Major donor manager jobs

A rare and exciting opportunity to support the fundraising and strategic development of a wide range of Charities in the UK, as part of a friendly and supportive consulting team.

Charity Fundraising Ltd provides a comprehensive range of fundraising, strategic consultancy and evaluation services to Charities and other not-for-profit organisations. Established in 2000, our services range from grant and contract bid writing and review, to developing fundraising strategies, developing M&E frameworks and undertaking project and programme evaluations. We also offer a range of strategic support, mentoring and training. We work with lots of amazing charities, both local and national, small and large, across the UK, covering themes such as: Homelessness; addiction; youth; community; disability; mental health; minoritised groups; medical conditions; heritage; environment and more.

We are seeking an exceptional fundraiser who can offer a strong track record of driving organisational growth in the voluntary sector. Multi-year experience in two or more of the following core service areas is essential:

• Achieving major grant funding from trusts, foundations, lottery distributors, public sector agencies or similar.
• Planning and developing successful contract tender submissions.
• Planning and developing successful fundraising strategies and action plans.
• Major Donor, Legacy or Corporate fundraising strategy and delivery

The role is varied and interesting - managing a portfolio of clients and supporting them directly or strategically with their fundraising, impact evaluation and organisational development. Our consultants are all employees and we work closely together as a supportive team, sharing and developing skills and knowledge. We anticipate the appointee may not hold experience across all core areas of our services. We will enable the appointee to focus on projects that play to their strengths and experience and provide further support and training as necessary.

Based from home (must be UK resident), with ad hoc client and team meetings/socials (all travel paid), mostly within England. All IT equipment provided. Full-time or part-time (minimum 0.8 FTE - 28 hrs).

Benefits include: 24 days paid annual leave (pro rata), 5% employers pension contribution, potential cash / annual leave bonus, CPD budget and paid CPD time + lots of opportunity to learn from our experienced consultant team.

Please note that applications will only be considered where the screening questions are fully completed.

Here's what some of our team say about working for Charity Fundraising Ltd:

"I don’t think I have ever worked with such a nice bunch of people, everyone has been very welcoming, supportive and just all round lovely" 

"I really enjoy working for CF because I get to work independently with a diverse range of interesting clients, and am also part of a great, supportive team - best of all worlds!"

“Supportive and fun team; and great to learn new ideas from others fundraising skills, knowledge and expertise”

"I love being part of such a passionate, professional team and who prides itself on building close working relationships with each other and with our clients."

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

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.

BACKGROUND

Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

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 Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Associate Director of Philanthropy, UK, the Philanthropy Manager will support the implementation of the UK Philanthropy team’s strategy, with a focus to identify, establish and develop new and existing high value relationships with individuals who have the capacity to support IRC at a five and six figure level. This is an exciting role working with senior stakeholders across IRC, in the UK and internationally, to cultivate and steward relationships with philanthropists to effectively solicit multi-year gifts to fund high-impact programmes that will deliver transformative change for IRC clients across the world.

As part of this, the Philanthropy Manager will:

· Develop and implement initiatives to identify, cultivate and solicit gifts from donors in the major gift range of £10,000 and above, both in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and through account management of a discreet prospect portfolio

· Work closely with the Director of Philanthropy and the research function to identify and cultivate positive relationships with existing donors and new prospects to significantly grow our major donor pipeline

· Manage a portfolio of major donors through various personalised approaches, including face-to-face meetings, phone calls, events and written and verbal communications

· Develop personalised donor stewardship plans with the aim of increasing their engagement and uplifting their support to achieve the revenue target for the UK Philanthropy team and the overall revenue target for the International Philanthropy team

· Lead on gift management, reporting and proposal development for new prospects and existing donors, ensuring timely and accurate communications that match the individual’s requirements

· Identify and deliver unique stewardship and cultivation opportunities for donors

· Maintain thorough and up to date files and records relating to major donors

· Maintain strong knowledge and understanding of IRC’s work in the UK and around the world

· Collaborate proactively with a network of internal and external senior stakeholders, garnering their support and influence in the development of relationships with philanthropists

· Contribute to profile raising of the IRC’s Philanthropy programme and the IRC more widely through proactive networking and external engagement with potential donors and their advisors

· Proactively collaborate with other members of the Philanthropy team, supporting the delivery of the wider Philanthropy strategy as required

· Carry out administrative activities and other duties, as required, to maximise fundraising.

