Major donor executive jobs

The Sandhurst Trust - an extraordinary community.

The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst has shaped leaders since 1802.  Spanning heads of state, generals, ministers, diplomats and captains of industry – the Sandhurst alumni community is remarkable.

The Sandhurst Trust is the Academy’s independent charitable foundation and is responsible for securing philanthropic support for the Academy and its community, supporting expansion, innovation and initiatives that government funding alone cannot sustain.

The Trust is at an inflection point. With new leadership and momentum, we are looking for exceptional development leaders to help build a once-in-a-generation philanthropic programme for an institution whose purpose has never felt more urgent.

Director of Alumni Engagement and Regular Giving
£80,000 - £90,000 (depending on experience)
Old College, The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) GU15, Hybrid

As Director of Alumni Engagement and Regular Giving and the CEO’s Deputy, you will have the chance to build and lead a best-in-class programme that will form the future foundation of the Trust’s philanthropic strategy, engaging, igniting and transforming the alumni community into a powerful and sustainable source of long-term support.

Head of Major and Principal Giving
£80,000 - £90,000 (depending on experience)
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) GU15, Hybrid

The Head of Major and Principal Giving will cultivate and secure major and principal gifts from a highly receptive and loyal constituency in the UK and internationally. With a portfolio that is rich in potential and ready for discovery, this is an outstanding opportunity for an entrepreneurial fundraiser.

Head of Operations
£50,000 - £55,000 (depending on experience with scope to go beyond for an exceptional candidate)
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) GU15, Hybrid

As Head of Operations and a member of the senior leadership team, you will play a key role in shaping the systems, governance, and operational infrastructure that will support the Trust’s long-term success. You will also play a critical role in shaping a high-performing and collaborative operational culture.

These leadership roles offer something that is genuinely rare in the fundraising profession: the opportunity to build something exceptional from the ground up, at a cornerstone British institution whose story, community and moment in time combine to make the case for philanthropy almost uniquely compelling. The Sandhurst Trust is looking to build a team full of passion and ambition so if this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

The Trust operates a hybrid working model with two days onsite (Old College, RMAS, Camberley, GU15 4PQ).

Closing date: Midnight on 30 June 2026

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Packs.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter clearly staing which role you are applying for.

The Sandhurst Trust is partnering with Erin Hall-Westfall and Joanna Logan of Constellate Global Talent on this search.

No agencies please.

About Us
Head and neck cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in the UK, now affecting around 17,000 people each year. Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK is a mission-driven national charity dedicated to improving head and neck cancer patient quality of life and outcomes in the UK through support of key programmes, raising awareness and addressing growing healthcare inequalities.  We fund groundbreaking research that changes lives and we collaborate across the sector to maximise impact for patients.

The role

We’re seeking a strategic, hands-on Fundraising Manager with broad experience across all income streams but may consider either trusts or corporate fundraising as a speciality. We need someone energetic, committed and with a flexible approach who will be willing to contribute to everything that our small charity has to offer.

Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK is currently moving towards a new direction and we have a unique and exciting opportunity to develop an organisation that creates maximum impact for head and neck cancer patients and their families. This is your chance to be part of a small charity with big ambition.

What We Offer

· Competitive salary.

· Remote working.

· Professional development and mentorship.

· Meaningful work with measurable impact and a collaborative team environment.

This is a new capacity-building role, created in response to the scale of the Trust’s future repair programme and the need to diversify and grow income streams.
We are looking for an experienced and proactive fundraiser who can work strategically and independently within a small team environment. Using the Trust’s existing network of contacts and grant target list as starting points, the post holder will develop and manage a pipeline of grant applications, cultivate relationships with trusts and foundations, build corporate and philanthropic partnerships, and help position the Trust for larger strategic funding opportunities.
The role requires a self-motivated individual who can balance long-term relationship building with the discipline of meeting application deadlines and income targets. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director and Trustees, embedding fundraising as a core organisational function.

Please view the full job description and find details of how to apply at: Current Vacancies | Norwich Historic Churches Trust
This post is offered on a 12-month fixed-term basis (either 1FTE or 0.8 FTE), with the intention that, subject to performance and income secured, the role will be reviewed with a view to permanency.

