Major donor executive jobs

Global Retention Executive
Remote | Full-time | Up to £30,000/(35.000€)

Join Animals Asia at a pivotal moment in our mission to end cruelty and restore respect for animals across Asia.

Animals Asia is on a historic journey to end bear bile farming, transform the lives of captive wildlife and create lasting change for animals across Asia. None of this is possible without the compassion and commitment of our supporters – and that’s where you come in.

We’re looking for a Global Retention Executive to nurture and grow relationships with individual giving donors worldwide. In this role, you’ll help deliver inspiring, multi-channel fundraising and stewardship campaigns that show supporters the real impact of their generosity, and keep them connected to our mission for the long term.

Working closely with and reporting to the Global Retention Manager, and teams across fundraising, communications, supporter care, programs, and data, technology and insight, you’ll bring powerful stories to life through email, direct mail and digital journeys. You’ll play a hands-on role in creating meaningful supporter experiences that drive impact for animals who desperately need our help.

We’re a small but mighty global Individual Giving team, made up of exceptionally talented, passionate and dedicated individuals who care deeply about creating real, lasting change. We have the ambition to match our potential and we’re investing in the right people to help us go further, faster.

If you’re an organised, detail-oriented and supporter-focused professional with 1–2 years’ experience in donor retention, individual giving or a similar role within the charity sector, and have a genuine passion for animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: 13th March 2026. All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. Interested parties, Interviews will be conducted during the week commencing 23rd March 2026 via Zoom or Google Meet. Find out more about us on our website.

Help us spark moments of hope for families navigating the toughest of journeys. Step into a role where your creativity and flair in making connections will directly shape the support we can offer to children and young people with complex medical needs and their families.

At The Maypole Project, every conversation, campaign, and community partnership helps families feel less alone. As our Fundraising & Marketing Coordinator, you’ll be at the heart of that impact—translating stories into support and turning connections into meaningful change.

This role blends relationship‑building, digital creativity, and hands‑on event involvement. You’ll work closely with our Fundraising Manager to nurture supporters, engage local groups and businesses, and help deliver fundraising initiatives that raise both awareness and vital income for the charity. Whether responding to an enthusiastic new donor, rallying volunteers for a community event, or shaping a campaign that reaches young people and families, your work will help fuel the services they rely on. You’ll be joining a small, supportive, purpose-driven team where your ideas and initiatives are welcomed and your contribution is valued.

In this role, you’ll:

• Develop warm, genuine relationships with supporters—ensuring they feel valued, informed, and inspired to stay involved.
• Spot opportunities to connect with community organisations, corporate partners, and local champions who can amplify our mission.
• Bring our story to life through engaging digital content across the website, social media, newsletters, and print materials.
• Support the creation and delivery of fundraising events and marketing campaigns that strengthen our reach and deepen our impact.
• Keep supporter data accurate and meaningful, helping us learn, improve, and deliver excellent stewardship.
• Use digital tools and analytics to shape strategies that genuinely resonate with the audiences we serve.

Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)

Salary£49,321.55 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)

Location: London/Hybrid

Salary: £49,321.55 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1095733

We seek a strategic and relationship-driven Philanthropy fundraising professional with a passion for making a difference to young people’s lives. If you thrive on securing transformational gifts and building meaningful connections with high-value donors,  then YMCA England & Wales has an incredible opportunity for you to shape and lead our Major Giving programme as our new Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving).

About YMCA England & Wales

YMCA England & Wales supports 83 local YMCAs, advocating for vulnerable young people by providing essential building blocks for a better life—like a safe home, guidance, friendship, and employment skills. We are committed to ensuring fairness and opportunity for all, and through our collective voice, we influence national policy and media to improve the lives of young people across the country.

Fundraising at YMCA England & Wales has three pillars:

• Fundraising for distribution through initiatives such as our RoomSponsor programme and national partnerships
• Fundraise to support YMCAs and fund our policy, campaign and research work, which changes the lives of young people
• Help YMCAs fundraise themselves by providing assets, propositions, and advice for local fundraisers.

