Major donor manager jobs

Funders In Good was founded to support Muslim donors in the UK who want to achieve strategic, long-term impact but lack the capacity, connections, or expertise to give effectively. We provide tailored financial grants and strategic support to social ventures serving Islam and Muslims, helping them scale, strengthen systems, and increase long-term impact. Our focus is on ventures and leaders contributing to a society where commitment to God flourishes.

Since 2021, we have grown from nine seed funders to over 130 members in our invitation-only Funder Network. Members contribute financially and through skills, receive quarterly progress reports, access events, and connect with other funders. This network is part of our wider community, which includes our team and the ventures we back.

As Funder Development Manager, you will shape this network by developing a compelling value proposition, building acquisition pipelines, nurturing funders, and curating engagement programs that deepen alignment with our mission. Success relies on both fundraising expertise and emotional intelligence: you will build trust with a diverse range of donors and philanthropists, navigating conversations about values, faith, impact, and community with warmth and confidence.

This senior, outward-facing role carries responsibility for income generation, stewardship, and relationship-building.

Please read the JD to find out more, application deadline is midnight 8th March 2026.

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for a senior fundraiser / income-generation specialist with the ambition to grow and diversify our income streams sustainably. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will bring strategic planning and action to the income generation work needed to ensure that the charity can continue delivering, and increase the reach of, its life-changing support to Asylum Seeker and Refugee communities in and around Derby.

Key Skills and Attributes we’re looking for: 

• Demonstrable experience of significant income growth in a large charity through grants, tenders and/or major donors with pipeline development.
• Experience of motivating and inspiring team members to achieve high, sustainable performance in fundraising and communications.  
• Collaborative and skilled at working cross organisationally and building strong internal relationships.
• A proactive networker with the ability to work in true partnership with local organisations, including faith groups, corporate, local government and national funding partners, inclusive of major donors.
• Provides strategic leadership across the organisation, working jointly with the Chief Executive and Trustees to embed the charity’s ethos and values.

Operational responsibilities:

Income generation and external partnerships

• Hold overall accountability for income generation across trusts and foundations, statutory funding, corporate partnerships, major donors and community fundraising.
• Developer and deliver a statutory fundraising strategy to maximise income from government, NHS, lottery and public sector funders.
• Lead and write high-quality funding bids, working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and operational teams to shape compelling programme proposals.
• Oversee the management of the charity's current grant portfolio; ensuring grant applications and reports are delivered on time and in accordance with internal processes.
• Ensure that the voice, experience and dignity of refugees are meaningfully and ethically reflected in all fundraising and communication activity.

Leadership

• Provide inclusive, ambitious and supportive leadership to the Fundraising team, encouraging a culture of high performance, collaboration and learning.
• Champion strong collaboration between fundraising and other areas of the charity.
• Model Upbeat Communities values at all times, contributing to a welcoming, mission-led and entrepreneurial organisational culture.
• Actively contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, supporting organisational leadership and decision-making beyond fundraising.

· Provide clear, accurate and timely reporting to the CEO, and Board of Trustees, attending meetings as required.

Strategy & Development

• Working closely with the CEO, lead the development and delivery of an integrated Fundraising Strategy that supports organisational priorities, financial sustainability and long-term partnerships.
• Contribute income generation expertise to support the execution of the charity’s strategic plan.
• Translate strategy into clear priorities, plans and performance expectations across the fundraising portfolio.
• Ensure fundraising propositions are compelling, evidence-led and clearly connected to Upbeat Communities impact, working closely with the Head of Delivery to reflect operational reality and participant need.
• Strengthen pipeline management, forecasting and scenario planning to support financial resilience and informed decision-making.

· Identify opportunities to deepen funder engagement beyond income, including learning partnerships, influence and profile-raising where appropriate.

Networking & Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong strategic partnerships across statutory, community and private sectors, strengthening the profile and reach of the charity.
• Represent the organisation at networking events, conferences generating leads and expanding income opportunities
• Support the development of a joined-up Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) offer, positioning Upbeat Communities as a key partner for corporate engagement.

