Major donor manager jobs

Philanthropy Manager
Location: ZSL London Zoo, Regents Park, London NW1 - Hybrid
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Business Area: Enabling Functions and Professional Services

Purpose of the role

We are looking for a passionate and strategic Philanthropy Manager to help drive our mission to restore wildlife and create a world where wildlife thrives.  This role is focused on raising vital funds from individuals to support ZSL’s global ambition.  You will lead on engaging new and cultivating existing supporters, securing high-value and major gifts. As part of your stewardship and cultivation work, you will build deep, lasting relationships and grow a sustainable income stream that powers our global impact.

This is a hybrid role, with the expectation of spending two days a week in the office at a minimum, alongside attending occasional off-site meetings with donors and stakeholders.  As with many major gift roles, there may be some evening or weekend work to support events, donor visits, or special experiences.

Key responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy: Contribute to strategic planning to ensure a coordinated and donor-centric approach that maximises philanthropic support, in collaboration with the Head of Philanthropy.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: To manage and grow a personal portfolio of high-value and major donors, securing income from high-value and major gifts.

Prospect Research: Identifying and researching potential donors who align with the organisation's mission and goals, with support from the Prospect Researcher.

Proposal Writing and Donor Reporting: Craft compelling and personalised proposals and presentations to secure funding, and work closely with the wider fundraising and project delivery teams to produce high quality reports.

Event Management: Support the organisation and delivery of events to cultivate relationships with donors and prospects.

Financial accountability: Keep accurate records and handle accompanying gift administration and recognition.

About you

• Experienced fundraising and donor development professional within the charity or cultural sectors, with a proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts from individuals, trusts, foundations, and institutional partners.
• Confident in developing compelling proposals and presentations that engage and inspire individual philanthropists.
• Experience working with fundraising databases and donor management systems.
• A proven track record in working with senior volunteers in a fundraising context.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and ethical considerations.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship management skills.

About us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. 

What do we offer? 

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include: 

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct 
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you 
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays 
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme 
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops 
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle 
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work 
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages 

If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team

Closing Date: 6th April 2026

We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

The selection process will involve two stages:

First interview – held virtually via video call.
Second interview – held in person and will include a skills-based assessment.

We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

No agencies please.

Salary: £50,000 – £55,000
Contract: Permanent
Location: Twickenham, SW London (hybrid working)
Closing date: 23rd March 
Benefits: 30 Days annual leave bank holidays typically 5 closure days. Up to 12% Pension contribution. 

Are you a passionate major donor fundraiser who’s ready to change the future of UK healthcare? If so, we have the perfect Philanthropy Manager opportunity for you.

We are very excited to partner with St Mary’s University as they embark on a ground-breaking chapter: the launch of one of the UK’s first socially accountable medical schools, opening in 2026. With £3.6m already secured and a bold £20m campaign underway, this is a rare opportunity to join a mission-driven institution at a defining moment in its history — shaping a project with national significance and deep social purpose.

As Philanthropy Manager, you will play a pivotal role in growing the University’s major donor programme — securing transformational five? and six-figure gifts that will help tackle health inequalities and support the training of the next generation of socially conscious doctors. You will have direct access to influential stakeholders and an ambitious campaign board, making this is an exceptional platform for a proactive, entrepreneurial fundraiser who wants to make a measurable impact.

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

• A proven track record of securing major gifts (five or six figures) from individuals, trusts, or foundations
• Strategic creativity and the ability to translate organisational priorities into compelling cases for support
• Experience working with senior leaders and volunteers to secure philanthropic support

If you would like to discuss this role with us, please get in touch and quote the reference 2895JP

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. We 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 end the application period sooner.
 

About Us 

We are an independent, global organisation of investigators and campaigners using cutting edge investigative methods. We shine a light on the financial and political systems that enable corporate abuses of power that harm people and planet.

For over 30 years, Global Witness has pioneered an approach that merges bold investigations with determined campaigning to secure better protections for people and our planet. We’ve gone undercover to unmask the violence and secretive deals that underpin the “blood diamond” industry. Our data-driven analysis has tracked the flow of commodities across the globe. And we’ve sought out powerful testimonies that tell the story of environmental harm and repression first-hand.

With three decades of campaigning for a fair and just planet under our belt, we reframed our focus in 2020 to address humanity’s greatest challenge: the climate crisis.
 

The Role

The role will contribute to strengthening the campaign function by establishing effective project and program management systems, processes, and practices that enable timely delivery of work, strong collaboration, and accountability to donors. The role will oversee project and grant management across teams, ensure budgets and resources are managed effectively. The role will also provide management and support to team members, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and inclusion.

Main responsibilities include;

• Effective project management support to the campaign function 
• Manage resources 
• Team management 

Who we are looking for

• Significant experience as project manager
• Proven ability to establish organisation-wide project management systems and processes, aligned with finance and fundraising requirements.
• Demonstrable experience delivering and coordinating grant-funded projects, including multi-grant initiatives, to time and within budget.
• Strong track record in supporting off-track projects and bringing them back on course.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise, set boundaries, and manage multiple competing priorities.
• Experience in financial planning, budget management, and donor reporting.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with experience supporting partners in managing project resources.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including meeting facilitation and reporting for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in MS Project or similar project management software.
• Self-aware, reflective, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Shares our values and is committed to contributing to our diversity, equity and inclusion journey.
 