The Role

As Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving), you will lead the development and implementation of an ambitious new Major Giving strategy to secure and maximise funds from high-net-worth individuals. Your focus will be on nurturing relationships with existing donors while identifying and engaging new prospects, driving initiatives including Giving Circles and Development Boards.

You will work closely with senior leadership, Trustees, and key stakeholders to craft compelling cases for support, aligning with YMCA’s ambitious new housing strategy and broader organisational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors, developing tailored engagement strategies to inspire long-term support.
• Plan and execute donor stewardship activities, including bespoke events, face-to-face meetings, and personalised communications.
• Work with senior leadership and Trustees to build strong relationships with philanthropists and high-value supporters.
• Develop and deliver compelling proposals, impact reports, and updates to donors.
• Identify and research prospective major donors, developing strategies to engage them effectively.
• Implement YMCA’s ambitious Major Giving Strategy which projects an ever more important focus for this area.
• Oversee the Major Giving income and expenditure budget, providing accurate forecasts and performance reports.
• Collaborate with colleagues across fundraising teams to align strategies and maximise income opportunities.
• Ensure robust data management within the CRM database, adhering to GDPR and best practices.
• Work cross-functionally to develop new fundraising products and giving opportunities, ensuring high-value philanthropy is embedded across the organisation.

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated, strategic, and personable fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing major gifts. You will be confident in building relationships with high-net-worth individuals and passionate about delivering exceptional donor experiences.

You will have:

• Significant experience in major donor fundraising, with a track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to engage and influence high-value supporters.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to create compelling cases for support.
• Budget management and forecasting experience, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders, including Trustees and senior leadership teams.
• Knowledge of philanthropy trends, donor motivations, and fundraising best practices.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an ambitious and growing fundraising team, with the opportunity to shape and lead YMCA’s major donor programme.
• Work for a charity that makes a real difference in the lives of young people and communities across England & Wales.
• Enjoy a collaborative and supportive work environment, where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with opportunities for professional development.

If you are passionate about philanthropy and have the skills and experience to drive major donor fundraising at YMCA England & Wales, we would love to hear from you!

To apply: please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.

Assistant Director of Fundraising (Major Donors)

Are you a senior major donor fundraiser ready to take on a broader leadership role — while helping bereaved children and young people rebuild their lives?

You will join a well-established UK charity supporting children, young people and families facing the devastating impact of bereavement. Through specialist counselling, group programmes, creative therapies and expert support, the organisation ensures that no child has to navigate grief alone.

As Assistant Director of Fundraising (Major Donors), you will combine hands-on relationship management with strategic leadership responsibility. This is more than a portfolio role — you will help shape the direction of income growth across the organisation.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and grow a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects

• Build meaningful, long-term relationships with high-net-worth supporters

• Develop compelling proposals and secure significant multi-year gifts

• Confidently lead donor meetings and make high-value financial asks

• Own and drive the major donor pipeline, forecasting and income targets

• Line manage and support fundraisers within the team

• Work closely with senior leaders and trustees to maximise donor engagement

• Use events strategically as cultivation and stewardship opportunities

• Deputise for the Director of Income Generation and contribute to strategic planning

You will bring:

• A strong track record of securing major gifts

• Deep understanding of major gift pipeline management and income forecasting

• Experience working to ambitious financial targets

• Confidence operating at senior stakeholder level

• Excellent written skills and the ability to craft persuasive proposals

• Strong CRM and data management capability

• The leadership skills to influence peers and drive collaboration

Most importantly, you will be values-driven, emotionally intelligent and motivated by the opportunity to help young people find hope and resilience after loss.

Why this role?

You will have genuine strategic influence. You will shape a growing major donor programme. And you will see directly how the income you secure transforms the lives of bereaved children and families.

