Major donor manager jobs

About WasteAid

WasteAid is an international non-governmental organisation that works in low and middle-income countries to implement environmental and economic development programmes, focusing on support to nascent green businesses and grassroots entrepreneurs. The work improves the livelihoods of some of the poorest and most marginalised, promotes circular economy innovation and contributes to a cleaner and healthier future for all.

WasteAid promotes and shares locally appropriate, evidence based and inclusive practices, supporting and empowering others to take positive action. We partner with public, private and community-based organisations in countries where practices are harming the environment, economy and society.

About the Role

The Partnerships Manager will play a key role in driving income growth through philanthropy and strategic partnerships. Reporting to the CEO, this role will contribute to the delivery of an ambitious growth strategy. The post-holder will build and steward relationships with major donors, corporate partners, and philanthropic organisations to ensure alignment with organisational objectives, and will lead the development of high-quality fundraising and outreach that deepen engagement, grow income and strengthen relationships.

This is a senior, hands-on role involving the management of a portfolio, proposal development/writing and leading conversations with donors.

This role will line manage WasteAid’s Communications Officer (0.6 FTE).

Fundraising & Income Growth

The initial focus of this role will be to grow income from trusts and foundations and selected corporate partnerships, with priorities agreed annually.

• Implement and deliver WasteAid’s Trusts and Foundations income stream with support and collaboration from CEO and Director of Programmes.

• In collaboration with the SMT develop and implement a strategic plan to grow income from major donors, and corporate partnerships.

• Work closely with the CEO and senior leadership to shape funding priorities and develop compelling cases for support.

• Set and deliver ambitious income targets, ensuring a diverse and sustainable funding portfolio.

• Stay informed on sector trends and emerging opportunities to drive innovation in fundraising approaches.

• Ensure WasteAid’s communications outputs support our fundraising goals.

Relationship Management & Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain strong relationships with our existing funder base - philanthropists, and corporate partners and develop new relationships positioning WasteAid as a leading cause in the sector.

• Undertake targeted outreach to develop new funding relationships and lead internally on incoming leads and enquiries.

• Develop and deliver tailored donor engagement and stewardship strategies and events that enhance retention and long-term investment.

• Represent WasteAid externally, leveraging networking and partnership opportunities to expand the supporter base.

• Collaborate with programme teams to articulate impact and develop compelling donor communications.

Leadership & Team Development

• Champion excellence and fundraising good practice within the wider WasteAid team ensuring a culture of collaboration and excellence.

• Embed best practices in fundraising, donor stewardship, and compliance across the team.

• Adhere to good practice and WasteAid’s policies and processes in the line management of the Communications Officer.

Governance, Reporting & Compliance

• Monitor, evaluate, and report on income performance, using insights to refine strategy and inform decision-making, working closely with the Head of Strategy and Impact

• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, ethical standards, and organisational policies.

• Maintain accurate records in CRM systems, supporting data-driven decision-making.

Person specification

Essential experience

• Proven experience of securing income from at least two of the following areas: trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships or philanthropy.

• Experience of developing successful funding applications, proposals and donor reports.

• Experience of building and managing external relationships that lead to income generation or strategic partnership development.

• Experience of managing a fundraising pipeline and working to income targets.

• Experience of working collaboratively across teams to gather information and develop compelling donor communications.

Essential knowledge and skills

• Experience of fundraising in the international development, environmental or climate-related sectors.

• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to write clear, persuasive and tailored proposals and reports.

• Excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

• Good analytical skills, with the ability to use data and insight to monitor performance and improve fundraising activity.

• Understanding of fundraising good practice, compliance and ethical standards.

• Experience of using CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Personal attribute

• Proactive, self-motivated and able to work independently in a home-based role.

• Collaborative and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively across a small and ambitious organisation.

• Strategic in outlook while remaining practical and delivery-focused.

• Committed to WasteAid’s mission and values.

Desirable

• Experience of developing corporate partnerships linked to sustainability, circular economy or shared-value goals.

• Experience of supporting senior leaders with donor cultivation and stewardship.

• Experience of working in a small charity or growing organisation.

Success in the role

In the first 12 months, success in this role is likely to include:

• Growth in the value and quality of the fundraising pipeline

• Submission of strong, timely proposals and reports to priority funders

• Increased income from agreed fundraising streams

• Effective stewardship and relationship management of key donors and partners

• Accurate CRM records and clear internal reporting on fundraising activity and performance

As Legacy and In-Memory Manager you will be responsible for leading your team to drive transformational change, through the delivery of our legacy and in-memory growth strategy. 

