Major donor manager jobs

This is a rare opportunity to join the Scottish Wildlife Trust at a transformative time and play a leading role in one of our most ambitious fundraising initiatives.

For over 60 years, the Trust has championed healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas.

We are now creating the role of Major Gifts Manager. Joining our Development Team, and managing our Development Officer, you will lead philanthropic giving, with a particular focus on securing the Inverbroom Endowment – a multi-million pound campaign to safeguard the long-term future of our newest and largest wildlife reserve.

Working closely with an external fundraising agency, senior staff and volunteer leaders, you will manage and grow a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, secure major gifts (including six-figures and above), and develop compelling cases for support that bring complex conservation challenges to life.

We are looking for a confident fundraiser with at least five years’ experience in philanthropy, ideally within the environmental NGO sector. You will have a strong track record of meeting financial targets, managing prospect pipelines, and stewarding long-term donor relationships.

If you are a confident relationship builder who acts with integrity, thrives on collaboration and wants your work to deliver real, lasting impact for nature, we would love to hear from you.

About the Ri

The Royal Institution (Ri) is an independent charity which has been connecting people with science for over 200 years. Founded in 1799 through the wonderful generosity of 58 patrons, to this day we remain based in our original, magnificent, Georgian home in central London. Thanks to the support of those early philanthropists, the Ri has inspired generations of scientists over the years whose discoveries have helped shape our modern world. 

The Ri has a clear vision that ‘Science is for Everyone’ and it is our belief that everyone should have equitable access to science. Through our packed event programme available in person or online, our UK schools outreach and social impact initiatives, and our global digital reach including almost 1.7m YouTube subscribers we achieve our mission by connecting people with scientists to explore science together. 

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated major gifts fundraiser to join our small fundraising team to contribute to our ambitious goal to raise £20 million across 4 years – our Be the Spark campaign.

You will need to be a collaborative self-starter who wants to make an impact, working at all levels of the organisation to build and develop the relationships that will enable the Ri to succeed. You will be used to identifying, researching and managing a portfolio of major donors or high value clients and comfortable working with donors at the highest levels.

This role is responsible for driving major donor engagement and income by proactively identifying and cultivating new supporters aligned with our mission.

The postholder will work collaboratively across the Ri and fundraising team to build strong relationships, develop innovative and compelling proposals, and deliver exceptional account management and stewardship to existing donors. Key responsibilities include researching, developing and cultivating new prospects, building a strong major gifts pipeline, visiting donors and prospects, and advising colleagues on best practice for stewarding major donors throughout their relationship with the Ri.

If you are a warm, professional and engaging communicator, adept at managing a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and able to cultivate and develop influential relationships, we would love to hear from you. 

This role is part time (21 hours), permanent and will require a willingness to undertake occasional travel, evenings and occasional weekends. Requests to work flexibly or part-time will be considered.

Main responsibilities

• Owning and managing a portfolio of major donors, building strong, long-term relationships and serving as their primary point of contact.
• Devising and delivering tailored stewardship journeys for each donor in the portfolio, ensuring personalised engagement
• Securing repeat and increased support
• Proactive identification and researching of new major donor prospects, and building a strong pipeline for cultivation
• Maintaining major donor engagement levels through regular communications and meetings and maintaining CRM records.
• Developing a fledgling giving circle aligned to the Be the Spark campaign.
• Monitoring and managing a budget, reporting to the board and analysing performance against agreed KPIs.
• Supporting and empowering other teams at the Ri to enhance major donor relationships.
• Collaborating with the events teams to ensure that major donors receive an exceptional experience at all Ri events and activities.

About you:

Essential:

• Experience of identifying, researching, pitching to and managing a portfolio of major donors or high value clients and comfortable working with donors at the highest levels.
• Confidence in talking fluently about money in a professional environment and working with donors at the highest levels
• Proven experience of building excellent relationships and networks both internally and externally
• Experience of managing relationships with donors or high value clients
• Demonstrable experience of maximising opportunities from researching prospects to generating meetings, and securing income 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

Desirable:

• Substantial demonstrable experience working in a fundraising position for a charity or educational organisation. 
• Experience of organising small to medium sized events for major donors and prospects
• Experience leading a giving club or members networking group
• Patron/Major Donor/Legacy fundraising experience, securing 6-figure donations.