If you are ready to step into a role that blends leadership, strategy and meaningful donor relationships — we would love to hear from you.

Location: Bristol (with flexible / hybrid working arrangements)

Salary: £25,469.60 pro rata (£31,837 FTE)

Are you passionate about social justice? Do you want to help women heal and thrive?

One25 is a Bristol charity supporting women to move from crisis and trauma towards independence in the community. We’re looking for a skilled and compassionate Philanthropy Officer to help secure the vital income that makes this life-changing work possible.

In this role you will work closely with the Philanthropy Manager to deepen existing relationships with supporters as well as implement approaches to attract new major donors.

In this role you will:

• Coordinate One25’s major donor programme.
• Be part of a passionate and supportive team committed to making a tangible difference to women’s lives.
• Get to know our fabulous supporters and help them feel the impact of their support.

Please see the job description and person specification for more information.

“When I first came through the doors, I remember being made to feel welcome, and I felt safe. At last, I knew I wasn’t alone. I wouldn’t have my flat without being supported when I was homeless. One25 has helped me throughout my addiction and what goes with it.“ – One25 Service User

At One25 we seek to imbed our values into the daily work and activities of One25 employees and volunteers. We are looking for candidates who understand, demonstrate and apply our workplace values:

• Compassion – we care
• Justice – we fight for change
• Learning – we grow together

These values reflect the way that we work with and for the women, each other, partners and within society and its systems.

One25 is committed to being an inclusive workplace that represents the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from across the global majority, LGBTQ and disability groups, and those who have lived experience of multiple disadvantages as these groups are underrepresented within our workforce.

As part of our efforts to increase ethnic diversity in particular, we are taking positive action under the Equality Act 2010 (Section 159). We will guarantee an interview to applicants from global majority backgrounds who meet the essential criteria for the role.  Applicants are therefore asked to ensure they complete the Equalities Form when submitting their details in order that their application can be considered appropriately. Please refer to One25’s Recruitment Data Privacy Policy for more information.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require once in post, but also during the application and interview process to make it as inclusive as possible. This could include (but is not limited to) different ways of applying, sharing interview questions in advance, or allowing more time for tasks during the interview.

Benefits:     Generous leave allowances: 33 days holiday inc. bank holidays; additional holiday linked with length of service, 2 days wellness leave; up to 13 additional days’ time off in lieu; plus, additional time off on any working days that fall during the Christmas and New Year closure.

Enhanced company sick pay

Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity/partner pay

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Access to HSF Health Plan

Mental Health Champions

Reflective practice sessions

Cycle Scheme

Opt-out pension scheme.

One25 are currently trialing a 4 Day Week. This means that staff work 20% less for the same salary following a successful probation period. It is a pilot and a decision about its continuation will be taken in May. With this in mind, we are highlighting it as a potential benefit, but not guaranteed.

Hours: 30 hours a week. Available working days are Monday to Friday and work pattern will be agreed with the successful candidate. There is a requirement to be available for occasional evening and weekend commitments, which can be taken back as time off in lieu.

Salary: £25,469.60 per annum pro-rata (£31,837 FTE)

Contract: Permanent

Location: This role will be a mixture of office-based (St Paul’s, Bristol) and homeworking. We are open to options around this.

Applications by: 12th March at 09:00

Ask us anything session: 3rd March 2026 at 12:30

Interviews: 18th / 19th March 2026

Start Date: As soon as possible

We know sometimes the ‘perfect candidate’ doesn’t exist, and that people can be put off applying for job if they don’t tick every box. If you’re excited about working for us, and have most of the skills or experience we’re looking for, please go ahead and apply. You could just be what we’re looking for!

We are seeking an experienced relationship driven Fundraiser to take ownership of a strategic role with real influence.  You’ll own the philanthropy and major gifts portfolio — identifying, cultivating and stewarding high-net-worth individuals, high-value corporate partners and trusts & foundations — and shape a compelling case for support that unlocks multi-year funding and strategic partnerships.