You will set objectives and oversee team activity to deliver the entire legacy journey with the aim of achieving significant long-term growth in revenue income to support our ambitious plans to bring Maggie’s cancer care to everyone who needs us. 

You will be responsible for working collaboratively with teams from across Maggie’s to engage them in the importance of legacy and in-memory giving. 

You will manage external agencies and suppliers to deliver excellent work, on time and to budget.  You will also manage end-to-end, multi-channel campaigns including the delivery of these through colleagues and agencies.

Please see the attached job description for further details.

Hybrid / High Wycombe (a minimum of one day per week on site)

Band 4: £36,000 – £38,000 + £312 working-from-home allowance

Embrace’s Fundraising & Communications cluster comprises expertise in fundraising, marketing, communication, trading (web shop), supporter engagement and retention. Working collaboratively, we serve our supporters by providing authentic and engaging communications inspiring active social witness, engagement and giving to charity.

Cluster Purpose:

The Fundraising & Communications cluster strengthens Embrace’s communication, education, and fundraising efforts to drive growth, so that more people engage with our content; more donors are attracted to support; and the UK church is more deeply engaged with the cause - enabling us to fund more work in the region and generate a deeper understanding of Christian service in the Middle East.

Role Purpose:

As Retention & Development Manager, you’ll grow sustainable income by keeping individual supporters inspired, informed and engaged - so they give again, stay longer, and deepen their support. You will deliver excellent supporter journey experience, project managing engaging and compelling direct, and digital individual giving activity (including – but not limited to – appeals, regular giving conversion & upgrade, lapsed reactivation) and incorporating legacies marketing, raising more than £1m voluntary income each year.

What success looks like:

• Higher Life-Time Value (LTV): more second gifts, upgrades and cross channel giving; stronger legacy pipeline.
• Lower churn: reduced lapse rates for cash and regular givers.
• Better donor experience: faster thank yous, clearer impact reporting, higher satisfaction with fewer complaints/optouts.
• Sustainable mix: growth in regular giving and mid-value segments; predictable, repeatable income.

Key Responsibilities

Supporter Experience & Journeys:

• Map and continually improve journeys: welcome → second gift; regular giving nurture/upgrade; mid-value; legacy prospecting; lapsed reactivation; complaint recovery.
• Set cadence and channel mix (email, mail, phone, SMS, social, events, digital) for consistent, donor‑first communications in appropriate channels and accessible formats.
• Donor-first approach: clear, inclusive language; accessible formats; low‑friction giving/retention flows and personalisation e.g. name, last gift, interests, location, project etc.
• Collaborate with Content & Communications colleague to deliver content that shares the impact of support i.e. what donors make possible and Embrace’s brand story.

Segmentation, Testing & Insight:

• Track Regular Giving – net growth; diagnose attrition drivers and fix root causes; maintain acceptable Return on Investment (ROIs).
• Lead supporter segmentation (by behaviour & interest) and A/B testing (offer, timing, upgrade prompts).
• Adopt an evidence-based, test and learn approach; analyse appeals, campaign performance and share insights to drive decisions.
• Work with colleagues to build insight dashboard (e.g. churn, LTV, second gift rate, tenure, contactability) and understanding of retention.

Mid‑Value & Legacy Development:

• Steward mid‑value donors with tailored journeys; warm handovers to and from Major Giving Manager.
• Develop and test legacy propositions and routes to market to grow enquiries and pledges.

Acquisition & Cross‑Sell:

• Project manage individual giving product development and testing; identify new audiences and routes to market.
• Collaborate with Webshop team and the Digital Marketing Campaigns Manager to optimise Alternative Gifts and cross-sell opportunities focusing on a digital first approach.

Cross-Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with the Supporter Experience Team to ensure that supporter journeys are being optimised and feedback from supporters is being captured and acted upon.
• Commission and work with the CRM and Systems Manager to develop clear and understandable dashboards, ensuring that the insights are used to develop plans and measure performance.
• Closely liaise with the Legacy administration team, working with them to ensure the packs and information are up to date and legacy marketing information complies with the latest Institue of Legacy Management standards.
• Develop an understanding of the Partner projects and Advocacy agenda, ensure all supporter briefings are aligned to agreed messaging.

Organisation-Wide Contribution:

• Model Embrace’s values of trust, respect, integrity, and compassion.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities and compliance with GDPR and charity regulations.
• Actively support cross-team collaboration and organisational goals. Maintain CRM hygiene.

