Major donor manager jobs

About Us 

Inspire is a charity based in East London. We inspire children and young people across London and beyond, using data to understand the barriers they face and connecting them with a range of employers and opportunities to open doors to their success. 

We have over 30 years of experience in delivering high quality services and programmes to children, young people, schools, local authorities and employers. Working alongside our large network of employer volunteers, we design and deliver programmes that inspire and support children and young people to create a positive future for themselves in their journey from the classroom to workplace.  We provide them with independent careers guidance, high aspirations and strong employability skills. 

The Opportunity 

Are you passionate and enthusiastic about advancing social mobility and ensuring all young people have access to the opportunities and inspiration they need to achieve their full potential? If so, this role is for you. 

We are seeking a Senior Business Development and Partnerships Manager to join us in a pivotal role in our Business Development Team. This is a new role for our charity that will make a significant contribution to delivery of our high quality services to children and young people, providing them with opportunities and inspiration to enable them to create a positive future for themselves and open doors to their success.

If you are self-motivated, enthusiastic and confident, with experience and a proven track record in successfully securing, managing and developing long term, five figure levels and above partnerships from initial prospect research through to contracting and ongoing management, then this role is for you. Working alongside our Director of Business Development and Partnerships, you will pro-actively manage business development activity, steward partnerships and raise funds for Inspire from a range of sources including corporate partnerships, community fundraising, trusts and foundations. 

Key responsibilities of the role include: 

1. Identifying and securing new business development opportunities in the corporate, trust and foundations sectors that align with our mission and objectives. 

2. Developing and maintaining a pipeline of prospects for new business opportunities, targeting five-figure level and above partnerships to deliver high-value, long-term partnerships and achieve financial targets and KPIs. 

3. Supporting creation and submission of funding applications to corporates, statutory bodies, trusts and foundations. 

4. Management and growth of Inspire's entry to mid-level corporate partnerships. 

5. Collaborate with colleagues to scale up existing, funded programmes and develop creative, dynamic and winning proposals. 

6. Supporting marketing and communications to promote Inspire and its programmes including development of marketing and social media materials. 

Benefits 

29 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays 

3 volunteering days per year 

Family friendly policies 

Hybrid working arrangements. 

If you have the skills and desire to join our team, please see our job description for further details. 

Inspire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.The successful candidate will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. 

Application process 

If you wish to apply for this role please provide your CV, a covering letter to demonstrate your skills and experience, and your answers to the following questions. Please keep your answers to a maximum of 250 words each: 

1. Strategic Partnerships: 

Describe a partnership you identified and secured that had a significant impact on your organisation’s growth. What was your strategy for engaging the partner and what measurable outcomes were achieved? 

2. Pipeline Strategy & Prioritisation: 

Highlight your experience in building a high performing pipeline that drives measurable income, how do you identify, evaluate, and prioritise new opportunities, markets, or partners? Please explain your decision making process — including the frameworks, criteria, and tools you use to qualify leads, assess commercial potential, and determine where to focus your efforts. 

Use of AI 

We use anonymised recruitment methods for shortlisting and do not use AI when reviewing applications or making hiring decisions. We understand some people may use AI when creating their application, however we value authenticity. Please ensure your application is an accurate, honest reflection of your own experience and skills - we want to get to know you during our recruitment process. 

Closing date 

While this application process has a closing date, we will review applications as we receive them and invite shortlisted applicants to interview on a rolling basis. We would therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as you are able. 

Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive we are unable to contact unsuccessful applications.

Job Introduction

The role is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding individual to join the Philanthropy and Partnerships team at Diabetes UK.  With more people living with diabetes and millions more at risk of developing Type 2, our work has never been more needed. You will lead on enhancing the infrastructure, data, research and operations that enable the philanthropy and partnerships team to deepen relationships, secure increased income and deliver an excellent supporter experience. You will ensure compliance with fundraising best practice, support implementation of improved CRM functionality and process improvements to enhance our efficiency and impact as a team and develop data driven prospect research strategies that align donors to key priority ambitions to deliver sustainable growth.