In this new role you will close significant gifts, steward long-term relationships and see the measurable difference your work makes to patients and families.

This role is for you if:

• You’re motivated by securing high-value support and building long-term philanthropic relationships.
• You enjoy high-touch, strategic stewardship and personalised donor engagement.
• You’re confident working with senior leaders, trustees and external stakeholders in fundraising asks.
• You want to design and deliver a major-gifts strategy that shapes organisational growth.
• You seek a role where commercial awareness, relationship-building and impact reporting matter.

What you’ll be doing:

• Developing and owning a 3–5 year philanthropy and major gifts strategy aligned to our priorities and targets.
• Identifying, qualifying and cultivating major donor prospects, corporate partners and foundation opportunities.
• Delivering a stewardship programme for legacy giving.
• Preparing bespoke proposals, briefing materials and stewardship plans for high-value supporters.
• Leading solicitation and negotiation of major gifts, multi-year pledges and corporate partnership agreements.
• Working with a trusts & foundations fundraiser on applications, reporting and relationships to maximise grant income.
• Working with CEO/Board to involve senior leadership in cultivation and asks; coordinating donor visits and stewardship events.
• Maintaining CRM pipeline, forecasting, compliance with donor agreements and reporting on performance.

What we’re looking for:

• 3+ years’ experience with a proven track record in major gifts, philanthropy or senior fundraising.
• Exceptional relationship-building, presentation and negotiation skills with senior stakeholders.
• Experience writing successful trust/foundation proposals and managing grant relationships.
• Strong strategic thinking, pipeline management and financial forecasting abilities.
• Excellent written skills for proposals, reports and personalised stewardship communications.
• Discreet, professional approach to donor confidentiality and ethical fundraising practice.

Why join us?

• Influence service delivery directly by securing funding that expands and sustains Hospice care.
• Lead a strategic, high-profile fundraising area with visibility to senior leaders and trustees.
• Opportunity to build and shape a major-gifts programme and leave a lasting legacy.
• Flexible working and the chance to build meaningful relationships across our community and partner network.

Location: Hexham, hybrid working will be considered.

Hours: Full-time, with some weekend and out of hours working

Reports to: Head of Income Generation

Closing date: 9 March

Interviews: 16 March

Senior Philanthropy and Major Gifts Executive
Salary: £39,000–£42,000 per year
Location: St John’s Wood, London – hybrid (at least 3 days a week on-site, ideally 4)
Contract: Permanent

St John’s Hospice, part of the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth, provides free, specialist care for people living with life-limiting illness and their families across North London. This new role is a great opportunity to grow our income from trusts, foundations and major gifts so we can reach even more people.

The role
As Senior Philanthropy and Major Gifts Executive, you will:

• Manage a portfolio of mid-level trusts, foundations and other funders.
• Lead on drafting and submitting compelling funding applications.
• Support the stewardship of high-value funders, including visits and meetings.
• Research and qualify new funding prospects to grow the pipeline.
• Produce clear, timely impact and financial reports with colleagues across care, finance and services.
• Maintain accurate records and pipelines on the CRM, ensuring full compliance with GDPR and charity standards.
• Work closely with the Senior Philanthropy and Major Gifts Manager and wider fundraising team, with scope to develop towards major donors and other income streams.

This is a collaborative role based at St John’s Wood, with hybrid working and regular contact with colleagues, senior management and trustees.

What we’re looking for

• Experience in trusts and foundations fundraising.
• A record of securing four-figure and above grants.
• Confident prospect research and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage a busy workload and competing deadlines accurately.
• Experience using CRM systems.
• Ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

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

Philanthropy Manager 
Up to £44,000 FTE per annum, £35,200 actual, plus 8% pension contribution 
28 hours per week 
Permanent role  
Hybrid working – homebased working for the majority of time with a need to attend head office in Godalming on occasions

An exciting opportunity to lead relationships with some of the League’s most influential supporters and secure transformational gifts that will help end animal cruelty in the name of ‘sport’. 