Designed by families, for families, The Ark was opened in September 2019 by the Mayor of London. The grounds offer wheelchair accessible outdoor experiences, including a Woodland Walk through a 7-acre nature reserve, a hydrotherapy pool and overnight suites for families to be close to their loved ones. At The Ark we are able to provide Specialist Care and Nursing for babies, children and young people, supporting their full clinical, emotional, social and practical needs. We have created a space where children who are seriously unwell are accepted as they are, safe to play, explore, express themselves and build confidence.

Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, the charity has had a sustained period of growth over the last two years and we are looking for high quality employees to come and be a part of that success.

Our expert staff and trained volunteers provide clinical, emotional and practical support for families across North and Central London and Herts Valley. We carefully adapt our support for every child and offer it wherever it is required - whether in their home, their community or at our state-of-the-art children’s hospice building, The Ark, in Barnet.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Corporate Partnerships are a key area of growth for Noah’s Ark Fundraising and is pivotal to not just income generation but also brand awareness for the work that we do. The role feeds into our Major Donor and Corporate income streams. Philanthropy & Partnerships is a real area of expertise for Noah’s Ark, with much scope for further growth.

The Corporate Partnerships Manager will work in close collaboration with the Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager and build a cohesive way of working to ensure that we are maximising impact for the charity and its beneficiaries.

Purpose - The Corporate Partnerships Manager works with the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships, steward existing relationships, and develop a healthy corporate prospects pipeline in order to achieve agreed income targets.  The role is also key in delivering our special events and campaigns in collaboration with our Special Events Manager. This includes our annual matched-funding campaign, The Winter Ball and the Noah’s Ark Golf Day – which most recently raised £1m, £400,000 and £104,000 respectively.

ABOUT YOU

You will be a dedicated, organised and reliable individual. You will show determination and have an ability to read people and situations intuitively. An exceptional and eloquent communicator, excellent at managing your time and a natural relationship builder.

You will ideally have experience of account managing five and six figure partnerships as well as demonstable new business wins – and therefore, have a growth mind-set for an ambitious corporate team. You will be willing to liaise with colleagues across the fundraising team and wider charity to create the greatest outcomes for the children and families we support.

Please refer to the job description for further information on this role.

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from groups who are currently under-represented in our staff.

Our diversity council is working hard to construct positive changes within our organisation. We are a disabilty confident employer and part of our commitment is to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.

Major Donor and Trusts Manager
Home based, remote working 
£36,000 pa plus excellent benefits (FTE £45,000 pa)
28 hours per week
Fixed-term contract for 12 months

The Major Donor and Trusts Manager will play a pivotal role in driving RNID’s High Value fundraising strategy. You’ll manage a diverse portfolio of major donors and trusts, strengthen stewardship processes, and develop innovative engagement strategies. Working in close partnership with the Senior Philanthropy Manager and High Value colleagues, you’ll help unlock transformational gifts that make a lasting impact.

You will:  

· Cultivate and manage relationships with major donors and trusts.


· Design and deliver innovative stewardship plans.

· Create engaging funding proposals and impact reports.

· Work with advocates and internal teams to identify new prospects. 

· Plan and deliver donor cultivation events. 

You’ll bring a proven track record of securing significant gifts (five and six-figure), excellent relationship-building skills, and the ability to craft compelling proposals. Highly organised and self-motivated, you’ll be confident using CRM systems and managing multiple priorities. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with a collaborative approach and a passion for RNID’s mission to create an inclusive world for people who are deaf or have hearing loss or tinnitus.

No essential qualifications are needed, but a good standard of written English and attention to detail is a requirement.

We are RNID: the national charity supporting the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. Together, we will end the discrimination faced by our communities, help people hear better now and fund world-class research to restore hearing and silence tinnitus. We work with our communities and partners across industry, government, charity, education and more to change life for the better.

