, as well as healthcare, education and livelihoods opportunities for those who remain displaced over the long term.

Nobody chooses to be a refugee, but we can all play a part in their protection, and we want those who work with us to share our values and passion for the cause.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING

We strongly value diversity and recognise that it is critical to our success and the cause that we serve. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all who work with us and strongly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of being a refugee, asylum seeker, internally displaced person, or a stateless person.

UK for UNHCR is proud to have Diversity & Inclusion Working Group. The Diversity & Inclusion Working Group is a group of colleagues focusing on tasks that drive action in the implementation of our D&I Approach.  The group also works to create safe spaces that brings colleagues together for events, discussions and learning experiences that celebrate and support diversity and tackle barriers to inclusion. 

We are also open to flexibility in many ways, including an element of working from home and flexible hours. Please don’t be afraid to speak to us about this at the interview stage, so we can explore what’s possible.

Role Responsibilities  

• Work as part of the Private Partnerships and Philanthropy Team (PPH) to develop new opportunities with trusts and foundations in line with UK for UNHCR’s fundraising strategy. This will include supporting and leading initiatives to approach potential supporters.
• Support the development and management of a robust trusts & foundations pipeline and a calendar of opportunities for grant submissions to trusts and foundations.
• Undertake detailed prospect research and identify the most appropriate funding and fundraising opportunities for trusts and foundations.
• Support the development of high-quality concept notes, proposals, reports, and other fundraising products.
• Ensure current partners are stewarded to a high standard
• Support, and at times lead, on cultivation and stewardship events across the PPH team. This could be anything from a webinar to an in-person event for 50+ people.
• Support and lead on the development and execution of strong cultivation and stewardship plans, taking responsibility for keeping these updated and reviewed.
• Help establish an appropriate strategic and tactical response to trust and foundation prospects and supporters in the event of humanitarian emergencies.
• Maintain the Salesforce database with up-to-date and accurate information on trust and foundation prospects and partners.
• Help to raise awareness of, and build vital support for, UK for UNHCR’s unique position to protect refugees and displaced people.
• Work within UK for UNHCR’s due diligence and GDPR policies and processes.
• Ensure accurate income recording and earmarking procedures to facilitate financial reporting.
• Support the PPH team in other activities as requested.
• The above list is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to perform duties that are not detailed above.

Personal Attributes and Experience

Essential Experience

• Experience of working in a fundraising capacity with an NGO or INGO to identify, approach, secure and steward trusts & foundations and/or major donors.
• Experience of devising and delivering impactful and engaging proposals and communications to generate income and build relationships.
• Experience of working across a busy team and managing a busy workload.

 Essential Skills/Knowledge

• Ability to analyse reports and communicate complex themes and subjects to a variety of audiences, written and verbal.
• Ability to act proactively to identify new prospects and fundraising opportunities.
• Ability to juggle and prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines within a collaborative team environment.
• Good attention to detail and ability to proof-read.
• Able to demonstrate flexibility, with a willingness to respond quickly, particularly at times of humanitarian crisis.
• Excellent stakeholder and relationship management skills.
• Proficient in using Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of fundraising databases.

Desirable Skills/Experience (not compulsory)

• Experience of working in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Experience of fundraising at an international development, human rights, or humanitarian NGO.
• Experience organising events

WHY JOIN UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR?

You will be part of a high performing agile team of talented people; all committed to build solidarity and raise funds for refugees and displaced people worldwide. You will be working in a flexible, supportive, and inclusive environment, where your work will be recognised and appraised.

What else?

Wellbeing

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays (pro-rata).
• Employee Assistance programme providing 24/7 access to online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing.
• Access to 100s of perks with discounts on everyday purchases.
• Office wellness perks.
• Discount on gym memberships.
• Hybrid and Flexible Working.
• Staff socials.

Financial

• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8%.
• Non-contributory group life assurance scheme
• Non-contributory Income protection scheme.
• One-off contribution towards homeworking set up.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Enhanced sick pay scheme.

Development

• Comprehensive training and continuing development opportunities.
• Individual training budget.