Foundational Values

• Excels in emotional intelligence, building deep connections and mentoring others in emotional awareness.
• Embodies compassion in action, inspiring others to create a culture of care and community impact.
• Drives a culture of learning and excellence, mentoring others and integrating innovative ideas into practice.
• Leads with empowerment, creating opportunities and mentoring others to take ownership of their actions.

Person Specification:

Role Specific Competencies

• Significant experience leading high-value fundraising across multiple income streams, with a strong track record of income growth in a large charity.
• Demonstrable success securing and stewarding 6- and 7-figure partnerships or donations from corporate partners, trusts/foundations, statutory funders and/or major donors.
• Proven ability to operate at both strategic and delivery levels, balancing leadership with selective frontline fundraising.
• Experience managing senior fundraisers or managers with responsibility for discrete income streams.
• Strong strategic, financial and analytical skills, including budgeting, forecasting, performance management and risk assessment.
• Excellent relationship-building, influencing and negotiation skills, with credibility at senior levels internally and externally.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and compellingly to a range of audiences, including trustees.
• Experience working effectively across an organisation and with senior leadership teams.
• Strong project management skills and ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound knowledge of GDPR and the Charity Code of Fundraising Practice.

We are seeking a Major Donor Coordinator to join our high-performing team at an exciting time of growth for MSF UK. In this pivotal role, you will: Curate exemplary stewardship journeys, cultivate strong, lasting relationships with high-net-worth individuals and play a key role in achieving ambitious fundraising targets. We’re looking for someone with exceptional communication skills, a proven track record in major donor relationship management or other income generating relationship management, and a drive to make a real impact on our work and the lives of our patients. Join us and be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of our lifesaving mission.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Mon-Fri

Duration: Permanent

Location: London - hybrid, 2 days per week in London office (Wednesdays/Thursdays)

Salary: £35,375.80 per annum - £43,237.08 per annum | Salary is offered in line with our pay framework and typically starts at the entry point of the band. Salary increases are considered annually and are subject to our appraisal and performance review process.

Job Purpose:

The Major Donor Coordinator is an integral part of the Philanthropy team, responsible for managing a large portfolio of individual major donor supporters. The Major Donor Coordinator provides excellent relationship management, creating first-class donor journeys for their portfolio based on donors’ individual motivations and interests. They will ensure stewardship plans are in place for their top tier of major donors, and that they meet any specific proposal/reporting requirements for the donors they manage.

The primary aspect of the role is the management of a portfolio of major donors, ensuring their continued support of MSF, with a focus on delivering stable and increased income for MSF’s work.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Experience in relationship management, marketing or sales (preference for fundraising experience)
• Excellent and engaging written communication skills and ability to adapt style to suit a wide range of supporters
• Ability to collate and adapt MSF operational and programmatic information into donor friendly language, relevant for donor proposals and reports
• Confident interpersonal and verbal communication skills, including diplomacy and negotiating skills
• Ability to deal with people at all levels and from a wide range of backgrounds
• Accuracy and excellent attention to detail
• Proven organisational skills with experience of managing multiple tasks and prioritising effectively
• Experience of working in an office environment, maintaining effective administrative systems and procedures
• Flexible, can-do attitude and good team player – this role involves working very closely and collaboratively with colleagues in the UK and overseas
• Ability to work independently to general guidelines, with capability to use initiative and seize opportunities
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Interest in international, humanitarian work
• Commitment to the aims and values of MSF
• Willingness to travel within the UK
• Experience in the practical use of personal IT equipment and Microsoft Office 365 suite. The ability to effectively collaborate and communicate within a hybrid working environment utilising Teams, SharePoint, One Drive and Yammer

Right to work in the UK - Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Employment sponsorship will NOT be offered by MSF UK for this role.

How to Apply:

Please apply on our website by submitting a copy of your CV together with a letter of motivation (please upload as one document) by the closing date:

Tuesday 24 February 2026, 11.59pm (GMT)

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close applications before the advertised closing date, or if a suitable candidate is found.

We look forward to receiving your application!

There has never been a more exciting time to join Cherry Trees. With our second respite home opening soon near Liphook in Hampshire, and a new Head of Fundraising and Communications shaping an ambitious phase of growth, we’re strengthening our team to help even more families who rely on our support.