At Buttle UK, we believe poverty and crisis should never define a child’s future.

For more than 70 years, Buttle UK has supported children and young people across the UK facing poverty, trauma and complex challenges. Now with an ambitious new 2025–2030 strategy, they are entering an exciting new chapter, growing their impact, amplifying their voice and investing in the partnerships that will help change children’s lives for the long term.

This is a rare opportunity to join the organisation at a pivotal moment as their new Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships.

Working closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications, you’ll lead high-value fundraising across major donors, trusts and foundations and corporate partnership, shaping the future of income generation at Buttle UK while leading and inspiring a talented team.

If you’re someone who combines strategic thinking with exceptional relationship-building and you’re motivated by creating meaningful change for children and young people, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll lead the development and delivery of ambitious fundraising strategies designed to drive sustainable income growth and deepen supporter engagement.

You’ll personally manage a portfolio of high-value supporters and partners, cultivating transformational relationships with high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations and corporate organisations.

Alongside this, you’ll:

• Lead and develop a team of four fundraisers
• Build innovative stewardship and cultivation journeys
• Identify and secure new strategic partnerships
• Develop fundraising systems, pipelines and KPIs
• Work closely with senior leadership to shape organisational strategy
• Champion collaborative, values-led fundraising
• Help embed co-production and safeguarding within fundraising activity

This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing strategy with hands-on relationship management and who thrives in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

What we’re looking for

We know great candidates don’t always tick every box, and we’d still encourage you to apply if this role excites you.

That said, we’re particularly keen to hear from people who bring:

• Significant experience managing high-value fundraising relationships
• A proven track record of securing six and seven-figure gifts
• Experience across major donors, trusts/foundations and/or corporate partnerships
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing high-performing teams
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities
• Strategic thinking alongside strong operational delivery
• A collaborative and compassionate approach
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people experiencing poverty

Why join Buttle UK?

This is an organisation that genuinely lives its values: child-focused, empathetic, responsive, collaborative and accountable.

You’ll be joining a team deeply committed to creating equitable opportunities for children and young people while also creating a supportive, inclusive and flexible working environment for staff.

Benefits include:

• Hybrid working
• 25 days annual leave plus Christmas closure and bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and sick pay
• Employer pension contribution
• Employee assistance programme
• Life assurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Strong commitment to learning and development

Accessibility & Inclusion

Accessibility matters deeply to both Buttle UK and Valued Recruitment.

We’re committed to creating an inclusive and supportive recruitment process and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

If you need any adjustments or support at any stage of the application process, please let us know, no request is too big or too small.

Interested?

Buttle UK is partnering exclusively with Valued Recruitment for this search.

To apply, please send your CV along with a covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining:

• why this role interests you
• what you would bring to Buttle UK

Key dates

• Closing date: 9am, Monday 22 June
• First interviews: Monday 29 June and Tuesday 30 June
• Second stage interviews (London): Monday 6 July

(Please note this role is primarily remote, however there is the option for hybrid working at our head office in Sheffield. Some travel may be required for this role)

We are looking for someone with the confidence to step into an established, successful system and keep our momentum going. You will be a brilliant relationship builder, an organised manager of data and pipelines, and an excellent communicator who can write compelling narratives. Above all, you will be someone who collaborates naturally across a small, passionate team to champion a healthy culture of impact storytelling and income generation.This is a 12-month maternity cover, 

You will have:

• A track record in Trust & Grant success: pulling together compelling data and case studies to write winning bids for large-scale grants.

• Exceptional written skills for drafting persuasive proposals and impact reports.

• A love of data to oversee our fundraising pipeline using our CRM (Beacon),  working with organised spreadsheets, and clear, achievable timelines.

• The ability to support others to succeed and feel confident managing a direct report or mentoring colleagues on how to spot fundraising opportunities.

• The ability to balance the day-to-day writing tasks with big-picture financial targets .

• The ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced, small charity environment.

• A willingness to travel nationally and work occasional evenings or weekends as required for key events and funder engagement (claimable as TOIL).

• A genuine commitment to climate action and democratic engagement with grassroots communities.

It would be great if you also have:

• Experience supporting corporate partnerships or earned/consultancy income streams.

• Familiarity with Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks.

