Major donor manager jobs in London

You will be part of a warm, supportive and forward-thinking community dedicated to nurturing young people academically, emotionally and spiritually. Seeking an ambitious, relationship-driven Development Manager to lead and grow our fundraising, community engagement, and alumni relations activity across our family of schools. This is an exciting opportunity to join a values-led educational trust and play a strategic role in supporting life-changing bursaries, major development projects, and the flourishing of our parent and alumni communities. Working closely with the COO, Heads, Governors, and our dedicated volunteer networks, you will champion a culture of philanthropy, belonging, and long-term support for our schools.

As Development Manager, you will:
Lead the Fundraising Strategy - Design and deliver a long-term fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on bursaries and capital projects
Build and nurture relationships with donors and prospects
Develop a strong, sustainable donor pipeline
Monitor fundraising performance and share regular progress updates with senior leaders.
Line manage the Development Assistant
Grow Our Alumni & Parent Communities
Create a vibrant alumni programme shaped around events, storytelling, and engagement opportunities
Oversee alumni data management and ensure GDPR compliance
Coordinate high-quality alumni communications, reunions, and digital content
Support & Empower Volunteers
Act as the main liaison for parent-led groups, providing guidance and partnership
Support community events such as fairs, auctions, uniform sales and fundraising initiatives
Deliver Inspiring Communications & Events
Work with Marketing to champion development of stories across digital and print channels
Produce engaging content that demonstrates the impact of giving
Plan and deliver stewardship and cultivation events, including receptions, legacy gatherings and giving campaigns.
Oversee development administration, correspondence, databases, and budgets
Travel is required one day a week to their other site in surrey

About You
Proven success in fundraising, development, alumni relations or stakeholder engagement
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills
Strong written and verbal communication, including ability to create persuasive content
Experience managing multiple projects strategically and efficiently
Confident using CRM systems and working with donor/alumni data
Experience leading or mentoring staff
A proactive, collaborative approach with the ability to work independently
Experience working with senior leadership or major donors
Knowledge of GDPR and charity sector compliance
Understanding of donor stewardship, major gifts or planned giving

If this role is of interest, please apply ASAP with an up-to-date word version of your CV highlighting all your relevant experience. Please do feel free to get in contact to discuss this role in detail or if you have any queries.

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Harris Hill are delighted to be partnering with UWS, an award-winning global education organisation bringing community-led schooling to some of the world’s most remote populations. Following a record-breaking year and the launch of their ambitious 2025–2030 Programmes Strategy, UWS is entering a hugely exciting phase of growth — and they’re now seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Senior Philanthropy Manager to help shape the next chapter.

The Opportunity

As Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will lead and evolve UWS’ high-value giving strategy, driving transformational income and long-term supporter engagement.

This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on major donor fundraising. You will:

• Lead and deliver the Philanthropy Strategy in line with organisational priorities
• Personally manage and grow a portfolio generating c. £500k–£1m p.a.
• Secure six-figure and multi-year gifts
• Develop compelling, visionary cases for support aligned to UWS’ global education mission
• Work closely with trustees, senior leaders and global colleagues to unlock new high-value networks
• Line manage and develop the Events & Philanthropy Manager, ensuring events are strategically aligned cultivation tools

You’ll oversee forecasting, pipeline development, KPIs and budget management — ensuring philanthropy at UWS is both ambitious and operationally robust.

What UWS Are Looking For

UWS are seeking a philanthropy leader who brings:

• A proven track record of delivering at least £500k+ p.a. within major donor programmes
• Personal success securing six-figure gifts
• Experience building and managing strong donor pipelines
• Confidence working with trustees, senior stakeholders and high-net-worth individuals
• Strategic planning capability alongside strong delivery focus
• Line management experience or strong coaching capability

Experience within an international NGO or global development context would be advantageous, as would exposure to high-value events or development boards.

Above all, they are looking for someone who can cultivate transformational relationships and confidently lead a high-value programme through its next phase of growth.