We’re looking for a creative, data‑savvy, and supporter‑focused Individual Giving Manager to play a key role in developing and growing our individual giving programme. This is a fantastic opportunity to build inspiring donor journeys, craft compelling campaigns, and help shape how we engage our wonderful community of supporters.

As part of our friendly and growing Fundraising & Communications team, you’ll be contributing to meaningful, high‑impact work every day. Your ideas will be valued, your voice heard, and your creativity encouraged as we prepare to launch our new five‑year strategy in 2026.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategy & Programme Development
  • Develop and deliver an annual Individual Giving strategy aligned with Cherry Trees’ organisational and fundraising goals.
  • Plan and manage a programme of multi‑channel campaigns (email, mail, social, digital ads, direct mail) to acquire, retain, and upgrade donors. Grow regular giving income using targeted campaigns and personalised communications.
• Donor Stewardship & Engagement
  • Oversee donor journeys that inspire, thank, and update supporters, ensuring excellent supporter experience at all touchpoints.
  • Develop segmented, insight-driven communications that speak to donor motivations. Manage in‑memory, ensuring sensitive and supportive engagement.
• Campaign Delivery
  • Lead on seasonal and one-off appeals, including the Christmas Big Give Challenge and seasonal campaigns.
  • Write compelling fundraising copy for emails, newsletters, social media, and print. - Work with colleagues in Communications, Services, and Finance to gather stories, monitor outcomes, and ensure consistent messaging.
• Data, Reporting & Insight
  • Use CRM data to segment audiences, track ROI, and analyse donor behaviour.
  • Produce regular performance reports, forecasting, and recommendations for improvement.
  • Ensure GDPR compliance and best practice in data handling.
• Budget & Income Management
  • Manage and monitor the Individual Giving budget, setting clear KPI targets.
  • Deliver strong year‑on‑year growth and maintain accurate forecasting.
  • Manage relationships with suppliers such as mail houses, designers, and digital agencies.
• Cross‑Team Collaboration
  • Work closely with the wider Fundraising team to support integrated campaigns and events.
  • Contribute to the development of supporter journeys across all income streams. - Represent Individual Giving at internal meetings and when engaging with external stakeholders.

You’ll be confident using CRM data and analysis to inform strategy, and working alongside our communications team, you’ll enjoy creating compelling fundraising content from email journeys to campaign appeals, that motivates supporters to give.

You will excel in creating engaging supporter journeys and developing compelling fundraising propositions. Be strong in budget management, campaign evaluation skills, and familiarity with CRM systems are essential. 

Philanthropy Manager 
Up to £44,000 FTE per annum, £35,200 actual, plus 8% pension contribution 
28 hours per week 
Permanent role  
Hybrid working – homebased working for the majority of time with a need to attend head office in Godalming on occasions

An exciting opportunity to lead relationships with some of the League’s most influential supporters and secure transformational gifts that will help end animal cruelty in the name of ‘sport’. 

What You’ll Do: 

As our Philanthropy Manager, you will lead our major donor programme and manage a growing portfolio of high-value individuals, trusts and partners. Working closely with the Director of Fundraising, Chief Executive and senior stakeholders, you will identify, cultivate and steward influential supporters, making compelling asks and demonstrating the real-world impact of their generosity. Your responsibilities will include: 

• Developing and managing relationships with major donors, high-value individuals, family trusts and corporate partners
• Delivering an ambitious philanthropy strategy, annual plan and budget
• Building and maintaining a robust prospect pipeline through research, networking and relationship-building
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to develop fundraising propositions, related income sources, such as family trusts and corporate partners, and donor updates

· Tracking performance, managing income reporting and maintain accurate records

Who You Are: 

We need a confident and inspirational relationship manager with a passion for animal welfare, who possesses: 

• Previous experience working with high-net-worth individuals, either in the charity or commercial sector
• Proven success in major gift fundraising
• A strong understanding of major donor fundraising principles

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience using CRM systems and managing donor data.

Why Join Us: 

We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance, enjoy flexible working arrangements, including options for compressed hours and remote work from day one. With 28 days (pro-rata) of annual leave, in addition to the public holidays, and a generous employer contribution of eight percent towards your pension scheme, we prioritise your well-being. Additionally, our benefits package includes discounts on shopping, electronics, hospitality and leisure. Find out more about working at the League. 

