Major donor manager jobs in London

As we embark on our new three-year funding strategy, we are looking for an innovative and talented fundraiser with a least five years experience, to join the team and help us generate new creative partnerships and opportunities. We are a small, growing team with ambitious fundraising targets and a global reach. There is potential for a number of income streams to grow, particularly philanthropists and creative partnerships with corporations, wealth collaboratives and special events.

Given the current challenging economic and philanthropic environment, we are looking for some one that can generate new fundraising opportunities through creative out of the box thinking to identify and solidify relationships with philanthropists, corporations, global foundations and beyond. You will be able to conceptualise and deliver high quality fundraising events, appeals and utilise your experience and imagination to develop new ways of raising large scale funds. You will be able to drive change and create successful outcomes.

Existing funders include a mix of philanthropists, corporate partners and leading foundations. There is significant potential for the development of corporate and high value individual partnerships with sectors such as the music industry and female entrepreneurs.

We are a collaborative and dynamic team and are looking for a colleague with valuable experience, an innovative and creative mind and the ability to charismatically build meaningful and profitable relationships with our partners and supporters to enable us to reach our ambitious fundraising plans.

This role will play a big part in helping the organisation to deliver over £650,000 in funding by the end of 2026.

About you

• You will be an experienced fundraiser
• You will be an innovative and creative thinker that can create fundraising opportunities and ideas from all situations
• You will have demonstrable expertise in securing five-figure plus donations from a range of donors
• You will have demonstrable expertise in designing and delivering high quality fundraising events and appeals
• You will be a charismatic relationships manager with experience generating and cultivating relationships with various high-profile supporters and key donors and negotiating these relationships seamlessly
• You will have excellent grant and proposal writing skills
• You will have a tenacious and creative approach to difficult tasks and be able to take initiative to drive activity
• You are resilient, can work with agility and comfortable working towards ambitious targets
• You are familiar with CRM systems and planning and organisation tools
• You will have the ability to form strong relationships remotely, which is crucial as The Circle is a small organisation, and the team all work remotely
• You will have a background/passion in international development and/or women’s rights
• You will have strong attention to detail

Desirable

• You will have experience of the music industry and other creative industries

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

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.

Development Officer - Major Gifts
Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working - minimum 2-3 days on campus)
Salary: £39,407 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Closing Date: Mon 26 Jan 2026
Interviews in person: 9 February 2026

Help to shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at Kingston University.

Kingston University is an incredible place to work. For over 125 years, we've been shaping student futures through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching. Our recent TEF Gold rating reflects our commitment to delivering outstanding education and research. Through our ambitious Town House Strategy, we're embedding a progressive new model of education and driving innovation through partnerships with businesses, communities, and organisations.

The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team plays a vital role in delivering these ambitions. With a global alumni community of over 270,000, we foster meaningful relationships that drive philanthropic support, unlock partnerships, and enhance the University's reputation and reach.

About the role

We are now seeking a Development Officer - Major Gifts, you will be a key member of the DARE team, responsible for generating philanthropic income and supporting the pipeline for transformational gifts. This is a dynamic, relationship-driven role and we're looking for someone who thrives on creativity and can spot potential and transform it into meaningful opportunities.

Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will:

* Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, personally soliciting gifts at the four- and five-figure level.
* Support the cultivation of ultra-high-net-worth prospects for transformative gifts.
* Deliver against KPIs and income targets, contributing to our ambitious fundraising growth strategy.
* Assist with compelling proposals, donor engagement activities, and major gift events.
* Work collaboratively across the University to embed philanthropy and alumni engagement into Kingston's culture.

About You

An ambitious, curious and motivated fundraiser with:

* Demonstrable experience in development or fundraising, ideally in higher education or charity.
* Excellent communication skills.
* A proven track record of securing and stewarding donations.
* Strong influencing and relationship-building skills, with confidence engaging donors.
* Excellent organisational and project management abilities.
* A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for Kingston's mission.
* Passion for the impact they can have through fundraising in the higher education sector

What We Offer

* A dynamic, ambitious team environment
* Hybrid working with a strong sense of campus community
* Opportunities to make a real impact on student success and the University's future

Benefits include:

* Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days (from entry at all levels), in addition to bank holidays
* Three 'meeting free' weeks each year to create space for reflection and time to plan for the period ahead
* Flexible working - we can consider and accommodate various work patterns
* Family-friendly policies that support the needs of our employees
* Exceptional professional development opportunities

Key Details

- Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working, 2-3 days/week on campus)
- Closing Date: Mon 26 Jan 2026
- Interview Date: Monday 9 Feb 2026

How to apply?