• An understanding of UK climate policy, nature campaigning, or the UK political system.

Job Title: Fundraising Manager (Maternity Cover)

• Salary: £34,937.60 per annum (£27,950.08 pro-rata)

• Hours: Part-time (28 hours per week)

• Contract Type: 12-month fixed term (Maternity Cover)

• Location:  Remote anywhere in the UK (or Sheffield Head Office/Hybrid working)

• Benefits: 30 days annual leave (pro-rata) + bank holidays, pension, wellbeing support.

• Closing Date: 13 July 2026 | Interviews: w/c 20 July 2026

The Role

Your core focus will balance bid writing with strategy and comms management:

• Securing Income: Crafting and submitting high-quality, persuasive trust and grant applications (targeting five- and six-figure funding) and managing timely reports back to our current partners.

• Managing the Pipeline: Working closely with the CEO to track our fundraising goals, manage cash flow awareness, and keep our CRM system (Beacon) up to date.

• Supporting Earned Income: Helping to streamline the internal processes behind our paid consultancy and campaign training services, collaborating with our Policy & Engagement team to track leads.

• Leading People: Providing supportive, empowering line management to our part-time Digital Communications and Campaigns Coordinator.

• Looking Forward: As the contract nears its end, you will collaborate with the CEO to help us lay the groundwork for our next strategic fundraising cycle.

How to Apply

Please visit our website jobs page to submit your anonymised CV and cover letter.

Important Contract Notice: Please note that this is a temporary, fixed-term contract for 12 months to provide essential maternity cover. This is a non-permanent position.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We warmly welcome applications from everyone and celebrate diversity across all backgrounds. If you don’t meet every single requirement listed below, please don't let that deter you, we would still love to hear from you.

Head of Fundraising

National Role

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000

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

About Us

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

The Role

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

What we’re looking for

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

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

By joining us, you’ll:

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

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

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

· Gain the opportunity to grow professionally.

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

Our Benefits

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

Next Steps

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

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

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

Second stage interviews – week commencing 13 July 2026

Please provide us with:

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

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

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

Location: Hybrid, one day a week in the London office (Borough)

Salary: £75,000-80,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent, full-time role - Spinal Research operate a 4-day/32 hour week

Spinal Research is seeking an exceptional Director of Research & Innovation to help shape the future of spinal cord injury research. The organisation exists to fund the research that will cure paralysis. This appointment comes at a pivotal stage as scientific advances in spinal stimulation, neurotechnology and rehabilitation move closer to real-world application, bringing renewed hope to people living with paralysis.

For over 40 years, Spinal Research has been the UK's leading charity dedicated to funding medical research into spinal cord injury, moving the global conversation from "if" paralysis can be treated to "when". With the first function-restoring therapies designed and licensed for spinal cord injuries now becoming available in the UK, this position will directly drive the next chapter of the charity's mission.

Reporting to the CEO and joining the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Research & Innovation will play a central role in reviewing, influencing and driving forward our established scientific and innovation strategy. The successful candidate will lead a diverse portfolio spanning discovery science, translational research, clinical development and neurotechnology, ensuring investment decisions are guided by strong scientific insight and a clear view of patient impact.

Crucially, the role involves building meaningful collaborations across academia, healthcare, industry and philanthropy to accelerate the delivery of treatments. The Director will also lead the establishment of a new Scientific Advisory function, recruiting world-class experts to guide the portfolio, while collaborating with fundraising and communications teams to bring scientific insights to life for major donors.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of developing complex research programmes and navigating the wider life sciences ecosystem. This position demands the ability to critically appraise scientific data, translate it into compelling narratives for non-specialist audiences, and collaboratively drive promising ideas into tangible patient outcomes.

For a leader with the strategic ambition and the drive to play a central role in turning scientific progress into life-changing reality, this role offers an extraordinary platform to help cure paralysis.

Please click through for the full Candidate Pack and details of how to apply. 

Closing date: 9am, Friday 10 July

Weston Hospicecare is seeking a Director of Retail to lead and develop our retail division at a pivotal moment in our journey. This is a senior leadership role with influence and autonomy, giving the opportunity to shape a vital income stream that directly supports specialist palliative and end-of-life care for our local community.