Key Details

• Location: London (Hybrid – 2 days per week in office)
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
• Salary: Competitive
• Reports to: Executive Director of Fundraising & Communications
• Line management: 1 direct report (Events & Philanthropy Manager)
• Closing date: 9am, Monday 16th March
• Interviews: w/c 23rd March (1st stage) and w/c 30th March (2nd stage)
• DBS required

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics

Institutional Donor Manager

Salary: £42,850–£47,130 per year
Location: London – hybrid (three days a week in the office)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: 9-day fortnight

This role offers the chance to shape and grow an international organisation’s institutional funding portfolio at a pivotal moment in its mission to accelerate climate action. You will build relationships with major donors, lead the development of high-value proposals, and help secure the support needed to deliver programmes that reduce global emissions. If you enjoy turning ideas into fundable projects and working collaboratively across teams, this role will give you scope to make a real impact.

The role
You will develop and manage relationships with government agencies and foundations, identifying opportunities that align with organisational strategy. You’ll lead the full proposal process — from shaping concepts and coordinating colleagues to writing persuasive six- and seven-figure bids.
You will also manage a diverse funding pipeline, support high-quality donor reporting, and help strengthen internal processes that support donor compliance and bid development.

What we’re looking for

• Significant experience securing institutional or government funding
• Strong understanding of European institutional donors
• Excellent bid-writing ability and clear, confident communication
• Strong numeracy and ability to design and interpret complex budgets
• Good understanding of monitoring and evaluation approaches
• A collaborative, organised and solutions-focused approach

What we offer

• Permanent role with a 9-day fortnight working pattern
• 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays and three additional Christmas closure days
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Health cash plan and private medical insurance (after probation)
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Monthly wellbeing allowance and Headspace membership
• Paid volunteering leave, moving-house leave and life assurance
• E-bike and bike loan schemes, and season-ticket loans
• Learning and development opportunities

Our commitment
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

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.

University of the Arts London (UAL) is looking for an experienced, confident and relationship-focussed full-time fundraiser to join as Partnerships Manager, to help build deep and meaningful relationships with corporate donors and prospective corporate donors who have the potential to transform the future and impact of UAL.

The Partnerships Manager will raise philanthropic income from new business and existing corporate partnerships to further innovative research, education, capital and student support and other UAL core priorities. The role is based within the Development & Alumni Relations team.

Applicants must apply via the University of the Arts London website, where full details of the role including the Job Description/Job Spec and benefits of working at the Univesity can be foundVacancy ID: 12262

Closing Date for applications: 20 March 2026  17:00 

Interview Date: 14 April 2026 

About the Roundhouse:
Roundhouse is an iconic music and arts venue in Camden. Since the 1960s we’ve opened up space for creativity to empower people and communities – day in, night out. We’re on a mission to raise the creative potential of the UK so we give young people and artists the space to experiment, develop skills and be part of incredible moments that go down in history.

The Role

You will be joining a team focusing on supporting our work with young people accessing creativity and employment in the creative industries and directly supporting the creative studios which sit below our venue. 

As part of a team of 5, raising £700k for the current year, rising to £1m by 2028, as part of an overall fundraised income goal of £6 Million. The role reports into the Head of Philanthropy and sits within the directorship of Partnerships and Impact, which also holds the organisation’s programmes with young people and public affairs. You’ll manage a junior members of the team as well as working closely with our Events manager and Principle gift lead. 
 

You’ll be responsible for driving your own portfolio of 90 prospects and donors, including 4-figure and 5-figure levels.

A day in the life of a philanthropy manager could begin with researching and identifying prospects from a recent event; giving a studio tour to prospective donors and enthusing them about our youth programme; preparing a report for a major donor about our work with young entrepreneurs; and ending the day in the members bar with a current supporter who’s there for a gig. 

Weekend and evening work will be required according to business needs, mainly through attending departmental events with donors and attending the members bar. 

About you:

We would expect applicants to this role to have at least 3 years previous experience in managing a portfolio of prospects and donors and securing gifts toward charitable aims or projects. The ideal candidate would also have management experience of staff or volunteers and of working in a team towards a shared  fundraising goal. 

We welcome applications from people who feel they can bring their own skills, experiences and ideas to the table and empower those around them to do the same. We actively encourage those currently underrepresented across the cultural sector and all intersections of our diverse society to apply.

Due to the nature of the role, the successful candidate must have a current and acceptable DBS check, or be willing to undertake one.
 