KPIs you will own:

• Retention / churn: 12‑month retention (one off & RG), lapse rate, save‑rate on failed payments. – Value & growth: second gift rate, LTV by segment, average gift, RG net growth and tenure, mid-value upgrades, legacy enquiries. – Experience & quality: thank you – SLA, complaint rate – Data & compliance: growth in contactable base; preference completeness; data hygiene.

3/6/12‑month milestones:

• 3 months: Retention dashboard live; thank‑you refresh delivered; welcome → second‑gift test launched; RG plan drafted.
• 6 months: Lapse/reactivation plan running; retention rates improved; early LTV gains visible in key segments.
• 12 months: Reduced churn; higher second gift and upgrade rates; larger contactable supporter base; legacy pipeline growth.

Person specification

Qualifications, Experience & Knowledge:

• Educated to degree standard or equivalent (E.g. practical experience within fundraising).
• Member of Chartered Institute of Fundraising.
• Proven individual giving or CRM led retention experience in a charity, membership or subscription context.
• Hands‑on journey design and automation.
• Strong data literacy: segmentation, dashboards (CRM/Excel), test and learn.
• Excellent written communication—able to brief compelling, impacted content and clear supporter updates.
• Practical project management; calm under pressure; collaborative and solutions focused.
• Working knowledge of GDPR/PECR and best practice supporter care.
• Experience stewarding mid-value supporters and legacy pipelines. Experience with payment recovery tools. and card update flows. Familiarity with UK charity sector metrics and fundraising codes of practice.

Personal qualities:

• Donor first mindset, inclusive and empathetic.
• Curious, evidence driven, and comfortable iterating.
• High integrity, discretion and good judgment.

Tools & systems:

• CRM Dashboards & analysis.
• Payments: Direct Debit management, card‑updater/failed‑payment recovery.
• Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Planner), project boards.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly motivated and results driven.
• Demonstrates integrity, trust, and respect in all interactions.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Passionate about the work of Embrace, with the ability to enthuse and engage others.
• A natural collaborator who enjoys working as part a team to deliver organisation wide objectives.

Role requirements

Committed to the Christian mission, vision and values of the charity, either as a practising Christian or someone with a sympathy for Embrace’s mission with the Christian faith and character.

Company Overview

As a Christian development charity, we partner with Christians in the Middle East as they work to transform lives and restore the dignity of the most excluded and marginalised communities. Where there is a need – for refuge, a home, for health care, for education, for justice and human rights – we, with our partners, respond. Our goal is to contribute to a culture of human flourishing in a troubled region.

For more information and to apply, please visit our careers portal.

Closing date: 5.00pm on Tuesday, 12th May 2026.

Development Manager (Individual Giving & Major Donor Fundraising)

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation | Shalford, Surrey (Hybrid)
Salary: £40,000–£45,000, dependant on experience

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is seeking an experienced and relationship‑driven Development Manager to lead our individual giving and major donor fundraising. This is a pivotal fundraising role within a conservation charity dedicated to protecting endangered species across Africa and Asia.

As our Development Manager, you will:

• Shape and deliver strategies for major donors, mid‑level giving, regular giving, adoption programmes and campaign‑led appeals
• Cultivate and steward high‑value donors through personalised engagement
• Oversee donor journeys and ensure an exceptional supporter experience
• Provide strategic leadership for key fundraising events
• Work closely with colleagues across Conservation, Education, Art, Marketing and Finance
• Line manage a Development Executive and play a key role in developing a coordinated, high‑performing fundraising team

We’re looking for someone with:
✔ Proven success in major donor / high‑value individual fundraising
✔ Strong relationship‑building and communication skills
✔ Experience developing donor journeys and direct marketing appeals
✔ Confidence working with senior stakeholders
✔ Passion for wildlife conservation and DSWF’s mission

Why join us?
You’ll be part of a small, committed team making a tangible impact on global wildlife protection. We have invested over £14 million into frontline conservation since 1984 and continue to drive meaningful change through anti-wildlife crime initiatives, education and the power of art.

Role details:

• Hybrid (home + 2 days/week in Shalford, Surrey)
• Full time, 35 hrs/week
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + extra days at Christmas
• Pension + Employee Assistance Programme
• Start date: As soon as possible

How to apply:
Send your CV and a cover letter (no longer than two pages) by email by midday, Monday 27th April.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in conservation and the arts.

