Major donor executive jobs

Yeldall Manor is seeking a visionary, faith-driven, and servant-hearted Chief Executive Officer to lead our Christian charity into its next chapter.

Yeldall Manor is a Christian residential rehabilitation centre supporting men who are struggling with addiction. Rooted in our Basis of Faith, Ethos Statement, and Values, we offer hope, healing, and transformation through Christ-centred care.

For nearly 50 years, Yeldall has been a place of restoration and new beginnings — helping men break free from addiction and rebuild their lives with dignity, purpose and faith.

As CEO, you will work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership, spiritual guidance, and compassionate oversight across all aspects of the organisation. You will bring the experience, insight, and communication skills needed to inspire and equip our dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners — ensuring that Yeldall continues to flourish in its mission and ministry.

We are seeking a visionary leader with a committed Christian faith — someone who can uphold and model the ethos and values of Yeldall Manor while supporting residents in their spiritual journey. You will be an experienced and compassionate leader, able to guide teams through change and growth, and a gifted communicator who can inspire trust and collaboration across staff, residents, and external partners.

A passion for supporting individuals in recovery and personal transformation is essential. If you are in recovery yourself, you must have a minimum of two years’ clean time.

Yeldall Manor is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its residents. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

This is a permanent position, available on a full-time or part-time (0.8 FTE) basis. We are happy to be flexible for the right candidate.

If this opportunity excites you and you feel called to lead and serve in this way, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

We would like to fill this post as soon as possible, so please apply by 12pm on Sunday 7th December 2025. 

Join us at Yeldall Manor — and help shape a future of hope, healing, and lasting change.

We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Development team. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about the arts and eager to build a career in fundraising.

As part of our small, dynamic and purpose-driven team, you will play a key role in helping to grow support for our work. You will bring excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and a commitment to collaborative working and high professional standards. With previous administrative experience, confidence using Microsoft Office, and a background in a customer-focused environment, you will feel at home in this varied, people-focused role.

Alongside your core responsibilities, you will help maintain our organisational database and support the coordination and delivery of a diverse programme of supporter events—ensuring that every guest enjoys an exceptional experience. (Please note that some evening and weekend work will occasionally be required.)

A key feature of this role is the comprehensive training programme built in to support your professional growth. You will receive structured development across all areas of fundraising—including trust and foundation fundraising, individual giving, stewardship, event management and data management. This is a role with real potential; you will learn, grow, and see your work make a meaningful and visible impact.

As Development Executive you will

• Manage the Spektrix CRM database
• Work alongside colleagues to deliver bespoke supporter events in Leeds and at venues across the UK
• Research and collate data to support fundraising activities
• Work with colleagues to draft funding bids and reports
• Support the smooth running of the Development department
• Be supported with an in-depth training programme to develop your skills as an arts fundraiser

We are looking for someone who

• Has administrative experience, organisational and time-management skills – able to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Has experience using or an interest in learning how to use CRM systems (ideally Spektrix) to manage data and support fundraising activities
• Is a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to engage with Northern Ballet’s supporters
• Has a passion for arts and culture

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

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

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

The Executive Director has overall responsibility for TOLFA UK’s fundraising, financial management, marketing and communications, and personnel, to implement its mission of providing vital and preventative healthcare to India’s ownerless animals and those belonging to low-income owners, as well as educating communities in their welfare and value 

Initially  a salary of £19,000 per year for 24 hours per week; both the hours and salary could potentially increase based on the organisation’s income and financial assets 

A minimum 18-month commitment is expected; longer is preferred 

Reporting to the Board of Trustees
 

Responsibilities 

• Proactively diversify and sustainably increase TOLFA UK’s fundraising, such as: 

• Submitting grant proposals and reports to trusts and foundations 

• Cultivating individual donors and major donors 

• Using TOLFA UK’s donor database to raise funds more effectively 

• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to develop the strategy of TOLFA UK, which will include becoming a more impactful organisation with increasing revenue and additional staff 

• Provide the vision and leadership to ensure the implementation of TOLFA UK’s strategy 

• Maintain excellent communication with the Board of Trustees, including providing monthly reports 

• Lead, motivate, and evaluate other staff, freelancers or consultants of TOLFA UK 

• Oversee TOLFA UK’s finances, collaborate with a bookkeeper to create and monitor budgets and ensure strong financial controls are in place, and promptly notify the Board of Trustees of any concerns. Lead on oversight of processes such as submission of year end accounts with third party accountancy partners. 

