Major gifts and special events officer jobs

The Philanthropy team at Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) is responsible for securing donations from individual major donors, grant-making trusts and foundations. The role of Philanthropy Officer is key to the success of the Philanthropy team, working closely with other team members and stakeholders across ARUK.

At the heart of the Philanthropy team is our desire to help our supporters change the world, in a way that is meaningful and exciting to them.

We work with a growing portfolio of individual donors and charitable trusts, getting to know them - through meetings, events, lab tours, reporting on the impact of their donations and regular touchpoints - so that we can match their philanthropic goals to our research initiatives. We work hard to provide bespoke stewardship, build relationships, and impart scientific information to promote ARUK and give donors the best possible experience of working with us.

By nurturing these relationships, we gain long-term meaningful support from donors and their networks, and as a result can secure significant donations which range all the way up to eight figures.

We are looking for an articulate, proactive and people-orientated individual to join our highly successful team. The ideal candidate will have strong relationship management skills, a high degree of emotional intelligence, and will be an ambitious self-starter.

We are seeking someone who understands the importance of investing in dementia research and can convey that with passion to our supporters. In return, we can offer an exciting, supportive working environment and the opportunity to join a small major gifts team that punches well above its weight.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

Relationship building and income generation

· Build relationships with a portfolio of current and prospective major donors and charitable trusts, gauging their level of interest in our work, providing them with opportunities to engage with ARUK, and encouraging them to invest in our research.

· Develop an engagement plan for each relationship, taking full ownership and moving each donor / trust forward through qualification, solicitation and stewardship.

· Fundraise for different aspects of ARUK’s work, including key research initiatives such as the Drug Discovery Alliance.

· Think ambitiously and creatively in producing compelling and persuasive written communications for donors, including letters, proposals, applications and progress reports.

· Solicit donors for gifts at face-to-face meetings, where appropriate.

· Provide an exceptional level of stewardship to donors, ensuring they are thanked and updated and that their relationship with ARUK grows in depth and value.

· Think innovatively and support the team’s goal to embed the use of digital in our work.

· Work with senior volunteers and senior staff, where appropriate, empowering them to open their networks and ask for support.

· Build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues in the Science Communications, Media and Engagement, Research and Finance teams.

CRM

· Ensure donor records are kept up-to-date through daily use of Salesforce.

· Use Salesforce to track income and activity, and as a planning tool.

Events

· Support the Donor Relations Manager in planning bespoke events / lab tours for our supporters, by providing guest lists, communicating with invitees and updating Salesforce records.

· Represent ARUK at Philanthropy team events, and at other ARUK events where major donors or the representatives of charitable trusts may be attending.

What we are looking for:

· Experience gained working in a major gift fundraising or client relationship management role

· Demonstrable experience of developing long-term / strategic relationships

· Demonstrable experience of developing / influencing relationships through face-to-face conversations

· Demonstrable experience of working effectively without close supervision

· Ability to communicate with, and enthuse, a wide variety of people in a compelling, professional manner

· Exceptional listening skills

· Strong writing skills with the ability to write persuasively for a range of audiences

· Ability to absorb and process new information quickly

· Ability to grasp complex scientific concepts to a reasonable level (ie. well-informed lay person)

· Ability to plan, prioritise and set goals, and to follow through each piece of work to completion

· Ability to work collaboratively and see the bigger organisational picture

· An understanding of the principles of major gifts fundraising

· Excellent IT skills, including strong working knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel and Powerpoint

· High levels of emotional intelligence

· Genuine interest in people

· Curious and creative, enjoys investigating and solving problems

· Driven and highly proactive - adept at spotting opportunities and maximizing them

· Feels strongly that dementia research is valuable and vital

· Confident and personable

· Diplomatic and discreet; has integrity

· Belief in the importance of striving for excellence

· Flexible approach, with willingness to undertake occasional evening work

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £32,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 6th July 2025, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.

We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

In addition, we were also shortlisted for a special award recognising the work undertaken on reducing our environmental impact.

In 2021, we were awarded the HR Management award by The Charity Times for our Wellbeing initiatives throughout the pandemic.

In 2020, we demonstrated our commitment to changing the way we think and act about mental health in the workplace and signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge. 

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK

Please note that all aplications must be made through our website. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered.

Location: RSPCA Chesterfield Animal Centre, Chesterfield, S41 0HL (with potential for hybrid working from home up to two days per week)
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday. Other flexible working arrangements that meet the operational needs of the Branch may be considered. Occasional overtime and/or weekend and Public Holiday working may be required, and this may be outside of normal working hours.
Job type: Full Time – Permanent
Closing date: Interviews will be carried out on a rolling basis as applications are reviewed and we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time

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We are looking for a special person to undertake an exciting new role within our passionate team of people dedicated to transforming the lives of animals in need. 

You will be responsible for the successful expansion of our existing income streams in line with our fundraising strategy and nurturing successful, long-term relationships with our supporters, donors and key stakeholders. 

Key to the success of the role will be the ability to identify development opportunities for our individual giving, legacy giving, grant funding and corporate donor programs as well as opportunities for special appeals to maximise our exposure throughout our whole catchment area. 

The role will work closely with other members of the established team to utilise the potential of our Community Fundraising Volunteers and Content Creator Volunteers identifying opportunities for them to maximise their contribution to the Branch’s activities and ensuring their efforts are recognised appropriately. 

Your existing communication skills will be put to good use acting as an ambassador for the charity, representing us at key events as well as reporting performance to the Board of Trustees. 

This role is pivotal to ensuring the successful operation of the charity into the future and provides a chance to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of animals in need. There is potential to develop the role and shape the future direction of our fundraising activities.