What You’ll Do: 

As our Philanthropy Manager, you will lead our major donor programme and manage a growing portfolio of high-value individuals, trusts and partners. Working closely with the Director of Fundraising, Chief Executive and senior stakeholders, you will identify, cultivate and steward influential supporters, making compelling asks and demonstrating the real-world impact of their generosity. Your responsibilities will include: 

• Developing and managing relationships with major donors, high-value individuals, family trusts and corporate partners
• Delivering an ambitious philanthropy strategy, annual plan and budget
• Building and maintaining a robust prospect pipeline through research, networking and relationship-building
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to develop fundraising propositions, related income sources, such as family trusts and corporate partners, and donor updates

· Tracking performance, managing income reporting and maintain accurate records

Who You Are: 

We need a confident and inspirational relationship manager with a passion for animal welfare, who possesses: 

• Previous experience working with high-net-worth individuals, either in the charity or commercial sector
• Proven success in major gift fundraising
• A strong understanding of major donor fundraising principles

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience using CRM systems and managing donor data.

Why Join Us: 

We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance, enjoy flexible working arrangements, including options for compressed hours and remote work from day one. With 28 days (pro-rata) of annual leave, in addition to the public holidays, and a generous employer contribution of eight percent towards your pension scheme, we prioritise your well-being. Additionally, our benefits package includes discounts on shopping, electronics, hospitality and leisure. Find out more about working at the League. 

The League Against Cruel Sports is committed to inclusivity and diversity, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

We believe that together we can end animal cruelty in the name of sport. Join us in our purposeful mission to redefine what is acceptable and inspire positive change in animal welfare legislation.  

Ready to make a real difference? Don't wait - apply now! We're looking to fill this position quickly and will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. To apply, please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating what days and hours you are available.

First Give

First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.

Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.

The Route to a Million Campaign

This is an exciting time for First Give, as we seek to expand and diversify our fundraising streams into Corporate and HNWI. To support this, we are launching the Route to A Million campaign in March, aiming to raise an additional £1.5 million over the next 3 years on top of our forecast income. The campaign is supported by a newly recruited campaign board, and the new Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships will spearhead the work required to achieve this target.

Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic and entrepreneurial Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships to supercharge First Give’s next phase of income growth. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our mission, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver a multi‑year fundraising strategy that fuels real, measurable impact for young people and society as a whole. First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, brings new ideas to the table and is comfortable leading a brand-new team.

As the senior leader for all income streams, you will own and drive our major donor programme; unlock new philanthropic partnerships; and build a talented team across other income streams to achieve ambitious goals. Working closely with the Director and our emerging Campaign Board, you will play critical role in growing our £1m+ annual income, deepening donor engagement and building the culture, systems and relationships that will propel First Give into its next phase of expansion.

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional fundraiser who thrives in a values‑driven, high‑ambition environment and wants to make a lasting contribution to a fast‑growing education charity.

Contract: Full time (35 hours per week), Permanent

Salary: £60K (+£2K London weighting if applicable)

Location: This is a hybrid contract. The successful candidate will be expected to work from our London office or attend in-person meetings and host donors at school Final events as required. The remainder of the week can typically be worked remotely, with flexibility as required.

The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we.  We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.

Please download the candidate pack for more details, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like a chat about the role or any reasonable adjustments we can make before applying: contact details provided in the candidate pack.

Funders In Good was founded to support Muslim donors in the UK who want to achieve strategic, long-term impact but lack the capacity, connections, or expertise to give effectively. We provide tailored financial grants and strategic support to social ventures serving Islam and Muslims, helping them scale, strengthen systems, and increase long-term impact. Our focus is on ventures and leaders contributing to a society where commitment to God flourishes.

Since 2021, we have grown from nine seed funders to over 130 members in our invitation-only Funder Network. Members contribute financially and through skills, receive quarterly progress reports, access events, and connect with other funders. This network is part of our wider community, which includes our team and the ventures we back.