• Liaise with TOLFA India, including to understand their funding needs and obtain content for communications and fundraising 

• Manage TOLFA UK’s public communications, such as enquiries from the public and the media 

• Fill other roles and complete additional tasks as needed
 

Person Specification 

• UK Based 

• Demonstrated leadership skills which are necessary to expand TOLFA UK

• Proven success in fundraising

• Proven success in leading fully remote teams 

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with donors, trustees, staff, collaborators, and others 

• Excellent administrative skills including organization and attention to detail 

• Demonstrated efficiency, versatility, and ability to complete tasks within deadlines, when working independently and remotely. Strong ability to manage simultaneous ongoing tasks, projects or deadlines. 

• Strong writing skills, including writing in diverse styles and for diverse audiences 

• Demonstrated passion for animal welfare 

Please note that early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the advert if we find the right candidate before the closing date of 12th Dec.

We are proud to be working with a leading charity in their search for a Senior Philanthropy Manager.  They are looking for an ambitious and strategic Senior Philanthropy Manager to lead the development  of the Major Donor programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the overall Major Donor Strategy, budget, and KPIs, providing the strategic insight needed to significantly grow the programme.
• Manage and grow a warm portfolio of existing major donors and prospects capable of giving £100k+  designing bespoke care plans and compelling funding propositions.
• Develop a robust prospect pipeline in collaboration with supporting fundraising and research teams.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Trustees, and colleagues to champion the work they do and leverage their networks for transformational gifts.
• Line management of a philanthropy manager, ensuring ongoing development and their targets are hit

Experience needed

• Proven, substantial experience in securing and stewarding a programme of gifts from major donors, ideally six figures, and successfully growing a multi-year pipeline.
• Experience taking ownership of a fundraising strategy and budget, with the ability to provide clear, strategic insight to senior stakeholders.
• Ability to write inspiring, persuasive, and complex proposals and donor communications that convey the urgency and impact of their work.
• Ability to work at pace on multiple high-value opportunities, particularly in a fast-moving environment

What’s on Offer
Salary £50,000- £55,000
1 day a week in the London office with regular donor meetings
Part time and flexible working offered

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or gender. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

We’re delighted to be recruiting a Prospect Research Manager for a brilliant health charity with ambitious plans to grow philanthropic income through major fundraising campaigns. 
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a central role in unlocking new funding opportunities, providing high-quality research and insight that will shape donor engagement and help secure transformational support.

You’ll be part of a high-performing development team working at the forefront of medical research, supporting scientists and clinicians making life-changing discoveries. Alongside a generous benefits package, you’ll gain exposure to high-value fundraising at principal gift level, and the opportunity to mentor and develop a junior team member.

Key Responsibilities:

• Devise and implement targeted prospecting strategies to identify and qualify high-net-worth individuals and corporates.
• Deliver insightful prospect briefings and research to inform cultivation and engagement strategies.
• Conduct due diligence and reputational risk assessments, ensuring compliance with data protection.
• Support fundraisers through prospect management, portfolio development and network mapping.
• Line manage and develop a Prospect Research Executive.

About You:

• Established experience in prospect research within charity or higher education sector, with a proven track record in identifying, assessing and qualifying major donor and/or corporate prospects. 
• Strong knowledge of research tools, data protection, and wealth/capacity ratings.
• Skilled communicator, able to present complex insights clearly and persuasively.
• Experience with CRM systems (ideally Raiser’s Edge NXT).

