Major donor manager jobs

Humane World for Animals is committed to creating a better world for animals by tackling the root causes of animal cruelty. We believe in the power of philanthropy to drive change and are looking for someone who shares our vision and dedication.

About the Role

As Fundraising Manager, you will lead the development and stewardship of strategic relationships with key corporate partners, stakeholders, and clients, playing a central role in driving corporate income. You will design and implement strategies that support business growth, strengthen corporate engagement, and deliver revenue and operational targets for the organisation in the UK.

Working closely with senior leaders, you will help expand the organisation’s income and impact through high‑value corporate partnerships. You will also develop strong connections with our HQ corporate team and collaborate with programme staff to ensure they understand organisational priorities and can effectively connect internal work with external partners.

This role requires an ambitious self‑starter with strong business acumen and confidence operating within the corporate sector. You should be skilled at presenting a compelling business case for partnership and securing high‑value contracts and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

1. Develop and implement strategies for the organisation’s growth in the corporate sector, ensuring a strong ROI and setting appropriate KPIs to monitor progress and measure success.

2. Build the UK corporate partnership portfolio: identify, cultivate, and secure significant relationships and business opportunities.

3. Formulate and implement individual strategies for developing key partnerships and initiatives around business priorities, mobilising necessary internal and external resources to ensure all partnerships are effectively executed and partners’ needs are fully met. Includes proposal and contract development.

4. Contribute to internal collaboration on innovative solutions that can deliver business impact at scale for complex corporate relationships.

Program Management

5 Develop working relationships with programme staff to identify business opportunities and access information that can be used to cultivate and steward corporate partners with the aim of attracting multi-year partnerships.

Influence and Representation

6 Effectively represent the organisation to external audiences for both business development and profile elevation.

7 Engage strategically with senior stakeholders to support corporate engagement.

What We're Looking For:

Education and experience

1 Demonstrated experience in high-level corporate management or business development, including at least five (5) years of direct frontline experience withing the corporate/corporate charity sector.

2 Demonstrated track record of success at a high-value level, including building strategic partnerships that maximise value for both the organisation and external partners, and building profile with external audiences.

Necessary knowledge, skills and abilities

3 Knowledge of the corporate charity and business development sectors.

4 Experience mobilising executives and senior stakeholders for strategic engagement.

5 Strategic and forward-thinking, with the ability to develop and lead an ambitious growth strategy.

6 Demonstrable success in proposal preparation and securing business contracts.

7 Strong experience in collaboration to develop business proposals and other partnership opportunities.

8 Degree-level or equivalent education in business, finance, management, or related disciplines preferred.

Why Join Us?

At Humane World for Animals, you'll be part of a passionate and dedicated team working towards a common goal. You'll have the opportunity to make a real impact on animal welfare and be part of a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and collaboration.

If you're ready to take on this exciting challenge and help us drive change, we want to hear from you!

Apply now and be a part of something truly meaningful.

Humane World for Animals is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Who we are:

Muslim Aid is a UK faith-based international development organisation that provides support to communities around the world affected by disasters, conflict, or endemic poverty without regard to their social, religious, or ethnic background. 

Established in 1985, Muslim Aid has facilitated the engagement of the British Muslim and non-Muslim community in support of its work in a variety of ways. Over the years, its humanitarian work has included responses to major crises around the world including, famine in East Africa, earthquakes and flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as conflicts in Syria and Yemen. 

We place strong emphasis on long-term development projects that build the capacity of local people to help themselves. In addition to the 5 country offices worldwide we also work with multiple partner offices focusing on sustainable Development Programmes and providing humanitarian relief during times of crisis.

Summary of the role: 

The Head of Income Generation & Marketing is a key member of Muslim Aid’s Leadership Team, responsible for executing the organisation’s fundraising and marketing strategy and overseeing all marketing and communications activities across the organisation. The post holder will lead the delivery of income generation plans, providing strategic direction and hands-on operational support to their direct reports to maximise income across all sub-department income streams. They will be accountable for growing and sustaining revenue from a diverse portfolio of supporters across the UK, ensuring income targets are met or exceeded.

The role includes mentoring and leading Management, supporting them to implement effective fundraising activity, achieve ambitious income and renewal targets year on year, and deliver high-quality stewardship experiences for supporters.