The League Against Cruel Sports is committed to inclusivity and diversity, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

We believe that together we can end animal cruelty in the name of sport. Join us in our purposeful mission to redefine what is acceptable and inspire positive change in animal welfare legislation.  

Ready to make a real difference? Don't wait - apply now! We're looking to fill this position quickly and will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. To apply, please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating what days and hours you are available.

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

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

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

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

The post-holder will be key in taking the Trust and Major Donor programmes to the next level, securing new grants, building relationships, increasing multi-year gifts and improving both quality and volume of applications. They will also support the Grants, Trusts & Foundations Manager, and the wider team, to the same end with their respective portfolios.

ABOUT YOU

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

At this stage in your career, we would not necessarily expect you to have direct experience of fundraising from Trusts or Major Donors. We encourage you to apply if you consider yourself to have an emphatically strong transferrable skills and experience and believe you could thrive in a nurturing environment.

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

Interviews will be held on-site on Monday, 23rd February 2026 

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

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

Play to the Crowd (incorporating Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers) is looking for a Fundraising Manager. 

Hours/contract: Permanent, full time, 36 hours per week (job share or part-time hours will be considered for the right candidate)

Salary: £28,950 - £32,754 depending on length of service 

Base: Theatre Royal Winchester / Hybrid

We’re looking for a confident and enthusiastic fundraiser with a track record of delivering and leading major donor fundraising, membership schemes, corporate partnerships as well as securing significant funds from Trusts and Foundations.

The Fundraising Manager is responsible for implementing the charity’s fundraising strategy to increase our fundraised income to support all areas of our activity. This will be achieved by connecting donors and supporters to our mission to delight and unite communities through the power of live performance and participation.

The charity has ambitious plans for the future. We will continue to invest in the beautiful Theatre Royal Winchester. With the absence of Arts Council England National Portfolio funding, we will be transitioning to a new structure and funding model for future Hat Fair festivals. Through our engagement projects we will continue to have impact on our local community both in central Winchester and the wider district.

The Fundraising Manager role will be vital in:

• Helping to develop a sustainable fundraising model to secure future Hat Fair festivals

• Securing funding from Trusts and Foundations for community projects, core revenue to support our artistic and creative ambitions, and capital works

• Cultivating and securing large gifts from Major Donors

• Growing our membership base – our members are loyal and key advocates of the charity and audiences for our events

• Managing the relationships and developing our Corporate Partnerships 

How to Apply 

Application deadline: 10am Tue 17 February 2026 
Interviews: Wed 25 February 2026 

Interested? If you would like to find out more details about this role please visit our website where you can find the Job Description and Person Specification. Our website also contains our application form. Please note that we require fully completed application forms. We are unable to accept CVs. 

Keen on this role but seen something you’re not sure about? Don’t rule yourself out, get in touch to talk it through. For an informal discussion about the role, please get contact Kirstie Mathieson, Communications and Development Director (email available in the job pack) 

Play to the Crowd is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences and is also open to job share proposals. 

Hours: Full time (30 hours over 4 days)

Location: Flexible across England, Wales and Northern Ireland 

Salary:  Regional £49,202 to £53,252 per annum, or London £52,500 to £56,550 per annum

(London salary applicable to candidates who live in London or are based in the London office a minimum of two days a week)

The role: 

This is a great opportunity to join the UK’s biggest grassroots network dedicated to protecting people and planet at a critical time for our world.

We’re looking for an experienced high value fundraiser and team leader to join Friends of the Earth as our Head of Major Giving. The role will focus on growing income and leading our passionate and well-established high net worth team, which covers Philanthropy, Trusts and Foundations and Strategic Partnerships.

You’ll be responsible for developing the Major Giving strategy, retaining our loyal supporters and attracting new, long-term funders by refreshing the stewardship and cultivation programme to encourage deliver on our growth plans in line as we develop a new strategy to answer the challenges in the external environment and ensure that we have the funds to respond to the crises of climate, nature and inequality.  

We are developing a new organisational strategy, building on our proud history of working with communities to achieve change. We have longstanding partners and loyal supporters to bring with us as we evolve to meet the challenges and deliver the urgent action needed to deliver our mission.