We champion the value of difference and equality and celebrate our diverse and inclusive workforce. We actively encourage applications from eligible candidates from BAME backgrounds or who are deaf or hard of hearing. With almost 20% of our employees having a disability we proudly hold Disability Confident Leader status and guarantee an interview for disabled applicants meeting the minimum essential criteria.

Closing date: 2 January 2026.
Interviews: w/c 12 January 2026.

Amala’s mission is to use the power of education to transform the lives of young refugees, their communities, and the world. We deliver innovative learning programmes for displaced youth globally, including the world’s first internationally accredited secondary education programme for out-of-school refugee and crisis-affected young people, as well as Changemaker Courses in Peace-building, Ethical Leadership, and Social Entrepreneurship.

We’re seeking a strategic and driven Trusts & Foundations Manager to grow our global trust, foundation, and institutional fundraising portfolio. In this role, you’ll build and steward high-value donor relationships, secure six- and seven-figure grants, and work closely with our Education Programmes and MEL teams to craft compelling proposals and demonstrate impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Cultivating and stewarding high-value partnerships with trusts, foundations, and institutional donors

• Securing six- and seven-figure grants that support Amala’s global programmes

• Developing compelling proposals, concept notes, and donor briefings aligned with funder priorities

• Managing reporting cycles and producing timely, high-quality submissions

• Collaborating with Education Programmes and MEL colleagues to align proposals with evidence and impact data

If you share our commitment to transforming education for displaced young people, we’d love to hear from you.

Learn more and apply: For detailed information on this role, including the full list of responsibilities, experience, and application instructions, please refer to the job description.

Closing date: Wednesday 7 January 2026, 12:00 GMT

Salary: £32,000 - £40,000 per annum depending on experience

Location: London (Westminster) and remote (hybrid working policy in place)

About the role

We are looking for a skilled fundraiser and communicator who is passionate about stewarding supporters, so that they feel valued and connected to our mission. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in raising income for the charity, so that we can help keep historic churches open and in use. We are looking for someone who will be able will focus on building one-to-one relationships with high-net-worth individuals, legators and prospects who have the ability to give significant donations to increase the overall income of the charity. If you’re an enthusiastic, self-motivated, team-player with experience of major donor fundraising, then this is the role for you.

About the National Churches Trust

We want to keep the UK’s wonderful collection of church buildings well maintained, valued and in use. Working on the ground in all four nations, we support churches of all denominations. Our vision is to see open churches thriving at the heart of their communities.

Our mission:

We Speak Up: churches are valued and supported

We Build Up: churches are well maintained, adaptable and in good repair

We Open Up: churches are sustainable, open and welcoming support

Our values:

Being straightforward in responding to others’ needs

Providing support that makes a difference

Joining forces to achieve greater impact

Driving change that brings our vision closer

To find out more about this role, please download the job description including person specification.

To apply, please send a covering letter (max 2 sides) detailing your interest in the role and how you meet the requirements, together with a copy of your CV. For further information, please visit our website via the apply button.

Closing date: 18 January 2026.

Interview date: w/c 26 January 2026 in Westminster, London.

Starlight has a long and successful track record of delivering high-profile, high-value special events, including the prestigious Blenheim Ball, Newbury Race Day, and until recently, the Highclere Clay Pigeon Shoot. These events are supported by influential committees and play a critical role in raising income, stewarding donors and connecting supporters with our purpose.

With a gap in our Philanthropy team and maternity leave expected to begin in March, this 18-month fixed-term role exists to lead and deliver Starlight’s flagship events at a senior level, with immediate responsibility for the Blenheim Ball (April) –  the event Tatler refers to as “ society’s smartest ball “chaired by Lady Alexandra Spencer Churchill; and Newbury Race Day (May) – one of Starlight’s longest-standing and most successful supporter events, hosted by Nicky Henderson and his Committee.

This is a senior, delivery-focused role designed for an experienced events professional who can hit the ground running and immediately take ownership of two flagship events. Working closely with the Committees, you will bring leadership, strategic judgement and outstanding project management to ensure these events continue to excel in reputation, income and supporter experience.