About the Role:

1. Design and deliver MA’s cross organisational fundraising and marketing strategy with a focus on sustainable and reliable unrestricted income generation. This will include key activities, areas of required investment, KPIs and milestones as well as the projected growth of fundraising income
2. Increase and diversify existing and new revenue streams specifically digital, CSR and private philanthropy.
3. Drive delivery against income targets by setting clear, ambitious, and achievable operational targets for each income stream, ensuring teams are supported to meet objectives aligned with Muslim Aid’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.
4. Provide effective marketing leadership for the organisation in collaboration with key stakeholders and drive forward transformational integrated marketing activities and campaigns.
5. Provide inspiring and motivating values-driven leadership to the team that enables them to deliver their goals and achieve their potential.
6. Build on the areas of High Net Worth and CSR in regards to income generated from corporate, major donor and trusts so that these areas become part of our sustainable fundraising foundation.

About You:

You must currently hold the right to work in the UK. Muslim Aid is not offering sponsorship for this role

To be successful in this role, you will need:

1. Experience across diverse fields of fundraising including individual, major and corporate funding and understanding of key fundraising markets.
2. Ability to develop and expand digital fundraising.
3. Ability to contribute to overall leadership and development of Organisation and bring MA’s fundraising, marketing communication and programme work closer together.
4. Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and promote the charity to various stakeholders.

Why you should apply:

Join Muslim Aid as our Head of Income Generation & Marketing and take a leading role in driving our fundraising and marketing strategy. As a key member of the Leadership Team, you’ll oversee income generation across multiple streams, lead high-performing teams and grow sustainable income from a diverse supporter base across the UK. If you’re passionate about strategic leadership, impactful fundraising and delivering meaningful supporter experiences that enable life-changing humanitarian work, apply now to make a real impact at scale.

Benefits you will enjoy working for us: 

• 25 days annual leave + 4 Privilege days
• Hybrid working
• Paid time off for medical appointments 
• 2 hours lunch break on Fridays 
• Time off in Lieu (TOIL) 
• Pension Scheme

How to apply:

To apply please submit your cover letter (no more than 1 page) and CV and a portfolio of your work. 

Chance for Childhood is an award-winning international development charity, delivering transformational support to children and families in five Sub Saharan African countries. We have a vision of a world in which every childhood is filled with safety, belonging and play. We take urgent action in education, health and economic resilience. During the last three years, our transformational work has reached more than 186,000 children in the most vulnerable situations.

We are looking for a new Individual Giving Manager to join our award-winning Fundraising and Communications team in the UK, in order to help us maintain strong support from our amazing donors. 

Update: Note on AI applications

AI is a useful tool but please be aware that it can be reasonably easy to spot when an applicant has copied and pasted directly from ChatGPT. In this role you will not be discouraged from using AI, but you will be expected to write creatively, persuasively and to a high standard yourself. Please use your application as an opportunity to show us that you can do this!

Key info:

Location: Remote working with monthly travel to our office in London (Old Street). Office is available Mon-Fri if needed.

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £40,000 per annum

Responsible to: Head of Fundraising and Communications

Other benefits: 28 days annual leave pro rata (three to be taken during the Christmas office closure) with a generous allowance for 5+ years' service; 5% employer’s pension contribution, flexible working as standard; occasional opportunities for international travel and project visits

Closing date: 22:00, 1st February 2026

The Role:

It is an exciting time to join Chance for Childhood. We have just won an Education Innovation Award for our digital inclusive education tool. We have transitioned our leadership to Africa, appointing a new CEO based in Rwanda. We have also just launched our new 2025-2030 Strategy, in which we will be aiming for our inclusive projects to reach 200,000 people.

You — our new Individual Giving Manager — will play a pivotal role in helping us to achieve this goal.

You will lead and manage Individual Giving income streams and our Community fundraising programme; Develop and implement supporter journeys, acquisition/retention plans, Individual Giving campaigns like the Big Give Christmas Challenge (including writing, fulfilment, and mailing). You will also manage and analyse Individual Giving income to an agreed target, monthly income reports, and donor data to inform fundraising strategies, and you will lead on ensuring Chance for Childhood is delivering world-class stewardship, managing and processing supporter data and donations accurately, efficiently, and securely, ensuring compliance with regulations and ethical best practices and guaranteeing a positive supporter experience.