Scope and Authority

Authority: This position is responsible for supporting the delivery of Philanthropy and contributing to the identification, cultivation and stewardship of £10,000 and above gifts from HNWIs.

Key Working Relationships

· HNWI donors and prospects

· Third party philanthropy advisors

· Key contacts across IRC in UK and internationally:

o International Philanthropy Team

o USA Philanthropy

o Engagement with the UK and International Board

o Global Partnerships and Philanthropic Services

o Communications team

o Policy and Advocacy team

o UK Finance team

o Country Programme and regional teams, the Awards Management Unit as well as IRC’s Technical Units

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

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Partnership identification, cultivation and stewardship (65%)

· Manage a portfolio of HNWI prospects and donors, working closely with the Director of Philanthropy to cultivate successful, high-impact relationships

· Collaborate with colleagues to develop transformative funding opportunities, create tailored plans for the cultivation of donors, deliver unique stewardship and cultivation opportunities, and coordinate internal and external meetings to drive donor relationships forward.

Partnership Management (25%)

· Lead on the creation of inspiring and engaging impact reports and proposals for donors, ensuring timely and accurate communications that are matched to the requirements of donors.

· Use Salesforce and IRC’s internal grant management system, OTIS, to keep clear and accurate records of donor communications and interactions related to all donor relationships

Team collaboration (10%)

· Contribute to the wider ambitions and shared objectives of the Philanthropy team as part of the HNWI Pillar

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications

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

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

· 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**

· Ability to identify potential donors, produce donor stewardship plans and be able to implement and execute them

· Ability to influence and negotiate with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, ensuring best possible outcomes for the IRC

· Excellent attention to detail

· Excellent Microsoft Office software skills including Excel

· Demonstrable ability to prioritise and organise own workload and meet conflicting deadlines

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

· Ability to work collaboratively with members of a fundraising team and across departments, whilst managing conflicting priorities and deadlines in a busy working environment

Experience

· Demonstrable experience of securing gifts from high net-worth individuals**

· Demonstrable experience of writing persuasive and creative proposals and correspondence in a range of relevant styles

· Demonstrable experience of managing a portfolio of high net-worth individuals and relationships with senior stakeholders in a fundraising or corporate context**

· Demonstrable experience of supporting the implementation of events with wealthy individuals and influential contacts

· Demonstrable experience of managing information on a fundraising database e.g. Salesforce

· Demonstrable experience of compiling information from various global stakeholders in order to create compelling tailored proposals and reports

· Demonstrable experience of supporting a team and implementing new administrative systems and processes

Prospectus are excited to be working with our client to help them recruit for a Philanthropy Manager to join their team. The organisation is the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity. Founded in 1982, the charity has been championing the safety of the LGBT+ community for over 40 years. They work directly with thousands of LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence every year. They run four national support helplines: for LGBT+ victims and survivors of domestic abuse, survivors of so-called “conversion therapy”, survivors of rape and sexual violence, and LGBT+ people who have experienced hate crime. They provide advocacy services, both in London and nationally, for LGBT+ victims who need longer-term support. They are a service run by LGBT+ people, for LGBT+ people, and the needs of the community are at the centre of what they do.

This role is offered on a full-time permanent contract basis paying a salary between £40,000 to £47,000 per annum with flexible hybrid working arrangements at their London office.

This role aims to develop, execute and deliver a strategic plan for philanthropic growth from major donors. The post holder will work with the Head of Fundraising and Comms to develop the charity's major donor strategy, establishing clear goals with sustainable fundraising targets, helping to ensure the long-term stability of the charity. They will be responsible for developing creative and meaningful high-quality donor experiences. The post holder will be responsible for creating a tailored communication plan for major donors, including regular reports demonstrating the difference their contributions have made.

They are looking for someone with demonstrable experience of raising income from mid and high-level donors. They are looking for a candidate with demonstrable experience of researching, securing and maintaining strong relationships with high-net-worth individuals and other stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of LGBT+ experiences and communities with experience of working in the LGBT+, VAWG, or victim support sectors.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process, then please contact Firas El Dib at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you. 

In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon. 

Philanthropy Manager

Role Overview
The Talent Set are delighted to partner with this fantastic charity for their search for a  Philanthropy Manager. This position offers an opportunity to work on developing major donor income based on fully fledged pipeline and developed case for supports. The role is supported by a wider high value team including prospect research.