How to Apply

Please download the job pack attached above for the full details of the role.

Valued Recruitment is working exclusively with Global Witness to recruit for their growing team. We are an ethical recruitment company, intent on hiring inclusively and transparently.

The closing date for this role is Tuesday 14th April 2026.

To apply, we welcome a CV and 500 words which answers the following questions;

1. Can you share an example of when you developed or introduced a project management structure or tool for a team, project or organisation where people were time-poor, unfamiliar with the terminology, or sceptical of its value? What did you do to make it practical and useful? (250 words) 

2. What do you think needs to change in project management practice if organisations are to respond well to an increasingly uncertain and fast-changing world? (250 words) 

Accessibility is incredibly important to us here at Valued Recruitment and at Global Witness. If you would like any accessibility amendments or support throughout the application and interview stage, please don’t hesitate to let us know. No question or request is too big or too small. We want this process to be comfortable and enjoyable and a chance for you to bring your best self to the process.

Resonance is an artist-led community radio station supporting experimental arts and under-represented voices. We’re looking for a Development Manager to take ownership of fundraising activity and help secure the income that sustains this work.

This is a hands-on role focused on trusts & foundations, donor communications and impact reporting. You’ll develop and manage a pipeline of funding applications, translate creative activity into clear and compelling narratives for funders, and contribute to growing individual giving.

Working within a small team, you’ll be expected to take responsibility for defined areas of fundraising activity, manage your own workflow and see work through to completion. You’ll work independently day-to-day, while collaborating with the CEO on priorities, positioning and key opportunities.

The role will suit someone with experience of developing or contributing to funding applications, strong writing skills, and the ability to interpret artistic or community activity and communicate its value clearly to external audiences.

Resonance broadcasts 24/7 on FM, DAB and online, working with hundreds of volunteer broadcasters and artists each year. As an independent charity, our work is sustained through listener support and grant funding.

This is a 4-day per week role (0.8 FTE), offering a balance of autonomy, flexibility and meaningful work within a distinctive cultural organisation.

Location: Contracted to our Peterborough office with the flexibility for hybrid working
Contract Type: 12-month fixed term contract – maternity cover
Full time: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £36,000 - £42,000 depending on experience
Benefits: We want all our employees to feel valued and engaged and are committed to offering a positive working culture along with a good work-life balance. As well as ensuring we pay our employees fairly, we offer the following benefits: Flexible working, Generous annual leave, Private Medical Insurance, including dental and optical, Pension Scheme, Sick Pay, Death in Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Bike Loan Scheme, Cycle2Work Scheme, Eyecare, Discount Portal.

Closing date: Sunday 29 March 2026

Telephone interviews will be held week commencing 30 March and in-person interviews will be held in Peterborough week commencing 6 April 2026

No agencies please

Be a part of an energetic and vibrant team who are driven by the desire to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease.

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who thrives in a fast paced, ambitious environment. We want to prevent kidney disease from becoming a public health emergency and find better treatments for kidney patients sooner.

We are looking for a talented philanthropy manager who will be responsible for a portfolio of prospects and donors to build long lasting and highly engaged relationships. Working closely with the head of philanthropy and the major appeals manager you will play a key role in growing our income from major donors over the next 3-5 years by building a pipeline of new and existing donors and securing five and six-figure gifts.

This external facing role will manage our mid to high value prospects and donors and you will build personal relationships though understanding donor motivations, delivering tailored funding proposals and communications, and creating a bespoke donor journey with the aim of increasing their giving and connection to the cause.

We operate a hybrid, flexible working style and regular weekly office attendance is encouraged. The role is contracted to our Peterborough office. You will also be required to regularly attend external meetings and events.

If you are interested in the position, please complete the online application form and submit together with your CV.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

About Kidney Research UK:

Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease and for more than 60 years the research, we fund has been making an impact. But kidney disease is increasing as are the factors contributing to it, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, making our work more essential than ever.

At Kidney Research UK we work with clinicians and scientists across the UK, funding and facilitating research into all areas of kidney disease. We collaborate with partners across the public, private and third sectors to prevent kidney disease and drive innovation to transform treatments.
Over the last ten years we have invested more than £71 million into research. We lobby governments and decision makers to change policy and practice to ensure that the estimated 7.2 million people living with all stages of kidney disease in the UK have access to the most effective care and treatment, and to make kidney disease a priority.

Most importantly, we also work closely with patients, ensuring their voice is heard and is at the centre of everything we do, from deciding which research to invest in to how we plan our priorities and our work across the charity.

Those patient contributions are vital, always helping us and our partners to understand what life is like with kidney disease, always ensuring we see the patient behind the treatment and always reminding us that behind every statistic and every number is a person – the patients and the carers who inspire our mission and push us forward to make a difference and change the future of kidney disease.

You may have experience of the following: Philanthropy Manager, Partnerships Manager, Head of Philanthropy, Head of Partnerships, Fundraiser, Senior Fundraising Officer, Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, Major Gifts, Corporate Partnerships, Business Development Manager, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, NFP, Not for Profit, etc.