The application process is CV and Supporting Statement. In the first instance, please send your up-to-date CV to Philippa at Charity People for further details about next steps.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

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.

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice helps babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell, and their families, make the most of every day. The charity aspires to become a centre of clinical excellence for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

We’ve been on a major upward trajectory in recent years, with more children being supported, more major hospitals being partnered with and more supporters donating. We’ve transformed from being an enthusiastic start-up delivering care in the community, to a serious player delivering major impact both in the community and at our state-of-the-art hospice building, The Ark, opened in 2019.

Philanthropy, which covers Grants, Trusts & Foundations and Major Donor fundraising streams, is pivotal to Noah’s Ark, typically accounting for around 50% of the charity’s voluntary income. This is an area of real expertise for Noah’s Ark, with much scope for further refining. The successful candidate will therefore be instrumental in taking this key income stream forward, add to an exciting portfolio and gain further training and support, working as part of a high-performing and super supportive team, ready for its next development phase.

The Grants, Trusts & Foundations Manager will work closely with and report to the Head of Philanthropy to develop the Trust pipeline, along with instrumental cross-team work on applications and reporting processes for other income streams. Whilst we work towards developing a more diverse funding model and navigate changes to the external Trust environment, sustaining and growing income from Trusts will remain vital.

The post-holder will manage a Philanthropy Officer (Trusts & Major Donors) and, together, they will be instrumental in taking the Trust programme to the next level, establishing lasting relationships with funders, securing new grants, increasing multi-year gifts and improving both quality and volume of applications and reports. They will also support the Philanthropy Officer, and the wider team, to the same end with their respective portfolios.

ABOUT YOU

You will be a highly organised, dedicated and reliable individual ready to play a significant role in income generation. An exceptional and eloquent communicator, excellent at managing your time and a natural relationship builder. You will have a collaborative mindset, and be willing to engage with colleagues across the fundraising team and wider charity to create the greatest outcomes for the children and families we support.

You will have considerable experience fundraising from grant makers and will be able to demonstrate your success with securing high value gifts and building meaningful relationships. You will have confidence in your ability to make an impact through collaborative lateral thinking. You will also support other team members with their applications, as well as acting as a key liaison with our Care team to obtain latest information about service delivery.

If you have ample experience of fundraising from Trusts, have achieved outstanding success in a short period of time or have held a key position within a Trust programme, including securing numerous significant – ideally six-figure – grants, we would love you to apply.

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.

Trusts Manager

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Salary in the region of £40,000 - £45,000

38 days’ holiday |Defined contribution pension scheme | Hybrid working

For over 120 years, RADA has stood at the forefront of dramatic arts training, nurturing generations of actors, directors, writers, producers and technical artists who have gone on to shape the worlds of theatre, film and television. Access and diversity are at the heart of who we are, and we are deeply committed to ensuring talented students from all backgrounds can experience our training, uplifting the greatest range of voices and perspectives.

This is an exciting time to join us. Our vision and strategy focus on sustainability and inclusion, foregrounding excellence, equitable practice and wellbeing, and empowering artists. Alongside developing our growth strategy, estates strategy, industry partnerships and international offer, we are addressing two urgent priorities: investment in our estate and in bursaries to ensure all talented students can thrive. This is in addition to raising unrestricted funding for RADA’s core activity. At the same time, we are building a renewed alumni strategy, creating opportunities for graduates to connect, collaborate and shape the future of our industry.