About the role

As Director of Retail, you will provide strategic leadership for a diverse retail portfolio comprising 16 shops across North Somerset and Somerset, e-commerce operations, and the associated logistics and donation processes. Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the senior leadership team and Trustees, providing significant Board-level engagement, you will develop and deliver a forward-thinking, sustainable retail strategy that responds to evolving customer behaviours, high street trends, economic pressures and developments within the wider charity retail sector.

Just as importantly, you will lead, inspire and develop a committed team of paid staff and volunteers, creating a high-performance, values-led culture where people feel supported, accountable and proud to be part of their local community.

By building strong relationships across the hospice and working collaboratively, you will maximise income opportunities, strengthen community engagement, and protect and enhance the hospice’s reputation.

What you will bring

We are looking for a leader who combines commercial credibility with warmth, empathy and purpose, and who can confidently operate at both strategic and operational levels.

You will demonstrate:

Commercial and strategic leadership

· Significant experience of maximising resources and delivering strong commercial performance within a retail setting

· The ability to develop, articulate and deliver a clear, ambitious and sustainable retail strategy

· Agility and confidence to move comfortably between board-level conversations and front-line retail operations

People and culture

· A proven ability to lead, inspire and develop diverse teams of paid staff and volunteers

· A collaborative leadership style that brings people with you, fostering ownership and accountability

· Resilience to lead effectively through challenge and uncertainty, responding openly and constructively to feedback and change

· Credibility, confidence and presence to inspire others and lead effectively through change

Values and behaviours

· A genuine passion for charity retail and the difference it can make in communities

· Warmth, empathy and compassion, personifying our hospice values in how you lead

· A values-led approach with a commitment to encouragement, inclusion, collaboration and continuous improvement

· A strong commitment to building effective relationships with trustees, colleagues, supporters, customers and donors, patients and their loved ones

Why join us?

In return, we offer:

· A senior leadership role with real influence, autonomy and purpose

· The opportunity to take our retail division to the next level at a crucial time

· A supportive, flexible and collaborative working environment with passionate, committed colleagues

· A sector-competitive salary and benefits package

· Access to training, professional development and wellbeing support

We are seeking to appoint a permanent Director of Retail; however, we will also welcome applications from experienced interim retail leaders who can bring immediate expertise, stability and momentum during this important period while we recruit to the permanent role.

Weston Hospicecare is located in the quiet village of Uphill on the North Somerset coast, and was founded by our local community over 30 years ago. We are the major provider of specialist palliative care within the catchment we serve, offering in-patient, community, day care and related services to patients, and bereavement support to their families and loved ones. All our care is provided free of charge to whomever needs it, however it costs approximately £7 million every year to provide our full range of services, of which less than 20% is funded by the NHS. The remainder is raised each year through a combination of our retail division income, our multi-varied fundraising activities, and gifts in wills.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or any other category protected by law.

Role description: 

We are currently looking for a Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships to join our Fundraising & Supporter Experience Team. 

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising & Supporter Experience, the postholder will lead the development and delivery of the charity’s philanthropy and partnerships strategy, translating organisational ambition into compelling propositions, high value relationships and sustainable income growth. 

Leading a small, committed and recently established team, the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships will build on early successes to define future direction, strengthen capability, and scale income from major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners.  

This role offers a significant opportunity to shape and grow a developing function and play a pivotal part in enabling Yorkshire Cancer Research to deliver its ambitious growth plans and achieve its vision of a Yorkshire free from cancer.  

Specifically you will: 

• Lead and work in partnership with relevant Fundraising Managers to develop and deliver Yorkshire Cancer Research’ Philanthropy & Partnerships strategy to the charity’s mission, values and organisational strategy.

• Provide clear strategic leadership across all high value, aligned income streams, including: Philanthropy, Trusts and foundations, Corporate partnerships, Strategic and multi year funding partnerships

• Ensure the philanthropy and partnerships strategy aligns with, and complements, the public fundraising strategy, delivering a coherent overall income approach. 

To be considered for this role, you will need to be a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and have significant experience leading high-value fundraising and/or partnership income streams, with evidence of delivering significant and sustainable income growth.

For further details please refer to the role profile. 

Application 

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People before 9th June 2026. Please read our privacy notice before applying. 