For more information please download the full job description from our website and if you would like to apply, and feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please click “Apply Now” to complete your application by 31 March 2026, Midnight
 

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week (excluding breaks)

Salary: £37,680 per annum

Application Deadline: Tuesday 31st March 2026, Midnight

Interviews: First stage Thursday 09 April 2026
 

Benefits:

• 25 days’ holiday per year plus bank holidays pro rata, increasing after 2 years service up to 30 days

• Ability to buy up to 3 days annual leave

• Pension scheme

• Cycle to Work, Tech  and Home Scheme

• Season Ticket Loan

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Health Cash Plan

• Group Life Assurance

• Staff discount at our bar and café

• Complimentary staff tickets

• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption leave

• Staff networks, forms and social groups

All personal data submitted to the Roundhouse in the form of personal details forms is used for recruitment purposes and equal opportunities reporting only. By submitting a personal details form, you consent to the Roundhouse retaining your personal data for these purposes. Personal details forms contain your name, address and details relating to your gender, religion and nationality. All forms are anonymised before use. In accordance with GDPR all information submitted by unsuccessful applicants will be deleted within six months. 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

IRC UK

IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England.

In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.

The Manager, International Philanthropy is part of the International Philanthropy team which focuses on raising gifts from individuals based outside of the U.S. and will support the activities of the team in managing donor accounts and coordinating day to day activities of the Senior Director and Director as required.

Major Responsibilities

• Collaborate with frontline fundraisers to implement strategies for high-net-worth individual donors and prospects within donor portfolios, bringing in critical revenue for the organization

• Draft and edit donor-facing communications, including letters, emails, contact reports, and tailored correspondence supporting donor engagement.

• Coordinate with internal teams to develop high-quality concept notes, proposals, presentations, and reports, managing drafts through final approval and formatting.

• Prepare agendas, briefings, and materials for donor meetings, prospect conversations, and internal strategy discussions.

• With fundraisers, act as the liaison between donors or prospects and field staff, ensuring both parties receive the most critical information and that it is communicated clearly and strategically reflective of its audience.

• Collaborate closely with Prospect Research and Management teams as well as Analytics and operations staff to co-lead and track the entire donor cycle.

• Support the planning and delivery of stewardship and cultivation events for international high-net-worth donors.

• Update the donor database (Salesforce) to maintain portfolio assignments, draft and update giving proposals, request prospect research, monitor report requirements and submissions, track ongoing donor communication and activity as well as additional relationship management duties.

• Support payment processing and ensure documentation complies with IRC and donor requirements.

• Provide operational and administrative support to the Senior Director and Director, including scheduling, travel coordination, and preparation for board or leadership meetings.

• Maintain teamwide systems, materials, and processes, support onboarding for new team members, and contribute to special projects as assigned.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Key contacts across IRC in UK and internationally:

• International Philanthropy Team

• USA Philanthropy

• Communications team

• Policy and Advocacy team

• UK Finance team

• President’s Office and Executive Director of IRC- UK

Person Specification

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Knowledge and understanding of the principles and methods of philanthropy fundraising**

• Experience with Salesforce database or similar CRM system** (Salesforce Administrator certification a plus)

• Excellent project management skills with demonstrable ability to prioritize and organize own workload and meet conflicting deadlines**

• Excellent project management skills with demonstrable ability to prioritize and organize own workload and meet conflicting deadlines**

• Ability to establish and build relationships with donors, colleagues and senior stakeholders at all levels and from a variety of backgrounds, both externally and within IRC**

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher, with professional fundraising certifications an advantage, or equivalent experience

• Experience in the following markets preferred – UK and US

• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and enthuse, through the delivery of strong external and internal communication

• Previous experience of working with high-net-worth individuals and their support functions i.e. EA’s, wealth advisors and/or private offices;

• Experience of supporting a team including the implementation of high-level events;

• Excellent attention to detail

• Excellent Microsoft Office software skills including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint

• Ability to understand and demonstrate commitment to IRC’s Equal Opportunities Policy and to ensure all activities are consistent with Equal Opportunities

• HTML experience a plus, to help support website updates.