We are seeking an experienced trusts fundraiser to join our Development team at a pivotal point in our journey. As Trusts Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of RADA’s future fundraising growth by developing and stewarding long-term relationships with a portfolio of Trusts and Foundations to unlock transformational support for RADA’s mission and future. Reporting to and working closely with the Head of Grants & Fundraising Services, you will support with the creation of the Trusts and Foundations annual strategy, and will confidently seek out and secure new mid-level gifts.

The ideal candidate will be a confident and proactive fundraiser from an arts/cultural or higher education context and with a track record of gifts at the five-figure level. Your persuasive communication skills, attention to detail, and willingness to take initiative will be important drivers in this role. In addition, your ability to build relationships and inspire trust with RADA’s leadership and senior volunteers will be key to your success.

If you are excited by the opportunity to shape the future of dramatic arts training, and to make a lasting difference through life-changing work, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For a confidential conversation about this exceptional opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. For further information, key dates, and how to apply, please visit the Richmond Associates website and download a detailed candidate pack.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process.

We are taking positive action by guaranteeing an interview to any applicant who self-identifies as being from a Black, Asian or Global Majority background, and/or who self-identifies as D/deaf or disabled, and has experience as a development department lead or deputy lead in the cultural and Higher Education sectors. If you regard yourself as having these characteristics, please state so clearly on your supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 09:00 on Monday 12th January 2026

#trusts #trustsfundraiser #trustsmanager

The Lord’s Taverners exists to positively impact the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality. Through inclusive and transformative cricket programmes, we empower young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged communities across the UK and beyond.  

The Role  

We are seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven Philanthropy Manager to lead the growth and development of our major donor programme. Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Engagement Events, you will shape and elevate our philanthropy offering, strengthening the foundations, cultivate meaningful long-term relationships, and play a pivotal role in driving significant income growth for the charity.  

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong major donor expertise, strategic insight, and a passion for changing young lives through sport.  

About You  

You will bring experience, confidence and creativity to this high-impact role. You’ll be motivated by building a strong pipeline, implementing a prospecting culture and developing strong relationships which in turn secure transformational gifts, and comfortable influencing, collaborating and communicating at all levels – including with high-net-worth individuals.   

Benefits  

- 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays   

- Five additional holiday days between Christmas and New Year   

- Pension contribution of 6%   

- Group income protection (long-term incapacity pay)   

- Critical illness   

- Life assurance (death in service)   

- Health Cash Plan   

- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave pay   

- Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured)   

- Two volunteering days   

- Birthday day off   

- Season ticket loan   

- Flexible working   

- Wellbeing plan   

Application Instructions 

Deadline for applications: 4th January    

First round interview, in person 7th or 8th January  

Second round interview, online 14th or 15th Janaury   

Hours: 0.4 or 0.6FTE (14/21 hours per week respectively)

Location: Hybrid. Staff work remotely and from the Medact office in East London. London-based staff work in-person as a team one day per week, and staff based outside London come in at least once a month, with support for travel costs. Applications from outside London are encouraged.

Salary: £15,818.48 at 0.4FTE or £23,727.71 at 0.6FTE (£39,546.19 full time equivalent). Note: We do not negotiate salaries, so please only apply if this is in line with your expectations.

About the role

Medact is hiring for the new role of Fundraising Manager: Trusts & Grants to secure grant funds for the organisation over a critical one-year period. The new Fundraising Manager will be responsible for completing applications already in the pipeline, and then setting out a plan to apply for as many successful grants as possible in the period and delivering it.

The successful candidate will work closely with the senior leadership team and our programme staff, to identify, develop and write grant proposals to relevant funders, for both restricted and unrestricted income streams. 

About you

This is a skilled role but you don’t need to have had a job in an NGO before or be a professional campaigner to be right for it. You might have successfully fundraised for a local community organisation or a grassroots campaign on a social justice or health issue that you care about. 

You’ll have strong skills in developing and writing applications, with a strong understanding of the funding landscape and potential relevant grantmakers. You need to be a great communicator, able to translate the work of an organisation into language tailored for different funding bodies. You’ll also be a strong team player, able to work with relevant staff members to develop winning applications that fit properly within our existing strategy and areas of work.