We are specifically looking for talented individuals who have a short notice period and are available to start in January. Candidates need only apply if available through to April 2026 with no planned significant periods of leave.

Are you a creative relationship builder with a passion for building impactful partnerships and leading high-performing teams? Earth Trust is seeking a dynamic Senior Philanthropy & Corporate Partnerships Manager to cover maternity leave and play a pivotal role in driving fundraising growth through major gifts and corporate partnerships.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine strategic vision with hands-on relationship management. You’ll lead a talented fundraising team, secure five- and six-figure gifts, and develop mutually beneficial corporate partnerships that help nature and people thrive together.

What you’ll do

• Lead and grow high-value corporate partnerships and major donor relationships.
• Craft compelling proposals and pitches that inspire 5-6 figure gifts and multi-year partnerships.
• Lead a high performing fundraising team.
• Collaborate across departments and represent fundraising at senior leadership level.
• Set and monitor targets, budgets, and performance metrics.

What we’re looking for

• A persuasive communicator and relationship builder with proven success in securing multi-year, high value partnerships.
• Strong understanding of corporate social responsibility and partnership development.
• Experience leading fundraising teams and managing budgets.

This role is a maternity cover role, so there is flexibility on the start date. The current postholder is due to be on maternity leave from mid-April 2026 until the start of February 2027.

Senior Development Manager
Location: London (Hybrid working) 20% office, 80% remote or in donor meetings
Salary: £56,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full time (38.5 hours per week)

At UWC International, we believe education can be a force for peace and a sustainable future. Through our global network of schools and colleges, we bring together young people from over 150 countries and backgrounds, offering life-changing educational opportunities to those who might otherwise never access them.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Development Manager to play a central role in delivering UWC’s 2030 Strategy, securing the philanthropic support that underpins scholarships, long-term sustainability and global impact.

About the role
This is a senior, donor-facing fundraising role focused on major gifts and strategic donor engagement. You will manage a personal portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, foundations and other key supporters, securing significant gifts and building long-term relationships aligned with UWC’s mission.

You will work closely with the Director of Development and Funded Programmes, senior leadership, and colleagues across prospect research and operations. Alongside delivering against ambitious income targets, you will help shape mid-level giving activity and may deputise on key fundraising priorities.

This role offers the opportunity to combine hands-on portfolio management with strategic thinking, within an international organisation operating at scale.

About you
You will bring:

• Good experience in major gift fundraising and managing high-value donor portfolios.
• A strong record of securing significant gifts, ideally at six or seven figures.
• Confidence building trusted relationships with donors, senior leaders and volunteers.
• Experience developing compelling proposals, stewardship plans and donor communications.
• Strong judgement, organisation and ethical standards in all fundraising activity.

Experience in education, international development or complex stakeholder environments would be welcomed, but is not essential.

What we offer
UWC International offers a supportive and values-led working environment, with benefits including:

• Hybrid working with flexibility around hours and patterns
• 28 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Income protection and comprehensive wellbeing support
• Learning and development opportunities
• Paid volunteering or study leave
• The chance to work within a truly international organisation committed to equity and inclusion

If you are an experienced major gifts fundraiser looking to apply your skills to a global mission and see the direct impact of your work, we would welcome your application.

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

Department

The Office of Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni (OPPA)

Office of Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni (OPPA) works with a community of global alumni and donors to  deepen their ties with York and each other, and encourage them to support the University through York Giving.  This role is part of the Individual Philanthropy Team, which manages major individual philanthropy and the legacy giving programme, working closely with the other OPPA teams:

Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy: developing long term, strategic partnerships with philanthropic  corporate and foundation supporters.

Fundraising Programmes: managing mass fundraising appeals, crowdfunding campaigns, community  fundraising and student projects.

Operations and Experience: providing business intelligence, information and insight, governance and  stewardship of supporter and alumni relationships, and managing all mass communications with alumni and  supporters. 

York for Life: developing alumni communities, volunteering and alumni engagement programmes in  support of the University’s strategic aims. 