Key Responsibilities

• Steward existing donors and develop new donor relationships, working through the pipeline from cultivation to successful asks
• Identify new opportunities for major donor income
• Plan and coordinate fundraising campaigns, events, and engagement activities.
• Collaborate with teams across high value and wider fundraising teams to ensure donor stewardship and recognition.

Person Specification

• Proven experience working with major donors, this could be at officer/executive level and a step into a manager role or someone already in a manager role
• Full understanding and experience to work through the full donor relationship process with known donors and new prospects
• Having experience of successful 5 figure gifts is desirable, but candidates will be considered who have with experience of 4 figures gifts and who are looking for a bigger challenge, developing their skills
• Experience of working with giving circles is of interest but not essential
• Ability to work with agility in a collaborative and unique charity environment
• A proactive and adaptable approach with ambition to grow income from major donors, able to see opportunities for growth.

What’s on Offer
Salary: Circa £46,000
Hybrid working of 2 days a week in the London 
Part time and compressed working offered

First stage interviews to be held via Teams on the 19th/20th January
Second stage interviews to be held in person on the 26th January 

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. Please note due to the Christmas and New Year Period, our timeframes might be delayed. 

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

Role Overview
The Talent Set are delighted to partner with this fantastic charity on a Philanthropy Manager role. This position offers an opportunity to work on developing major donor income based on fully fledged pipeline and developed case for supports. The role is supported by a wider high value team including prospect research.

Key Responsibilities

• Steward existing donors and develop new donor relationships, working through the pipeline from cultivation to successful asks
• Identify new opportunities within the major donor portfolios
• Plan and coordinate fundraising campaigns, events, and engagement activities.
• Collaborate with teams across high value and wider fundraising teams to ensure donor stewardship and recognition.

Person Specification

• Proven experience working with major donors, this could be at officer/executive level and a step into a manager role or someone already in a manager role
• Full understanding and experience to work through the full donor relationship process with known donors and new prospects
• Having experience of successful 5 figure gifts is desirable, but candidates will be considered with 4 figures, looking for a bigger challenge
• Experience of working with giving circles is of interest but not essential
• Ability to work with agility in a collaborative and unique charity environment
• A proactive and adaptable approach with ambition to grow income from major donors, able to see opportunities for growth.

What’s on Offer
Salary: Circa £46,000

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, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Home based with regular travel across the UK and Ireland

About us

Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue.

This is an exciting role which has been created specifically to deliver an ambitious legacy events programme. Initially a fixed-term temporary role with scope to continue. Legacy fundraising is undergoing a transformation at the RNLI. Legacies account for over two thirds of the RNLI’s annual income today and will continue to be a vital fundraising stream for many years to come. In this role you’ll be responsible for supporting and delivering a range of regionally based legacy events, engaging with cold audiences across the UK and Ireland, potentially stewarding a limited number of existing high-level pledgers and developing and nurturing relationships with regionally based colleagues.

Some of the benefits

• 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Health and dental cash plan

Your role

As a Legacy Engagement Manager in the Legacy Team, you will be focused on:

• Developing and delivering a world-class stewardship programme, with personalised experiences for existing and new high-level pledgers in your area.
• Developing and leading on a programme of tailored events to suit pledgers and prospects at varying stages of their legacy journey.
• Collaborating with regionally based colleagues to deliver legacy training to community teams and develop a legacy volunteer network.
• Working with the wider Legacy team supporting integrated plans to embed our Legacy and In Memory Giving messaging throughout our community networks.

About you

You’ll be comfortable nurturing long-term relationships and exceeding customer expectations. Working collaboratively with colleagues in other disciplines, you’ll create a network of legacy advocates. To be considered for this role you’ll need to have:

• Experience in planning, managing and delivering events and exhibitions.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of event management principles, event resources and best practice.
• Demonstrable experience in relationship management.
• Excellent skills in communicating in person, on phone/video or in writing to a range of audiences.
• Excellent and effective relationship management with internal stakeholders to ensure that plans are integrated with RNLI activity across multiple departments.
• Ability to work in an organised and structured manner balancing your time appropriately to meet short term and longer-term goals.
• Capability to travel to meet donors and ability to work on your own or collaboratively within a larger team.
• A valid driving licence.

If you have a passion for relationship management and are looking to be part of a successful and growing team with ambitions to grow further, this could be the role for you. Please apply via the button shown.

Closing date: 4 January 2026.

Interview date: w/c 19 January 2026 (via Teams).