REF-227 011

Job Title: Fundraising Manager

Reporting: to Chief Executive

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part-time role, 32 hours a week

Benefits: 29 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays) pro rata, pension scheme contributions, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Location: Mostly home-working with regular visits to The Avenues, London W10.

Job purpose

· Forward-plan funding streams to ensure a smooth and regular flow of income that meets The Avenues’ budget (currently £1.2m p.a., much of which has been secured for the next 18 months).

· Develop existing and new relationships with funders to maximise immediate and long-term income for the organisation and its various projects.

· Write compelling proposals and applications that secure significant income from trusts and foundations, coordinating input from across The Avenues team.

· Research and identify new prospects from a diversity of sources with a view to securing medium and large grants for The Avenues.

Accountabilities and responsibilities

·  Identify and develop opportunities from a range of trusts, foundations and grant-making bodies.

· Draft, submit and manage the progress of all funding applications for The Avenues’ priority projects (approximately 30-40 applications per year).

· Develop fundraising proposal budgets in collaboration with Programme and Finance colleagues, ensuring needs are accurately costed and aligned with donor requirements.

· Work with colleagues to develop new project ideas that fit within The Avenues’ organisational goals and within budgets that meet funders’ criteria.

·  Handle the post-grant paperwork, notifying the team and updating our records.

· Develop and manage positive relationships with funders, including necessary communications with grants officers, potential major donors, corporate donors and community supporters.

· Manage the pipeline of applications and fundraising database; providing financial reporting and other management information to colleagues on a timely basis.

· Work with the Chief Executive, trustees and community volunteers to help organise our fundraising events (dinner-auction, party, quiz night, marathon). Assisting with the smooth-running of these events, including writing and producing communication materials.

·  Write the quarterly email newsletter for our supporter mailing list.

· Manage and optimise the charity’s CRM system (Beacon), ensuring fundraising contact data is accurate, well maintained, and used effectively.

· Perform other duties as required by the Chief Executive to the overall direction and running of the charity and develop productive relationships with external stakeholders.

Experience and skills

·  Excellent writing skills with the ability to write concise and creative bids.

· 3+ years’ proven track record in a fundraising position, with a focus on trusts/foundations and public sector income streams.  (Or, you may equally have experience in sales and marketing in a commercial environment.)

·  Skilled at budgeting and presenting financial information in easy-to-understand formats.

·  Relationship builder and collaborative worker.

·  A creative and proactive approach to problem-solving

·  High standard of software literacy (Office software, Mailchimp and internet).

·  Highly effective verbal communicator, able to build rapport quickly and engage a wide range of stakeholders with confidence and credibility.

·  Degree or equivalent relevant qualification

Personal attributes and attitudes

·  Self-motivated and hard-working.

·  Committed to improving youth services and the lives of disadvantaged children.

·  Excellent influencing and negotiation skills.

·  Able to tackle challenges constructively and creatively find ways forward.

·  Tactful and amiable, with the ability to communicate at all levels with a variety of donors.

·  Proactive and eager to learn, with a hands-on approach and willingness to take initiative and get stuck in where needed

END

Who we are:

Hope is here. The Global Returns Project (GRP) is a UK charity unlocking new philanthropy to deliver urgent solutions for our planet.

We are a fast-moving nonprofit that makes donations to high-impact nature and climate charities simple – and we don’t take any fees. We’ve already mobilised nearly £2 million for top environmental solutions and are working to unlock at least £30 million annually by the end of the decade.

We are growing quickly: Last year's annual fundraising was 50% higher than the previous year.

The problem: Charities protecting our planet can turn the tide on climate change and nature loss. They have the skills, strategies and networks to deliver fast and global impact. But less than 2% of philanthropy goes to climate mitigation.

Our solution: In the UK alone, around £2 trillion sits with “HNW+” individuals – those holding between £100k and £30 million. Yet traditional philanthropy largely overlooks them. We’re unlocking this funding by offering trusted, pro bono advice and a simple, portfolio approach to giving. Our expertise in UK wealth advice offers a unique path to scalability and systems-change.

What we are looking for:

Job Title: Philanthropy Lead

We’re looking for a confident, experienced fundraiser to lead major-gift fundraising — securing transformational gifts from high-net-worth individuals. This individual will also assist with building wealth-adviser relationships that generate referral leads. You’ll own the full pipeline: prospecting, cultivation, making direct asks, closing and stewardship.

The ideal candidate will be excited to cultivate networks of wealth managers, private-client teams and other advisers to HNWIs, and to convert adviser introductions into committed support. Importantly, you’ll also prospect independently for major gifts outside those referral streams.

To succeed you’ll master three distinct fundraising pitches: a business case for advisers; an impact case to persuade donors to support our portfolio charities; and a systems-change case to win backing for GRP’s operating costs (salaries, office costs, etc) to keep the charity running fee-free.

You’ll be comfortable making direct asks for funding, with evidence of having closed high-value gifts or multi-year commitments. You’ll be willing to roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with everyday cultivation tasks. You’ll thrive in a small team, taking initiative and juggling priorities. Crucially, you’ll care deeply about climate and nature.