OPPA is part of the University’s Directorate of External Relations, and works closely with other sections of the  directorate, which are Marketing, Recruitment, Outreach and Admissions, Communications, Public Engagement  and Events, and International Student Recruitment, Partnerships and Mobility.

About the Role

The role of Philanthropy Manager is to inspire and encourage philanthropic income from major individual donors to the University of York.  You will work to build engagement and involvement of potential major donors and colleagues across the University to develop and deliver a pipeline of significant philanthropic gifts to York Giving’s priority projects. 

You will manage a portfolio of major donor prospects and have responsibility and accountability for fund management and other priority projects for philanthropic funding, including liaising with academic theme coordinators.

This is a demanding and rewarding role that requires resilience and a long term view.  The post holder will work to individual financial cash and pledge targets and KPIs based on meetings, moves, proposals and asks made.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Proven experience in a relationship management role, with both internal and external stakeholders.  Ease at working with people and developing personable relationships with a wide range of people.
• Experience of fundraising or role generating new business.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles related to donor cultivation, asking and  stewardship
• Experience of organising events
• Experience of working in a high education or not for profit fundraising environment.
• Knowledge of data protection laws as they related to donor information
• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge / NXT database or similar relationship management database

Interview date:To be confirmed

Role overview: 

F&BF will be delivering celebration events in 2026-2027 that are bigger and more ambitious than ever. We are looking for an Events Manager to be the engine driver for visioning, planning, and delivering these on time, within budget, and to an extremely high standard. This role demands someone who can deliver events that cater to and attract participation from London’s diverse faith communities and would suit someone committed to F&BF’s values of connection over division and meaningful inclusion and celebration of those from different backgrounds. Our upcoming events programme will involve both celebration and fundraising events – the former, reaching and celebrating London communities; and the latter, engaging high net-worth donors and securing long-term, high-level support for the organisation. Because of this, experience in engaging and securing major donors is essential. This role requires line management of existing members of the F&BF staff and volunteers and working well with existing, and securing new, partners.

Job Description 

All activities will be undertaken in collaboration with the Communities Team and with delivery and sponsorship partners

Delivery of Events 

• To lead on the successful delivery of three major events in the F&BF calendar

• Interfaith Wellbeing Festival (June 2026, London) 

• 10th Anniversary of the Dangoor Awards (Oct 2026, London)

• F&BF’s 30th Anniversary gala event (Early 2027, London) 

• Manage event budgets, ensuring events are delivered efficiently and within financial limits 

• Ensure compliance with health and safety, insurance, and legal regulations throughout the event cycle 

• Review current processes and approaches to event management and update these as necessary 

• Review and update event timelines and work schedules to ensure they are achievable within the timeframes 

• To perform administrative and logistical tasks using agreed process and conventions including planning, activity/event delivery,

• To observe delivery to ensure quality control (where appropriate)

Impact and Evaluation 

• Review, develop, and update processes for monitoring and evaluating the impact and reach of events 

• Establish key indicators for success and metrics for measurement for each event 

• Report on event delivery and share insights which can inform decision making and spending going forwards 

Line Management 

• Work closely and supportively to develop those you manage in line with F&BF approaches and policies 

• Manage schedules and workloads flexibly to ensure those you manage are able to perform well and thrive in their roles 

• Implement performance management processes where needed 

• Develop your management skills and grow your abilities to manage and support those around you 

Communication and Stakeholder Relations 

• Collaborate with colleagues to devise the vision for each event and convey this effectively to sponsors and partners 

• Build and nurture relationships with suppliers, sponsors, volunteers, and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth event delivery 

• Work with partners to develop and implement multi-channel marketing campaigns to promote events and ensure high attendance at public events 

• Support the Communities Team in connecting with local faith groups and leaders to build long-term networks 

• Clearly and inclusively communicate the Faith & Belief Forum’s vision and values to all stakeholders. 