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or gender. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Direction: Lead PBI UK, representing it to external stakeholders, including funders, policymakers, collaborators and the legal community. Oversee day-to-day operations to align with the strategic and operational evolution of the broader PBI. In collaboration with staff and the Board, ensure PBI’s sustainable development and maintain effective internal policies and practices.
• Fundraising and Communications: Collaborate with PBI UK staff to create an annual fundraising plan and oversee its implementation, covering both private (individuals, major donors, legacies, corporates, community) and public (trusts, foundations, some institutional) streams. Lead major donor relations, support staff in engaging trusts and individual donors, supervise key proposals, and network strategically to find new fundraising opportunities for PBI UK. Success will require overseeing and supporting the development and implementation of a communications strategy, ensuring effective supervision regarding communication with stakeholders and external representation before a wide range of stakeholders jointly with PB UK staff.
• People and Culture: Supervise and oversee development of the PBI UK Office team, monitoring performance, training and wellbeing of staff and recruitment strategies.
• Financial Management, Risks and Controls: Jointly with the Finance Manager, monitor, supervise and analyse the financial situation of PBI UK in line with budgets and risks identified by the Board, escalate any relevant actions to the Board and undertake forecasting and pipelining to ensure appropriate and compliant financial controls and systems are in place.
• Policy and Advocacy: Jointly with the Advocacy Manager, supervise the development and implementation of PBI UK’s advocacy and policy strategy with strategic partners including human rights defenders, law firms, other NGOs, FCDO representatives and other civil society organisations/coalitions. Work with the PBI UK team to develop operational projects and opportunities. Give strategic direction and practical support to the implementation of advocacy on policy, countries and cases.
• Liaison with Broader PBI: Lead liaison with PBI’s International Office and other global bodies, ensuring that PBI UK evolves in a way which contributes to PBI’s global evolution, and maintaining good relationships with other PBI teams.
• Liaison with PBI’s Boards and Ambassadors: Work closely with the Finance Manager and PBI UK staff in the production of PBI UK’s annual budget and plan, using PBI UK’s resources effectively and efficiently. Ensure effective implementation of Board decisions, with receipt of clear delegation of authority. Develop relevant policies for Board approval and ensure compliance, and keep the Chair informed of all important matters. Make recommendations to the Board on the appointment of new trustees (including necessary skills).
• Business Strategy and People Management: Successfully implement the strategy and fulfil the objectives of PBI UK with the guidance of the Board and the support of PBI UK staff. Develop a strong working relationship with the IC and other PBI bodies.

About GISF

The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) is a member-led NGO network working to strengthen security risk management across the humanitarian, development and human rights sectors. With over 140 member organisations, GISF provides resources, convening spaces, and expertise to help keep aid workers safe.

The NGO security sector is fast-moving and globally connected. This role offers a chance to work at the heart of major sector events, engage with leading NGOs, UN agencies, donors, and private sector partners, and contribute to shaping the future of aid worker safety. Occasional travel provides opportunities to attend conferences, support key forums, and meet members across regions.

About the role

GISF is seeking a highly capable professional with strong project management skills, excellent stakeholder engagement experience, and the ability to work independently at pace.

The post-holder will play a pivotal role in delivering GISF’s sector-leading events, ensuring a healthy and active membership network, and driving engagement with the commercial sector. As an outward-facing role with broad engagement responsibilities, we are looking for a confident communicator, a natural relationship-builder, and someone with an organised approach to managing multiple priorities.

Key responsibilities

Member & External Engagement

• Project manage GISF’s annual member forum, ensuring coordination of all contributing staff, guest speakers, contractors, and suppliers.
• Oversee the delivery of GISF’s flagship conference convening NGOs, UN agencies, donors and private sector partners.
• Lead the delivery of additional engagements, including GISF’s programme at the Humanitarian Networks and Partnership Week annually in Geneva, high-level roundtables with donors and states, webinars, and more.
• Represent GISF at sector events with professionalism.
• Contribute to GISF’s influencing work and policy level engagements, working closely with the Head of Policy and Engagement on advocacy efforts, policy messaging, and strategic outreach.