About Medact

Medact organises with the health community to win a world in which everyone can truly achieve and exercise their human right to health. We cover some of the most pressing national and global threats to health and wellbeing including institutional racism; climate change; human rights abuses; violent conflict; and rising inequality. We’re a member-led organisation, and our members are made up of a range of people who work in health including nurses, doctors, midwives, and clinical researchers.

We take an organising-centred approach to our work. We build community power by working in solidarity with health workers and the communities experiencing harm from the unjust systems we challenge. We run national campaigns, use research to expose injustice, and we support local organising groups across the country who lead most of our work.

Benefits

• 35 hour full time work week
• 25 days paid holidays (pro-rata) plus bank holidays and additional days at Christmas when the office is closed
• Employer pension contribution
• Flexible working
• Learning and development budget
• Cycle to work scheme
• A caring and supportive culture and lots of opportunities for team connection

We are looking for a Global Events Manager (Fundraising), to develop and lead a Global Events Strategy for all fundraising-related events including Philanthropy, Mid-Level and Legacy, as well as involvement in wider organisational events, to engage and inspire mid-level and major donors and funders.

This role focuses on high-value donor engagement, rather than mass participation fundraising. You will lead events such as major gift donor receptions, mid-level donor gatherings, legacy supporter events, and occasional internal team away days.

This is a Surrey based Hybrid role with 2 days a week in the office.

The Charity
A passionate charity dedicated to paving the way for a new era where people, wildlife and the planet thrive, with a strategy focused on mobilising a movement and delivering key legislative reforms. The charity offer a range of benefits including flexible working, learning and development opportunities, a generous 10% pension and an employee assistance programme.

The Role
Event Strategy, Planning & Execution Take primary responsibility for coordinating and delivering innovative fundraising events, including in-person and virtual events, that engage and inspire mid-level and major donors globally.

Donor Stewardship Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with mid-level and major donors, providing exceptional stewardship and personalised communication to increase giving through events.

Fundraising Strategy Develop creative event-based fundraising strategies to engage new donors and retain existing ones.

Collaboration Work closely with the Global Fundraising and Communications teams to develop compelling event content and donor engagement strategies.

The Candidate
Proven track record in planning, coordinating, and delivering successful fundraising events, both virtual and in person, with a focus on donor engagement.

Experience in managing mid and major donor portfolios, including cultivation, stewardship, and soliciting gifts.

Experience in managing high-value events, such as gala dinners, donor receptions, and exclusive donor webinars.

Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to create compelling content for event materials and donor communications.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful, but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

We're working with a fantastic Health Charity on a varied and exciting Special Events Manager role, joining a growing team as they launch a new strategy and high-value fundraising campaign, creating unique events and experiences to bring the Charity's work to life across high value audiences. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end management of high-profile events, including yearly special events, bespoke stewardship experiences and laboratory tours.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to create innovative event concepts and programmes to engage new and existing high-value supporters.
• Work across the Philanthropy team to create and deliver new events for an upcoming high-value fundraising campaign.
• Develop key external relationships, including high-value supporters, suppliers and event committees, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure smooth event delivery.

Person Specification

• Proven experience in managing large-scale fundraising events, for high-net-worth audiences.
• Proven experience of successfully building relationships with high value supporters, senior volunteers, event committees and event attendees.
• Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving capability.
• Attention to detail, professionalism, and a service-oriented mindset.
• Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced environments.
• Experience of developing and launching a new high-value events is highly desirable.

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.

Senior Fundraising Manager – Trust and Philanthropy

Salary- £40,940 per annum

Location- Remote working in the UK, with regular travel to London and other parts of the UK.

Reporting to- Director of Fundraising

Contract- Full-time, permanent

Closing Date- 11th January 2026 at Midnight

Who we are?

Futures For All is the largest social mobility charity in the UK. We help to level the playing field between state and independent schools by giving all young people access to the same prestigious networks available to the top fee-paying schools. 

We believe that by inspiring young people to explore their ambitions through our speaker programme, facilitating access to multi-day experiences of the world of work, and supporting young people to successfully seize opportunities available to them, then we can make a profound difference to the lives of young people, their future happiness and prosperity. 