HOW TO APPLY

If you have the relevant skills and the passion to use them to support refugees, please apply by completing our application form which is available in the documents section.   

Closing date: midday Monday 18th May

Interviews date: Weeks commencing 18th and 25th May

If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation, please contact us. We will make every effort to respond to your request for assistance as soon as possible.

United Kingdom for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is registered with the Charity Commission (England & Wales), charity no. 1183415. It is the UK national partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency.

We are WeSeeHope, a charity lifting children out of extreme poverty across sub-Saharan Africa.

We are appointing a senior relationship fundraiser to drive income growth through high net worth individuals, senior business leaders, corporates and foundations. This is a frontline role with direct responsibility for developing and securing five and six figure multi-year funding commitments.

Working closely with the Chief Executive and Trustees, the Head of Fundraising will build and convert a strong major donor pipeline, unlock new networks and position WeSeeHope as a credible investment partner.

This is a growth mandate with clear accountability for results. We are seeking someone with the gravitas, commercial judgement and confidence to lead high value conversations and secure significant support. This role will further professionalise and scale our major donor and corporate fundraising approach.

About Us

We invest in the potential of every child we work with by breaking barriers to education and opening doors to entrepreneurship. With our backing, vulnerable children and their families are building futures that are free from extreme poverty, for good.

WeSeeHope currently raises approximately £1m annually through a mix of individual, corporate and foundation support. Our next phase of growth will focus on deepening high value, long term relationships with major donors and senior business leaders. We see clear headroom to scale this relational income model over the next three years.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Income Leadership

• Develop and execute a clear income growth strategy with defined targets, milestones, and measurable outcomes.
• Build and personally manage a portfolio of high value prospects and partners.
• Lead high level cultivation and solicitation activity in partnership with the Chief Executive and Trustees.
• Identify, qualify, and convert new high value prospects across individual, corporate, and foundation channels.
• Ensure disciplined pipeline management and forecasting, contributing to regular reporting to the Board.

Major Donor and Corporate Relationships

• Act as primary relationship lead for a defined portfolio of high net worth individuals and senior business leaders.
• Design and deliver tailored engagement plans that deepen commitment and increase lifetime value.
• Structure strategic partnerships that align donor objectives with organisational priorities.
• Confidently lead funding conversations, including direct financial asks.

Events and Networks

• Provide strategic oversight of key income generating events, ensuring they are leveraged effectively to cultivate and secure high value support.
• Work with Trustees/Board and senior volunteers in the UK and USA to unlock access to new networks and opportunities.
• Support Trustees to act as effective ambassadors and introducers.

Team and Organisational Leadership

• Lead and develop a focused, high performing fundraising team with clear objectives and accountability.
• Contribute actively to the senior management team, ensuring fundraising is embedded within wider organisational strategy and decision making.
• Champion a culture of measurable performance, professionalism, and relationship stewardship across the organisation.

Person Specification

Experience

• Proven track record of securing significant partnerships or funding commitments, typically in the five or six figure range, with senior decision makers.
• Experience building and converting a strong major donor pipeline, including multi-year commitments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high value partnership or funding conversations and personally secure significant commitments.
• Experience working closely with CEOs, founders, and Trustees to unlock networks and secure support or investment.
• Experience setting and delivering against ambitious income growth targets.

Skills and Capability

• Gravitas and confidence to operate credibly with senior decision makers in private and corporate settings.
• Strong commercial judgement with the ability to assess opportunities on a clear return on investment basis.
• Excellent strategic thinking and disciplined execution.
• Skilled negotiator, comfortable structuring complex funding relationships.
• High emotional intelligence and strong relationship management capability.
• Clear, persuasive communicator able to position WeSeeHope as a compelling investment proposition.

Personal Qualities

• A natural relationship builder, able to establish trust quickly and sustain long term partnerships with high value supporters.
• Comfortable with accountability and transparent performance measurement.
• Self-aware, pragmatic, and calm under pressure.
• Demonstrates alignment with the values of WeSeeHope and a commitment to collaborative, high-performance working.