Unrestricted fundraising income is critical to the success of our transformational projects in the African countries in which we work. Join our team to fill thousands of childhoods with safety, belonging, and play.

Please click on the attached Job Description to read more about the role and the Person Specification.

Application Process:

Please read our full Job Description and submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages explaining why you want to work for Chance for Childhood, and why you are the right person for the role. Please also include a filled-in Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. Applications made after the deadline will not be considered.

Recruitment timeline:

Sunday 1st February (10pm): Applications close

Wednesday 4th & Thursday 5th February: First interviews (online)

Wednesday 11th & Thursday 12th February: In-person interviews (Old Street, London)

An offer will be made shortly thereafter.

About the role

The role of Membership and Fundraising Manager at Crystal Palace Park Trust offers an exciting opportunity for a creative and dynamic fundraising professional to join a young and ambitious charity at a pivotal moment in its development.

You will be able to develop and deliver creative and compelling fundraising and membership campaigns to meet objectives including:

• Developing and promoting opportunities for visitors and local residents to get involved in caring for this unique landscape via membership and philanthropic giving;
• Supporting income generation as part of the Trust’s remit to deliver an innovative new business model to underpin a sustainable and vibrant future for this unique, historic landscape; and
• Providing a high level of relationship management to donors whether grant-giving bodies, major donors or corporate partners.

Where you’ll be working

At over 200 acres, Crystal Palace Park is far larger than most urban parks. Beloved as a ‘back garden’ to many people in the surrounding neighbourhoods, it is also of national and international significance due to its design as the grounds to the Victorian architectural masterpiece, The Crystal Palace, and its rich, unique heritage, including the 170-year-old world-famous Dinosaurs.

Today, circa one million people visit the park every year; to relax and meet friends and family, take part in sports and physical exercise, enjoy world-class acts during summer festivals, or simply have a moment of peace and enjoyment of nature.

In September 2023, after 25 years of community campaigning, Crystal Palace Park Trust took over custodianship of this historic landscape and its unique venues via a 125-year lease from the London Borough of Bromley. We are now working closely with a wide-range of partners to deliver a multi-million-pound regeneration and restoration project that will save the park’s globally unique heritage and drive a 35% increase in annual visitor numbers.

Job Description and Person Specification

For full details of the role, its responsibilities and the person specification please download the application pack.

How to apply

For more information on how to apply, review the application pack and submit the required documents by the closing date of 10:00 on Monday 26 January 2026.

• CV
• Cover letter
• Equal opportunities form

Crystal Palace Park Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We believe that our staff should represent the communities, organisations, and individuals that we work with and support. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality.

• Salary: London £76,431 gross per annum/Berlin €100.221,12 gross per annum

• Location: Berlin or London

• Contract Type: Indefinite

• Hours: Full Time

• First Interview Dates: Week beginning 16 February 2025

About the role

Are you a senior fundraising professional with international experience? At ClientEarth, we are looking to hire an experienced and strategic Head of Philanthropy to lead the development and delivery of our global philanthropy programme. In this senior leadership role, you will guide a talented, geographically dispersed Philanthropy team, build deep relationships with major donors across Europe, the US and Asia, and drive income growth.

Meet your Manager

In this role, you will be managed by Hannah Braithwaite who is based in London. Hannah is responsible for leading ClientEarth’s fundraising efforts for its growing portfolio of programmes. Hannah has dedicated her career to raising funds and resources for climate and nature causes. With a degree in Zoology from Sheffield University, Hannah combines her scientific background with her passion for the environment to generate impact with knowledge and credibility. Prior to joining ClientEarth Hannah has held a number of leading roles at prominent international environmental organisations, including Head of External Affairs at the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre and Head of Trusts and Foundations at Fauna & Flora.