Role description:

In this role you will

• Oversee prospecting and data and information management that underpins all of the Philanthropy and Partnerships teams activities working closely with external partners and internal stakeholders.
• Create and implement innovative and data driven strategies for prospect research, moves management, partnership approval and pipeline development
• Evaluate and provide critical analysis of fundraising and prospecting activity to deliver actionable insight, process innovation and project management
• Create project management plans for funding our ambitions and critical pieces of philanthropy and partnerships operational work
• Line manage a prospect research function
• Actively engage with the wider philanthropy and partnerships team, other directorates and external audiences to maximise opportunities for collaboration and growth.  
   

The ideal candidate:

We are looking for a highly motivated professional who thrives on working in a fast-paced complex environment within a large team. You will need: 

• good knowledge and experience of CRM relationship management, prospect research, philanthropy and partnership fundraising
• demonstrable experience in information and data management, analysis and fundraising operations.
• an ability to work collaboratively with key internal stakeholders, to support the development of relationships between philanthropists, partners and Diabetes UK
• to be an excellent communicator, problem solver, highly accurate and analytical in your work with good project management skills
• to be able to interpret information and make strategic recommendations
• to be flexible, agile and able to adapt to respond to internal and external changes
• to possess a solid understanding of charity legislation, fundraising regulation, and data protection.

For further information about the role please refer to the job description at the end of the page.

About Action for ME

Action for ME is the only charity in the UK providing support, including healthcare, to people of all ages affected by ME. The charity was founded by Sue Finlay in 1987 and since then has been taking holistic approach so we can make an impact on multiple fronts - from amplifying the voices of people affected by ME in Government and leading on breakthrough research, to providing "lifeline" support and unique healthcare services on a daily basis.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), sometimes referred to and diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a chronic, fluctuating disease, causing symptoms such as post-exertional malaise (PEM), sleep problems, problems with thinking and memory (brain fog), pain and crushing fatigue. There are an estimated 1.3 million people living with ME or ME-like symptoms, including PEM, in the UK alone.

Even in its so-called mildest form, ME can have a significant impact on an individual’s life, and not just on their health. A lack of understanding and awareness about ME means patients can experience disbelief, and even discrimination, from friends, family, health and social care professionals, employers and teachers.

For the first time there is an increased awareness of post viral illness because of the Covid -19 pandemic. After decades of neglect this offers Action for ME an opportunity to accelerate our work for people with ME in a way we have never been able to do before.

Job Purpose

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to accelerate research and transform the lives of millions of people with ME and Long Covid. We are seeking a Business Development & Partnerships Manager for Sequence ME & Long Covid, a new research initiative designed to explore the root causes of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Long Covid using large-scale, long-read whole-genome sequencing.

By developing and delivering strategic partnerships and funding strategy, you will work as part of team committed to making change happen through whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 18,000 people, the largest ever WGS in the world of any disease.

Sequence ME & Long Covid aims to pinpoint potential targets for treatment and bring us closer to meaningful clinical advances.  Led by Action for ME, the partnership includes the University of Edinburgh, Oxford Nanopore Technology (who will provide the long-read technology), the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) and people with lived experience of ME, who have joined to seek funding for Sequence ME and Long Covid. Together, this multidisciplinary team brings world-class expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, co-production and ME research.

If you have experience of securing significant funding or investment for research, producing high quality communication materials and a commitment to coproduction and lived experience involvement in research or service design, we would like to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities   

Partnerships and Business Development

• Develop and deliver a business development strategy for the Sequence ME & Long Covid (SMELC) study to secure £6m funding for the first phase of scientific research (whole genome sequencing of 9,000 already secured samples from people with ME).

• Lead on high level applications for funding to high potential strategic partners and research funding partners. 

• Work with the current partnership to mobilise the study and ensure effective plans and governance are in place.

• Maintain and manage a pipeline of partnership opportunities.

Communications and Engagement

• Contribute to engagement and communications activities to market Sequence ME and Long Covid effectively. 

• Create materials to support effective engagement with potential and current partners.