Prospectus is excited to be working with our client to help them recruit for a Philanthropy Manager to join their team. The organisation brings together world-class performers and trailblazing creatives teams to share unforgettable performances with audiences near and far. Equally, the Philanthropy and wider Development teams provide unparalleled donor experiences and opportunities to support a wide range of performances and learning events every year.

The organisation's Development Office is a busy, in-person office that provides a world-class environment to be close to supporters, development colleagues, and performance staff and performers. This role is offered on a permanent contract basis paying a salary of £36,000 to £40,000 per annum, depending on experience and will be mainly on-site in Covent Garden.

The Philanthropy Manager will manage a portfolio of key philanthropic relationships and increase the value of the relationships with existing supporters. They will maximise income from philanthropists through new initiatives and promotion of a range of activities, including regular events.  The post holder will create and develop giving circles too and will work to an agreed plan for each approach and actively solicit gifts personally where appropriate.

They are looking for someone with a demonstratable track record in philanthropy or fundraising for major organisations and a demonstrated success in managing a portfolio of high value relationships. They are looking for a candidate with demonstrable experience of personally securing four and five figure donations. The ideal candidate will bring a balance of experience and innovation and will have an understanding of the art forms of opera, ballet, music and dance.

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

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

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

Prospectus is excited to be supporting our client in their search for a Philanthropy Manager.

Our client is a space for creative ideas, connections and the opportunity to make change. From small beginnings in 2008, they have grown into a global network of women and allies from all walks of life who are bonded by the collective aim to live in a world where women and girls’ equal rights and equal opportunities are the norm.

The organisation are reviewing applications and interviewing on a rolling basis. Please do apply now and we will be in touch!

This is a 2-year fixed-term contract role (with view to become a permanent position), paying a salary of £40,000 to £42,000 per annum. This is primarily a homebased role; the postholder is expected to travel to London at least twice a month for meetings and events.

The Philanthropy Manager will work closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, and the CEO to develop fundraising opportunities and drive income via major donors, corporates, global foundations and special events. You will support with cultivating and stewarding key relationships and funders, deepening relationships and maximizing their potential by creating new funding opportunities and calls to action.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced high-value fundraiser and a confident relationship manager. You will have demonstrable experience in securing 5-figure gifts from major donors and trusts and foundations and a track record of working with high profile supporters.

If you are interested in applying to this position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

Prospectus and the organisation are invested in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. Please let us know if we can help you with the application process in any way. We are more than happy to make any reasonable adjustments to enable all interested candidates to apply. If you have any disability and would like assistance with completing an application then please contact Ariha Semontee at Prospectus.

Looking to use your fundraising expertise to make a real global impact? This is your opportunity to join a world-leading international organisation driving change where it matters most. As a Fundraise Development Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping fundraising strategy, securing critical funding, and managing donor relationships across a global network.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality grant proposals, donor reports, and communications
• Oversee grant compliance, budgeting, and financial reporting processes
• Support fundraising strategy, forecasting, and pipeline development
• Conduct donor research and provide strategic insights to internal stakeholders
• Coordinate cross-team collaboration to deliver effective fundraising outcomes

Essential Skills & Experience
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in fundraising, donor relations, or development
• Proven track record securing funding from foundations and government donors
• Strong proposal writing, reporting, and storytelling skills
• Experience building donor pipelines and developing new partnerships
• Financial literacy, including budgeting and grant reporting

My client can offer flexible working arrangements, with 1 day a week in the office.

Applications for this role are now under review, and the deadline could well be brought forward if the suitable candidate is found. Therefore, do not delay in submitting your application!

Predominantly home-based with regular travel to locations across the UK
up to £45,000 per annum
Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week)

Office facilities are available at our Newark office at The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, NG24 1WT, for those within easy travelling distance. There is a requirement to attend in-person the monthly team meetings at the Newark office

Closing date for applications: 10th May 2026

First interview:  27th May 2026 (Online)

Second interview: 3rd June 2026 (Online)

About Us

The Wildlife Trusts are a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, who believe that we need nature and nature needs us. We have more than 945,000 members, over 33,000 volunteers, 4,100 staff and 600 trustees. There are 46 individual Wildlife Trusts, each of which is a place-based independent charity with its own legal identity, formed by groups of people getting together and working with others to make a positive difference to wildlife and future generations, starting where they live and work.

Every Wildlife Trust is part of The Wildlife Trusts federation and a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, a registered charity in its own right founded in 1912 and one of the founding members of IUCN – the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Taken together this federation of 47 charities is known as The Wildlife Trusts.

The next few years will be critical in determining what kind of world we all live in. We need to urgently reverse the loss of wildlife and put nature into recovery at scale if we are to prevent climate and ecological disaster. We recognise that this will require big, bold changes in the way The Wildlife Trusts work, not least in how we mobilise others and support them to organise within their own communities.

About You

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in securing transformational support for nature in the UK and beyond. Working with senior leaders to build and steward high-value donor relationships, we are seeking an experienced and ambitious Major Gifts Fundraiser with exceptional relationship-building, communication and storytelling skills, and a commitment to inspiring philanthropic support for nature’s recovery.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute not only to income growth but also to strengthen major donor fundraising across The Wildlife Trusts.

We are looking for an exceptional Major Gifts Fundraiser to join one of the UK’s most cherished nature charities at a pivotal moment for nature’s recovery.

In this influential role, you will be instrumental in expanding our network of high-net-worth supporters. Working closely with our Head of Major Donor Fundraising, Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and our Wildlife Trust colleagues, you will focus on identifying and cultivating meaningful, long-term relationships, that delivers transformational support for nature’s recovery in the UK.

You will be a confident, compelling communicator, and engaging Major Gifts Fundraiser, with the ability to express The Wildlife Trusts’ case for support in tackling the nature and climate emergencies, both through our work on nature’s restoration on the ground to driving change through policy, influencing and campaigning. You will be highly experienced in inspiring donors by connecting their values with our mission to tackle the climate and nature emergencies.

We are looking for an experienced Major Gifts Fundraiser with a track record of securing significant restricted and unrestricted income. You will be skilled at initiating and developing mutually beneficial relationships, motivated by ambitious targets and driven by the opportunity to make a genuine difference for nature.

The Wildlife Trusts value passion, respect, trust, integrity, pragmatic activism and strength in diversity. Whilst we are passionate in promoting our aims, we are not judgmental and are inclusive. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

RSWT take our Safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. Please click here to read our commitment statement. The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level.

RSWT are committed to increasing the diversity of its staff through its Levelling the Field recruitment pledge and, as a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming recruitment experience for all applicants. Applicants with disabilities and from ethnic minority backgrounds, will be considered for the next stage of the selection process should they meet all the minimum criteria for the role outlined in the person specification detailed as essential criteria in the recruitment pack. As part of our Disability Confident Scheme, RSWT offers an interview to a fair and proportionate number of applicants with disabilities and therefore not all applicants with disabilities would be entitled to an interview as they must still satisfy the minimum requirements for the job. This commitment is designed to help reduce barriers and promote equal opportunity. We actively work to remove barriers throughout the recruitment journey and are dedicated to creating an accessible and supportive recruitment experience by offering reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process, as well as within the workplace. If you would benefit from any adjustments to support you during your application or interview process, please let us know and we will be pleased to put the appropriate support in place.

At RSWT, we are committed to creating a safe environment where discrimination, bullying, and harassment are not tolerated. We expect everyone to uphold, respect, and support our zero-tolerance policy. Please be aware we may not accept applications if we have reason to believe they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools.

Lightbox Gallery & Museum is entering an ambitious new phase as we prepare for our 20th anniversary in 2027. This role offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced and initiative-taking fundraiser to help shape the organisation’s future by developing new income streams and leading our anniversary campaign, Lightbox20.

You will take ownership of the campaign activity across the organisation - developing strategy, building relationships with donors and partners, and delivering income to agreed targets. At the same time, you will manage the practical detail that underpins successful fundraising, including stewardship and our CRM system.

Key priorities are developing and delivering the Big Give campaign this year, capital fundraising for the garden and our 20th anniversary Lightbox 20.  

This role will suit someone who thrives in a small organisation, understands the unique challenges and opportunity this brings and who is self-motivated to build an ambitious campaign from the ground up. The successful appointee will combine strategic thinking with direct delivery, collaborating closely with the Director and Trustees to secure the next chapter of Lightbox Gallery’s success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Lead the delivery of the Lightbox20 anniversary campaign, creating compelling cases for support, preparing fundraising collateral, and engaging supporters and stakeholders.
• Deliver an ambitious fundraising campaign with clear targets that is aligned with organisational goals.
• Identify and develop new fundraising opportunities, partnerships, and income streams, including the Big Give campaign for Giving Tuesday December 2026.

Relationship and pipeline management

• Collaborate closely with the Trustees and Director to identify, build, and manage relationships with individual donors, supporters and prospects.
• Develop cultivation and stewardship plans, including face-to-face meetings, events, and personalised engagement.
• Confidently represent the organisation when meeting donors and supporters.

• Identify local business sponsorship opportunities and approach relevant businesses to celebrate Lightbox20.
• Maintain strong relationships with funding partners through effective reporting and stewardship.

Event support

• Support and attend fundraising events and campaigns, including Director’s Circle events, and donor cultivation and stewardship activities.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to maximise fundraising opportunities within exhibitions and public programmes.

Fundraising Operations & Administration

• Manage campaign donor communications, acknowledgements, and stewardship processes.
• Conduct prospect research and maintain accurate records.
• Monitor income, prepare reports, and track fundraising performance on the database, Raiser’s Edge.
• Ensure fundraising activities comply with relevant regulations and best practice.

For the person specification, please see the Job Description attached.

Our University has a proud history of philanthropy stretching back to its foundation in 1900. With a clear vision to change the lives of the people of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain raised the funds required to build the University from citizens and corporations based locally and around the globe. Since then philanthropy has continued to play an important role in shaping the University. There have been a number of fundraising campaigns, including a £1m urgent capital appeal after the Second World War and a £1.4m campaign to fund the Vale ‘student village’ in the 1960s. In 2015 we closed the Circles of Influence Campaign, raising £193 million, making it the largest HE fundraising campaign outside Oxbridge and London.

The University has global reach, including several partnerships with other leading universities around the world, and is grounded in our local community, having opened the first fully comprehensive University secondary school in the country in 2015. We are an ambitious and successful research-intensive University (one of the top 100 research-led universities globally) and have produced 10 Nobel Prize winners, including three who received their awards in 2016. Academics here are exploring the impact of climate change, helping to address global health epidemics, and changing our understanding of Shakespeare. Our students come from nearly 150 countries and our flagship outreach programmes mean that almost 25% of our student population come from underrepresented backgrounds: one of the highest proportions in the UK.

DARO exists to support this academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research projects, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships, as well as providing a versatile programme of engagement opportunities for our global alumni community.

As an office, we are committed to sustainability and value green working practices. The environment is an integral part of our campaign and we encourage eco-friendly ways of working in order to have a positive impact on our campus and global surroundings.

Role Summary

The Donor Experience Officer role is your opportunity to join our excellent team at an exciting time. Stewardship and donor experience are vital activities to the success of any philanthropic campaign. Donors of time and money need to be thanked and understand what their support has achieved, and how integral their gifts have been to making a positive and meaningful difference to the student community and to academic research. In doing so, donors are encouraged to continue their giving, and to increase and diversify their support.

The Donor Experience Officer will work with the Donor Experience Manager and second Donor Experience Officer, in a team of three. The Donor Experience Officer will be expected to manage and support with the stewardship activity for a number of our supporters, including our regular donors, legacy pledgers, volunteers, charitable and corporate organisations and major donors. The successful candidate will work with our Communications and Events Teams to deliver appropriate, meaningful and effective activities that express gratitude and communicate impact. They will work closely with colleagues in the Philanthropy, Charitable Partnerships, Volunteering and Regular Giving teams to build programmes to steward these key donor communities and will work alongside the Data team to help manage donor data and segmentation.

The successful candidate will have outstanding communication skills with experience in writing for impact, in creating digital content, and an understanding of the needs and expectations of different audiences. They will be able to balance creativity and imagination with a structured, thoughtful and organised approach to their work. They will be creative and conscientious programme deliverers who value integrity and sincerity, and who will demonstrate these qualities through their work.

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

Looking to use your fundraising expertise to make a real global impact? This is your opportunity to join a world-leading international organisation driving change where it matters most. As a Development Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping fundraising strategy, securing critical funding, and managing donor relationships across a global network.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality grant proposals, donor reports, and communications
• Oversee grant compliance, budgeting, and financial reporting processes
• Support fundraising strategy, forecasting, and pipeline development
• Conduct donor research and provide strategic insights to internal stakeholders
• Coordinate cross-team collaboration to deliver effective fundraising outcomes

Essential Skills & Experience
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in fundraising, donor relations, or development
• Proven track record securing funding from foundations and government donors
• Strong proposal writing, reporting, and storytelling skills
• Experience building donor pipelines and developing new partnerships
• Financial literacy, including budgeting and grant reporting

My client can offer flexible working arrangements, with 1-2 days a week in the office.

Applications for this role are now under review, and the deadline could well be brought forward if the suitable candidate is found. Therefore, do not delay in submitting your application!