By 2028, our ambition is that every young person in the UK has access to high quality work experience. Yet today, less than half of young people leave secondary school having had any work experience whatsoever.

Role Summary:

Whilst Futures For All has been fundraising for all of our 15 year history, we are now at a point in which increasing voluntary income and diversifying our charitable income streams is vital to the charity’s long-term success.  The new role of Director of Fundraising took up management of the team in 2024, and is now in the process of building a bigger and brighter team to support increasing income over the next few years.

The Senior Fundraising Manager – Trust and Philanthropy will play a pivotal role in raising funds from grantmaking trusts and HNWIs (philanthropists) towards the work of Futures For All.  They will go beyond simply writing applications and reports, to build relationships with prospects and donors, ensuring that each are guided through the solicitation cycle towards maximising their grant to the charity.  They will work closely with colleagues, volunteers and leadership to ensure each prospect/donor is engaged appropriately and accurate information is provided in a timely manner.  They will also support the overall function of the Fundraising team, supporting other forms of fundraising. They will build relationships with prospects and donors, ensuring that each are guided through the solicitation cycle towards making major donations. 

Futures for All (formerly Speakers for Schools) seeks an individual with experience working with high-value supporters and strong relationship-building skills to become our new Senior Fundraising Manager – Trust and Philanthropy.  With an exceptional network of senior stakeholders and volunteers, the potential for growth in fundraising is great.

As the UK’s leading social mobility charity, we’re on a mission to help state-educated students nationwide to reach their potential by providing work experience placements and inspirational talks. 

If you’re an enthusiastic, self-motivated, team-player with experience of major donor fundraising, then this is the role for you.  You’d join the team at a time of progression, with a new, focussed plan for the organisation targeting growth in our work experience and inspirational school talks. For this to be successful, we need to grow and diversify our income, particularly from grants and gifts, and are growing the fundraising team from 3.5 to 5+ members to support this increase.

Your role as Senior Fundraising Manager will be to help identify, cultivate, ask and steward philanthropists and grantmaking trusts, working with the Director of Fundraising, Fundraising team, wider colleagues and volunteers to ensure they are solicited to the highest possible standards. The team will support you and there’ll be training on offer to help you succeed.

If you are an expert communicator and relationship-builder, you could join an ambitious, collaborative team, passionate about raising funds to increase the richness of state education and level the playing field for children across the UK.

Key Duties / Responsibilities

Strategic Purpose

• Fundraising from grantmaking trusts and foundations – build and maintain a pipeline of trust prospects and donors with potential to give £10k+ per annum.
• Fundraising from major donor individuals – building relationships with prospects and donors leading to gifts of £5k or more.
• Collaboration – working with colleagues, Ambassadors and Trustees to engage potential supporters, attend events and solicit donations.
• Proposals and reports – develop and deliver accurate and inspiring fundraising applications and reports meeting and surpassing donor and prospect expectations.

Engagement

• Stewardship – work closely with the Donor Relations Manager to ensure all trust donors are stewarded effectively.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers and leadership – ensuring you have an expert knowledge of the work of Speakers for Schools and can communicate it passionately and accurately to prospects and donors.

Delivery

• Events – utilise and support fundraising events to create a culture of giving and fundraising within Futures For All. Working alongside the Events Co-ordinator to identify attendees and shape engagement events.
• Data and reporting – ensure information on donors is correctly recorded in Salesforce, and supporting KPI and other reports created by the Director of Fundraising.
• Other duties – supporting the work of the Fundraising team and wider organisation as required.

Education / Experience / Knowledge

Essential

Experience of making the direct asks for funds from prospective donors.

Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to cultivate and steward philanthropic relationships effectively.

Experience of compelling proposal and report writing for a grantmaking and philanthropy audience.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Enthusiastic and a self-motivated team player.

Desirable

Proven ability to raise income from grantmaking trusts, manage a portfolio of established and new trust donors, achieve targets as part of a fundraising business plan.

Experience working in a social mobility or education-focused charity.

Proven ability to engage philanthropists and senior volunteers and speakers who support these approaches.

Futures for All Values:

Passion: 

We are committed to levelling the playing field for young people across the UK, creating social mobility and tackling disadvantages.