Key Skills and Attributes we’re looking for: 

• Experience of motivating and inspiring team members to achieve high, sustainable performance.  
• Collaborative and skilled at working cross organisationally and building strong internal relationships.
• A good networker and ability to work in true partnership with grassroots organisations and funding partners.
• Demonstrable experience of significant income growth and pipeline development.
• Experience of, or knowledge of campaigning organisations would be an advantage as well as organisations going through strategic change.

The team: 

The Major Giving team consists of 12 people with five direct reports, leading the sub-teams of Philanthropy, Trusts and Foundations, Strategic Partnerships and our Events function. Your team sits within the Income Generation Directorate, and you’ll work closely with colleagues across that Directorate and with our Policy & Campaigns  Engagement and Community & Network Directorates. You will play a key role in promoting a culture of philanthropy and partnerships across the entire organisation as together, we strive to create lasting change in the fight against climate and nature crisis.

For more information, please see the detailed candidate information pack.

Closing date: Monday 23rd  February 2026 (23:59). 

Please note we only accept applications via the Friends of the Earth Application System.

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance including a 4-day working week with no loss of pay, additional leave for sustainable travel, excellent learning and development opportunities and a vibrant organisational culture. 

Our staff body is currently under-representative of People of Colour, LGBTQIA+ people and people with long term conditions or impairments. We are committed to eroding these historic barriers, so as to create a movement in which people from all walks of life see themselves in, and so we particularly encourage you to apply if you belong to one of these groups or sit at multiple intersections of disadvantage. We are committed to the Disability Confident standard and will guarantee an interview to any candidates who declare a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the role.

Friends of the Earth staff who publicly represent Friends of the Earth (including all campaigners) are not allowed to also represent a political party. This is to ensure that there can be no confusion in the minds of the public about Friends of the Earth's party-political independence. Affected staff should also seek permission from the Senior Management Team if they wish to hold a non-public facing official role in a political party. If this is an issue, please do raise this with us as soon as possible.

Friends of the Earth is an international community dedicated to protecting the natural world and the wellbeing of everyone in it. We lead campaigns, provide resources and information, and drive real solutions to the environmental problems facing us all.

We’re working with a large, well-established national charity that is investing significantly in its philanthropy programme and is now looking to appoint an experienced Philanthropy Manager to join a growing and ambitious income generation team.

Salary: £45,000 – £48,000
Location: London / Hybrid
Contract: Permanent, full time (flexible working considered)

This is a senior, relationship-led role, suited to an established major donor fundraiser who enjoys managing high-value relationships while also supporting and developing others.

Key highlights of the role

• Ownership of a high-value major donor portfolio, securing consistent five- and six-figure gifts
• Line management responsibility for a Philanthropy Officer, with a strong focus on coaching, development and performance
• Close working with senior leadership and influential volunteers to open networks and progress strategic relationships
• Significant autonomy to shape cultivation, solicitation and stewardship approaches
• Opportunity to contribute to long-term philanthropy strategy and pipeline growth
• Strong internal collaboration with fundraising operations, events and wider income teams

This role will suit someone with proven experience of securing major gifts, confidence making face-to-face asks, and the ability to balance hands-on fundraising with effective people management.

This is a rolling recruitment process, with the hiring manager reviewing CVs as they are received. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Please email Hannah at

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

We are looking for a fundraising manager whose core strengths are trusts and foundations fundraising, major donor cultivation, and excellent proposal writing.

The NCTJ is the guardian of the gold standard in journalism training. Through charitable initiatives including the Community Reporting Fund and Journalism Diversity Fund, we widen access to journalism careers, strengthen community reporting, and champion trusted journalism at a time when misinformation and public scepticism make high professional standards more important than ever.

Diversifying and growing charitable income is a strategic priority for NCTJ. Following the development of our fundraising strategy, this role will focus on building and growing income from UK trusts, foundations and high net worth supporters. You will have the autonomy to shape the grants and major donor pipeline.

Corporate partnerships are led primarily by our Head of Business Development. This role focuses on grants, major donors and stewardship.