• Passion for IRC’s mission and demonstrable interest in fundraising.

Our partner, a respected international development organisation, is seeking a qualified Finance Manager to lead the financial management and oversight of a large, multi-country donor-funded project. The postholder will ensure timely, accurate and compliant financial accounting, reporting, and donor compliance, while supporting strong financial management across the wider programme portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the financial management, planning and reporting of a multi-country project, ensuring transactions are accurate and compliant with donor and organisational requirements.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cost recovery and co-financing, and maintain up-to-date financial data in grant management and tracking systems.
• Prepare and deliver timely internal and donor financial reports, ensuring consistency between internal records and external submissions.
• Monitor project and portfolio expenditure, analysing variances and providing actionable insights to senior management and programme teams.
• Strengthen financial controls and compliance frameworks, including development of tools, manuals and checklists to ensure adherence to donor and internal policies.
• Support audits (donor and statutory), maintaining trackers for audit actions and disallowances, and ensuring audit readiness.
• Review and approve partner budgets, sub-grant agreements and financial reports, ensuring compliance with donor terms and promoting financial capacity building.
• Provide technical support and training to field teams and partners on donor regulations, financial management, procurement and reporting standards.
• Collaborate with programme teams to align financial management with programme delivery and results.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial systems and processes across the organisation.
• Occasional international travel may be required (approx. 1–2 trips per year).

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with experience managing finances for complex, large-scale donor-funded projects; experience working with UN Agencies and the World Bank is highly desirable.
• Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, grant management and donor reporting; familiarity with institutional donor requirements highly desirable.
• Proven experience in financial controls, audit preparation, and compliance for multi-grant, multi-country programmes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills; able to build effective relationships across diverse teams and cultures.
• Proficient in Excel and financial systems, with strong numeracy and attention to detail.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities effectively.

This is a London-based role with hybrid working (minimum two days per week in the office). Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

In this pivotal role as Prospect Research Manager at Diabetes UK, you will lead on managing prospect research, pipeline development, and adhere to best practice across income streams with a clear strategy that focuses on sourcing prospective high value donors to fund key strategic ambitions. One in 15 of us is now living with diabetes. Together, we have the opportunity to change this for the next generation. We are looking for someone who is a strategic thinker, analytical, organised in their approach and who can demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail in their work.   Join us and be part of something truly transformational as we change the narrative around diabetes and create a more inclusive world.

Senior Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager

We are seeking an experienced Senior Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager to lead high value fundraising and build transformational relationships with major donors and partners.

Position: Senior Manager, Philanthropy & Partnerships
Salary: £46,000 per annum
Location: Remote within the UK with occasional travel
Hours: Full time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 5:00pm on Thursday 2nd April 2026. (We reserve the right to close the role early should a suitable applicant be found)
 

About the Role

This senior fundraising role leads the strategy and delivery of high value income including major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporate partnerships.

You will manage key relationships, develop compelling funding proposals and lead strategic collaborations that generate significant income and long term impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering strategy for high value fundraising streams
• Managing and growing a portfolio of major donors, trusts and corporate partners
• Developing partnership proposals and cases for support
• Leading stewardship plans to secure long term partnerships
• Identifying and pursuing new high value funding opportunities
• Leading and developing colleagues within the fundraising team
• Working with senior leadership to support organisational income strategy
• Ensuring effective reporting, compliance and pipeline management

About You

You will be a senior fundraiser with a strong track record in securing major gifts and developing strategic partnerships.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in high value fundraising or partnerships
• Proven success securing large gifts or strategic partnerships
• Strong relationship management and influencing skills
• Experience developing fundraising strategy and income plans
• Ability to lead and develop teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

About the Organisation

This organisation works in partnership with Indigenous and local communities to protect rainforests and tackle the climate crisis. By supporting community led conservation and providing practical resources, they help protect vital ecosystems while strengthening resilience against environmental threats.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Head of Philanthropy, Major Gifts Manager, Partnerships Manager, Trusts and Foundations Manager, Head of Fundraising, Development Manager.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

We are looking for a skilled and energetic Fundraiser to lead revenue generation at this outstanding, award-winning, international charity. Working alongside the Director, there is exceptional scope for securing the support of high net-worth individuals, regular givers and Trusts and Foundations. This is a new post and you will have an important role in shaping the future of HYT.