Success in the first 12 months

By the end of year one, the Head of Fundraising will have:

• Built and qualified a clearly segmented major donor pipeline of 25 to 40 high capacity prospects, with defined engagement plans and projected value.
• Secured multiple new five figure commitments and, where strong prospects exist, at least one new six figure commitment.
• Delivered measurable growth in major donor and corporate income against agreed annual targets.
• Established and implemented a structured major donor strategy with clear segmentation and stewardship plans.
• Activated Trustees in income generation, resulting in new qualified introductions and live cultivation opportunities.
• Implemented robust forecasting and performance reporting systems providing reliable income visibility to the Board.

Salary and Package

Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 per annum, depending on experience.

WeSeeHope is currently a £1m organisation with clear ambition to grow income and impact over the coming years. This role offers significant strategic responsibility, direct access to the Chief Executive and Trustees, and the opportunity to shape and lead income growth at organisational level.

For the right candidate, this is an opportunity to step into a senior leadership position with genuine influence, autonomy and accountability for results.

Benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays.
• Enhanced family leave provision.
• Royal London pension scheme.
• Life insurance.
• Flexible and hybrid working - we currently work one day a week from a shared office space in Moorgate, London.
• Occasional international travel.

How to Apply

To apply, we welcome a CV and a 1-2 page covering letter detailing your interest in the role. Click the How to Apply button below for more information on how to submit your application. Please submit by 12 p.m. on Tuesday 19th May.

Accessibility is incredibly important to us here at WeSeeHope. If you would like any accessibility amendments or support throughout the application and interview stage, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Smile Train is the world’s largest cleft-focused organisation, supporting life-changing surgery and comprehensive cleft care for children and adults globally. Through its unique local model, Smile Train has supported more than 2 million surgeries and works with medical partners across 75+ countries to deliver sustainable, high-quality care.

The UK plays a vital role within this global organisation, contributing significant income, insight and strategic input. The programme is performing strongly, with income expected to reach c.£14–15m this year, underpinned by a successful individual giving and legacy programme.

Smile Train is now entering its next phase of growth in the UK, with a clear opportunity to build and strengthen high-value income, particularly across major donors, mid-value giving and trusts & foundations. We are seeking a Director of UK Fundraising to lead this next stage – shaping strategy, strengthening delivery and building a more balanced, sustainable income portfolio over time.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer in New York, you will lead the UK fundraising programme and team of six, sitting at the heart of a global organisation. You will combine strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, setting direction while personally driving key relationships and opportunities at the highest level.

With a strong foundation in place and growing investment in the UK, this is a significant opportunity to build high-value fundraising from a relatively early stage, while contributing to a global fundraising strategy and organisation with exceptional scale and impact.

As Director of UK Fundraising, you will:

• Lead and deliver the UK fundraising strategy, aligned to global priorities
• Drive income growth across all streams, with a particular focus on high-value fundraising
• Develop a more structured, relationship-led approach to major donors, mid-value giving and trusts & foundations
• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects
• Lead, develop and bring clarity to a UK team of six staff
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and performance management
• Work closely with global colleagues to translate strategy into effective UK delivery
• Act as a senior ambassador for Smile Train in the UK

Essential skills and experience:

• A strong track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies, including high-value income streams
• Proven success in securing major gifts and building long-term donor relationships
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including forecasting and performance management
• Experience working with senior stakeholders, including trustees or boards
• The ability to operate both strategically and operationally in a senior leadership role
• Excellent relationship-building, influencing and communication skills

Desirable:

• Experience working within a global or matrix organisation
• Exposure to mass fundraising or individual giving programmes
• Experience contributing to organisational or multi-market strategy development

Experience working in an international or globally distributed organisation is strongly preferred. This will include experience of effective collaboration in a global organisation ensuring strategic alignment with headquarters and across global teams.

Employee benefits

Benefits include:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Up to 7 days paid sick leave per year
• Interest free Travel to Work loan

The role

 We are seeking an experienced Manager of Philanthropic Giving with a strong track record in securing major gifts. The ideal candidate will excel at building trusted, long-term relationships with donors and feel confident leading conversations that result in significant philanthropic support. This role will also contribute to the development and delivery of a trusts and foundations strategy, helping to grow and strengthen our portfolio.