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy Manager) to lead our fundraising efforts and drive sustainable income growth. This is a pivotal role identified by our Board of Trustees as critical to the future of Life Charity. You will shape and deliver our fundraising strategy, lead a talented team, and cultivate relationships with major donors and supporters.

Reporting to the Director of Income Generation & Housing, you will:

• Take strategic ownership of Life’s fundraising strategy and ensure its successful delivery.
• Lead and inspire the fundraising team, embedding a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Manage and grow relationships with major donors, creating inspiring supporter journeys that encourage long-term engagement.
• Oversee budgets, systems, and processes to ensure efficiency and compliance with fundraising regulations.
• Work closely with marketing and service teams to develop compelling cases for support and impactful campaigns.

About You:

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced: Proven track record in fundraising leadership, major donor cultivation, and strategic income growth.
• Innovative: Skilled in developing creative proposals and pitches that win hearts and minds.
• Collaborative: Able to work across teams and build strong relationships internally and externally.
• Values-driven: Committed to Life’s mission and able to champion our ethos in all fundraising activities.

Essential skills and experience include:

• Leadership of fundraising teams and strategy development.
• Expertise in major donor fundraising and supporter stewardship.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of compliance with fundraising codes and GDPR.

About Life:

Life is a UK charity for vulnerable women and families facing unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy loss. Life’s aim is to provide housing, care and support to vulnerable pregnant women (typically aged 16-25) who are in crisis situations, such as those facing homelessness (or at risk of), escaping abuse or other traumatic circumstances. We offer supported housing, a helpline and counselling service, and other practical and emotional support. Our services are inclusive; non-judgemental; and client-centred.

Our Values:

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:

• Humanity – All people are special and equal.
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you.
• Community – We’re better together.
• Charity – Doing good for one another.
• Common good – Building a better world.

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the job description on our website. 

Salary: £40,000 – £44,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Home-Based with frequent travel to supporter locations and occasional travel to Head Office (Leamington Spa)

Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if a suitable candidate is found.

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Extra annual leave for long term service  
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality: 

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

The Talent Set is thrilled to be partnering with our sector leading client on an exceptional opportunity for a Senior Philanthropy Manager. This pivotal role will spearhead the expansion of their major donor portfolio, driving strategic donor engagement, cultivating new relationships, and mentoring a high-performing team as they transition to a more proactive philanthropy model.

We’re seeking a dynamic major donor fundraiser leader with a proven ability to grow donor portfolios, navigate change, and inspire teams—someone who thrives on building meaningful connections and delivering measurable impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture relationships with major donors, identifying new prospects and deepening existing partnerships
• Lead the creation and execution of strategic fundraising plans in collaboration with the wider team
• Analyse donor data and giving trends to refine approaches and maximise results
• Deliver clear, insightful reporting to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and accountability
• Manage and coach a high-performing team, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation

Person Specification

• Demonstrated success in expanding major donor portfolios through creative and persistent strategies with the ability to manage a team to success
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholder groups
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into action
• Adaptable, self-motivated, and collaborative—comfortable working both independently and within a team

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary: £60,000
• Flexible hybrid working: 2–3 days per week in the office or attending donor meetings
• Part time and compressed working options available

How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV via the 'Apply Now' button. Kindly note that applications via email will not be considered. We aim to respond to successful candidates within 48 working hours. Please note that due to the Christmas season our response to your application maybe slightly delayed.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set is dedicated to inclusive recruitment practices and ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants—regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or gender. We warmly welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support a fair and accessible recruitment process.

Development Manager - Major Gifts

Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working - minimum 2-3 days on campus)
Salary: £45,025 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Closing Date: midday Friday 16 January 2026
Interviews in person: TBC 28 or 29 Jan 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.

The Role

As Development Manager - Major Gifts, you will be a senior member of the DARE team, responsible for generating philanthropic income to meet ambitious annual targets. Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will:

• Manage a portfolio of high-value donors (individuals, trusts & foundations, corporates), personally soliciting gifts of £10,000+.
• Support the pipeline of mid-level prospects and help develop ultra-high-net-worth individuals for transformative gifts.
• Deliver against KPIs and income targets, contributing to our goal of growing major giving from £450,000 annually to £1 million within three years.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and academic leaders, producing compelling proposals and leading donor engagement.

This is a dynamic, outward-facing role requiring excellent relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and a passion for the impact of fundraising in higher education.