Please see attached the full job description below.

Salary: £50,000 – £55,000
Contract: Permanent
Location: Twickenham, SW London (hybrid working)
Closing date: 23rd March 
Benefits: 30 Days annual leave bank holidays typically 5 closure days. Up to 12% Pension contribution. 

Are you a passionate major donor fundraiser who’s ready to change the future of UK healthcare? If so, we have the perfect Philanthropy Manager opportunity for you.

We are very excited to partner with St Mary’s University as they embark on a ground-breaking chapter: the launch of one of the UK’s first socially accountable medical schools, opening in 2026. With £3.6m already secured and a bold £20m campaign underway, this is a rare opportunity to join a mission-driven institution at a defining moment in its history — shaping a project with national significance and deep social purpose.

As Philanthropy Manager, you will play a pivotal role in growing the University’s major donor programme — securing transformational five? and six-figure gifts that will help tackle health inequalities and support the training of the next generation of socially conscious doctors. You will have direct access to influential stakeholders and an ambitious campaign board, making this is an exceptional platform for a proactive, entrepreneurial fundraiser who wants to make a measurable impact.

To be successful as the Philanthropy Manager, you will need:

• A proven track record of securing major gifts (five or six figures) from individuals, trusts, or foundations
• Strategic creativity and the ability to translate organisational priorities into compelling cases for support
• Experience working with senior leaders and volunteers to secure philanthropic support

If you would like to discuss this role with us, please get in touch and quote the reference 2895JP

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency; we use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs. We are passionate about improving equality across the sector — you can read more about our commitment to diversity on our website.

We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you as the leading charity recruitment agency.

If enough applications are received, the charity reserves the right to end the application period sooner.
 

Location: Reading, Hybrid (twice a month to Reading office)
Hours: Full time
Salary: £41,344 per annum 
Contract Type: Permanent
Campaign Closes: 10th April 2026
Interviews: First stage interviews, WC 20th April. Second Stage interviews WC ​27th April.

On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible. 

Core Purpose
The Philanthropy Manager will play a critical role in Make-A-Wish UK’s growing Philanthropy team. You will be responsible for building meaningful relationships with high-net-worth individuals and Trusts and Foundations, increasing income, engagement and stewardship, with a focus on developing new relationships with funders. You will also drive key growth through leadership of the Small Trust Mailing and Philanthropy Mid-Value Programmes, utilising insights and best practice to implement new strategies and streamline ways of working.

Job requirements

Essential Criteria

• Experience in working within a Philanthropy Team, with proven success in securing multiple five figure gifts from both high-net-worth individuals and Trusts and Foundations
• Strong experience cultivating cold and/or new prospects and converting them into five figure + donors
• Experience conducting targeted prospect research, identifying new funders against a set criteria or proposition
• Demonstrable track record of creating and implementing successful, data-informed plans resulting in increased income
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, inspire and engage both internal and external stakeholders at a wide range of levels
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information in compelling ways tailored to different audiences
• Highly organised and demonstrated ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines within a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in using CRM systems (preferably Salesforce) to manage pipelines, analyse data, and generate reports
• Knowledge of UK fundraising regulation, ethics and trends affecting high-net-worth individuals and Trusts and Foundations fundraising
• Strong attention to detail, numeracy and analytical skills, with experience building financial proposals, income forecasts and donor investment cases

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience running high-value mailing programmes 
• Track-record of securing both restricted and unrestricted income 
• Previous experience recruiting and managing giving club members 
• Experience of working collaboratively with a Prospect Research function, sharing responsibilities and communicating effectively 
• Experience working in a rapidly growing team, managing organisational expectations and flexibly capitalising on emerging opportunities 

Job responsibilities

Relationship Management, Stewardship and New Business 

• Personally build and manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and Trust and Foundation prospects and donors, giving between £10,000-£50,000.
• Lead personalised and effective cultivation, asks, engagement and stewardship for your portfolio.
• Contribute to the development of compelling and attractive propositions to increase giving and/or recruit new high value supporters.
• Work effectively with internal and external influencers to engage supporters and create magical moments, bringing them closer to Make-A-Wish UK’s work.
• Manage donor agreements and grant terms and conditions, ensuring compliance and best practice.
• Work collaboratively with the Prospect Development Lead to identify new prospective funders, as well as conducting your own prospect research in line with agreed key priorities, sectors or themes.
• Ensure data is accurate and up to date on our CRM to support effective pipeline management and draw insights.