Main Duties

• Develop and implement the global philanthropy strategy as part of the overall fundraising strategy, liaising with senior leadership, programme leads, communications and finance to ensure ClientEarth can maximise the potential income from major donors.
• Develop, implement and achieve relevant KPIs and financial targets for the philanthropy team and lead on the production of appropriate reports for senior management and the board of trustees.
• Using the strategy (organisational and fundraising) the Head of Philanthropy will personally manage and support senior staff on holding income-yielding high-level relationships.
• Manage relationships and drive strategy relating to our senior stakeholders such as the Development Board, Chair of the Board and act as a key facilitator and steward of relationships between foundation staff and key programme contacts.
• Set up and implement systems to review performance against set targets and objectives and monitor funder data and oversee the effective management of our database; 

See the job description (below) for a full list of duties for this role.

Role requirements

• Significant philanthropy management experience with complex funders
• Demonstrable experience of securing five and six figure, and multi-year gifts
• Good knowledge of donor and pipeline management and financial processes
• Experience of working with the most senior representatives of an organisation, including at CEO and Board level
• An interest in environmental issues such as climate change, conservation and air pollution

See the job description (below) for a full list of requirements for this role.

Note to candidates: We know that long lists of criteria can be daunting and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the essential criteria, we still encourage you to apply.

Further Information

Have a question about this job? Please visit our Careers site for advice on applying, FAQs, and more.

Flexible working:  We are proud to be a Flexa accredited Employer. Visit our Flexa Employer page for more information on our approach to flexible working. Our flexible working policy allows our people the choice to decide to work from home/another location in the country where their contract of employment is issued for 80% of their month, with the other 20% of their month being office-based  See our Benefits page for more as well as our flexible working FAQ.

ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. See our equity, diversity and inclusion journey page for more.

Please note that ClientEarth is only able to employ those who have the pre-existing legal right to work in either the UK or Germany.

ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services to third parties

Salary: up to £45,000 dependent on experience

Location: Bray Lake, Maidenhead (flexible hours with some home working)

Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (part time hours will be considered)

It is a really exciting time to join Thames Hospice as we embark on a transformational new Major Gifts strategy to significantly grow our fundraising income. This role offers you the chance to play a central part in shaping our future while developing your career in a supportive and ambitious environment.

We are seeking an experienced Philanthropy Manager to lead the strategic and operational direction of our Major Gifts programme, securing significant one‑off and multi‑year gifts to support Thames Hospice. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in philanthropy fundraising, exceptional relationship‑building skills, and proven ability to identify and leverage opportunities to grow income.

You will use your expertise in cultivating and stewarding high‑net‑worth individuals to expand our donor portfolio, while managing and developing the Philanthropy Executive and driving the team’s strategy. Working closely with the Head of Major Gifts, you will lead the delivery of our philanthropy strategy, ensuring ambitious income targets are met. With outstanding communication and stewardship, you will deepen donor engagement and secure transformational, long‑term support that sustains our mission of delivering exceptional palliative care to the community.

Closing date: 26th January 2026

Interviews: week commening 2nd February 2026

Are you an exceptional major gifts fundraiser with a passion for securing philanthropic support for world-leading projects in children’s healthcare? Do you thrive on building high-value relationships and working closely with senior volunteers and philanthropists who want to make a profound difference?
 

Join one of the UK’s most successful philanthropy teams to help transform the lives of seriously ill children. This is a rare opportunity to work on a transformational campaign, inspiring major donors and influential supporters to help Great Ormond Street Hospital redefine childhood cancer care and treatment.
 

Salary: £44,795 per annum
Working pattern: Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week in the office

In line with our EDI strategy and Total Reward policy, salaries are set using sector benchmarking. To ensure fairness for all, we do not offer salaries above the advertised rate.

Key Responsibilities

• Own a personal target for fundraising, with a focus on securing five and six figure+ gifts and multi-year pledges from high-net-worth individuals and charitable foundations. 
• Proactively manage a prospect pool of existing and new potential supporters, ensuring your approach is based on donor and data insights, to ensure optimal supporter satisfaction and long-term engagement.
• Support cross-team fundraising activity, events and donor visits.
• Build excellent working relationships with donors and senior volunteers, to identify new prospects.
• Develop detailed proposals, impact reports and stewardship materials tailored to the interests of each supporter or prospect. 
• Act as a passionate ambassador for GOSH Charity and the Philanthropy team, maintaining the highest level of professionalism at all times. 
• Contribute to the wider fundraising team, taking a proactive approach to working in a high-performing and collaborative environment.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A demonstrable track record of securing five figure+ philanthropic gifts.
• Experience managing relationships with senior volunteers, campaign boards or high-value fundraising committees.
• Outstanding relationship-building, influencing and presentation skills.
• A collaborative and supportive team player, committed to contributing positively to a high-performing culture.