Membership administration

• Proactive scoping of new members and engage with interested prospective members on application process.
• Manage the full membership application pipeline, including due diligence and coordination with the GISF Steering Group to approve new members.
• Working closely with the Communications & Engagement Officer to onboard new members, ensuring they are set up across all relevant systems.
• Track, update, and report on member engagement using Salesforce.

Commercial engagement

• Lead on immediate sponsorship efforts for the 2026 Global Conference, including identifying prospective sponsors, developing tailored sponsorship materials, coordinating follow-up, and ensuring sponsor visibility requirements are integrated into conference planning.
• Support GISF’s wider commercial partnership programme by identifying and nurturing new leads through structured outreach and consistent relationship management.
• Coordinate closely with the Executive Director on sponsor meetings and pitches.
• Maintain accurate tracking of leads and progress on Salesforce.
• Document lessons learned, refine outreach processes, and contribute to the development of a partnership strategy and workflow.

Please refer to the attached document for the full person description.

What we offer

• 25 days of annual leave increasing annually after 2 years, up to a maximum 30 days (plus bank holidays)
• Office shutdown between Christmas and New Year
• Employer Pension contributions
• A focus on professional development, including access to overseas events, workshops, and training

How to apply

Application is by submission of a CV and cover letter, contact details can be found in the attached document.

The cover letter should be no more than two pages, and explain why you are interested in this post with GISF and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.

Closing date: 22 December 2025 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

Interviews: Week of 5th January 2026 onwards

This post is UK-based. Candidates will need to show evidence of their eligibility to work in the UK. Further information will be provided when an offer of employment is made.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Hospice of the Good Shepherd to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

Hospice of the Good Shepherd provides care and support free of charge to the people of Chester, West Cheshire and Deeside who are affected by life limiting illnesses, and we ensure everyone we support has the best possible quality of life. We help our patients to live as well as possible and to make every moment count.

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Bring inspirational leadership and drive to the Hospice.

• Give direction, maintain financial stability and develop the operational management of the Hospice.

• Have a passion for end-of-life care, with the energy and talent to motivate our highly committed teams as we forge a path to a future where we tailor our services ever more closely to the needs and wants of our local communities.

If you are inspired and excited by what Hospice of the Good Shepherd does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £84,500 - £89,000 p.a. FTE

Contract: Permanent / Full-time (37.5 hours p/w) or Part-time (30 hours p/w)

Location: Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Gordon Lane, Backford, Chester. CH2 4DG

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Hospice of the Good Shepherd, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 5th January 2026

Both Hospice of the Good Shepherd and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Safer Places to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

Safer Places is a specialist support service for individuals at risk of, fleeing from, or recovering from domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking. We provide a wide range of trauma-informed services to adults, children, and young people across Hertfordshire and Essex, with safe accommodation available to those in need from across the UK.

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Lead Safer Places into its next chapter. This includes enhancing the charity’s service delivery, forging new partnerships, and expanding its role as a Registered Social Landlord to better meet the evolving needs of our communities.
• Embed Safer Places’s vision across the organisation – ensuring it is understood, embraced, and translated into action at every level.
• Have an entrepreneurial mindset to leverage opportunities for the charity to grow. 
• Continue to ensure that Safer Places is recognised for the quality of its services, its commitment to inclusivity, and its highly trained, compassionate staff.

If you are inspired and excited by what Safer Places does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £85,000 - £90,000 p.a.

Location: Hertfordshire/Essex – most working hours will be spent collaborating with colleagues and partners at our offices and service sites, with flexibility for some remote work.

Employment term: Permanent / full time.