As Funder Development Manager, you will shape this network by developing a compelling value proposition, building acquisition pipelines, nurturing funders, and curating engagement programs that deepen alignment with our mission. Success relies on both fundraising expertise and emotional intelligence: you will build trust with a diverse range of donors and philanthropists, navigating conversations about values, faith, impact, and community with warmth and confidence.

This senior, outward-facing role carries responsibility for income generation, stewardship, and relationship-building.

Please read the JD to find out more, application deadline is midnight 8th March 2026.

WMUK is looking for a proactive and self-driven fundraiser to lead on the creation and implementation of the charity’s fundraising strategy, ensuring that the charity has a sustainable base to improve the lives of people affected by Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia (WM) and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL), rare forms of blood cancer.

Leading on the delivery of fundraising activities, you’ll be a self-starter who can hit the ground running. You’ll be able to implement a strategy, whilst also quickly identifying and capitalising on opportunities as they come up, demonstrating flexibility and an ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

The role will also give you the opportunity to work alongside the CEO in the creation of a major donor programme, helping to support the growth of this important stream for the charity by managing relationships and shaping the nature of support these individuals receive.

As an adept relationship manager, you’ll be able to speak and write persuasively to engage stakeholders long-term. You’ll be experienced in working directly with beneficiaries and have an empathetic demeanour.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to create something from the ground up, seeing tangible impact quickly.

Job Title: Supporter Relations Executive

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week with occasional evenings and weekends

Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 FTE per annum depending on experience (includes London weighting)

Location: Coram Campus, Bloomsbury, London, hybrid working

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About the role

Coram has been growing its investment in Individual Giving (IG) for several years, has a loyal and very generous supporter base and an ambition to see this grow and develop further by embracing new ideas.

We are now seeking a highly motivated individual to join the team to support the day-to-day operations managed by the Supporter Relations Manager to support them in engaging and inspiring existing supporters and recruiting new supporters to grow income - specifically in the areas of mid-value and legacies. At the same time, we are developing a major donor programme to engage those generous individuals capable of giving at higher levels, and the Supporter Relations executive’s role will also provide support both these elements of our fundraising.

This role would be an ideal opportunity for someone to develop their fundraising skills in high value individual giving and effective stewardship of donors. Areas of work will include supporting on appeals, bespoke proposals, e-newsletters, events and ensuring accurate records on supporters (using Raiser’s Edge database).

This is a hybrid working role with three days a week office based.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing Date: Time: 3rd March 2026

Interview Date: 9th/10th March 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

We are looking for a fundraising manager whose core strengths are trusts and foundations fundraising, major donor cultivation, and excellent proposal writing.

The NCTJ is the guardian of the gold standard in journalism training. Through charitable initiatives including the Community Reporting Fund and Journalism Diversity Fund, we widen access to journalism careers, strengthen community reporting, and champion trusted journalism at a time when misinformation and public scepticism make high professional standards more important than ever.

Diversifying and growing charitable income is a strategic priority for NCTJ. Following the development of our fundraising strategy, this role will focus on building and growing income from UK trusts, foundations and high net worth supporters. You will have the autonomy to shape the grants and major donor pipeline.

Corporate partnerships are led primarily by our Head of Business Development. This role focuses on grants, major donors and stewardship.

About the role

You will:

• Research and manage a strong pipeline of trusts and foundation prospects
• Write and submit high-quality, tailored grant applications and expressions of interest
• Develop compelling cases for support, budgets, outcomes and proposal templates
• Build and manage major donor/high net worth pipeline through warm networks
• Lead on donor cultivation and follow-up
• Strengthen stewardship and reporting so funders feel valued and close to the impact
• Use HubSpot CRM to track pipeline, deadlines, reporting and performance

About you

You will have:

• A strong track record in trusts and foundations fundraising
• Experience securing substantial grants (five-figure and above)
• Excellent proposal and case for support writing skills
• Experience working with major donors/high net worth supporters (or strong transferable relationship-led fundraising experience)
• Strong organisation and CRM discipline
• Confidence working with senior leaders

Experience in journalism, media, education, social mobility or EDI is welcome but not essential. It is vital that you support the critical role professional journalists play in our democracy.

Benefits

• Salary c £40,000 (£37,000-£43,000) depending on experience
• Pension: 5% employer and 5% employee contribution
• Annual leave of 25 days plus bank holidays
• Discretionary bonus based on company performance
• Life cover
• Training and career development

 

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 1,000 words total) addressing the following:

1. Trusts and foundations track record (300 words)
   Describe one trust or foundation grant of £30,000+ that you personally led. Include who the funder was, what the project was, how you shaped the proposal to meet their criteria, and the outcome.
2. Proposal writing approach (250 words)
   When starting a new funding application, what are the first five things you do before you begin writing? Please be specific.
3. Working with senior stakeholders and impact information (250 words)
   Give an example of how you worked with colleagues, senior leaders or contacts to gather the information needed for a funding proposal or donor meeting. What did you do and what was the result?
4. Interest in journalism and the NCTJ mission (200 words) What is it about the NCTJ’s work, values and mission that interests you, and why do you think it is important at this point in time for journalism and society?

Your supporting statement is an important part of the assessment for this role. We are looking for evidence of your own proposal-writing style, experience and judgement. Generic or highly templated responses are unlikely to score well.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a short writing exercise as part of the interview process.

About the NCTJ

The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is the charity at the heart of journalism education and training in the UK. We are the guardian of the gold standard in journalism training and qualifications, and we champion equality, diversity and inclusion so that journalism is accessible to people from all backgrounds.

Through charitable initiatives including the Journalism Diversity Fund and the Community Reporting Fund, we widen participation in journalism, support community reporting, and strengthen trusted journalism at a time when misinformation and public scepticism make high professional standards more important than ever.

NCTJ is financially stable and widely respected within the industry. However, diversifying and growing charitable income is a strategic priority for 2026–27. We have developed our first fundraising strategy to support sustainable growth and impact, and this role is central to delivering it.

Purpose of the role

This is a specialist role focused on securing and stewarding funding from trusts and foundations and developing a pipeline of major donors and high net worth supporters, underpinned by exceptional proposal writing and strong relationship management.

Corporate partnerships are led primarily by the head of business development. This role will support corporate fundraising through proposal/case development and stewardship where needed, but the primary focus is securing charitable grants and major donors.

Key responsibilities

1) Trusts and foundations fundraising

• Build and manage a strong pipeline of UK trust and foundation prospects that advance NCTJ’s charitable priorities (including diversity, community reporting, and training for a fast-changing media industry).
• Develop and maintain a grants calendar and tracking system, including deadlines, funder preferences, decision timelines, and reporting requirements.
• Write and submit high-quality, tailored grant applications and expressions of interest, working to agreed targets and timescales.
• Develop a suite of core fundraising materials (case for support, programme proposals, budgets, outcomes and evaluation narrative, boilerplate and templates) to increase quality and consistency across submissions.
• Confidently communicate the NCTJ’s purpose and impact through presentations, reports, and digital content and represent the NCTJ at meetings and events, both virtually and in person.
• Build and maintain strong funder relationships, ensuring excellent stewardship, timely reporting and opportunities for renewal and uplift.

2) Major donor / high net worth giving

• Work with the senior team to identify major donor prospects through networks and sector connections.
• Undertake proportionate prospect research and build a high-quality cultivation pipeline.
• Create tailored donor proposals and impact statements that support donor interests while advancing NCTJ priorities.
• Support cultivation meetings with briefs, materials, follow-up and stewardship plans, tracking all activity in CRM.