About the Team
 

You will join our sector-leading Philanthropy team - widely recognised as one of the most high-performing and respected in the charity sector. We partner with some of the UK’s most generous and visionary philanthropists to transform the lives of seriously ill children.
 

Our talented and collaborative team of 20+ works closely with clinical leaders, researchers and fundraising colleagues to create inspirational opportunities for supporters. In partnership with senior volunteers and committees, we drive landmark campaigns including the £300 million Build It. Beat It. appeal and the Tick Tock Club, with exciting plans for a major new research-focused campaign on the horizon.

Reporting to, and working closely with, the Head of Fundraising and Engagement, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will shape and implement innovative strategies, driving growth in philanthropic giving, secure corporate partnerships and obtain critical funding. With a focus on cultivating mutually beneficial, long-term relationships, you’ll craft compelling proposals, develop tailored stewardship plans, and create sponsorship opportunities that inspire ongoing support.

You’ll lead the way in securing multi-year corporate partnerships and nurturing donor relationships to meet ambitious income targets. As a key player in the senior fundraising team, you’ll contribute to strategic planning, represent the charity at events, and champion new approaches to fundraising.

With our newly formed Development Board, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will identify and utilise key networks to grow our philanthropic supporter base across corporate and major donor income streams. With strong writing skills, this person will also craft tailored and compelling corporate proposals and trust and foundation applications.

Who are we looking for?

To support our vision and ensure the achievement of ambitious income targets to support children and families affected by neuroblastoma, we are looking for a strategic and results-driven high-value fundraiser to join our team.

We are particularly keen to speak with interested candidates who enjoy cultivating high-value relationships from scratch and stewarding five- and six-figure corporate partnerships, and/or major donor relationships.

Person specification:

• Demonstrable significant experience working in corporate fundraising (experience in major donor and trusts & foundations fundraising would also be of benefit).
• Strategic thinker with significant experience at a managerial level, developing strategic plans to grow and optimise high-value fundraising.
• A proven record of being results-driven and working to achieve income targets, KPIs and outcomes.
• Proven ability to proactively identify, cultivate and secure new corporate relationships, demonstrate strong new business development acumen and confidence opening new opportunities.

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

Location: Home-based within England with regular travel to London and elsewhere in the UK as required
First stage interviews: Thursday 26th February
Second stage interviews:  Wednesday 4th March

As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.

About International Needs UK

International Needs (IN) UK is a partner of a global Christian mission and development federation working collaboratively in over 30 countries to serve families in some of the world's poorest communities. Inspired by John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full,” our vision is for families to access the resources they need to overcome poverty and realise their God-given potential. Our mission integrates practical development solutions—like education, clean water, and sustainable livelihoods—with the transformational message of the Gospel.

Strategic Objectives of the Role

You will play a pivotal role in evaluating, shaping and developing programme proposals put forward by International Needs partners which have a strong fit with fundraising opportunities in the UK. Developing strong partnerships to ensure effective programme delivery, and evidencing programme impact through strong communication and reporting are also key. This role is central to our mission and requires someone who both professes and practices the Christian faith in accordance with our Statement of Faith.

Responsibilities

• Advance Programme Design and Delivery - building and nurturing deep prayerful relationships, supporting partners develop programmes that meet real community needs and strengthening planning, execution and monitoring
• Enhance Programme Quality and Accountability – providing full programme cycle oversight, maintaining programme excellence and financial integrity and delivering effective reporting to all stakeholders
• Build Capacity in International Partnerships – equipping partners with tools and guidance to improve project design, implementation, and impact measurement whilst fostering a learning environment to build capacity for local sustainability and leadership
• Drive Impact Communication and Fundraising Collaboration - Translate outcomes into compelling impact stories, working closely with fundraising colleagues to align programme insights with donor engagement. 
• Support Organisational Growth and Innovation - advise leadership on funding opportunities and partnership development to support strategic decision-making, participating in cross-functional initiatives to further the mission and operational excellence of the charity. Be active in team prayer, spiritual formation, and the life of the organisation. 