• As part of business and partnership development, develop pitch decks and proposals tailored to different audiences.

• Support fundraising efforts by contributing to communications materials for philanthropy and major donor engagement.

• Ensure that people with lived experience remain at the heart of planning and delivery. 

Other Key Accountabilities

• To attend Action for ME meetings and courses as required.

• To work collaboratively with Action for ME and the study team colleagues across all teams.

• Keep up to date with the latest research, best practice and comply with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, working within the organisation’s policies and procedures and ensuring that good practice is observed at all times.

• Maintain confidentiality in line with relevant policy and procedure, ensuring data consent processes have been followed in relation to data protection.   

• Positively promote the work and activities of Action for ME at all times.

• Undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Line Manager or any member of the Management Team.

The full recruitment pack can be found on our recruitment website. 

You will be part of a warm, supportive and forward-thinking community dedicated to nurturing young people academically, emotionally and spiritually. Seeking an ambitious, relationship-driven Development Manager to lead and grow our fundraising, community engagement, and alumni relations activity across our family of schools. This is an exciting opportunity to join a values-led educational trust and play a strategic role in supporting life-changing bursaries, major development projects, and the flourishing of our parent and alumni communities. Working closely with the COO, Heads, Governors, and our dedicated volunteer networks, you will champion a culture of philanthropy, belonging, and long-term support for our schools.

As Development Manager, you will:
Lead the Fundraising Strategy - Design and deliver a long-term fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on bursaries and capital projects
Build and nurture relationships with donors and prospects
Develop a strong, sustainable donor pipeline
Monitor fundraising performance and share regular progress updates with senior leaders.
Line manage the Development Assistant
Grow Our Alumni & Parent Communities
Create a vibrant alumni programme shaped around events, storytelling, and engagement opportunities
Oversee alumni data management and ensure GDPR compliance
Coordinate high-quality alumni communications, reunions, and digital content
Support & Empower Volunteers
Act as the main liaison for parent-led groups, providing guidance and partnership
Support community events such as fairs, auctions, uniform sales and fundraising initiatives
Deliver Inspiring Communications & Events
Work with Marketing to champion development of stories across digital and print channels
Produce engaging content that demonstrates the impact of giving
Plan and deliver stewardship and cultivation events, including receptions, legacy gatherings and giving campaigns.
Oversee development administration, correspondence, databases, and budgets
Travel is required one day a week to their other site in surrey

About You
Proven success in fundraising, development, alumni relations or stakeholder engagement
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills
Strong written and verbal communication, including ability to create persuasive content
Experience managing multiple projects strategically and efficiently
Confident using CRM systems and working with donor/alumni data
Experience leading or mentoring staff
A proactive, collaborative approach with the ability to work independently
Experience working with senior leadership or major donors
Knowledge of GDPR and charity sector compliance
Understanding of donor stewardship, major gifts or planned giving

If this role is of interest, please apply ASAP with an up-to-date word version of your CV highlighting all your relevant experience. Please do feel free to get in contact to discuss this role in detail or if you have any queries.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Liberty is seeking an ambitious, values‑driven fundraiser to oversee and deliver our trust and foundation, legacy, and major giving fundraising. As the Fundraising Manager for Philanthropy, this role requires proven experience of building, sustaining and growing significant income from philanthropic sources.

Liberty is a small organisation, which punches above its weight. The Fundraising Manager will combine strong leadership with hands on day-to-day delivery. As a key member of the Management Team, the role will oversee a talented team comprising a Philanthropy Officer and two Grants Officers. You will combine strategic oversight with hands‑on delivery, shaping compelling funding propositions and building strong, lasting relationships with funders and supporters. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you will ensure our complex and multifaceted work is translated into inspirational cases for support that resonate with funders.

This is a critical role in a vital organisation. Success will see the maintenance and development of a diverse range of income generation streams, and Liberty being better able to achieve its mission of challenging injustice, defending freedom and campaigning to make sure everyone in the UK is treated fairly.

You will have a strong commitment to Liberty’s anti-oppression values and strategy.

