Major gifts manager jobs

Are you passionate about building meaningful relationships and creating lasting impact through philanthropy? The University of Strathclyde is seeking a dynamic and experienced Donor Experience and Legacies Officer to lead stewardship and engagement for our major donors, scholarship supporters, and legacy pledgers.

This is a unique opportunity to shape donor journeys across multiple giving areas - from transformative scholarships and legacy gifts to major donations supporting research and teaching. You’ll work closely with inspiring students, academics, and colleagues across the University to deliver compelling donor communications, events, and impact reports that celebrate generosity and deepen engagement.

Brief Outline of Job:

To lead and deliver donor stewardship and engagement strategies for major gifts (donor gifts of £100k+), scholarships (UG and PG), and legacy giving. This includes creating compelling donor communications, managing cultivation events, and developing stewardship plans that support repeat giving and long-term relationships.

Major Gifts: Support the cultivation and stewardship of donors giving £100k–£1M+, including designing and delivering bespoke impact reports for major donors, organizing donor meetings, campus visits and events in collaboration with the Major Gifts team.

Scholarships: Support the development of and delivery of our scholarship fundraising strategy, including producing promotional materials and annual donor reports. Liaise with colleagues across the University to ensure effective scholarship delivery and reporting.

Legacy Giving: Lead the development of a new legacy stewardship strategy, including the introduction of a new giving circle for legacy pledgers, conducting face-to-face meetings with potential legacy donors and creating promotional content and opportunities.

Alumni Fund: Contributing to Giving Day and Alumni Fund Board activities. Support mass donor communications and stewardship initiatives.

Team Leadership: Line management of the Development Assistant and deputising for the Individual Giving Manager when required. 

If you’re a creative communicator, strategic thinker, and relationship builder with a flair for storytelling and donor cultivation, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary: £47,100
Contract: Permanent
Location: Battersea London – Hybrid
Closing date: 21^st January
Benefits: 28 Day Annual Leave (excl Bank Holidays), Generous Pension scheme (Ie, employee contribution 5%, employer contribution  10.3%), Enhanced Parental Leave

Thrilled as always to be working with the amazing Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, one of the UK’s most loved animal welfare charities, as they look for a Philanthropy Manager to join their growing team. This is an exciting time to join as Battersea embarks on a new five-year strategy, with increased investment in income generation and a focus on innovation and growth.

As Philanthropy Manager, you will play a key role in building and maintaining relationships with major donors capable of giving five- and six-figure gifts. You’ll manage a personal portfolio of prospects and donors, lead cultivation and stewardship activity, and work closely with senior leadership and volunteers to open networks and secure transformational support. You will also line-manage a Philanthropy Officer, supporting their development and ensuring team targets are met.

To be successful as Philanthropy Manager, you will need:

• Demonstrable experience of securing major gifts from individual donors, including face-to-face asks.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to influence and negotiate with senior stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences.

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please give us a call and ask for Jake, or you can click apply.
Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, passionate about improving equality across the sector.

You can read more about our commitment to diversity on our website.

If enough applications are received, the charity reserves the right to end the application period sooner.

If you wish to discuss this role with us, please quote reference 2810JP

 

Battersea has entered an exciting phase of innovation and transformation as we embark on the second year of our new five-year strategy. With increased investment in income generation, we are strengthening our team to drive the growth necessary to achieve our organisational goals. This role sits within the Philanthropy, Partnerships & Commercial (PPC) team, made up of Philanthropy & Trusts, Corporate Partnerships & Commercial, Special Events & Stewardship, and Fundraising Operations.

The focus of the Philanthropy & Trusts team is to build a solid base of support through excellent stewardship of existing trusts and major donors alongside cultivation of new prospects, reached through prospect research and the networks of senior volunteers. The key purpose of this Philanthropy Manager is to meet both financial and strategic KPIs in order ensure the long-term health of the Philanthropy pipeline. They will do this by personally managing a portfolio of key individual relationships as well as line-managing the Philanthropy Officer to deliver against their targets. This role, together with Battersea’s other Philanthropy Managers, will also work closely with senior leadership, senior volunteers and other individuals to open up networks and introduce new major donors to Battersea.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Our hybrid working model:

We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.

Diversity and inclusion:

We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.

More about us:

At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Acceptable use of AI:

At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.

To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.