About You

You will be an experienced and driven fundraiser with:

• A proven track record of securing and stewarding four-figure and above gifts.
• Strong influencing and communication skills, with confidence engaging high-profile individuals.
• Experience managing a varied portfolio and achieving ambitious KPIs.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work across a complex organisation.

Experience in higher education or the charity sector is desirable, but not essential.

Why Join Us?

• Hybrid working (minimum 2-3 days on campus).
• A supportive, ambitious team committed to innovation and impact.
• The opportunity to make a lasting difference to students and the University community.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Apply now and bring your expertise, passion, and authentic self to Kingston University.
Please share a copy of your profile or CV with Philippa at Charity People as the first step.

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: midday on Friday 16 Jan
- Interview Date: in person provisionally 28 or 29 Jan

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.

Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Development, Alumni and Campaigns Office

Development Manager
Ref: ALC1611

Starting salary from £38,784 per annum, dependent on skills and experience, with an annual increment up to £46,049 per annum. 

If you are passionate about philanthropy and excited to work with individuals to secure major gifts that make a lasting difference - we would love to hear from you.

This is an exciting time to join our fundraising team in the Development, Alumni and Campaigns Office. Our £100m fundraising campaign, Dare to Do Different, is underway and we wish to appoint an individual who shares in our passion for philanthropy.

You will be joining a dedicated and enthusiastic fundraising team where you will be personally responsible for managing a portfolio of individual relationships. You will cultivate, solicit and manage a portfolio of major donor prospects (this includes holding regular face-to-face meetings) to secure significant donations towards our themes of Climate, Health, Creative and Campus.

Degree-educated or with equivalent qualifications/experience, you must have excellent communication skills and a proven track record in fundraising or relationship management.

This full-time post is available on an indefinite basis. 
 
UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from individuals who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, part time, job share, term-time only and/or hybrid working. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.

We strongly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply, including candidates who are disabled, Black, Asian or from an ethnic minority, and/or LGBTQ+. We welcome applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Further information on our great benefits package, including 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days (pro rata for part-time), can be found on our benefits page.   

Closing date: 19 January 2026

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality

Join us in the ambitious ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, which commits to raising over £600 million of charitable funding and 1 million volunteer hours, positioning the University of Birmingham as one of the leaders in philanthropy in the UK. To fulfil our exciting campaign ambitions, we are recruiting a Head of Philanthropy – Global, to maximise philanthropic funding and to take our campaign to the next level.

A key member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office’s (DARO) Philanthropy team, you will be responsible for growing major gifts opportunities and building a sustainable pipeline of future donations from global philanthropic markets. You will have experience of delivering against financial targets, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling ask in both verbal and written form. As the Head of Philanthropy - Global, you will be responsible for growing our international major gifts programme. In collaboration with the Associate Director of Philanthropy you will develop and implement fundraising strategies to increase major giving in Asia and North America as well as emerging areas of focus. You will manage a personal portfolio of six figure + (GBP) potential supporters and personally raise gifts in excess of £1m p/a. You will manage the international philanthropy team of two individuals and support them to deliver their annual fundraising and supporting targets.

As a senior fundraiser in DARO, you will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising opportunities. As part of a dynamic team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you will work across the University to generate significant gifts for amazing philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make long-term, sustainable gifts. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships, the skill to interact with high-level donors and supporters, and the ability to showcase the game changing work of our academics and clinicians.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are and how we work.

As the Head of Philanthropy, Asia you will be responsible for growing our major gifts programme in the Asia-Pacific region. The focus will be on increasing six figure + (GBP) giving through the University of Birmingham Hong Kong Foundation, and from the wider region. Most of our warm donors are based in Malaysia and Hong Kong but there is an active community of alumni in Singapore and scoping to be done across Asia to drive the next phase of our strategy forward beyond alumni donors and to build on a recent seven figure donation as a catalyst for further giving. 

As a University we established our Hong Kong Foundation in 2019 and giving is off to a strong start. Continuing on this trajectory you will work to make it financially sustainable, aiming to have multi-year commitments lined up. You will steer and develop the Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors, increasing giving from their networks, and working with them to distribute funds to programmes at the University that will also benefit Hong Kong. 

As a senior fundraiser in DARO, you will be expected to be innovative, self-motivated, and to take ownership of fundraising in this region. As part of a dynamic team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you will work across the University to generate gifts to key philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make significant gifts. You will also have the opportunity to work with the senior leadership across the University to travel, drive income and develop innovative funding proposals for the region. 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.