How to apply:

Please review the recruitment pack for further information about Safer Places, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 5th December 2025

Safer Places is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. However, this CEO post is restricted to women applicants due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

CamRARE is celebrating a decade of progress and impact and is seeking a dynamic Managing Director to lead our next chapter of growth. 

As our Managing Director and founding member prepares for her planned retirement, Cambridge Rare Disease Network (CamRARE) is seeking a dynamic and visionary new leader to guide the charity into its next decade. You will drive strategic growth, strengthen partnerships, ensure long-term sustainability, and champion innovation, research, and community impact for people affected by rare and undiagnosed conditions. 

You will inspire and empower a passionate and talented team of staff, trustees, volunteers, families and partners, while building strong connections across our networks to expand our reach, visibility, and influence. As an energetic and forward-thinking leader, you will bring the drive and expertise to strengthen partnerships, grow income through innovative fundraising and strategic collaborations, and champion CamRARE as a trusted voice within the rare community and beyond.

Why choose a career at Cambridge Rare Disease Network?

#purpose – We’re on a mission to make life with a rare condition easier through community, collaboration and connections. Your role is to lead this mission to directly contribute to a better future for those living with rare conditions.

#growth – We’re a small, ambitious team where you’ll have opportunities to shape and grow with us. You will use your experience and knowledge to make a measurable impact.

#diversity and inclusion– We value the diversity and unique insights each person brings. We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

About Cambridge Rare Disease Network

There are over 10,000 rare conditions that affect 400 million people globally. Receiving a diagnosis can take years. Most rare diseases have no treatment. Coordination of care is often poor.

We’re on a mission to make life easier for those affected—uniting individuals, families, patient groups, researchers, industry, clinicians and policymakers to accelerate solutions and improve lives. Through knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and creativity, we aim to make the journey smoother for people living with rare and undiagnosed conditions and their families.

• CamRARE connects patients, advocates, research experts, and leaders—catalysing action to drive solutions and create lasting change
• Connects knowledge with lived experience to transform the journey toward better diagnosis, treatment, and support for individuals and their families
• Connects, educates, and supports the rare disease community - locally and globally - to improve outcomes and transform lives

Leading CamRARE

As Managing Director, you will provide strategic leadership for the charity, oversee governance and operations, develop and execute the strategy set by the Board of Trustees, and build key external partnerships. This role leads fundraising efforts and develops high-level external stakeholder relationships with Government bodies, including healthcare organisations/departments, Industry, patient and charity organisations, and Research Institutions involved in rare disease. This is a key role to build, strengthen and nurture the charity's connection with the rare disease community, empowering them and fostering an inclusive and supportive network.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals and their families living with rare conditions.
• Has proven experience of 10+ years in a senior leadership role with a track record of delivering impact.
• Has experience in strategic planning, organisational development, and leading change.
• Brings creativity, adaptability and a “can-do” attitude.
• Has experience in income generation and managing stakeholder relationships.Has strong team management skills with a focus on development and building an inclusive workplace culture.
• Has experience in financial management and resource allocation.
• Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire.
• Has sound knowledge of issues affecting the voluntary sector
• Enjoys working independently, hands-on as part of a team and effectively with remote teams
• Experience in and enjoys networking and partnership building, can communicate effectively with a broad range of people
• Experienced in business delivery aligned to financial targets, core objectives and strategy implementation
• Has experience leading events and campaigns

Chief Executive Officer

We’re looking for an experienced and inspiring leader, with significant experience at senior executive level, to become the new Chief Executive (CEO).

Are you a strategic thinker who can accelerate the charity's impact and deliver on its mission while navigating the evolving policy backdrop?

If you are a natural leader who will continue to build on the strength of our high performing team, then we would love to hear from you!

Position: Chief Executive (CEO)

Location: remote and will require you to have a safe and secure space to work from home. There will be frequent travel within Britain, including overnight stays.