Candidate Profile

We are seeking someone who is: 

• Passionate about Christian mission and prayerfully committed to global transformation 
• An effective cross-cultural communicator and relationship-builder 
• A strategic thinker who pays attention to detail 
• A self-starter who takes ownership and delivers results 
• Collaborative, adaptable, and motivated by both people and purpose 

Key Essential Skills and Experience

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in project/ministry management which can include lived experience of mission project delivery
• Strong planning, budgeting, and project evaluation skills
• Experience building capacity in international or grassroots partners

Applications close: 30th January 2026

First Interview (Online): 3rd and 4th February 2026

Second Interview (In person): 10th February (in Croydon) 

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 with demonstrable successful asks for high five figures with the ambition to get to six figure asks
• 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
• 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.

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.

Are you passionate about building meaningful relationships and creating lasting impact through philanthropy? The University of Strathclyde is seeking a dynamic and experienced Donor Experience and Legacies Officer to lead stewardship and engagement for our major donors, scholarship supporters, and legacy pledgers.

This is a unique opportunity to shape donor journeys across multiple giving areas - from transformative scholarships and legacy gifts to major donations supporting research and teaching. You’ll work closely with inspiring students, academics, and colleagues across the University to deliver compelling donor communications, events, and impact reports that celebrate generosity and deepen engagement.

Brief Outline of Job:

To lead and deliver donor stewardship and engagement strategies for major gifts (donor gifts of £100k+), scholarships (UG and PG), and legacy giving. This includes creating compelling donor communications, managing cultivation events, and developing stewardship plans that support repeat giving and long-term relationships.

Major Gifts: Support the cultivation and stewardship of donors giving £100k–£1M+, including designing and delivering bespoke impact reports for major donors, organizing donor meetings, campus visits and events in collaboration with the Major Gifts team.

Scholarships: Support the development of and delivery of our scholarship fundraising strategy, including producing promotional materials and annual donor reports. Liaise with colleagues across the University to ensure effective scholarship delivery and reporting.

Legacy Giving: Lead the development of a new legacy stewardship strategy, including the introduction of a new giving circle for legacy pledgers, conducting face-to-face meetings with potential legacy donors and creating promotional content and opportunities.

Alumni Fund: Contributing to Giving Day and Alumni Fund Board activities. Support mass donor communications and stewardship initiatives.

Team Leadership: Line management of the Development Assistant and deputising for the Individual Giving Manager when required. 

If you’re a creative communicator, strategic thinker, and relationship builder with a flair for storytelling and donor cultivation, we’d love to hear from you.

Blues Foundation:

We are the charitable arm of Bedford Blues Rugby Club. We use the values of rugby and sport to change lives through interventions and programmes that support our local community. Our work aims to improve wellbeing, create inclusive opportunities, and develop skills in young people. Launched in April 2020, we deliver bespoke projects that are designed to support our target audiences and help young people tackle their personal challenges. Projects include our flagship Tackle LIFE programme, our ABILITY Blues disability sport programme, Be You programme, Rugby programmes and our Holiday Provision.

Role Overview:

Our Fundraising Manager will play a major part in significantly increasing our growth in fundraising activities, including corporate and individual giving, community events and support our strong relationships with local businesses, schools and clubs, increasing grassroots engagement. They will lead our restricted and unrestricted fundraising as we enter another exciting period of growth for our charity. The role will manage and implement a high-quality marketing plan to demonstrate our impact and promote our services. They will lead our events, maximising their potential fundraising potential and increase brand awareness. They will also build and support a network of volunteers and supporters/donors, communicating regularly with this audience. Acting as one of the main links with the club, the individual will be targeted with growing the supporting and coordinating the club’s community engagement through Foundation activities.

While this role is advertised as hybrid, it will mostly be office-based. That said, we’re open to discussing flexible arrangements for the right person.