About the role

You will:

• Research and manage a strong pipeline of trusts and foundation prospects
• Write and submit high-quality, tailored grant applications and expressions of interest
• Develop compelling cases for support, budgets, outcomes and proposal templates
• Build and manage major donor/high net worth pipeline through warm networks
• Lead on donor cultivation and follow-up
• Strengthen stewardship and reporting so funders feel valued and close to the impact
• Use HubSpot CRM to track pipeline, deadlines, reporting and performance

About you

You will have:

• A strong track record in trusts and foundations fundraising
• Experience securing substantial grants (five-figure and above)
• Excellent proposal and case for support writing skills
• Experience working with major donors/high net worth supporters (or strong transferable relationship-led fundraising experience)
• Strong organisation and CRM discipline
• Confidence working with senior leaders

Experience in journalism, media, education, social mobility or EDI is welcome but not essential. It is vital that you support the critical role professional journalists play in our democracy.

Benefits

• Salary c £40,000 (£37,000-£43,000) depending on experience
• Pension: 5% employer and 5% employee contribution
• Annual leave of 25 days plus bank holidays
• Discretionary bonus based on company performance
• Life cover
• Training and career development

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 1,000 words total) addressing the following:

1. Trusts and foundations track record (300 words)
   Describe one trust or foundation grant of £30,000+ that you personally led. Include who the funder was, what the project was, how you shaped the proposal to meet their criteria, and the outcome.
2. Proposal writing approach (250 words)
   When starting a new funding application, what are the first five things you do before you begin writing? Please be specific.
3. Working with senior stakeholders and impact information (250 words)
   Give an example of how you worked with colleagues, senior leaders or contacts to gather the information needed for a funding proposal or donor meeting. What did you do and what was the result?
4. Interest in journalism and the NCTJ mission (200 words) What is it about the NCTJ’s work, values and mission that interests you, and why do you think it is important at this point in time for journalism and society?

Your supporting statement is an important part of the assessment for this role. We are looking for evidence of your own proposal-writing style, experience and judgement. Generic or highly templated responses are unlikely to score well.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a short writing exercise as part of the interview process.

About the NCTJ

The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is the charity at the heart of journalism education and training in the UK. We are the guardian of the gold standard in journalism training and qualifications, and we champion equality, diversity and inclusion so that journalism is accessible to people from all backgrounds.

Through charitable initiatives including the Journalism Diversity Fund and the Community Reporting Fund, we widen participation in journalism, support community reporting, and strengthen trusted journalism at a time when misinformation and public scepticism make high professional standards more important than ever.

NCTJ is financially stable and widely respected within the industry. However, diversifying and growing charitable income is a strategic priority for 2026–27. We have developed our first fundraising strategy to support sustainable growth and impact, and this role is central to delivering it.

Purpose of the role

This is a specialist role focused on securing and stewarding funding from trusts and foundations and developing a pipeline of major donors and high net worth supporters, underpinned by exceptional proposal writing and strong relationship management.

Corporate partnerships are led primarily by the head of business development. This role will support corporate fundraising through proposal/case development and stewardship where needed, but the primary focus is securing charitable grants and major donors.

Key responsibilities

1) Trusts and foundations fundraising

• Build and manage a strong pipeline of UK trust and foundation prospects that advance NCTJ’s charitable priorities (including diversity, community reporting, and training for a fast-changing media industry).
• Develop and maintain a grants calendar and tracking system, including deadlines, funder preferences, decision timelines, and reporting requirements.
• Write and submit high-quality, tailored grant applications and expressions of interest, working to agreed targets and timescales.
• Develop a suite of core fundraising materials (case for support, programme proposals, budgets, outcomes and evaluation narrative, boilerplate and templates) to increase quality and consistency across submissions.
• Confidently communicate the NCTJ’s purpose and impact through presentations, reports, and digital content and represent the NCTJ at meetings and events, both virtually and in person.
• Build and maintain strong funder relationships, ensuring excellent stewardship, timely reporting and opportunities for renewal and uplift.

2) Major donor / high net worth giving

• Work with the senior team to identify major donor prospects through networks and sector connections.
• Undertake proportionate prospect research and build a high-quality cultivation pipeline.
• Create tailored donor proposals and impact statements that support donor interests while advancing NCTJ priorities.
• Support cultivation meetings with briefs, materials, follow-up and stewardship plans, tracking all activity in CRM.