Agility: 

We challenge our ideas of what is possible in order to better meet the needs of those we support. We are human, make mistakes, learn, evolve and adapt.

Integrity: 

We act with empathy and bring our authentic selves to work every day. We value and respect the talent, time and intentions of those we work with.

Collaboration: 

We are one team with one mission and only by working together can we deliver better outcomes for young people. We support each other unconditionally and feel motivation in shared success as well as individual progress.

Diversity: 

We know it takes people with different ideas, strengths, identities, interests, and cultural backgrounds to make our organisation succeed. We encourage constructive debate and critical friendship.

Diversity at our core

Futures for All is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating discrimination.

About You:

• Have the ability to raise income from HNWIs , manage a philanthropy portfolio of established and new donors, building strong relationships and confidently making the ask.
• Experience in creating inspiring and informative bids to grantmakers, utilising your written communication skills.
• Comfort in working with, and engaging HNWIs and business leaders who will donate and help the organisation to succeed.
• Be able to develop strong relationships with the charities senior stakeholders and staff, identifying opportunities for growth and innovative engagement.

We’re looking for someone with energy and imagination who can demonstrate our impact and build strong relationships with funders – making the case for ambitious investigative journalism that holds power to account.

You’ll work closely with our Development Director and project leads, playing a central role in securing the resources that power our investigations. If you love variety, know how to tell a compelling story, and want to use your skills to back fearless impact-led journalism, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

We are the UK’s largest independent non-profit investigative newsroom. Our reporting is published by media partners around the world and holds power to account across five areas: environment, health, big tech, dirty money and local power.

This role will manage 2–3 of our editorial teams, providing strategic fundraising support to help them deliver journalism that drives real-world change. While the exact portfolio will be confirmed with the successful candidate, the role will initially support 2-3 of our core teams and may also contribute to work on emerging issues such as mis- and disinformation and its impact on UK communities.

Our teams include:

• Bureau Local: Works with communities across the UK to uncover hidden stories and drive accountability. Recent work includes exposing the exploitation of migrant workers, running a community-led investigation shaped by the Trans+ community, and bringing vital transparency to the family courts through reporting and mentoring.

• Enablers: Investigates the lawyers, accountants and financial structures that enable corruption and allow illicit finance to flow through the UK. Their reporting has prompted major regulatory investigations and scrutiny.

• Big Tech: Scrutinises the power and influence of major technology companies, examining issues such as moderator working conditions, surveillance, algorithmic harms, digital rights and the impact of AI on society. Their reporting has informed safety measures, supported litigation, and strengthened public understanding of how tech shapes our lives.

• Environment: Investigates the environmental and human impacts of resource extraction, climate finance and the actions of powerful corporations. Their reporting has contributed to changes in corporate practices and prompted customers to take action - including leaving their banks.

• Global Health: Examines the systems that shape access to healthcare, the safety and quality of medicines, and the influence of corporate and political interests on global health outcomes. The team has briefed the WHO and medical practitioners, ensuring their findings inform policy and frontline practice.

Our fundraising

The Bureau is almost entirely funded through grants and donations – without our supporters, we couldn’t do what we do. Over recent years, we’ve grown to a team of 35 people with an annual income of £2.8m, backed by a committed network of trusts, foundations, and individuals.

This is an exciting time to join our fundraising team as we build on those strong relationships and explore new ways to diversify our income.

Responsibilities

• Work with project leads to develop their ideas into a strong case for support, translating complex issues into powerful, accessible narratives for funders.

• Manage relationships with existing funders, ensuring timely reporting, effective stewardship and continued support.

• Research and develop a pipeline of new prospects.

• Write compelling proposals and applications to secure new grants.

• Collaborate with our other Fundraising Manager, who leads on the remaining themes, and provide support in those areas when needed.

• Support the Bureau in identifying ways to diversify our income, such as helping to grow our major donor programme.

• Work closely with colleagues across the Bureau - from reporters and impact producers to operations and finance – and play an active part in maintaining a collaborative, supportive workplace culture.