Strategy, Planning and Delivery of Mid-Level Programmes 

• Build on the design and implementation of a new personalised Philanthropy Mid-Value programme for supporters giving £1-£10K, with the aims of securing, retaining and growing support.
• Lead on enhancing the existing Small Trusts Mailing programme, effectively implementing streamlined processes to increase ROI.
• Collaborate with the Philanthropy Team, and other teams where needed, to forecast income, set targets, and manage your pipeline budget.
• Work closely with the Prospect Development Lead to draw insights, and implement these across the mid-value programmes.
• Continuously review programme success and efficiency, reporting on progress, identifying successes and learnings, as well as progress against KPIs and income targets.

Collaboration & Influence

• Champion a philanthropic mindset across Make-A-Wish UK, acting as an ambassador for the power and value of Major Donor and Trusts and Foundations fundraising.
• Work closely with other teams, including Finance, wishgranting, Insight and Innovation, and Brand Communications and Engagement, to build budgets, report on impact and cultivate, engage, ask and steward your portfolio.
• Act as an ambassador for Make-A-Wish UK at external events, such as high-level fundraising networks, sector forums and conferences.

Job benefits

• 26 days annual leave with the option to buy/sell annual leave (pro rata for part time)
• Paid Birthday leave
• Flexible & Hybrid working arrangements
• Salary exchange pension scheme 
• Paid volunteering days
• Pirkx subscription - Access to wellbeing support, GP appointments, training and events, retail discount platform, and much more!
• Cycle to work initiative

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

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

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

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

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

What we’re looking for

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

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

Philanthropy Manager
Location: ZSL London Zoo, Regents Park, London NW1 - Hybrid
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Business Area: Enabling Functions and Professional Services

Purpose of the role

We are looking for a passionate and strategic Philanthropy Manager to help drive our mission to restore wildlife and create a world where wildlife thrives.  This role is focused on raising vital funds from individuals to support ZSL’s global ambition.  You will lead on engaging new and cultivating existing supporters, securing high-value and major gifts. As part of your stewardship and cultivation work, you will build deep, lasting relationships and grow a sustainable income stream that powers our global impact.

This is a hybrid role, with the expectation of spending two days a week in the office at a minimum, alongside attending occasional off-site meetings with donors and stakeholders.  As with many major gift roles, there may be some evening or weekend work to support events, donor visits, or special experiences.

Key responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy: Contribute to strategic planning to ensure a coordinated and donor-centric approach that maximises philanthropic support, in collaboration with the Head of Philanthropy.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: To manage and grow a personal portfolio of high-value and major donors, securing income from high-value and major gifts.

Prospect Research: Identifying and researching potential donors who align with the organisation's mission and goals, with support from the Prospect Researcher.

Proposal Writing and Donor Reporting: Craft compelling and personalised proposals and presentations to secure funding, and work closely with the wider fundraising and project delivery teams to produce high quality reports.

Event Management: Support the organisation and delivery of events to cultivate relationships with donors and prospects.

Financial accountability: Keep accurate records and handle accompanying gift administration and recognition.

About you

• Experienced fundraising and donor development professional within the charity or cultural sectors, with a proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts from individuals, trusts, foundations, and institutional partners.
• Confident in developing compelling proposals and presentations that engage and inspire individual philanthropists.
• Experience working with fundraising databases and donor management systems.
• A proven track record in working with senior volunteers in a fundraising context.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and ethical considerations.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship management skills.

About us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. 

What do we offer? 

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include: 

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct 
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you 
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays 
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme 
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops 
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle 
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work 
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages 

If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team

Closing Date: 6th April 2026

We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

The selection process will involve two stages:

First interview – held virtually via video call.
Second interview – held in person and will include a skills-based assessment.

We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

No agencies please.