Liberty fully embraces flexible working and is committed to employee development. We aim to encourage people from all backgrounds to work with us and are particularly interested in hearing from people from minority backgrounds and all socio-economic sections of society. Liberty supports hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week in the Westminster office.

The deadline for applications is 9am Monday 2 March 2026

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Please be aware that we do not accept CVs for this role. All applicants must complete the application form to apply.

First round interviews will be held online on Tuesday 17th March

Second round interview will be held in person on Tuesday 24th March

For more information and details on how to apply, please visit our website.

The Philanthropy Manager will develop a philanthropy strategy, building on the partnerships and resources already in place. You will develop a pipeline backed up by robust prospect research (some administrative assistance will be provided), and instigate a cultivation and stewardship programme, typically adopting a staged approach to major asks.

You will be accountable for the acquisition, development, and stewardship of high value supporters for CUF, both individual philanthropists and non-statutory grant-making bodies. You will develop and strengthen relationships with existing donors, as well as identifying warm prospects currently not supporting CUF financially. A key part of your role will be meeting and engaging major donor prospects to grow the pool.

You will engage with Trustees and senior leaders, to identify and nurture Christian philanthropists and grant body decision-makers within their spheres of influence.

You will lead on developing cases for support and writing grant applications, helped by the wider staff team.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter with high levels of motivation, and the ability to both develop and operationalise strategy as a member of a small team. You will have a track record of successfully initiating, managing and developing relationships with High-Net-Worth individuals and grantmaking bodies, and securing donations and grants, via proposals or through face-to-face meetings, as required. 

How to apply

To apply, please email an up-to-date CV and covering letter (please note that only CV’s accompanied with a covering letter will be considered for shortlisting) outlining your relevant skills and experience, relating to the listed responsibilities and person specification to:

Closing date: 17:00 Monday 2nd March 26, with interviews to be held on 10th March 26 online.

University of the Arts London (UAL) is looking for an experienced, confident and relationship-focussed full-time fundraiser to join as Partnerships Manager, to help build deep and meaningful relationships with corporate donors and prospective corporate donors who have the potential to transform the future and impact of UAL.

The Partnerships Manager will raise philanthropic income from new business and existing corporate partnerships to further innovative research, education, capital and student support and other UAL core priorities. The role is based within the Development & Alumni Relations team.

Applicants must apply via the University of the Arts London website, where full details of the role including the Job Description/Job Spec and benefits of working at the Univesity can be foundVacancy ID: 12262

Closing Date for applications: 20 March 2026  17:00 

Interview Date: 14 April 2026 

Our partner, a respected international development organisation, is seeking a qualified Finance Manager to lead the financial management and oversight of a large, multi-country donor-funded project. The postholder will ensure timely, accurate and compliant financial accounting, reporting, and donor compliance, while supporting strong financial management across the wider programme portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the financial management, planning and reporting of a multi-country project, ensuring transactions are accurate and compliant with donor and organisational requirements.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cost recovery and co-financing, and maintain up-to-date financial data in grant management and tracking systems.
• Prepare and deliver timely internal and donor financial reports, ensuring consistency between internal records and external submissions.
• Monitor project and portfolio expenditure, analysing variances and providing actionable insights to senior management and programme teams.
• Strengthen financial controls and compliance frameworks, including development of tools, manuals and checklists to ensure adherence to donor and internal policies.
• Support audits (donor and statutory), maintaining trackers for audit actions and disallowances, and ensuring audit readiness.
• Review and approve partner budgets, sub-grant agreements and financial reports, ensuring compliance with donor terms and promoting financial capacity building.
• Provide technical support and training to field teams and partners on donor regulations, financial management, procurement and reporting standards.
• Collaborate with programme teams to align financial management with programme delivery and results.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial systems and processes across the organisation.
• Occasional international travel may be required (approx. 1–2 trips per year).

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with experience managing finances for complex, large-scale donor-funded projects; experience working with UN Agencies and the World Bank is highly desirable.
• Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, grant management and donor reporting; familiarity with institutional donor requirements highly desirable.
• Proven experience in financial controls, audit preparation, and compliance for multi-grant, multi-country programmes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills; able to build effective relationships across diverse teams and cultures.
• Proficient in Excel and financial systems, with strong numeracy and attention to detail.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities effectively.

This is a London-based role with hybrid working (minimum two days per week in the office). Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Institutional Donor Manager

Salary: £42,850–£47,130 per year
Location: London – hybrid (three days a week in the office)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: 9-day fortnight

This role offers the chance to shape and grow an international organisation’s institutional funding portfolio at a pivotal moment in its mission to accelerate climate action. You will build relationships with major donors, lead the development of high-value proposals, and help secure the support needed to deliver programmes that reduce global emissions. If you enjoy turning ideas into fundable projects and working collaboratively across teams, this role will give you scope to make a real impact.

The role
You will develop and manage relationships with government agencies and foundations, identifying opportunities that align with organisational strategy. You’ll lead the full proposal process — from shaping concepts and coordinating colleagues to writing persuasive six- and seven-figure bids.
You will also manage a diverse funding pipeline, support high-quality donor reporting, and help strengthen internal processes that support donor compliance and bid development.

What we’re looking for

• Significant experience securing institutional or government funding
• Strong understanding of European institutional donors
• Excellent bid-writing ability and clear, confident communication
• Strong numeracy and ability to design and interpret complex budgets
• Good understanding of monitoring and evaluation approaches
• A collaborative, organised and solutions-focused approach

What we offer

• Permanent role with a 9-day fortnight working pattern
• 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays and three additional Christmas closure days
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Health cash plan and private medical insurance (after probation)
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Monthly wellbeing allowance and Headspace membership
• Paid volunteering leave, moving-house leave and life assurance
• E-bike and bike loan schemes, and season-ticket loans
• Learning and development opportunities

Our commitment
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – High Value Events Manager
Location:Hybrid working with some travel to Hearing Dogs offices in either Buckinghamshire or East Yorkshire.
Salary: £40,000 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, whose mission is build confidence, companionship and connection for people with hearing loss, is seeking a High Value Events Manager to help create inclusive, inspiring and impactful high-value event experiences that deepen relationships and generate transformational philanthropic support for the charity.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has been creating life-changing partnerships between hearing dogs and deaf recipients since 1982. As well as acting as an ear to their partners and alerting them to sounds, the charity’s clever and expertly trained dogs help deaf people to live life with confidence and independence, whilst providing love and emotional support.

Following on from a strategic review, the charity is now building a new Income Generation Directorate, to enable them to transform many more lives across the UK. This role will be critical to help Hearing Dogs reach their goals to significantly grow and diversify income.

This role will be part of a newly built High Value Events function and will develop, manage and deliver a portfolio of high‑value engagement and fundraising events that advance the charity’s strategic priorities and long‑term sustainability. Working closely with the High Value Event Team Manager and collaborating across Income Generation and wider teams, the postholder will create values‑led, relationship‑driven events that celebrate impact, inspire generosity and deepen connections with major donors, trusts, foundations, corporate partners and senior volunteers. They will ensure each event is thoughtfully planned, mission‑focused, inclusive and delivers strong return on investment, while strengthening long‑term philanthropic commitment to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s life‑changing work.

This role requires a proven track record in planning and delivering high‑value fundraising or engagement events generating £100k+, alongside experience working with major donors, high‑net‑worth individuals, committees and senior stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring strong stewardship‑led fundraising expertise, excellent relationship management skills and a history of meeting income targets while maximising return on investment. Outstanding organisation, project management and communication abilities are essential, as is the confidence to engage and influence high‑profile supporters. Personally, the postholder will be a collaborative, inclusive and proactive team player with strong interpersonal skills, a creative and solutions‑focused mindset, and a genuine passion for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s mission, able to communicate impact in a compelling and inspiring way.

This is an exciting opportunity to help an organisation which is changing people’s lives every day, and where you have the flexibility of working remotely or spending time at Hearing Dogs’ stunning bases in Buckinghamshire or Yorkshire, with friendly and passionate staff and their four-legged friends.

If you want to lead the pack and help deaf people live well with hearing loss Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 9th March, 9.00 am. 

Harris Hill are delighted to be working with a fantastic charity to recruit for the Relationship Manager in order to help manage various diverse and exciting accounts within the charity.

In this key position, you will manage a diverse portfolio of high-value donors and collective fund accounts, overseeing financial administration, client communications, and compliance. You’ll play a crucial role in ensuring funds are distributed efficiently and effectively to charities and social enterprises worldwide.

As a Relationship Manager you will:

• Manage and nurture relationships with High-Net-Worth donors and collective fund clients.
• Administer client finances including bookkeeping, reconciliation, cash flow, payments, and donation reporting.
• Ensure compliance with UK charity law and regulatory requirements.
• Liaise with clients, intermediaries, grantees, and third-party service providers.
• Support external communications, events, and networking to grow the organisation’s profile.
• Maintain office systems and provide administrative support as needed.

 

To be successful, you must have experience:

• Experienced in delivering exceptional service to HNW/UHNW individuals, with a genuine passion for philanthropy.
• Knowledgeable about the charity sector and grant making processes.
• Detail oriented with strong analytical and compliance skills.
• An excellent communicator, confident in both verbal and written forms.
• Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office and comfortable working with sensitive data.
• A collaborative team player with a positive attitude and eagerness to learn.

Salary: Starting salary £35,000- £40,000

Contract type:Full-time, permanent

Location- London, hybrid working

Closing date: On rolling basis

Interview: TBC

Recruitment process: Cv and Supporting Statement to

If this sounds like you, then please do get in touch ASAP!

Unfortunately, due to resource capacity, we will only contact candidates that are shortlisted for interview. Therefore if you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of the closing date please note your application has been unsuccessful.

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

Job Title: Supporter Relations Executive

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week with occasional evenings and weekends

Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 FTE per annum depending on experience (includes London weighting)

Location: Coram Campus, Bloomsbury, London, hybrid working

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About the role

Coram has been growing its investment in Individual Giving (IG) for several years, has a loyal and very generous supporter base and an ambition to see this grow and develop further by embracing new ideas.

We are now seeking a highly motivated individual to join the team to support the day-to-day operations managed by the Supporter Relations Manager to support them in engaging and inspiring existing supporters and recruiting new supporters to grow income - specifically in the areas of mid-value and legacies. At the same time, we are developing a major donor programme to engage those generous individuals capable of giving at higher levels, and the Supporter Relations executive’s role will also provide support both these elements of our fundraising.

This role would be an ideal opportunity for someone to develop their fundraising skills in high value individual giving and effective stewardship of donors. Areas of work will include supporting on appeals, bespoke proposals, e-newsletters, events and ensuring accurate records on supporters (using Raiser’s Edge database).

This is a hybrid working role with three days a week office based.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing Date: Time: 3rd March 2026

Interview Date: 9th/10th March 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

We are looking for a skilled and energetic Fundraiser to lead revenue generation at this outstanding, award-winning, international charity. Working alongside the Director, there is exceptional scope for securing the support of high net-worth individuals, regular givers and Trusts and Foundations. This is a new post and you will have an important role in shaping the future of HYT.

Please see attached the full job description below.

Job Purpose

This role sits at the heart of Operation Smile UK’s five-year strategy to deliver transformational growth across all income streams. As Retention Fundraising Lead, you will be instrumental in delivering on three of the four core strategic priorities:

1. Build Regular Giving – retain and maximise value from the regular giving base

2. Drive All Donors to Legacy – ensure donors experience best-in-class stewardship, increasing their loyalty to the charity with an objective of feeding into legacy and long-term giving goals.

3. Maximise Growth Through Digital Fundraising Integration – leading the expansion and optimisation of digital growth for all existing supporters.

The Retention Lead is responsible for delivering Operation Smile UK’s strategic individual giving retention and legacy marketing programme. This role is key to driving income growth from our existing donors from the point of recruitment, maximising value and minimising attrition from the regular giving pool and generating and retaining legacy actions and prospects.