3) Impact, storytelling and stewardship

• Work closely with programme and communications colleagues to gather impact data, case studies and beneficiary stories to strengthen proposals and reporting.
• Develop and deliver a clear plan for thanking trusts and major donors, keeping them updated on impact, and staying in regular contact.
• Use NCTJ events and industry milestones as stewardship and cultivation opportunities, coordinating targeted follow-up and relationship management.

4) Systems, reporting and evaluation

• Maintain excellent data quality and discipline in HubSpot CRM, including prospect stage, relationship owner, next actions, submissions, reporting deadlines and contact history.
• Produce clear pipeline and performance reports for the HoBD/chief executive (eg, submissions, conversion rates, forecast, learning and next steps).
• Contribute to quarterly review sessions to evaluate progress and refine approach.

5) Collaborative working

• Build strong working relationships across the charity and its stakeholders to translate NCTJ’s work into fundable propositions and well managed projects ensuring effective delivery of programmes through cross functional collaboration.
• Bring innovative and creative concepts to the team, and develop valuable programmes and initiatives which add to the NCTJ’s new income stream.
• Contribute to shared messaging that reflects NCTJ’s mission: high standards, quality, trusted journalism, accessibility and measurable EDI impact.

Person specification

Essential

• Significant experience in trusts and foundations fundraising, including writing successful applications.
• Proven track record of securing substantial grants (five-figure and above, including multi-year where possible).
• Outstanding proposal and case for support writing skills (clear structure, persuasive narrative, strong budgets/outcomes, and tailoring to criteria).
• Strong pipeline management skills and ability to deliver multiple submissions to deadlines.
• Experience cultivating and stewarding major donors/high net worth individuals (or strong transferable relationship-led fundraising experience).
• Strong CRM capability and reporting discipline.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders.

Desirable

• Experience strengthening fundraising systems, templates and stewardship processes.
• Experience in education, media/journalism, social mobility, EDI or local/community development.

Personal attributes

• A high-quality writer who takes pride in precision, tone and evidence.
• Proactive, organised and accountable.
• Warm, credible and professional with funders and senior stakeholders.
• Motivated by widening access, high standards, and trusted journalism.

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.

We’re looking for a strategic Mid‑Level Giving Manager to join us a part-time, 22.5 hours a week on a 12 month fixed term contract. You'll drive growth from supporters giving between £1,000–£25,000 and play a key role in shaping the future of individual giving.

You’ll have experience developing mid-level asks, being data led and building engagement journeys with an audience-first lens. You’ll appreciate the ambition and drive to deliver growth through our wider Public Fundraising and Philanthropy teams and work closely with other colleagues to look at the lifetime value of our donors.

You’ll be someone who effectively collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to inspire them about the exciting role Public Fundraising can play at National Trust. You’ll love keeping an eye on donor trends, being data led and testing and learning across all of our donor asks. 

Please be aware that this role involves occasional travel and overnight stays when required.

What it's like to work here

You'll be working in a newly formed team, contributing to building on the success of the current team whilst highlighting opportunities to grow and develop the programmes to ensure we reach our exciting fundraising goals.

Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon and there will be an expectation for you to attend the office. However, there is flexibility to discuss other options and where you are based at other times. You will be required to work at a National Trust location or related event for 40-60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.

What you'll be doing

As our Mid‑Level Giving Manager, you'll develop and implement new strategies to grow unrestricted income from our mid‑value audiences as well as manage your own portfolio of donors and prospects, delivering thoughtful, tailored engagement plans that deepen relationships and increase lifetime value.

You'll co-lead the development and delivery of mass stewardship activity including the continued rollout of our Patrons Membership. Collaborating with teams across Fundraising, Properties, Events, Research, and beyond to spot new opportunities and bring supporters closer to our work. You'll also champion insight‑driven fundraising including commissioning research, developing KPIs, and embedding reporting tools that help us understand performance and potential.