The charity is a responsible and flexible employer.We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us.

Are you looking to join a dedicated team working at pace to safeguard a nationally important heritage visitor attraction?

Birmingham Botanical Gardens has successfully secured over £18m against its £19.45m (RIBA3) capital investment project and has gathered significant momentum in its fundraising journey.

We are now heading into the corporate and individual giving phase of our fundraising strategy and are searching for a dynamic and successful Head of Fundraising and Development. Could this be you?

Job Purpose 

The Head of Fundraising and Development will drive voluntary income and manage our fundraising and partnerships portfolio, supporting the stewardship of relationships with some of the UK’s biggest foundations and a range of corporate and individual supporters.

The role will manage new and existing relationships, prepare grant and awards applications and reporting, and evolve our corporate, public and individual giving to support the growth and diversification of our fundraising opportunities.

The successful candidate will be part of the Senior Leadership Team and demonstrate a strategic mindset and collaborative approach, alongside strong organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail. They must have experience in growing and diversifying income streams and converting new interest into long-term, sustainable, support.

Please visit our recruitment webpage for the full job pack.

Play a leading role in shaping the future of Saferworld’s philanthropic partnerships and help drive funding that supports peacebuilding around the world. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced relationship builder to grow a high potential income stream with real global impact.

Saferworld works to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. As our Philanthropy Manager, you’ll join a committed, values‑driven team working in solidarity with people affected by conflict. You’ll lead on a portfolio of established philanthropic partners while also identifying and cultivating new opportunities that align with our mission and principles.

This is a role with genuine scope for creativity and innovation. You will shape cultivation strategies, co‑create funding opportunities with colleagues and partners, and represent Saferworld externally to deepen relationships and secure high‑value, multi‑year support. You will also help position the organisation to engage high net‑worth individuals, foundations and donor‑advised funds as we diversify our income.

Working closely with programme, policy, communications and finance teams, you will ensure our proposals, reports and donor care reflect the quality, impact and integrity of our work. A smaller part of your role will involve overseeing individual giving and gifts in wills, supported by the Funding Officer.

If you are motivated by building meaningful partnerships, influencing change, and contributing to a more peaceful world, this role offers the chance to make a tangible difference while shaping a growing area of work at Saferworld.

Do you believe in the power of the arts to build community and transform lives? At Pimlico Musical Foundation, we work with a diverse community, providing a broad range of opportunities for both children and adults, and free musical education to local children, many of whom face considerable challenges. We bring people together, provide opportunities for young talent, and support the local community's engagement with the arts. We achieve this through various programmes, in partnership with local schools and organisations such as Westminster School, Oxford University, Opera Holland Park, the Rodolfus Foundation, and Future Academies.

We are seeking an experienced and driven fundraiser to take strategic ownership of our income generation across all income streams, leading the next phase of our growth. As Head of Fundraising, you will own and develop the fundraising strategy while continuing to deliver hands-on where needed, supported by an engaged board and CEO. Most of all, we are seeking someone who wants to make a difference, contributing to a community and improving access to the arts for everyone, regardless of their background.

An introduction from our Head of Fundraising

Villiers Park is a national social mobility charity with a strong track record of delivering impactful programmes that support young people from under-represented backgrounds to fulfil their potential.

We are seeking to recruit an experienced Trusts and Foundations Manager to lead and grow income from charitable trusts, foundations and grant-making bodies. This is a pivotal role within the fundraising team, responsible for developing and delivering a successful trusts and foundations income stream to support Villiers Park's programmes and ambitious ‘Beyond Barriers’ growth strategy.

Villiers Park is generously supported by charitable trusts and foundations, which contribute over £500,000 every year towards our work. The Trusts and Foundations Manager will build on and develop Villiers Park’s trust fundraising, by cultivating relationships with current and prospective supporters, preparing compelling applications and reports, and seeking new funders and opportunities to help us to realise our goals and those of the communities we serve.

As Trusts and Foundations Manager, you will be part of a supportive fundraising team (based in our Cambridge office) and will work closely with dedicated and welcoming colleagues from across the organisation including our Communications Manager, Finance Manager, Programmes Team, Senior Leadership Team and Trustees. I hope that you will be inspired to apply for the role and look forward to hearing from you.