Hours:  37.5 per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £74,624 per annum

Benefits Include:  25 days holiday, plus Christmas day through to New Year’s Day paid, plus 6 days of floating holidays (in lieu of public holidays). Flexible approach to hours of work. Pension contribution of 3%, one-off contributions toward the cost of an ergonomic office chair and toward purchases of essential devices, monthly home working allowance, plus an annual contribution toward the maintenance and/or replacement of the essential devices.

Closing Date: 9am Wednesday 10th December 2025.  We reserve the right to interview candidates and close the ad ahead of the closing date, should a strong candidate be identified.

Online interviews will be held on Monday, 5th January 2026.

In-person interviews will be held in London on Monday, 12th January 2026.

All shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Wednesday 17th December 2025. If you have not heard from us by this date, please accept our thanks for applying and assume that you were not shortlisted on this occasion.

Job offers will be subject to two satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK.

About the Role

Reporting to the board, the CEO holds key relationships with the board of trustees and 18 employees, exerting an influential and expert thought-leadership presence with key partners across the environmental sector from NGOs and practitioners to policy makers. You will be confident and proactive in engaging with new and existing major donors and funders.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Strategic Leadership
• Operations
• Human Resources
• Finance and Fundraising
• Governance
• Policy

About You

You will thrive in environments that are dynamic, fast-paced, collegiate and ambitious, and be able to demonstrate experience of inspiring and motivating internal and external teams through periods of growth and change

We are looking for a leader who has energy, passion and commitment for the role, a person aligned with the charity’s values and inspired by its values, mission and vision.

You will have experience of:

• Working at senior executive level, preferably having run an organisation before as Executive Director, Chief Executive or equivalent, in the charity, conservation or environmental sectors.
• Working collaboratively and effectively with teams and boards of trustees.
• Identifying, cultivating and maintaining productive relationships with a range of stakeholders and partners, from government bodies to community organisations to potential and existing donors.
• Developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating strategic and operational plans.
• Proven ability to inspire, lead and motivate teams to achieve strategic goals, fostering a strong culture of collaboration.
• Building an inclusive intercultural environment where staff of all backgrounds and abilities can thrive.

To apply please upload a 2pp CV and 1pp covering letter explaining your interest and suitability for the role. Please note, we can only accept candidates with the right to work in the UK.

About the Organisation

Join a nature restoration charity, restoring beavers to regenerate our landscapes. Beavers were once a common and influential part of the British countryside, and as such, the team wants to reconnect people to this part of our heritage.  We provide practical solutions to help people co-exist with beavers. We influence legislation that rebuilds ecosystems and strengthens our resilience in this ecological and climate crisis.

Our small charity is run by a small but committed team with a diverse skill set and extensive experience in beaver ecology and restoration. Across Scotland, England and Wales, our decentralised structure keeps us close to the communities we support and ensures the work we do is effective and sustainable.

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in the environmental sector including people of colour, disabled people, those from low-income backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities and all other protected characteristics.

You may have experience in roles including CEO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive Officer, COO, CFO, Deputy CEO, Deputy Chief Exec, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, Head of.  #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

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. 

About us

Practical Action is a change making organisation that works in unconventional ways. We put ingenious ideas to work so people in poverty can change their world.

We do things differently, so answers that start small can grow big – bringing people together in bold collaborations, using innovation and knowledge to build futures free from poverty and help shape a world that works better for everyone.

About the role

We are looking for an excellent and experienced relationship fundraiser, who excels at identifying and building inspiring and genuine connections with high net-worth individual donors, who have the capacity to give six- and seven- figure gifts.

This role requires a motivated, creative and confident individual, who thrives on getting out and about and meeting with supporters. The role will help shape the Business Development and Philanthropy Team’s plans to deliver outstanding donor engagement and stewardship so that our donors are inspired and proud to support us and enjoy their philanthropic giving experience. This role will make a vital contribution to delivering a step change in our philanthropic income growth to support Practical Action’s strategic ambition and mission.

About you

We are seeking a motivated, creative and confident individual, who thrives on getting out and about and meeting with supporters. You will have at least 5 years’ experience of securing gifts from high net-worth individuals making gifts privately or through family trusts, donor advised funds and corporations.