Experience required:

Substantial experience in frontline major gifts fundraising (as a guide, likely 5+ years), or an exceptional track record in adjacent fields (private client advisory, philanthropy advisory, etc).

Please see the full job description attached for information on skills required and main duties and responsibilities.

Location: Centrally located, light and airy office on Regent Street, London. Minimum one day per week in the office. Approx. one day London/UK travel per week.

Benefits: 12.5 days’ annual leave (pro-rata), plus statutory bank holidays (pro-rata). Occasional 1–2 days’ additional paid leave over Christmas period. Flexible working.

Reports to: CEO

Preferred start date: 30 March 2026. Applications reviewed on rolling basis.

The Fundraising Manager will collaborate with colleagues to develop and implement BAWA’s fundraising and communications strategy, particularly acquiring donors and expanding BAWA’s reach globally. The Fundraising Manager will manage most of BAWA’s fundraising channels including grants and mass emails, and will cultivate relationships with donors and funding organizations.

Living and working in Bali is required in the first six months of employment. Subsequently, depending on the applicant's qualifications and experience, remote work with regular trips to Bali will be considered. 

While full-time employment is preferred, BAWA is open to part-time as well.

Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience. 

To apply: please send your CV, a cover letter that says why you are an excellent fit for the position, and contact information of three references.

Application deadline: 14 April 2026.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a strategy to increase BAWA’s income, in collaboration with colleagues

Conduct and/or oversee the following:

• Write and edit grant proposals

• Collaborate with colleagues to create email appeals and newsletters, including research, writing, and layout

• Cultivate relationships with individual donors and contacts at funding organizations

• Research and identify potential funding organizations

• Liaise with BAWA’s overseas support groups

• Write reports to funders on the use of grants, annual reports, and program reports

• Write updates for funding organizations and major donors

Additional Responsibilities

Conduct and/or oversee the following:

• Advise about social media strategy

• Analyze each mass email's open rate, click rate, etc., research best practices, and optimize BAWA’s mass emails

• Strengthen BAWA’s legacy giving program

• When appropriate, segment BAWA’s email list and send different versions of emails to different groups of supporters

• Maintain the donor database and produce reports

• Ensure donations are processed and donors are thanked promptly

• Fill other roles and complete tasks as needed

Qualifications

• Experience fundraising for animal protection organisation(s) is required

• Excellent writing skills, including writing in diverse styles and for diverse audiences

• Excellent administrative skills including organization and attention to detail

• Experience managing volunteers and/or staff

• Demonstrated ability to complete tasks within deadlines

• Demonstrated passion for animal welfare

• Experience fundraising for animal charities is strongly preferred

About BAWA:

Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) is a nonprofit organization registered in Indonesia and the US, and based in Bali.  BAWA’s vision is for all of Bali’s villages to be their own animal sanctuaries, where all beings are treated with compassion and respect. BAWA works every day to save, protect and improve the lives of all animals in Bali and beyond. 

BAWA provides numerous programs from humane dog population management and disease control to extensive education and advocacy programs for sustainable improvement in animal welfare. BAWA works directly to relieve the suffering of animals by providing emergency rescue, food and medication, and rehabilitation and adoption. These programs are supported by educational outreach to schools, universities and villages, as well as individuals.

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Individual Giving Manager to lead the growth and delivery of our Individual Giving Programme as we develop a nationwide movement for urban trees and tree equity across the UK. You'll take ownership of delivering our three‑year Individual Giving Strategy, shaping and delivering multi‑channel acquisition and retention campaigns that inspire thousands of people to support greener, healthier cities. 

Sitting within the Marketing, Communications & Individual Giving Team, you will oversee a portfolio of income streams including one‑off and regular giving, mid-level and major donors, payroll giving, in‑memory giving, challenge events, merchandise, and digital fundraising. You’ll bring a strategic, data‑driven approach to supporter engagement—paired with creativity, strong stewardship, and an enthusiasm for building meaningful donor relationships. 

You will also line‑manage our Senior Individual Giving Coordinator, ensuring exceptional data management, campaign management, stewardship and user journeys, segmentation and reporting across all activity. 

This is an exciting opportunity to make a major impact at a fast‑growing environmental charity committed to transforming urban spaces for present and future generations. 

ABOUT TREES FOR CITIES 

Trees for Cities is an ambitious, far-reaching organisation. 

Trees for Cities is the only UK charity dedicated to planting, protecting and promoting urban trees. We’re ambitious, fast‑growing, and community‑focused, working nationwide to create healthier, happier cities through nature. We’re passionate, bold, and collaborative—and we’re looking for people who share those values. 

ABOUT YOU 

We’re looking for a confident, proactive and organised fundraiser who is comfortable balancing strategy, creativity and data—someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is passionate about inspiring public support for urban trees. 

You will bring: 

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in individual giving 

• Experience in digital fundraising and multi‑channel supporter journeys 

• Excellent administrative, organisational and communication skills 

• Excellent stewardship of mid-level and major donors

• Experience producing fundraising content across digital and print 

• Strong understanding of donor stewardship and acquisition techniques 

• Knowledge of GDPR, Gift Aid and fundraising regulation 

• Confidence using CRM systems and data segmentation 

• Ability to plan, deliver and evaluate campaigns on time and on budget 

• Experience line‑managing or mentoring staff 

• A collaborative, positive working style and passion for the environment 

Trees for Cities is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. We value diversity and are committed to promoting diversity within the workplace. We aim to ensure that our employees achieve their full potential and that all employment decisions, including recruitment, are taken without reference to irrelevant or discriminatory criteria. A full copy of our Equal Opportunities Policy can be provided on request. 

We are working closely with a health charity to recruit an Interim position to start asap until the end of the year, as Head of Philanthropy & Community Fundraising you will steward existing fundraising, drive new opportunities, and deliver income growth.

The charity is at an exciting stage in its evolution, they are currently refreshing their five-year organisational strategy, this funding ground-breaking research and driving the charity to reach more women and girls through education and advocacy campaigns.

You will be joining a supportive, collaborative and fun team with a variety of skills and expertise. You will contribute to building a positive, values-based culture within the fundraising team and bring together new ideas and creative thinking, expert leadership and strong relationship building and negotiation skills to contribute to significant growth.

The charity are interviewing on a rolling basis so please apply asap.

The Company
The charity are dedicated to improving health through pioneering research and campaigns to support those who most need it. You would be joining a driven and enthusiastic work culture, offering some attractive benefits including pension, private health care, employee discount scheme and cycle to work scheme.

The Role
Lead and inspire a team of four (three direct reports), setting clear objectives and supporting professional development
Share leadership and management of the Development Advisory Group (with the Director of Fundraising).
Work closely with colleagues in fundraising, communications, and research to align activities and maximise impact.
Develop a strong pipeline of major donors
Manage relationships with a portfolio of major donors
Work with the Community Engagement Manager to ensure the growth of community fundraising and challenge events
Lead on the fundraising element of key major donor events through the year

The Candidate
Significant experience in a variety of fundraising incom streams including major donors, trusts, individual giving and community fundraising
Strong experience of relationship fundraising
A strong track record of growing major donor income, ideally at five and six figure level
Experience of leading fundraising events
Experience engaging and stewarding high net worth individuals and senior stakeholders
Experience of leading a team

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful and your details will not be held further but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

The Vacancy

We are looking for an entrepreneurial and proactive Partnerships Manager with a strong instinct for business development and a track record of turning opportunities into significant funding partnerships. You will be energised by identifying new prospects, opening doors and building relationships with trusts, foundations and corporate partners. Creative and strategic in your approach, you will be comfortable shaping compelling propositions and developing confident high seven figure funding asks that resonate with large philanthropic donors.

You will also be a mature, thoughtful and kind manager who can lead and develop a high performing team. We are looking for someone who can set ambitious targets, encourage initiative and create an environment where colleagues feel trusted, motivated and able to grow, while playing a central role in expanding and diversifying a major global funding portfolio.

JOB PURPOSE

The Partnerships Manager will be a key position within the fundraising team, managing key private donors and co-leading on developing and implementing a new business strategy focused on significantly increasing trust and foundation and corporate funders.

They will also be working with SLT members to put together strategic seven and eight figure grants and strategic plans to engage large global donors to support Start Network programming.

The Resource Mobilisation team works collaboratively with those in programmes to manage internal and external relationships, adopting a coordinated approach when it comes to donor management and reporting.

The Partnerships Manager, together with the Head of Resource Mobilisation, will set and deliver a strategy that maximises trust and foundation and corporate funding and set a clear path to bring in new donors and increase income substantially over the coming three years. Currently the funding portfolio you will be managing is over £30million from 13+ global donors. This means this role is personally responsible for engaging and retaining 60% of our donors. This role will set a strategy to increase income according to targets, maximise donors plus retain all key strategic donors through robust engagement plans. Beyond this, the person in post will line manage three with scope for growth in 2026. 

Additionally, across 2026-2028 and beyond they will lead on the development of an employee engagement offering with our corporates and corporate foundations in order to create a new avenue of unrestricted funding. 

Beyond this, we expect this role, to lead on behalf of the resource mobilization team key global events, particularly Skoll / Marmalade and Shift the Power. In collaboration with the Institutional Funding Manager they will also plan our activities London and NY Climate Weeks. They will set the plans and strategy for the organization to engage with these events and work with Directors, CEO, Heads of, and coordinate cross organisational plans for this together with our Head of Advocacy and Influence. 

Finally, this role will act as a key point of contact for the communications and advocacy teams and will need to make sure donor requirement and visibility will be taken into account across teams projects and strategies. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Increase new business from trusts and foundations and corporate funders

• Lead on the development of an innovative strategy together with the Head of Resource Mobilisation and Director of Business Development to identify and drive new business from trusts and foundations and corporates.
• Responsible for growing our funding from new geographical areas (focus on US and Asia) and sectors (Insurance) – and set a plan that will enable the diversification of our funding portfolio. 
• Oversee the development and implementation of an employee engagement offer in order to create a new avenue of unrestricted income and boost the interest of corporate donors.  
• Drive high quality prospecting of new potential funders across the organisation by working with and guiding heads of teams and the CEO strategically to engage with this task. 
• Oversee how the organisation engages strategically with large trusts and foundations and corporates (potential giving 7 and 8 figures).
• Co-lead on the planning of key global events with our external affairs team such as Climate Week (New York and London) and make sure we have a cross organisational strategic approach to these events. 
• Oversee the strategy to catalyse new relationships with middle sized trusts and foundations and corporates with a potential giving of 6 figures.
• Set a plan to attract more flexibility funding that can enable the organisation to catalyse key strategic projects that fall out of our programmes.
• Lead on developing positioning for corporate partnerships (insurance, finance, and tech industries), new areas of business for Start Network.
• Lead on the business planning process for the Trust and Foundations and Corporates Team.
• Manage large event budgets and make sure resources are used effectively.
• Work with programmes teams and colleagues to understand funding needs and develop creative ways to position and pitch areas of Start Network such as hubs, innovation etc.
• Work with programmes teams and finance team to drive and support the development of robust budgets and narrative proposals for large and medium sized asks.
• Attend and speak at key advocacy events, representing the resource mobilisation team as required, in order to meet donors and advocate for Start Network’s mission

Ensure high quality stewardship of current philanthropic donors

• Responsible for the overall stewardship of several high giving trusts and foundations (6, 7 & 8 figures).
• Oversee the development of quality reporting and updates for donors and make sure we have clear processes and systems for this to happen
• Responsible for making sure the resource mobilization team is creating informative and engaging updates across programmes for T&F and corporate donors.
• Work across teams to implement the insurance advisory group and make sure this group links back to resource mobilization strategies. 
• Work with heads of teams to develop an engaging agenda for the insurance advisory group, taking into account the function and work with finance team to ensure appropriate expenditure of grant. Oversee the development of complex donor budgets and make sure they are ready for CFOO and Director approval.
• Support grant management function and work with finance team to ensure appropriate expenditure of grants.
• Work closely with the communications team in order to set up a strategic comms plan that will enable the organisation to position itself as a trend setter in the humanitarian sector, particularly around our core areas of work. 

Influence externally

• Work with the Head of Resource Mobilisation and Director of Business Development to position Start Network strategically in global funding discussions.
• Engage key donors at strategic events and meetings.
• Work with the Head of Advocacy and External Affairs to coordinate advocacy messages for donors.
• Represent the organisation in key donor events globally, as required.
• Build knowledge and capacity within the organisation
• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in line with the Start Network Code of Conduct and with a commitment to safeguarding adults and children.
• A commitment to the Start Network vision, principles, values, and approach.
• The Start Network team is an agile group of individuals who use their experience and skills across the network, so flexibility to work in and with different teams and functions is a part of our culture.

Line Management

• To carry out effective line management of a team, including recruiting and training direct reports and having an active role in building an inclusive team culture in line with our values
• Oversee and manage high performing team.
• Coach and mentor team members, as appropriate, enabling them to fulfil their potential.
• Mentor hubs and in country fundraising manager, sharing and catalysing foundation and corporate opportunities for hubs.
• Ensure the organisation builds its capacity around donors’ compliance and policies.
• Deputise for the Head of Resource Mobilisation where required.
• Ensure all staff members in the Trust and Foundation and Corporate team have relevant objectives, targets and other KPI’s.
• Lead by example, building the team’s confidence, supporting them as appropriate and being a positive influence across the organisation.
• Drive a positive culture of fundraising within the Resource Mobilisation team and across Start Network.

Start Network Culture

• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in line with the Start Network Code of Conduct and with a commitment to safeguarding adults and children 
• A commitment to the Start Network vision, principles, values, and approach 
• The Start Network team is an agile group of individuals who use their experience and skills across the network, so flexibility to work in and with different teams and functions is a part of our culture. 

This role description is non-exhaustive and includes any other duties that may reasonably be required for the role. 

PERSON PROFILE

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• A well stablished fundraiser, with experience of developing relationships with a wide range of private funders (including 7-8 figure multi-year grants).
• A leader with management experience who can grow a team effectively.
• Good understanding the humanitarian sector  and key stakeholders and can represent Start Network accordingly in global external event.
• An experienced bid writer who can oversee the process of bids creation and can write them when required. 
• A person who is experienced in putting together multi million pound budgets, working across teams.
• An experience fundraiser who has managed large donors such as Gates, Hilton, IKEA.
• Experience in managing a £10m annual plus portfolio.
• Experience negotiating complex multi-million pound contracts.
• A confident speaker who can pitch and convince technical donors to fund our cause.
• A leader with experience in setting funding strategies and executing them
• Proactive and strong skills in business development, with experience of taking the lead on identifying and securing new funding opportunities.
• A creative eye, with skills and experience supporting and leading on the development and implementation of communications strategies for fundraising.
• An individual who is keen to be part of a smaller organisation, playing a significant role in furthering a collaborative fundraising culture, with the autonomy to try new approaches and build on existing relationships.
• A person who is target and output driven and is looking to set ambitious goals for themselves and the team and not afraid to try, fail and improve
• A fundraiser who enjoys working across complex proposals and donors requirements and is solutions focused

Desirable

• Experience in impact investment, insurance or blended finance 
• Masters in relevant subject such as international development, international relations, etc.
• Fluency in Spanish or French and other languages 

The Company

Start Network is made up of more than 90 non-governmental organisations across five continents, ranging from large international organisations to local and national NGOs. Our programmes allow members to deliver humanitarian action around the world.

Our mission is to create a new era of humanitarian action that will save even more lives. We aren’t driven by media headlines or political will, we’re here for the communities affected by and at risk of crises.

We are an organisation committed to doing things differently. For some roles, we need more technical humanitarian expertise, but for other roles, we are looking for relevant transferable skills, the right attitude, and a passion to bring change.

Are you passionate about children’s safety and have the skills and experience to excel in this role and help reclaim the internet for young people? We would love to hear from you!

Breck Foundation

Breck Foundation is at the forefront of efforts to safeguard children and young people online. Our organisation was founded in 2014 in response to the tragic loss of Breck Bednar, a 14-year-old boy who was groomed and murdered by someone he met online. Our work aims to prevent this from ever happening again. Our work saves lives.  We reach thousands of children and young people in schools and other community settings with Breck's story every year. Our talks and educational materials fill a gap in the current UK curriculum that otherwise leaves children vulnerable to online grooming and exploitation.

With 98% of young people now active internet users, current and future generations grow up having to navigate new and evolving digital dangers. We are committed to making the internet a place where children can live, play and thrive in safety. We are helping young people reclaim the internet.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Trusts and Grants Fundraiser to support the work of the Breck Foundation on a freelance basis.

This role is offered for approximately two days per week, providing flexibility alongside the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the development of our fundraising function.

If you are highly organised, detail-oriented, and confident managing competing deadlines - and motivated by making a real difference in keeping young people safe online - this could be an excellent opportunity.

Working closely with the CEO, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering our trusts and grants activity. The focus of the role will be on researching opportunities, developing a strong funding pipeline, and writing high-quality, compelling applications that clearly communicate our impact and vision.

This is a collaborative role, with the CEO leading on overall fundraising strategy and funder relationships. You will support the delivery of that strategy through bid writing, pipeline development, and contributing insight into funding opportunities and direction.

There is genuine potential for this role to grow over time, as part of our longer-term ambition to expand and strengthen a wider income generation function.

About you:

We are looking for someone who:

• Is motivated by purpose-driven work and wants to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people and families
• Is proactive, self-motivated, and confident working independently in a freelance capacity
• Enjoys problem-solving and managing a varied workload
• Has strong attention to detail and excellent persuasive writing skills
• Has experience securing income from trusts and foundations
• Shares our commitment to safeguarding and online safety education

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!

This is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to a charity with growing national reach and impact. Your work will directly support the delivery of life-saving education, innovative projects, and partnerships with schools, industry, and safeguarding professionals.

If you have a strong track record of securing income from trusts and foundations, along with the initiative, enthusiasm, and passion to support our mission, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the CEO to plan and prioritise trusts and grants activity, ensuring a focused and strategic pipeline of funding opportunities
• Research and identify suitable trust and grant funders aligned with the Foundation’s work and funding needs
• Write high-quality, compelling funding applications and proposals that clearly communicate impact, need, and outcomes
• Develop tailored content for applications, including adapting core messaging, case for support material, and project information
• Support the development and refinement of a clear and compelling Case for Support, working with colleagues to gather relevant data and stories
• Maintain and manage a pipeline of prospects, tracking application deadlines and progress
• Provide regular, concise updates to the CEO on pipeline activity, submitted bids, and upcoming opportunities
• Collaborate with the wider team to gather information required for strong applications (e.g. budgets, project plans, impact data)
• Ensure accurate record-keeping of applications and funder interactions on the CRM system, in line with GDPR requirements

Experiences:

• Proven experience in trusts and grants fundraising, or a similar income generation role
• Experience of working towards income targets and managing relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Demonstrable success in researching, writing, and securing funding through high-quality applications and proposals
• Experience of developing project budgets and presenting financial information to funders
• Experience of using a CRM system to manage pipelines, analyse data, and report on activity
• Experience of presenting to or engaging different audiences (desirable)
• A track record of securing high-value grants from trusts and foundations (desirable)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of effective supporter care, stewardship, and relationship management
• A genuine interest in online safety and safeguarding, with a commitment to the mission of the Breck Foundation
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce compelling, persuasive funding applications tailored to different audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with funders, partners, and colleagues with professionalism and sensitivity
• High attention to detail, with the ability to maintain accurate records and deliver work to a high standard
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a freelance capacity
• Confident in interpreting budgets, tracking income, and presenting financial information clearly
• Good IT skills, including experience with Microsoft Office and CRM systems
• Ability to work independently, using initiative to identify opportunities and solve problems
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively alongside a small, dedicated team
• Self-motivated, proactive, and driven to achieve results

Location: Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle or Leeds (Hybrid working - 40-60% of your time in the office)

1st stage interviews: 07/04 and 08/04

2nd stage interviews: 14/04

We’re looking for a dynamic Head of Philanthropy – North to lead high‑value fundraising and build powerful, strategic relationships that fuel The King’s Trust’s life‑changing work. You’ll drive £100k+ giving from individuals and charitable trusts, shaping a place‑based strategy that directly supports disadvantaged young people to thrive.

In this leadership role, you’ll cultivate a portfolio of prospects, inspire senior volunteers, and craft compelling, bespoke proposals that secure transformational, multi‑year support. Working collaboratively with colleagues across Fundraising, Operations and Finance, you’ll play a pivotal role in our 50th anniversary campaign and the continued growth of philanthropy across the region.

If you’re an exceptional relationship‑builder with a track record of securing major gifts, a strategic mindset, and the confidence to influence at the highest level, we’d love to hear from you. Bring your passion, creativity and drive, and help us create opportunities for young people who need them most.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Heads of Philanthropy? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of our Heads of Philanthropy!

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Location: Reading, Hybrid (twice a month to Reading office)
Hours: Full time
Salary: £41,344 per annum 
Contract Type: Permanent
Campaign Closes: 10th April 2026
Interviews: First stage interviews, WC 20th April. Second Stage interviews WC ​27th April.

On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible. 

Core Purpose
The Philanthropy Manager will play a critical role in Make-A-Wish UK’s growing Philanthropy team. You will be responsible for building meaningful relationships with high-net-worth individuals and Trusts and Foundations, increasing income, engagement and stewardship, with a focus on developing new relationships with funders. You will also drive key growth through leadership of the Small Trust Mailing and Philanthropy Mid-Value Programmes, utilising insights and best practice to implement new strategies and streamline ways of working.

Job requirements

Essential Criteria

• Experience in working within a Philanthropy Team, with proven success in securing multiple five figure gifts from both high-net-worth individuals and Trusts and Foundations
• Strong experience cultivating cold and/or new prospects and converting them into five figure + donors
• Experience conducting targeted prospect research, identifying new funders against a set criteria or proposition
• Demonstrable track record of creating and implementing successful, data-informed plans resulting in increased income
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, inspire and engage both internal and external stakeholders at a wide range of levels
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information in compelling ways tailored to different audiences
• Highly organised and demonstrated ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines within a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in using CRM systems (preferably Salesforce) to manage pipelines, analyse data, and generate reports
• Knowledge of UK fundraising regulation, ethics and trends affecting high-net-worth individuals and Trusts and Foundations fundraising
• Strong attention to detail, numeracy and analytical skills, with experience building financial proposals, income forecasts and donor investment cases

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience running high-value mailing programmes 
• Track-record of securing both restricted and unrestricted income 
• Previous experience recruiting and managing giving club members 
• Experience of working collaboratively with a Prospect Research function, sharing responsibilities and communicating effectively 
• Experience working in a rapidly growing team, managing organisational expectations and flexibly capitalising on emerging opportunities 

Job responsibilities

Relationship Management, Stewardship and New Business 

• Personally build and manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and Trust and Foundation prospects and donors, giving between £10,000-£50,000.
• Lead personalised and effective cultivation, asks, engagement and stewardship for your portfolio.
• Contribute to the development of compelling and attractive propositions to increase giving and/or recruit new high value supporters.
• Work effectively with internal and external influencers to engage supporters and create magical moments, bringing them closer to Make-A-Wish UK’s work.
• Manage donor agreements and grant terms and conditions, ensuring compliance and best practice.
• Work collaboratively with the Prospect Development Lead to identify new prospective funders, as well as conducting your own prospect research in line with agreed key priorities, sectors or themes.
• Ensure data is accurate and up to date on our CRM to support effective pipeline management and draw insights.

Strategy, Planning and Delivery of Mid-Level Programmes 

• Build on the design and implementation of a new personalised Philanthropy Mid-Value programme for supporters giving £1-£10K, with the aims of securing, retaining and growing support.
• Lead on enhancing the existing Small Trusts Mailing programme, effectively implementing streamlined processes to increase ROI.
• Collaborate with the Philanthropy Team, and other teams where needed, to forecast income, set targets, and manage your pipeline budget.
• Work closely with the Prospect Development Lead to draw insights, and implement these across the mid-value programmes.
• Continuously review programme success and efficiency, reporting on progress, identifying successes and learnings, as well as progress against KPIs and income targets.

Collaboration & Influence

• Champion a philanthropic mindset across Make-A-Wish UK, acting as an ambassador for the power and value of Major Donor and Trusts and Foundations fundraising.
• Work closely with other teams, including Finance, wishgranting, Insight and Innovation, and Brand Communications and Engagement, to build budgets, report on impact and cultivate, engage, ask and steward your portfolio.
• Act as an ambassador for Make-A-Wish UK at external events, such as high-level fundraising networks, sector forums and conferences.

Job benefits

• 26 days annual leave with the option to buy/sell annual leave (pro rata for part time)
• Paid Birthday leave
• Flexible & Hybrid working arrangements
• Salary exchange pension scheme 
• Paid volunteering days
• Pirkx subscription - Access to wellbeing support, GP appointments, training and events, retail discount platform, and much more!
• Cycle to work initiative