Melody Brooker

Head of Fundraising

About the role

Villiers Park is generously supported by charitable trusts and foundations, which contribute over £500,000 every year towards our work. The Trusts and Foundations Manager will build on and develop Villiers Park’s trust fundraising, by cultivating relationships with current and prospective supporters, preparing compelling applications and reports, and seeking new funders and opportunities to help us to realise our goals and those of the communities we serve. Our established portfolio offers a unique opportunity for an experienced Trusts and Foundations Manager to steward relationships and meet with funders across our hubs, to see our work in action.

The successful candidate will be joining the team at an exciting time for Villiers Park. We have five thriving regional hubs cross the UK, and an evidence-based approach that makes a proven impact on young people’s lives. Our Beyond Barriers strategy is focused on further scaling our work to substantially increase our impact across the country by 2030.

As the Trusts and Foundations Manager, you will have the opportunity to work with colleagues from across the organisation, from Progression Coaches who work directly in and with our school partners to members of the Senior Leadership Team and Trustees. You will be part of a small fundraising team so working well in a team, and being flexible to support others, is essential. You will build mutually trusting relationships with colleagues and funders and balance tenacity with empathy.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and write compelling applications to charitable trusts and foundations who have the capacity to make five and six figure gifts towards the charity’s work.
• Prepare and submit scheduled applications and reports to current funders, ensuring that we hit deadlines and develop relationships with the trusts and foundations currently supporting Villiers Park.
• In collaboration with the Senior Leadership team, and colleagues in Fundraising and Communications, create engaging and accurate reports to current funders that share the impact of their support, including trusts, major donors and university partners.
• Work with colleagues in the Fundraising team to develop and implement targeted stewardship strategies that bring current donors closer to our work.
• Identify new prospects and propose engagement and cultivation strategies.
• With the Head of Fundraising and Chief Executive, develop the trusts and philanthropic strategy to support the organisation’s 'Beyond Barriers’ strategic growth plan.
• Work closely with the Fundraising Operations and Data Manager to prepare pipeline reports to inform budgeting and forecasting.
• Support the Head of Fundraising to identify and develop fundraising channels, including family trusts, corporate foundations and legacy giving.
• Ensure compliance with Villiers Park’s safeguarding and data protection policies, and with the charity’s gift acceptance and fundraising policies and processes.

This list is not exhaustive, and the post-holder may be required to undertake other tasks relevant to the role and within their capability.

Essential skills and experience:

• Passionate about supporting young people from under-represented backgrounds.
• Experience of successfully building relationships with charitable trusts and securing five and six figure gifts.
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Strong ability to cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and on own initiative.
• Good understanding of financial information and ability to communicate this effectively.
• A team player, who is personable, curious and empathetic.
• A commitment to learning and professional development.
• An understanding of current fundraising trends and connected with relevant fundraising networks.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Experience of fundraising for an educational or social mobility charity.
• Experience of securing multi-year six figure gifts.
• Interest in extending fundraising knowledge and experience, to include major donors, legacies and university partnerships.

Employee Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rated) and additional leave over Christmas.
• A dedicated wellbeing day for you to take at any time and three days (pro-rated) paid leave for volunteering or study each year.
• Training and professional development, including termly staff development days.
• Support from our wellbeing working group and access to an employee assistance programme.
• Opportunity to join working groups with other colleagues from across the organisation as well as wider networks such as the Fair Education Alliance.
• Flexibility in working hours.
• Additional sick pay and compassionate leave policies.

Safeguarding:

Villiers Park Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and to providing a safe and supportive environment, which secures the well-being and best outcomes for the young people with whom we work.

Safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of Villiers Park's work and integral to the commitment we make to our schools, partners and the young people and communities we serve and work with. All employees and volunteers are expected to share this commitment by adhering to our organisational safeguarding procedures, attending regular in-house training and keeping up to date with developments in policies and legislation. All employees and volunteers will also agree to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Services check and successfully complete our mandatory online training courses including NSPCC Safeguarding in Schools and PREVENT training.

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

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

What you'll lead and deliver

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

About you

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

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

Further information and how to apply

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

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

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

About Manchester Met

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

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

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

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

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

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

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