• Pitch in on a range of fundraising tasks, big and small, to keep the Bureau in the best position to deliver its journalism.

Skills and experience

You don’t need to tick every box in this ad – we are committed to hiring people with potential. If you feel like you lack some specific experience but have the necessary drive and passion, please don’t be deterred from applying.

• Fundraising track record: 5+ years’ experience raising significant money for charities or non-profits, especially from foundations (HNW experience a bonus).

• Grants expertise: confidence managing the full cycle from initial due diligence and agreements through to reporting back about our work.

• Great communicator: able to translate complex issues into strong and compelling proposals; fluent in English.

• Researcher and analyst: skilled at identifying new funding opportunities.

• Organised: able to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines with strong attention to detail.

• Collaborative: comfortable working with colleagues at all levels in a newsroom environment.

• Creative and resourceful: able to think beyond simple metrics to make a powerful case for impact.

Experience securing funds for journalism, social justice, civil society, or human rights is desirable but not essential. People with experience raising funds for campaigning or rights-based work may be especially well-suited.

Benefits – what we offer

• 25 days annual leave + Christmas closure days

• Option to work a nine-day fortnight - (by reduction in annual leave)

• Flexible and hybrid working

• Enhanced sick pay

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay (after 12 months’ service)

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Learning and development opportunities

• Cycle to Work scheme

How to apply

Please send a CV and cover letter to our email located on our website by 19th January 2026. Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 26 January.

If you need support with your application, such as reasonable adjustments, or have questions before applying, contact the email address located on our Fundraising Manager page. You must have the right to live and work in the UK.

Please also complete our anonymous equality monitoring form here, which helps us track who we are reaching.

Our values

• Just: We pursue what is right with integrity and fairness.

• Honest: We reveal the truth, even when uncomfortable.

• Courageous: We break new ground with ambition and tenacity.

• Inclusive: We embrace diversity, equity, and different perspectives.

Collaborative: We believe people are stronger when they work together.

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the more than 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

As part of our safer recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities, this role requires a DBS check and professional/character references. We are committed to inclusion and will consider each application fairly.​

About you:

This is a terrific opportunity to play a fundamental role as Research Communications Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK’s in developing and shaping our research communications ensuring the timely and proactive communication of our research impact.

• You will have a strong ability for explaining research and science to a lay audience. 
• You  will also proactively identify communication opportunities and ideas for engaging content to promote and publicise our research projects.
• You will work closely with teams across the organisation providing them with information about our research activity to support their work.
• You will manage the charity’s research information service, our Research Line.
• You will work with the Director of Research and Innovation and Director of Marketing and Communications to lead the development of our research communications plan.​

Your Cover Letter Guidance
When submitting your application, please ensure your cover letter provides clear evidence of the following:

• Experience of communicating scientific and clinical information to a range of target audiences
• Proven experience in communicating complex research topics to a lay audience
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to build effective relationships internally and externally
•Proactive and able to identify communication opportunities and ideas for content in a range of formats
• Excellent copywriting, editing and proof-reading skills with ability to write copy for a range of audiences

Your cover letter should demonstrate how your background aligns with these criteria, using specific examples where possible.

​

About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity that connects a community of more than 110,000 people living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions, and all the people around them. So everyone can get the healthcare, support and treatments needed to feel good, mentally and physically. ​

This is an exciting time to join Muscular Dystrophy UK. We recently launched our new 10 year strategy to transform the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. Our vision is clear, a world without limits for people with muscle wasting conditions, and we won’t stop until we achieve it.

Values and behaviours:

• A positive attitude and approach that reflect the charity’s values.
• Seek opportunities to contribute to the development of the charity.
• A commitment to and an understanding of disability issues, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Always demonstrate role model behaviour.
  
   

Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We believe in supporting our people both professionally and personally.

​

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote wellbeing, work–life balance, and career development. Our offerrange of benefits includes ​great pension contributions, life insurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, employee assistance programme, instant retail and events discounts, and much more...

​

Location: We operate a hybrid model (home and office, London SE1). ​

Closing date: Sunday, 11th January 2026​

NB Interviews likely to be held on Wednesday, 21st January 2026​

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities