Major donor manager jobs

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.

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 the school looks ahead to its next chapter, philanthropy will be central to expanding opportunity, enhancing facilities, and ensuring that RGS remains a place where talent and ambition can flourish. To support this vision, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Development to lead a modern, strategic, and inspiring development programme.  This post is funded by The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe Foundation CIO (Charity number: 1179234).

The Director of Development will lead the design, delivery, and growth of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports the school’s long‑term ambitions. This is a senior leadership role requiring strategic insight, operational discipline, and the ability to build meaningful relationships across the RGS community.

A major priority will be to refresh, rebuild, and modernise the school’s fundraising data, creating a reliable, insight‑driven foundation from which to plan and execute fundraising activity. Alongside this, the postholder will lead a transformational capital appeal to deliver a new state‑of‑the‑art STEM facility by 2030 — a project that will shape the educational experience of future generations.

The role also includes developing a legacy giving programme, expanding regular giving among parents, and introducing innovative school‑based fundraising initiatives that engage pupils, staff, alumni, and the wider community

Prospectus is excited to be partnering with our client in the search for a permanent Philanthropy Manager.

The organisation is a charity committed to improving social mobility in the UK. Their work is focused on improving social mobility through education opportunities. Their mission is to level the playing field for young people from low-income backgrounds so that they have a fair chance of accessing leading universities, apprenticeships, and jobs. With a three-pronged approach including programmes, research, and policy advocacy, the organisation supports nearly 12,000 young people each year and they have been able to work towards keeping social mobility high in the political agenda.

As the Philanthropy Manager you will predominantly manage the portfolio of Fellows giving at the being £15k, £5k, and £1k per year level, as well as relationships with donors giving much more. The Philanthropy Manager will be responsible for developing the alumni giving campaign and will spot opportunities for further cultivation and donor engagement throughout the philanthropy portfolio of the organisation. The Philanthropy Manager will be a true relationship management and will line manage a Philanthropy Assistant while reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, working closely too with the Director of Development.

To be successful as the Philanthropy Manager you will have experience of building and managing donor relationships with individuals giving four-figures and above per year in a philanthropy team or other fundraising capacity through structured giving schemes. You will have experience of working with key senior colleagues across and organisation to secure major gifts and steward relationships and will have good knowledge of the UK fundraising environment, including trends in philanthropy.

This role is a full-time permanent position that will have hybrid working in the London offices for at least two days per week. The salary for this role is £42,025 to £48,000.  

At Prospectus we invest 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 Ryan Burdock at Prospectus.

If you are interested in applying to this Philanthropy Manager position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange for a call and/or 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.

Salary: £41,063 – £45,626 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full time
Location: Home based (with regular travel to London and across the UK)
Closing date: 8^th May
Benefits: 27 days annual leave bank holidays with the option to buy another week & additional December closure day, enhanced parental leave, Cycling UK membership, Medicash Healthcare plan

We’re very excited to be recruiting a Philanthropy Manager to join the team at Cycling UK and play a pivotal role in shaping and growing the organisation’s major donor and legacy fundraising programme.

This is a senior and influential role, offering the opportunity to build and embed philanthropy at the heart of Cycling UK. Working closely with the Head of Fundraising and colleagues across the organisation, you will help transform a developing programme into a mature, relationship-led income stream that delivers sustainable long-term growth.

You will lead the development and delivery of the philanthropy strategy, managing major donor and legacy pipelines, designing compelling stewardship and engagement opportunities, and securing high-value, multi-year gifts. The role combines strategic leadership with hands?on delivery and will suit someone motivated by building meaningful donor relationships, creating inspiring propositions and demonstrating impact.

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

• Proven experience in major donor and relationship-led fundraising, with a strong track record of securing high-value gifts
• Understanding of legacy and trust & foundation fundraising, including pipeline management and stewardship
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders and supporters

If you would like to discuss this role with us, please email your CV to [email protected] or contact us quoting reference 2945JP

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency. We use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs and are passionate about improving equality across the sector — you can read more about our commitment to diversity on our website.
We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you as the leading charity recruitment agency.

If enough applications are received, the charity reserves the right to close the application period early.
 

We are sector leading with our heritage, connections, and relationships. Our friends are superbly connected and ready to use their networks to help us. With a talented, hard-working team, we deliver amazing, creative and innovative fundraising events that have a huge capacity to inspire people.

We are looking for a strategic and relationship-driven Senior Philanthropy Manager (Events) to join our growing Philanthropy team. This role is pivotal in cultivating and deepening relationships with War Child’s philanthropic supporters, through the power of our high-value events.

Working in a fast-paced environment, you’ll bring deep expertise in the strategic role high-value events have for a philanthropic audience. With exceptional interpersonal skills, and a strong understanding of major donor fundraising you'll provide strategic input into the planning and donor experience of our high-value philanthropic events, ensuring these moments strengthen relationships and inspire giving.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced events fundraiser who has previous experience of working in a high-value team, with a passion for international development. You’ll join a high-performing, values-driven team at a time of exciting growth. You will shape the future of our high-value events programme and work closely with inspiring supporters, this role offers both influence and impact.

If you share our values and believe that children’s lives should not be torn apart by war, we want to hear from you.

Your role

As Senior Philanthropy Manager (Events), you will lead War Child’s high-value events programme, engaging high-net-worth supporters and Global Ambassadors to maximise income from major donors. You will focus on shaping and delivering the donor engagement strategy for high-value events, working collaboratively with colleagues to maximise fundraising impact. You will partner closely with the Ambassador & Advocate Manager, who is responsible for operational planning and delivery of events across War Child.

This role requires a strategic thinker who is comfortable building trusted relationships with high-net-worth individuals, C-Suite level executives, philanthropists and senior event volunteers and advisors, managing multiple priorities, and operating confidently in a high-profile environment.

Your responsibilities

• Lead the development of the philanthropy team’s high-value events portfolio, ensuring events are strategically designed to support cultivation and stewardship goals, including those hosted by Global Ambassadors.
• Advise the Head of Philanthropy on the development of War Child’s high-value events strategy, identifying opportunities to enhance impact and income.
• Work closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Philanthropy Lead to deliver income targets, contributing to wider team strategy and planning.
• Act as the team’s subject matter expert on high-value events, setting clear objectives and KPIs to measure success over time.
• Build and manage relationships with high-net-worth individuals involved in events, including event committees and advisory boards. Identify and progress prospects to develop long term, high-value relationships, progressing event attendees through the major donor pipeline.
• Represent the team at events, building relationships, identifying new opportunities, and ensuring a high-quality donor experience.
• Use Salesforce to provide donor insights and guidance on high value events, including guest list management, briefings evaluations, and development of data dashboards to inform future event strategy track attendee journeys, and assess long-term value.
• Working closely with the Research & Insights Manager, to produce high-quality, post event evaluations using an insights led approach to continuously improve philanthropic events.
• Ensure philanthropy messaging and donor experience at events reflect War Child’s values and impact.
• Collaborate across War Child UK and the War Child Alliance building strong internal working relationships that benefit the high-value events strategy.
• Engage senior leadership, trustees and key external stakeholders in high-value events where appropriate, providing briefings and strategic advice to maximise their effectiveness.
• Represent the Philanthropy function in cross-organisational projects, helping to shape strategic initiatives that strengthen philanthropic engagement and provide inspirational departmental leadership.
• Provide first-rate line management to the Philanthropy Assistant, modelling excellence in management that will result in line reports thriving in their role, with high standards of performance and behaviour.
• Monitor progress against income targets and contribute to accurate forecasting, reporting and budget planning.
• Contribute to organisational learning by capturing insights from event attendee interactions, staying up to date on sector trends and proactively identifying new opportunities.
• Champion best practice in fundraising, data protection, and donor care, ensuring compliance and ethical standards at all times.
• Always maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current activities of War Child and be an advocate of the War Child brand.
• Responsible for creating a culture committed to the safeguarding of children, and adults and compliant to War Child’s Safeguarding and PSEAH (Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Harassment) policies.
• ·We are committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace. All staff are expected to actively contribute to this by embedding principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into their day-to-day work, decision-making, and interactions with colleagues, partners, and supporters.

​These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the role.

You are

•  Confident, engaging high value events specialist and fundraiser with exceptional networking and interpersonal skills (for both internal and external audiences) who can inspire high net worth and high-profile individuals to support War Child’s mission
• ·Significant experience in a similar special events/high value events role, with a specialist knowledge of high net worth major donor fundraising ideally within an international development or humanitarian NGO so you can present War Child’s work with authority.
• Experience advising on and optimising high-value supporter engagement at events, with a strategic understanding of how to deepen relationships through tailored experiences and be confident working alongside high profile individuals and Ambassadors who support our events
• Able to work independently in a target led environment with a proven track record of delivering successful high value fundraising events that achieve results, delivering against targets (including securing six-figure targets) and income growth.
• An excellent communicator, confident in managing relationships at all levels, influencing and negotiating as well as writing compelling formal and informal communications.
• Strong experience of project leadership and organisation including critically evaluating activities to achieve strategic priorities and maximise their effectiveness.
• Able to understand and clearly articulate international development issues and trends including War Child’s vision, mission and values and present War Child’s work with authority.
• Organised and able to plan and prioritise to meet multiple deadlines in a fast paced environment.
• Flexible and committed to supporting high-profile donor engagement, including attendance at events in the evenings or on occasional weekends, as part of delivering a sector-leading fundraising programme.
• Experience in line management is desirable but not essential.
• Up to date knowledge of fundraising regulation, compliance and GDPR, and its implications for fundraising policy and practise. Experience of using a CRM database, such as Salesforce.

CUF wants to build flourishing communities and tackle poverty, by partnering with churches and groups all over England, and we are looking for a Philanthropy Manager to shape and grow a major gifts programme which has been identified as a key opportunity for growth. You’ll be working closely with our Head of Fundraising and Communications in a small team that values fundraising creativity, and has some great partnerships and resources for you to build on.

We’re seeking a motivated self-starter, with a track record of initiating, managing and developing relationships with high net worth individuals and grantmaking bodies, and securing 5 figure donations and grants.

You will find, and nurture relationships with, philanthropists and non-statutory grant-makers. Some of these will be existing donors, and warm prospects, and others you will identify by research (we’ll provide some administrative help). You’ll also engage with Trustees, and senior staff, to identify and nurture Christian philanthropists and grant body decision-makers within their spheres of influence.

You’ll develop cases for support and write funding applications (helped by the wider staff team) and will build a robust income pipeline based on relational asks, including in person. Stewardship is key, so we want a skilled communicator with great organisational skills. You’ll have a passion for local social action, and will thrive in our collaborative team culture.

How to apply

For an informal conversation about this role and for more information, please contact our Deputy CEO, Adam Edwards (please see job pack for details). 

To apply, please email an up-to-date CV and covering letter (we will only shortlist CV’s with a covering letter!) outlining your relevant skills and experience as relating to the responsibilities and person specification to: HR Officer (please see job pack for details).

Closing date: 5:00pm on Monday 1st June with interviews to be held on 16th June; whether online or in person to be confirmed.

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!

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.

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.

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!