Based at our newly rebuilt animal centre in Chesterfield but with scope also for hybrid working, you will have the opportunity to see our animal rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming work in day-to-day action. 

So, if you have the vision and experience to help us unlock new income streams to drive growth and together with the desire to make a real difference to the lives of animals and the people who care for them then we would love to hear from you.

Further details of the role and requirements are available in the Job Description and Person Specification that form part of the application pack on our website job vacancies page.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Technical Project Lead to manage and collaborate with an external development/implementation partner and coordinate the smooth adoption of Salesforce within the Charity.  This critical role will be responsible for the full project lifecycle, from planning and requirements gathering to execution, testing, training, and post-implementation support. You will be the central point of contact for all project stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration throughout the project.

 Main Responsibilities

• Work with the Director or Finance & Operations (DFO)  to invite tenders for and engage a development / implementation partner to support the adoption of this phase of Salesforce implementation
• Work with the development/implementation partner to develop detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation. Manage the execution of these plans, tracking progress, and ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Coordinate with the implementation partner to gather and document business requirements from relevant team members to translate these into technical specifications.
• Lead and motivate key stakeholders including the implementation partner and end-users. Foster a collaborative environment and ensure effective communication between team members.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all project stakeholders, providing regular updates on project status, risks, and issues. Manage stakeholder expectations and ensure their buy-in throughout the project.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate potential project risks. Develop contingency plans to address unforeseen challenges and ensure project success.
• Define and implement quality assurance processes to ensure the delivered Salesforce solution meets business requirements and is free of defects. Oversee testing activities and ensure proper documentation of test results.
• Develop and execute change management plans to ensure smooth user adoption of the new Salesforce solution. Provide training and support to end-users.
• Manage project budgets effectively, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, requirements documents, technical specifications, test plans, and user manuals.
• Providing updates against outcomes / budget to the Director of Development (Grants/Major Gifts) to enable rigorous, timely feedback to the project funder.

 Person specification 

• Proven experience (three years minimum) of leading digital transformation projects, with a strong focus on Salesforce implementations and customisations and a strong record of success.
• Deep understanding of Salesforce platform capabilities.
• Excellent project management skills, including budget and stakeholder management.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.  
• Ability to manage, coordinate and get buy-in from technically inexperienced team members.
• Experience with data migration and integration is a plus.
• An understanding of safeguarding data, confidentiality, safe working practices and GDPR compliance.
• Knowledge of appropriate project management frameworks (agile, waterfall) to set project scope, meeting key milestones and budget constraints
• An understanding of equal opportunities issues and a commitment to diversity.
• Commitment to Create, its activities and mission.

Terms & Conditions

• This is a part-time (0.6 FTE), fixed term contract for one year, with a review to extend at the end of that term.
• This role is based in London.
• Salary: £45,000 per annum pro rata (0.6 FTE).
• Holiday: 25 days (including 3 faith days*) + 8 Public Holidays pro rata.
• A beautiful office based in the City of London. Hybrid working is available following induction period.
• 21-hour week: standard office hours are 9.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday with an hour for lunch. Work outside these hours is required on occasions.
• The opportunity to visit projects and Showcase events.
• As part of Create’s Green Action Plan, the charity offers the Cycle to Work scheme. T&C Apply.
• In line with Create’s Safeguarding Policy, all staff are required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which Create will carry out upon appointment.

*  Create closes the office over the Christmas period. For staff members who celebrate other faith days, however, the charity is happy to discuss alternative dates.

Create is committed to a policy of equal opportunities embracing diversity in all areas of activity and positively welcomes applications from disabled people and people of all ethnicities.

Position: Data Operations Manager (Technology/IT)
Hours: Full-time (35 hours a week)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Office-based in London, with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: Starting from £35,825 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 2, Profession/Technical
*you’ll start at our entry point salary of £35,825 per annum, increasing to £38,065 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £40,304 after a further 6 months.

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

This year, we’ve embarked on a bold, strategic initiative to enhance our data capabilities.

We’re aiming to improve our data use, integration and analytics to increase engagement, maximise impact and drive forward our strategic goals. With a key focus on: effective and efficient operations; collaboration; and continuous improvement in our Technology, Strategy and Business Intelligence teams.

To achieve this ambition, we’ve developed a new technology infrastructure which we are calling “Sage”. We’re implementing new technology infrastructure this year (such as our new CRM system and suite of data tools – Microsoft Dynamics).

We will be taking a structured and phased approach to transitioning and embedding our new team structures, infrastructure and ways of working as part of Phase 2 of this Project.

Our Data Operations Managers sit within Product and Systems Management team.

Our Data Operations Managers have a key role in ensuring our end to end processes are working through our central CRM system. These processes include the processing of our income through the system such as Gift Aid, regular giving and special events, Direct Debits.

This role also ensures our end to end data flows are fit for purpose and that data within it are clean, accessible and available.

This role is responsible for:

• Custodian of our CRM data and responsible for major data import/export into the system including data validation, de-duplication, cleansing and fixing of data throughout the multiple data systems.
• Responsible for the curation and management of import and export routines of key fundraising data using appropriate tools.
• Responsible for forming and managing how the functions work within the Organisation to build key relationships with key data users to ensure data is correctly ingested
• Responsible for defining and setting standards and principles of data use in the system and fully enforcing these principles across the Organisation and to suppliers.
• Maintenance of legacy systems and processes where necessary

For this role we’re looking for:

• SQL (SSIS, SSRS) knowledge
• Knowledge of Dynamics CRM 365 and associated technology
• Working knowledge of KingswaySoft
• Knowledge of deduplication techniques
• Proven data management skills and experience

Closing date for applications: 9:00am on Monday 14 July 2025

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.