3) Impact, storytelling and stewardship

• Work closely with programme and communications colleagues to gather impact data, case studies and beneficiary stories to strengthen proposals and reporting.
• Develop and deliver a clear plan for thanking trusts and major donors, keeping them updated on impact, and staying in regular contact.
• Use NCTJ events and industry milestones as stewardship and cultivation opportunities, coordinating targeted follow-up and relationship management.

4) Systems, reporting and evaluation

• Maintain excellent data quality and discipline in HubSpot CRM, including prospect stage, relationship owner, next actions, submissions, reporting deadlines and contact history.
• Produce clear pipeline and performance reports for the HoBD/chief executive (eg, submissions, conversion rates, forecast, learning and next steps).
• Contribute to quarterly review sessions to evaluate progress and refine approach.

5) Collaborative working

• Build strong working relationships across the charity and its stakeholders to translate NCTJ’s work into fundable propositions and well managed projects ensuring effective delivery of programmes through cross functional collaboration.
• Bring innovative and creative concepts to the team, and develop valuable programmes and initiatives which add to the NCTJ’s new income stream.
• Contribute to shared messaging that reflects NCTJ’s mission: high standards, quality, trusted journalism, accessibility and measurable EDI impact.

Person specification

Essential

• Significant experience in trusts and foundations fundraising, including writing successful applications.
• Proven track record of securing substantial grants (five-figure and above, including multi-year where possible).
• Outstanding proposal and case for support writing skills (clear structure, persuasive narrative, strong budgets/outcomes, and tailoring to criteria).
• Strong pipeline management skills and ability to deliver multiple submissions to deadlines.
• Experience cultivating and stewarding major donors/high net worth individuals (or strong transferable relationship-led fundraising experience).
• Strong CRM capability and reporting discipline.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders.

Desirable

• Experience strengthening fundraising systems, templates and stewardship processes.
• Experience in education, media/journalism, social mobility, EDI or local/community development.

Personal attributes

• A high-quality writer who takes pride in precision, tone and evidence.
• Proactive, organised and accountable.
• Warm, credible and professional with funders and senior stakeholders.
• Motivated by widening access, high standards, and trusted journalism.

To enable Operation Smile’s global surgical activities, OSUK’s Partnerships Team works to maximise high-potential income channels such as corporate partnerships, major donors, community fundraisers and trusts and foundations.

We have created an exciting new position in our team for an ambitious and confident relationship fundraiser. Working as part of the Partnership Team, the Philanthropy Manager position will secure critical income from new and existing major donors through compelling, donor-centred approaches and excellent stewardship.

The position will build on existing relationships with individuals who make significant personal donations, aiming to grow their contributions, as well as making approaches to new prospects, working closely with the Director of Partnerships.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Philanthropy Development

• Ensure achievement of annual income target for philanthropy
• Develop and implement plans for a structured philanthropy programme, for both new and existing donors, aligning their giving with our strategic priorities
• Take primary responsibility for managing the current small pool of major donors, to grow and sustain their giving – strategic development of each relationship will be essential
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of new major donor prospects, creating propositions/proposals and making approaches, working with the Director of Partnerships
• Seek peer-to-peer introductions to new prospects, from existing donors, board members and other contacts
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to donors and internal stakeholders
• Work with the Communications team to generate media presence and content to attract philanthropic interest from new prospects
• Represent Operation Smile UK in global philanthropy discussions, applying any global strategies to develop successful fundraising plans for the UK
• Lead on development and management of any philanthropy cultivation events

Additional Responsibilities

• Create and maintain annual philanthropy budget and business plan, including activities from current supporters and forecasting new business income

Additional Information

• 2 years’ experience in a philanthropy or business development role
• We promote flexible and hybrid working, with 2 days per week in our London office in Battersea (nearest stations Clapham Junction and Wandsworth Town). There will also be some UK travel for meetings, conferences and events.
• Some overseas travel required to visit projects and partner countries, a highlight of the role!

First-round interviews are set for the week of 2nd March 2026. We strongly encourage early applications.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation. 

We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.