Major Donor Engagement 

• Work with the CEO and other colleagues to develop a major donor engagement plan

• Support the CEO to understand the needs of major donors and help develop proposals, pitches and meeting preparation

• Help develop new leads and identify opportunities as they arise 

• Propose new ways of engaging major donors and high net worths in line with their needs and priorities 

General 

• Support the organisation’s aims and contribute to a positive, inclusive working environment, including upholding our values of inclusion, fairness and a commitment to diversity and justice in all tasks 

• Suggest ideas for improving work and strengthening relationships with faith groups and community partners 

• Participate in team planning, learning, and reflection activities to develop your skills and improve project delivery 

• Undertaking other initiatives necessary to ensure the successful implementation of the work of the organisation. 

Organisational strategic goals:  

1. To equip more learners with the skills and tools they need to handle and influence relations between different faiths and beliefs.  

1. To generate stronger community-based movement, with youth at the forefront  

1. To project the voices of those we support and the impact of our partnership with them  

Person Specification: 

This role would suit someone who is excited about planning and delivering key events; someone who thrives in getting things done under tight deadlines and whilst overseeing many complex moving parts. It requires someone who is good at managing people, and who is enthusiastic and able to motivate and support a team to work together. Ideally, we are looking for someone who can inspire people with a well-devised and well-communicated vision for each event. We require the successful post holder to have experience in engaging major donors and to know what it takes to plan and deliver a successful high-level fundraising event. We realise interfaith work is quite niche so other forms of event management experience would be very welcome -so long as you are committed to our vision, can prioritise our values of inclusion and representation in the event delivery, and are open to learning how we do things, please do apply even if your experience is outside of the faith, interfaith or charity sector.

Essential experience and competencies: 

• 5 years + experience in delivering large-scale, high quality and impactful events 

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders 

• Experience in managing and management good practice 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in engaging supporters and suppliers 

• Financially literate with experience monitor, manage and report on large budgets 

• Creative, proactive, and solutions-focused with a collaborative approach to team working 

Essential traits and characteristics: 

• Ability to work sensitively and constructively with people from different backgrounds 

• Committed to delivering events in line with F&BFs values 

• Professional, flexible and comfortable dealing with stakeholders at all levels 

• Proactive, enthusiastic, good at motivating and managing others and bringing people on board to your vision 

• Strong attention to detail, ensuring nothing gets missed 

• Ability to thrive under pressure and work to tight deadlines 

• Committed to F&BF’s vision and mission and excited by bringing people of different backgrounds together 

Other 

• Willingness to travel across London, including working outside core hours and weekends (TOIL is available) 

Benefits include 

• Flexibility around working hours and schedule 

• Opportunity to work mainly remotely from home (occasional travel to London will be required) 

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata) 

• 2 days paid volunteer leave (pro rata) 

• Interfaith and intercultural learning opportunities 

• Regular support and coaching to help develop your skills 

• Access to internal learning sessions on topics relevant to our sector 

Can you help us keep changing lives and breaking the cycle of reoffending for good? With demand for our work continuing to grow, we are excited to be welcoming a Fundraising Manager to join our team.

In this role you’ll work closely with our CEO and operations team to deliver our annual fundraising targets, focusing on trusts and foundations, major donor and corporate giving and the occasional fundraising event/external opportunity.

We are a small staff team with a large cohort of volunteers and we are all passionate and committed to our mission to stop reoffending and ensuring the best outcomes for the men we support.  We don’t have an office and staff are either home based or work in one of the prisons, depending on their role.  We stay connected through regular team meetings (online and in person), 1-1 line management support and ongoing training. This post would be home based but you will need to be able to travel to attend occasional meetings in London, West Midlands and Oxfordshire.

This is new role for Trailblazers, and we are looking for someone whose values align with the charities and believes in the impact of our work. You will be proactive, a good communicator, with a talent for building relationships and full of ideas.  You will be experienced in all aspects of trusts and foundations fundraising which is the main source of income for the charity.  Experience of diversifying income streams, major donor/corporate giving and creative ways of engaging new and existing donors would also be required.  You’ll have the freedom to shape and implement your own systems and processes and lead on developing a fundraising strategy, with full support from the CEO and wider team.

Philanthropy Manager

We are seeking a proactive and relationship-led fundraiser to drive major donor and legacy giving for a growing and ambitious charity.