This is an exciting opportunity to establish RLSS UK’s first-ever corporate fundraising function. The Corporate Partnerships Manager will build, lead, and deliver a new programme that maximises income from corporate supporters and aligns partners with our mission to save lives. You will be responsible for developing the strategy, creating the tools and foundations, proactively generating new business, and delivering excellent stewardship as partnerships are secured.

This role requires a commercially aware, results-driven individual who understands how to position partnerships in a way that delivers mutual value and translate opportunity into income through focused action, strong relationship building, and a clear understanding of corporate priorities.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a build from scratch environment, combining strategic thinking, creativity, and hands on delivery.

ROLE OVERVIEW

As the Corporate Partnerships Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of RLSS UK’s new corporate fundraising function, create a sustainable strategy, and build a strong pipeline from the ground up.

You will identify, secure, and grow high-value partnerships that align with corporate priorities, producing compelling and commercially compelling propositions that demonstrate clear mutual benefit. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will ensure partnerships support RLSS UK’s mission and contribute to long term income growth.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and deliver RLSS UK’s first corporate partnerships strategy, setting clear priorities and income targets for year one and beyond.
• Lead the development of a corporate partnerships income stream, building a sustainable portfolio of partnerships and relationships.
• Create the foundations for growth including a case for support, stewardship framework, pitch decks and templates and KPI and reporting tools.
• Establish systems and internal processes required for a corporate fundraising function.
• Use sector insights, benchmarking, and data to inform strategy and identify opportunities for growth.

Partnership Development

• Build and actively manage a new business pipeline from scratch, ensuring consistent prospecting and follow up.
• Conduct in-depth prospect research to identify target companies, align commercial priorities, and map key decision makers.
• Develop compelling, tailored proposals, pitches, and partnership packages that clearly articulate impact and mutual value.
• Secure a diverse portfolio of partnerships including multi-year strategic, six-figure, Charity of the Year, cause-related marketing, and sponsorship agreements.
• Create cultivation journeys for high-value prospects, maintaining momentum from first contact to close.
• Represent RLSS UK externally at meetings, events, and networking opportunities, confidently positioning the organisation with senior stakeholders.
• Work closely with commercial colleagues to ensure alignment and avoid overlap with existing commercial contracts.

Account Management

• Provide effective day-to-day relationship management to ensure partners feel supported, informed, and engaged with RLSS UK’s mission.
• Deliver clear partnership growth plans that maximise income, engagement, impact, and mutual benefit.
• Identify and activate opportunities to expand partnerships across corporate philanthropy, payroll giving, strategic volunteering, sponsorship, cause-related marketing, and employee engagement.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with senior stakeholders, acting as a trusted and credible partner.
• Monitor partnership delivery against agreed KPIs and use insight to refine and strengthen activity over time.
• Produce high-quality written communications, proposals, and impact reports tailored to individual partners.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, Education, and Commercial teams to ensure consistent and high-quality delivery.

Reporting and Evaluation

• Use data-driven insights and KPIs to evaluate and refine strategies for maximum impact, income growth, and return on investment.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, UK GDPR, and RLSS UK policies.
• Maintain accurate pipeline and forecasting information within the CRM system.
• Deliver annual reviews for partnerships to demonstrate impact and ensure all partnerships are meeting agreed KPIS.
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities to diversify income streams and enhance brand visibility.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• All other duties reasonably associated with your role, as directed by the Line Manager.
• Line management responsibility for the Supporter Engagement Executive, including performance and development, assigning day-to-day tasks and projects, and providing guidance and support.
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up-to-date documentation as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme.
• Demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards at all times.
• Help create an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued, everyone can contribute, and everyday actions ensure we meet our duty to uphold and promote equality.

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• Experience in business development, fundraising, partnerships, or relevant commercial roles.
• Ability to build strong relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience securing and managing partnerships across at least two of:
• • Charity of the Year
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Sponsorship
  • Cause related marketing/ brand licensing
• Confident pitching and negotiating with senior corporate leaders.
• Strong strategic thinking coupled with hands‑on delivery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create persuasive proposals and cases for support.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Strong understanding of return on investment (ROI) and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness, sustainability, and value of fundraising activity.
• Strong understanding of CRM systems and fundraising technologies, and how these support effective partnership programmes.
• Understanding of fundraising regulation, GDPR, and ethical fundraising practices.
• Experience managing budgets and ensuring effective allocation of resources.
• Comfortable working in an environment where systems, processes, and programmes are being built from the ground up.

Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• Knowledge and understanding of RLSS UK.
• Previous experience of line management.
• Experience of working in a charity or organisation where corporate fundraising or partnerships have been developed from the ground up, including building systems, processes, and pipeline momentum.
• Experience working in a small team or start-up environment.
• Commercially minded, with a strong understanding of the corporate landscape and the ability to shape compelling, mutually beneficial partnership opportunities that align business priorities with charitable impact.

ABOUT RLSS UK

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is the leading charity for water safety and drowning prevention in the UK and Ireland. Our mission is to save lives by being the leader in lifesaving, lifeguarding, and water safety education so that everyone can enjoy water safely. We share our expertise, skills, and knowledge to empower people to enjoy water safely and achieve our vision; communities free from drowning.

With increasing corporate focus on ESG, community safety, and employee wellbeing, RLSS UK is uniquely positioned to build strategic partnerships that help companies keep their people and communities safe around water.

WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU

RLSS UK is a national Charity based in Worcester, and we offer great staff benefits including -

• Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
• Private Medical Scheme*
• Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
• Eye Care*
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Howdens Sports Benefits/Perks at Work
• Free RLSS UK Membership
• Free tea and coffee when working from HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
• Free on-site parking when working from HQ
• Company Events and more!

*Subject to eligibility criteria

YOUR APPLICATION

Please send your CV along with a Cover Letter outlining why you should join our Income Generation and Engagement Team 

Closing Date – 5.00pm, Wednesday 29th April 2026

Interview Date – Thursday 7th May 2026 at our Worcester Head Office (subject to change)

Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.

RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader.

Senior Philanthropy Manager

Edinburgh International Festival

Location: Edinburgh

Salary: £47,000 - £51,000 pa plus benefits

The Edinburgh International Festival is one of the world’s great celebrations of the performing arts—bringing people together across cultures since 1947. Each August, we transform Edinburgh into a global stage, showcasing the most exciting and original work in opera, music, dance and theatre.

Beyond the Festival, we create year-round experiences that spark creativity and deepen cultural curiosity. Our ambition is bold: to deliver world-class art to the widest possible audience.

To sustain and grow our impact, we’re investing in our fundraising and partnerships, and expanding our Development team. We’re now looking for a Senior Philanthropy Manager to drive major donor growth, particularly among wider national and international supporters.

With a focus on donors with the capacity to give £10,000+, and a portfolio mostly centred in London and New York, you’ll design compelling engagement strategies, secure new gifts, and grow existing support. You’ll also get to work closely with senior leadership, playing a key role in securing some of the Festival’s most significant donations.  We’re looking for a proactive, strategic fundraiser with a strong track record in individual major gifts and stakeholder management.  This will take someone who thrives on building relationships, thinking creatively, and delivering results as part of a collaborative team.  Could that be you?   

This is a rare career opportunity to join a high-performing and growing fundraising team at an organisation which maintains an exceptional reputation year on year, and garners international respect and attention.  If that piques your interest, please get in touch via our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates.  You can download further details on the role from their website by following the Apply button.

Closing date for applications: 5pm Wednesday, 29 April 2026

This role supports the Philanthropy Manager, Special Events and Committees, and the Senior Event Manager by delivering end‑to‑end event support for our portfolio of special events, including Recital 4 Research, an opera recital and reception; The Royal Marsden Cup, our annual golf day; and the Ever After Garden, our annual remembrance garden. Your role will include coordinating speakers, liaising with suppliers, managing volunteers, supporting in donor meetings, and writing donor communications. You will play an important part in delivering income growth from high value fundraising committees, special events and tribute funds.

This role also leads on prize donor stewardship, identifying opportunities for the Charity to be a beneficiary of an event, and events administration. Your support will ensure that as a team we deliver outstanding donor experiences and event outcomes.

We are a high performing team, and this role presents an exciting opportunity to play a vital part in helping us to realise our ambition whilst developing your career within an ambitious organisation. 

About you 

You will have a proven ability and passion for relationship building and be a high performing fundraiser with experience of delivering fundraising events. You will be ambitious and proactive and relish the opportunity to support the Charity to achieve its goals. 

Why join us? 

We’re a values-driven Charity committed to saving lives by funding world-leading research, treatment, and care at The Royal Marsden. You’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious and kind team, with plenty of opportunities for learning and development. 

What we offer 

• Competitive salary of £33,000-£35,000 

• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton 

• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm 

• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service 

• Training, support and development opportunities 

• Access to the Blue Light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities 

• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes 

• Opportunities for training and career development