The person:

It is important to us at Blues Foundation that we bring the right people into our environment. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate an ability to actively and consistently exhibit the Blues Family values: Passion, Adaptability, Unity, Sustainability and Enjoyment. Working within a fast-paced and agile charity, the post holder will need to think on their feet, effectively prioritise their workload, and attack challenges head on. Applicants should have a strong work-ethic and can-do attitude.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop our fundraising Initiatives as part of the Foundation’s management and leadership team, successfully achieving fundraising targets to support our work.
• Maximise our fundraising potential, increasing both restricted and unrestricted funding, developing creative ideas to generate vital funds.
• Secure financial gifts from foundations, conducting prospective research, preparing funding proposals, and cultivating relationships with grant makers.
• Create new and nurture current partnerships with corporates, converting opportunities to our charity and drive sales through our events, packages and donations.
• Deliver high quality and well managed events that promote our brand and values, with a clear focus on generating income. This will include liaising with venues, suppliers, sponsors, donors etc.
• Lead and deliver a strategic marketing plan that promotes all elements of our work across a variety of platforms including social media and email.
• Support Bedford Blues and their league’s community team to activate both club-led and national engagement initiatives, ensuring the Foundation delivers on the club’s community strategy.
• Manage a diverse workload with a variety of deadlines and priorities.
• Follow the values and act on the behaviours of the Blues Foundation when working and representing the charity.
• Carry out other duties for Blues Foundation as and when required by management, not limited to the above.

Person Specification: 

• Confident, ambitious and energetic with initiative and a persuasive manner.
• Highly organised, ability to work to deadlines and good attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal, teamwork and relationship management skills, a can-do approach.
• Sound organisation and events management experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of marketing tools and how to promote charitable activities.
• Ability to secure funding from grant funders and understanding of grant making process.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive internal and external relationships.
• Excellent administration skills and experiences.
• A strong desire to be adaptable and promote high standards that match our values.
• Good understanding of Microsoft Office will be essential, as well as the motivation to work alone at times, and be trustworthy with data and personal information.
• An understanding of safeguarding and keeping young people safe is desirable. 

Qualifications:

•  Full and clean driving licence.
• Sector qualifications are desirable.
• Appointment subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Cure Parkinson’s philanthropy team until June 2027. In this role you will provide excellent personalised support to our ambitious Development Board, a group of eight well connected individuals using their networks to accelerate Cure Parkinson’s income generation, and be an integral part of the team delivering two special philanthropy events.

Cure Parkinson’s Gala 2027: Our last gala event ‘An Evening at the Roundhouse’, in October 2024, raised over £500,000. The evening was hosted by Edith Bowman and Simon Mayo and included performances from Emeli Sandé and Peter Andre.

Grand Cru.saders Banquet: The Grand Cru.saders are a new group of philanthropic wine enthusiasts with a mission, set up by our Development Board. To join each member pledges a case from their cellar to be auctioned in support of Cure Parkinson’s at an annual dinner. Their inaugural event took place in September 2025 and raised over £160,000.

Over the next 18 months we plan to build on the success of these events, delivering the second Grand Cru.saders Banquet in September 2026 and a gala in Spring 2027. As Major Gifts and Philanthropy Events Officer you would be a vital part of the team making this happen.

Salary: £41,855 per annum

Hours: Full time or flexible hours considered

Location: Hybrid working - London based twice a week and the rest home working

Sadler’s Wells is a world-leading creative organisation, dedicated to presenting, producing and touring dance made today in all its forms. Sadler’s Wells commissions, presents and produces more dance than any other theatre in the world – from tango to hip hop, ballet to flamenco, Bollywood to cutting-edge contemporary dance. With an innovative, year-round programme of performances and learning activities, this is the place where artists come together to create dance, and where we welcome everyone to experience dance and be inspired.

The Role

The Major Gifts Manager will work closely with the Head of Individual Giving & Major Gifts to provide support on all gifts at £12,000 and above. The role combines face-to-face fundraising of the annual Major Donor levels of Artistic Director’s Circle and Avant Guardians, implementing the strategy to recruit further support at these levels as well as supporting recruitment at the Major Project Support level which begins at £50,000. There is regular and proactive collaboration with development department colleagues and the wider Sadler’s Wells team to deliver a dynamic programme of donor cultivation and stewardship.
 

What are my responsibilities?

Fundraising

• Manage the annual Major Gifts programme (Avant-Guardians and Artistic Director’s Circle), overseeing stewardship, retention and recruitment as well as the implementation of the five-year fundraising strategy of this income area.

• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with own portfolio of major donors as the ‘Primary Worker’

• Work with the Head of Individual Giving & Major Gifts to deliver special fundraising events for cultivating and stewarding Major Project Supporters and annual Major Gifts Supporters.

• Work with the Head of Individual Giving & Major Gifts to identify and cultivate Major Project Supporter prospects from current Sadler’s Wells donors.

• Support on administration of Major Project Support, including writing reports, gift agreements and stewardship touchpoints with donors.

• Along with other team members, support administration of Sadler’s Wells America, our 501 (c)(3) US entity.

• Build strong relationships with other departments and project teams to foster a deep understanding of, fluency with, and confidence in talking about the work and vision of Sadler’s Wells and related disciplines.
• Recognise and exploit key crossovers exist between all income areas (e.g. Individual Giving/Corporate Giving/Sponsorship/Trusts and Foundations) and liaise with colleagues as appropriate to ensure best results.

• Attend regular Development evening events as necessary.

• Network and gain knowledge across the fundraising spectrum.

Management and Administration
 

• Line Management and development of the Major Gifts Officer including carrying out annual reviews and objective setting.

• Ensure the team maintain accurate financial records and cultivation and stewardship plans.

• Ensure compliance with GDPR and other relevant legislation and regulations.

• Keep abreast of developments in fundraising best practice, new funding programmes and legislation and contribute to any changes in procedures and practices as appropriate.

• Represent Sadler’s Wells at external meetings and events.

Who should apply?

The successful applicant will demonstrate the following skills, experience, and personal qualities.

Experience and knowledge
 

• A proven track record in achieving fundraising targets from major donors at the £25,000 and above level

• A personal track record in initiating and securing new gifts and retaining support from individuals

• Experience of creating and developing strong relationships with supporters and stakeholders at all levels

• The ability to work both as part of a team, and autonomously

• Experience of managing expenditure and income budgets and in communicating and presenting financial information

• Thorough knowledge of fundraising database systems

• Experience of Line Management and supporting others within their role/s, with positive performance management

Skills and abilities
 

• Ability to think strategically and creatively and contribute effectively to department strategy

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet challenging targets, multi-tasking and delegating where needed

• Excellent written and oral communications skills with keen attention to detail

• Excellent IT skills; including spreadsheets and presentation packages

• Proactive, entrepreneurial and creative in identifying new income sources

• Diplomatic, with a professional approach to good customer care

• Ambitious, collaborative and enthusiastic

• Available to work in the evenings on a regular basis

• Demonstrable interest in the performing arts

• Must currently hold the right to work in the United Kingdom

Additional, but not essential
 

• Experience of working within an arts organisation / charity

Why Work for Us?

You will be a key part of our mission to make and share dance that inspires us all and delivering our vision to create, through dance, a depth of connection beyond borders, cultures and languages, so we see ourselves in each other.

• You will get 25 days annual leave per annum (pro rata), with an additional 3 days after five years’ service

• You will be enrolled into the Sadler’s Wells Trust Ltd. pension scheme

• You will have access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your wellbeing

• Engage in learning and project opportunities to develop personally and professionally, and support your career journey

• You can access an interest-free Season Ticket Loan and a Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme

• You will be eligible for a death in service insurance policy covering twice your annual salary

• You will be encouraged to attend performances at both theatres with a discretionary allocation of tickets to employees (subject to availability), and a staff discount at the Garden Court Café

• We welcome everyone through our doors and encourage and enable people to be the best versions of themselves and to feel confident and capable in their roles

• We celebrate diversity in the dance we share and showcase, and in our workplace. We are working hard to be more inclusive and increasing access both on stage and off and have several anti-racism commitments to make lasting changes in the way we work

Application

To apply, please send Anna Ludeman your CV and a letter (max. 2 pages) letting us know why you would like this role and what you can bring to us here at Sadlers Wells.

Accessibility is incredibly important to us here at Valued Recruitment and at Sadlers Wells. If you would like any accessibility amendments or support throughout the application and interview stage, please don’t hesitate to let us know. No question or request is too big or too small.

We want this process to be comfortable and enjoyable and a chance for you to bring your best self to the process.

Closing date: 26th January 2026