Position: Philanthropy Manager

Salary: £40,000

Location: Hybrid, with weekly office day in Kennington, London SE11

Hours: Full time

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 10am, Wednesday 7 January 2026

Interview Dates: 15 January (online) and 22 January (in person)

About the Role

This is a hands-on and rewarding role where you will lead the day-to-day delivery of major donor fundraising and help grow legacy giving. Working closely with the Development Director, senior leaders and trustees, you will oversee the major donor pipeline, build strong and meaningful relationships, and deliver personalised supporter experiences that inspire long term commitment.

You will line manage the Philanthropy Officer and work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to plan and deliver events, develop compelling donor communications and support data driven insight into supporter behaviour and opportunities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and growing a portfolio of major donor prospects and supporters
• Developing tailored cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans
• Planning and delivering high quality donor events and engagement activities
• Leading on legacy giving development, communications and stewardship
• Researching new prospects and preparing donor briefings
• Overseeing due diligence processes and ensuring compliance with fundraising standards
• Producing regular reports to support income forecasting and pipeline management
• Coaching, motivating and developing the Philanthropy Officer
• Supporting the implementation of improved CRM and data systems

About You

As Philanthropy Manager you will be confident, organised and proactive, with strong relationship management skills and the ability to communicate impact with clarity and warmth. You will be motivated by building meaningful supporter relationships and delivering exceptional experiences.

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong background in major donor or individual giving fundraising
• Experience securing five or six figure gifts
• Ability to manage pipelines and donor journeys using CRM systems
• Experience planning and delivering donor cultivation events
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational and project management skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders, trustees and colleagues
• Experience researching and cultivating new prospects

Personal qualities:

• Warm, engaging and confident working with people from all backgrounds
• A proactive mindset with the ability to spot opportunities
• Commitment to inclusion and belief in the transformative power of the arts
• A collaborative team player with a supportive leadership style

About the Organisation

This organisation works nationally to make music education equitable, inclusive and joyful for every child. Through long term programmes in partner schools, teacher training, advocacy work and sector wide initiatives, it supports thousands of children and young people each year. The charity is entering the next phase of strategic growth, scaling its most impactful work and strengthening its national influence.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Major Donor Manager/officer, Individual Giving Manager/officer, Fundraising Manager/officer, Philanthropy Lead, Development Manager/officer, Supporter Engagement Manager/officer.

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

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to drive the growth of our philanthropy programme as we deliver our most ambitious strategy yet including a new £200m Global Cancer Appeal for a major development in Chelsea. You’ll lead and motivate a high-performing team, while also managing a personal portfolio and securing large value gifts. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference for people affected by cancer, working alongside passionate colleagues and dedicated supporters.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the Philanthropy strategy and drive growth across all high‑value income streams
• Identify, cultivate and solicit major supporters to secure high value donations aligned to agreed targets, including the £200m Global Cancer Appeal.
• Recruit and work with Appeal Board members, senior volunteers and trustees to progress prospects and secure transformational gifts.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior clinical leaders, to shape compelling fundraising priorities and packages.
• Work with the Head of Philanthropy & Special Events and the Head of Trusts, Stewardship and Philanthropy Communications to lead, motivate and inspire our high-performing teams
• Contribute to charity‑wide leadership, governance and risk management; deputise for the Associate Director as appropriate.

About you

You bring a well‑established, highly successful career in high‑value philanthropy, with:

• A proven record of securing seven‑figure and above gifts, and developed expertise in high‑value acquisition and relationship management.
• Experience in identifying, recruiting and managing senior volunteers, and working credibly with donors, board members, VIPs and ambassadors.
• Strategic leadership of senior fundraisers and teams, driving performance, culture and process change.
• Significant budget accountability (c.£1m+), high numeracy and the ability to interpret financial reports and KPIs.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills; confident handling complex, sensitive and confidential information.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, embedding inclusive practice across fundraising.

What we offer:

• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton.
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm
• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service
• Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service)
• Training, support and development opportunities
• Access to the blue light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities
• Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more
• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes

Inclusion Matters

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.