Working closely with the CEO, senior leadership and trustees, you will develop compelling funding propositions, steward donors and funders through excellent reporting and engagement, and represent myaware at meetings, events and networking opportunities. You will also maintain accurate records through our CRM system, track performance against targets, and contribute to income planning and reporting. This is a strategic and hands-on role with real impact for people affected by myasthenia.

The Manager of Philanthropic Giving will be predominantly home based within the UK (with occasional working and meetings at Derby HQ) and will work in co-operation with the fundraising team and all myaware colleagues to deliver agreed fundraising targets and campaigns. Own transport is essential for this role as occasional travel throughout the UK will be required to attend donor meetings, events and networking opportunities, as well as the ability to travel to the Derby office. There may be the need to occasionally work during weekends and evenings and therefore there is a need to work flexibly when required.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for an experienced and motivated fundraising professional with a strong track record in major donor fundraising along with experience in Trusts and Foundations fundraising. You will have experience in personal communication in asking for high level funds, and experience of stewarding high net worth individuals to maintain high levels of engagement over a significant period. You will have experience of Trusts and Foundations fundraising including pipeline management and stewardship, writing compelling funding applications and impact reports.

You will be a strategic thinker with excellent interpersonal, research and organisational skills, confident managing a complex pipeline and working collaboratively across teams. You will be comfortable working independently, using CRM systems, and engaging senior stakeholders, including trustees and high-level donors. Most importantly, you will share myaware’s values, demonstrate empathy with our cause, and be committed to making a meaningful difference through philanthropy.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we?

Myaware is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to the care and support of people affected by myasthenia. 

We are working hard to raise awareness of myasthenia, as it is a little-known condition. We provide support for people with myasthenia and their families, whilst offering advice and tips for living with the condition. 

We also fund the research that brings us closer to finding a cure as well as funding specialists nurses and advisors. 

Members of myaware have full access to a wide range of support services and events including our specialist benefits and welfare advisor. 

Myaware supports people with myasthenia and their families.  We campaign for better medical services for people with myasthenia and work to inform medical professionals. 

The myasthenias are a group of neuromuscular conditions. They are rare but also manageable and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or nationality. Myasthenia gravis, ocular myasthenia and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are autoimmune conditions whereas congenital myasthenic syndrome is caused by an inherited genetic fault. It is thought that there are approximately 20,000 people currently living with myasthenia in the UK. 

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance
• Perkbox account (global benefits and rewards platform)
• Group Life Assurance after 6 months of service 
• NEST workplace pension scheme
• Free inhouse staff benefits and welfare advice 
• Investment in your personal and professional development
• Annual salary review

Application instructions

Candidates should submit their CV and tailored covering letter by: 11:30pm on Monday 25th May 2026.

Provisional interview date will be week commencing: 01.06.2026

Interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams.

Applications submitted without a tailored cover letter will not be considered.

This post, due to its nature, duties and responsibilities, will be subject to an enhanced check by the DBS. This is funded by Myaware.

This organisation supports anonymous recruitment. That means hiding your personal identifying information, removing bias from the hiring process.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

Our client was founded in 1984 and is dedicated to providing high-quality, modern actor training rooted in British and European classical theatre traditions. They have a rich history of alumni support and will now hire their new Head of Development and Prospectus is leading the search.

The Head of Development, reporting to the Managing Director, will lead the fundraising strategy and day-to-day operations to sustainably grown and strengthen the organisation’s fundraising activity. You will develop and own the fundraising strategy including targets and will communicate effectively donors, staff, trustees, and other stakeholders to develop a compelling plan for fundraising that includes appeals and major donor giving, of which a healthy level of activity will be inherited by the postholder.

The appointed candidate will have experience of working in a development function and will have experience of tactical philanthropy fundraising experience as well as setting strategy. You will be highly experienced in good relationship management and will enjoy working within a small team that supports a specific cause. The Head of Development will work independently and will shape new fundraising strategy, so experience of working at pace through your own momentum and ambitions will be advantageous.

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 Ryan Burdock 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.