Accountabilities

Lead the process of identifying and cultivating individual donor prospects (UK and international) capable of giving six- and seven- figure gifts, fully understanding their funding preferences, criteria and fit with Practical Action.

Steward a portfolio of loyal and high-quality donors, giving five and six figure annual gifts and ensure our donors receive exceptional stewardship, feel valued for their support and become advocates of Practical Action to their friends, family and networks.

Work with autonomy and represent Practical Action at one-to-one meetings and networking events with high net-worth individuals.

Work with senior colleagues and the Board of Trustees to identify prospects, build relationships and secure gifts from high net-worth individuals.

Distil complex information and messaging into powerful, emotive and high-quality tailored communications (including pitches, cases for support, bespoke proposals and donor reports) that demonstrate impact and inspire giving by individual donors and family trusts.

Person Specification

To be successful in the role, the ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:

Significant fundraising experience (5 years+) of securing gifts from high net-worth individuals making gifts privately, or through family trusts, donor advised funds and corporations.

Excellent knowledge about philanthropy sector developments, trends and key philanthropic organisations and networks in the UK and internationally.

A strong and proven track record of building new prospect pipelines and of managing a portfolio of donors, including demonstrable experience of securing six- and seven-figure gifts.

An experienced and confident networker with a proven ability to build and maintain a diverse group of contacts, at all levels, both internally and externally, and represent Practical Action to inspire, secure commitment and support.

Knowledge of data protection principles, legal requirements, and ethical fundraising practice is essential.

Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to summarise and distil complex issues in an inspiring way.

Ability and confidence to influence and manage successful internal relationships including writing reports and donor meeting briefings for senior colleagues.

Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment, ensuring our donors receive excellent stewardship throughout their relationship with Practical Action.

Strong project management skills to lead approaches backed up by an appropriate level of research and analysis.

Enthusiasm and willingness to trial, learn and adapt — whether building on existing major giving experience or trialling new ideas and approaches to reach new donors audiences, for example next generation or diaspora giving.

You will contribute to a culture of kindness, collaboration, rigour and accountability.

Effective and positive team-player with a strong preference for collaboration

Strong administrative, time-management, IT and numeracy skills.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Why join us?

The opportunity to work for an organisation that is making a positive difference to the lives of people worldwide, a friendly and supportive culture, and working with values-driven and highly engaged colleagues are just some of the reasons we think Practical Action is a great place to work.

This role will be based in the UK.

The successful applicant must have the pre-existing right to both live and work in the UK.  The successful candidate will be expected to attend the Rugby office on regular occasions.

Additional information

Practical Action believes that having a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture based on respect will enable us to be an effective organisation. We seek to create an inclusive workplace in which people are accepted as individuals, regardless of their differences and where they feel their contribution is valued.  Practical Action is an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications from under-represented groups.

We stay committed to cultivating an inclusive and diverse working environment and believe that people from different backgrounds or cultures give us different perspectives, and the more perspectives we have, the more successful we will be. By building a culture where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued we give everyone working with us the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Practical Action is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults and as such candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal checks and terrorist financing.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 7th December 2025.  Please note that should we recruit a suitable candidate before the closing date, we will close applications earlier than the specified date.

Interviews:

It is anticipated that first round online interviews will take place Thursday 11 December 2025 and Monday 15 December 2025.

Final interviews will take place in person at our Rugby office week commencing 5th January 2026.

If you do not hear from us within five weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

HOW TO APPLY

If you want to work for a charity with significant people ambitions, then we would like to hear from you. For more information, please visit our careers page. To apply please submit a copy of your CV (A MAXIMIUM OF 2 PAGES) and send us a supporting statement that includes the answers to the following questions:

1. Why do you consider yourself a good candidate for the Philanthropy Executive role at Practical Action?

2. Why is philanthropy important for tackling poverty and climate change?