Who we're looking for

Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:

• Experience in mid-level, major donor, partnership, or charitable trust fundraising and is confident working to targets across a diverse portfolio.
• Strong project management experience including success in growing income through mid-level giving asks and products using supporter insight
• An exceptional communicator with experience of building strong working relationships with key internal stakeholders to deliver supporter journeys, communications and collateral
• Knowledge of Mid-Level Giving donor cycles including monitoring CPA, ROI, KPIs and retention rates
• Experience in developing and implementing lifetime value journeys integrated with wider charity comms including knowledge of donor motivations and segmentation

Additional criteria for all other applicants:

• Knowledge of GDPR, fundraising compliance and ethical standards
• Experience of using CRM and Data systems to support data-driven decision making
• Flexible and able to attend occasional evening/weekend donor events

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)

• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Employee assistance programme

• Free parking at most Trust places

Philanthropy Manager

We are seeking an exceptional Philanthropy Manager to grow impactful giving and strengthen life changing community support across Milton Keynes.

Salary: £38000-£42000 per annum 
Location: Milton Keynes (hybrid working 3 days a week in the office ) Free Parking
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Closing date:  28th February 2026

About the Role

As Philanthropy Manager, you will play a pivotal role in developing and nurturing high value relationships that help drive positive change across Milton Keynes. Working as part of a collaborative and mission focused team, you will connect donors, businesses, fundholders and community partners with the causes that matter most.

You will lead a portfolio of donor relationships, ensuring exceptional stewardship and delivering tailored engagement that inspires long term support. Using your strategic insight, you will develop giving opportunities aligned with community needs, informed by the Foundation’s data and research.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and growing a portfolio of high value donors, fundholders and corporate partners.
• Developing and delivering stewardship plans that demonstrate impact and inspire renewed investment.
• Creating compelling cases for support, proposals and reports tailored to donor motivations.
• Leading and supporting donor events, briefings, visits and engagement activities.
• Working closely with colleagues in Programmes, Finance and Communications to ensure funds are allocated effectively and transparently.
• Identifying new prospects and building philanthropic networks across Milton Keynes.
• Representing the organisation professionally at meetings, events and community forums.
• Upholding best practice in compliance, data management and ethical fundraising.

About You

You will be an ambitious and relationship driven fundraising professional with a passion for making a difference. You’ll bring confidence working with senior stakeholders, excellent communication skills and the ability to translate community impact into meaningful philanthropic opportunities.

You will have:

• Experience in major donor fundraising, high value partnerships, or relationship based income generation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to craft engaging proposals and impact reports.
• The ability to manage a diverse portfolio and prioritise effectively.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and a commitment to outstanding donor care.
• Sound judgement, professionalism and the ability to manage confidential information appropriately.

A genuine commitment to fairness, inclusion and community empowerment is essential.

About the Organisation

This Foundation is a long established, place based funder dedicated to strengthening the local voluntary sector and supporting the most pressing needs across the city. Through strategic grant making, donor partnerships and community insight, the Foundation ensures resources are directed where they can make the biggest difference. The organisation manages a diverse range of funds, supports grassroots to large charities, and plays a vital role in shaping a fairer, more resilient Milton Keynes. Joining the team means becoming part of a collaborative, values driven organisation with a deep understanding of the people and places it serves.

Other roles you may have experience of could include:
Major Donor Manager, Partnerships Manager, Philanthropy Officer, Development Manager, Trusts & Foundations Manager, Relationship Manager, Fundraising Manager, Donor Engagement Manager, Grants & Impact Manager.

We are looking for a talented fundraiser to join The Georgian Group in a pivotal new role, reporting to the Director. The new Development Manager will drive forward our fundraising strategy, reinvigorate our membership programme and increase philanthropic giving ahead our milestone 90th year in 2027. If you are proactive and organised with the ability to enthuse existing and prospective donors, we would love to hear from you.

We have a longstanding and loyal membership base from which to build major giving and other philanthropic support for our conservation and campaigning work. As part of a small and close-knit team, you will work with the Director and Trustees to expand our prospect pipeline and build relationships with supporters at all levels of giving. You will drive new member recruitment, including among under 35s, our fastest-growing membership category. The role is supported by a Membership and Office Administrator.

This is a hybrid role but a significant amount of in-person working will be essential for the relationship-building aspects of this role. We are open to conversations with candidates seeking a different working pattern to engage the ideal person for this important role. 

For the full Job Description and Person Specification, along with details on how to apply, please refer to the attachment below.

Closing date for applications: Friday 20 February 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 3 March 2026