You will lead on the strategy, planning, delivery and evaluation of retention campaigns, with full accountability for managing significant budgets, agency partnerships and performance metrics.

You will support the development of the Legacy strategy, be instrumental in planning legacy activity and delivering legacy marketing for the existing supporter base across all income streams and methods of support, from Partnerships, Volunteers and public fundraisers.

This is a senior, hands-on role suited to an experienced Individual giving fundraiser with strong commercial acumen and a data-driven mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Campaign Leadership

• Develop and implement the retention strategy, aligned with income targets and supporter growth objectives.
• Lead on the planning and delivery of campaigns across cash, donor stewardship, legacy prospecting and stewardship, welcome, conversion, reactivation and upgrade appeals.
• Lead on strategic development of the cultivation journey to ensure Operation Smile maximise growth through digital channels.
• Monitor and report on campaign performance, providing insight-driven recommendations to optimise results.
• Drive testing and innovation to expand existing approaches and introduce new ones within acceptable risk and return parameters.

Budget Ownership & Performance Monitoring

• Take full responsibility for retention and legacy budget management, income forecasting and cost control.
• Set, monitor, and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting against ROI, value and response, retention and conversion metrics and long-term value across all supporter groups channels.
• Collaborate with the Senior Database Manager and the Director of Data and Technology to develop and maintain performance dashboards (e.g., Power BI) and support strategic data analysis, including both short term and long-term channel performance evaluation.

Line Management

• Provide day-to-day leadership and support to the Retention team, ensuring clarity of objectives, effective workload management, and professional development opportunities.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, annual appraisals, and performance reviews for direct reports, supporting their growth and accountability.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture, encouraging innovation, learning, and high standards of delivery.
• Provide strategic and operational direction to external agencies or freelancers working on retention projects.

Agency & Partner Management

• Manage day-to-day relationships with external fundraising and creative partners.
• Lead on the relationship with the external fulfilment agency working with multiple internal stakeholders to ensure an effective partnership is in place.
• Lead briefings, content sourcing, agent training, stakeholder approvals, and quality assurance processes.
• Negotiate contracts and hold suppliers accountable for delivery and performance.

Cross-Team and Market Integration

• Represent the retention and legacy programme in cross-functional planning meetings and contribute to a unified team culture focused on strategic delivery.
• Work closely with the Acquisition and Digital lead to deliver a seamless supporter journey from point of recruitment to donor communications.
• Work closely with the Philanthropy Manager to develop and manage the pipeline of HV/Major donors.
• Work closely with the Legacy administrator, Philanthropy Manager and Volunteer Manager to develop the legacy pipeline.
• Work closely to ensure all digital communications are aligned and support the retention strategy
• Act as a key liaison with colleagues across Operation Smile global markets, sharing insights and exploring opportunities to align strategy, co-develop creative, or pilot cross-market initiatives.

Compliance, Risk & Best Practice

• Ensure all campaigns meet legal, ethical and data protection requirements (e.g., GDPR, Fundraising Regulator).
• Act as a key contributor to organisational risk assessments relating to income performance and supplier performance.
• Keep up to date with sector trends, innovations and benchmarks to maintain best practice.

 

Person specification

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience (ideally 5+ years) in Individual Giving, Legacy or fundraising acquisition roles.
• Proven success delivering multi-channel (including digital) retention campaigns for both cash, legacy and regular giving donors with strong ROI.
• Experience managing external agencies and suppliers to high performance standards.
• Strong background in regular giving retention.
• Demonstrable experience managing and reporting on retention budgets.

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with excellent campaign planning and execution skills.
• Highly numerate and confident using data for decision-making and optimisation.
• Strong project and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proactive, self-starting approach with high levels of ownership and accountability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to represent the organisation externally.

Desirable

• Understanding of retention and supporter journey optimisation.
• Familiarity with CRM, Dot digital and data system Donorfy.
• Experience with Power BI or other reporting tools.

First-round interviews are set for the week of 9th March 2026. We strongly encourage early applications.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation. 

We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.