Closing date: 21st January 2026
Interview Date(s): Interviews will be taking place on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged, as the role will be closed once filled.

All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. For full details on the role, please download the recruitment pack.

About Smile Train 

Smile Train is changing the world one smile at a time. Our goal is to transform every person's life impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our beneficiaries with free, life-changing comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach 1.5 million children in 90+ countries, and we’re just starting. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time.

Smile Train is looking for exceptional people to join a worldwide team of dedicated, passionate professionals. Our team is creative and highly motivated individuals working to make a positive impact. Join us!

Role Summary:

We are looking for a highly-skilled Philanthropy Manager to create impact through building and growing our high-value donor programme. You will effectively manage a portfolio of high-capacity individual donors and prospects, with the goal of securing five- and six-figure gifts and will proactively engage donors and prospects through strategic outreach, personalized stewardship, and compelling solicitations. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated relationship builder who thrives in a fast-paced, vision-driven environment.

This is a full-time, hybrid opportunity starting as soon as possible. Ability to travel, when necessary, for donor visits and organizational events is required.

Reports To: UK Fundraising Director

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for a portfolio of approximately 130 mid-level and major donors and prospects with the capacity to make 5- and low 6-figure annual gifts (bigger gifts would fall to UK Fundraising Director)
• Effectively complete the moves management process and engage a portfolio of donors through meaningful connections including phone calls, personalized emails and mailings, face-to-face meetings, and other communications.
• Create a plan for each donor to serve as the annual engagement plan, effectively and, in a timely manner, execute that plan to retain and upgrade donors, and document all activities in Moves Management and/or Tasks in the database.
• Prepare and personalize correspondence and fundraising materials, including donor stewardship and impact reports, funding proposals, briefing memos, and acknowledgment letters as appropriate.
• Provide recommendations and assist in executing effective strategies to practice moves management and increase fundraising results.
• Assist the UK Director with developing projects that will enhance the philanthropy programme of the Development Department and support developing strategy briefs and leading preparation meetings.
• Help produce cultivation and stewardship programs for prospects and mid-level and major donors.
• Organise events for major donors and prospects.
• Complete research on major donors and prospects within data compliance requirements.
• Complete administrative tasks for the philanthropy programme.
• Other duties as appropriate for this role.

Essential functions:

Sitting

Supervisory responsibilities: None

Required Education and Experience:

• 5+ years of relevant experience with exposure to major gift donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship processes preferred.
• A proven history of generating income in the £100,000’s and securing gifts of £25,000 or more.
• Demonstrated success in developing substantive donor relationships and in coordinating with senior management and program staff to execute donor engagement strategies.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills and strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with both management and donors.
• Extremely detail-oriented with strong organisational and time management skills.
• Able to take ownership of a process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues.
• Able to make sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.
• Able to function both independently and as part of a global team.
• Familiar with the MS Office and donor management systems. Knowledge of Salesforce preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, although an equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for this required level of education.

Accountability Expectations: 

• Ownership of Outcomes: Take full responsibility for one’s own performance, ensuring alignment with Smile Train’s mission and objectives.

• Transparent Communication: Communicate openly and effectively with team members, fostering trust and a shared understanding of expectations and priorities. 

• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and cultural sensitivity to contribute to an inclusive and supportive team environment.

• Empowerment: Effectively communicate with supervisors to ensure you are equipped with the resources, guidance, and autonomy you need to excel in your role 

• Team Cohesion: Contribute to a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared accountability, helping the team to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment 

Compensation Range: £45-£47K

Travel: Ability to travel, when necessary, for donor visits and organizational events is required

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, obligations, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Application Information:

Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply. To apply, please complete the application online. Include your CV, and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.

MK Community Foundation is a leading local charity that connects people who care with causes that matter. Through our grant-making, philanthropy, and property programmes we support a wide range of voluntary and community groups across Milton Keynes, tackling inequality and helping the city thrive. Every year we distribute vital funding to projects that change lives, strengthen communities, and make Milton Keynes a fairer place for everyone. 

Are you looking to build a career in philanthropy and fundraising? Whether you have formal charity experience or have shown your commitment through volunteering and community involvement, this could be the opportunity for you. 

MK Community Foundation is seeking a proactive and relationship-led fundraiser to join the team as Philanthropy Manager to drive major donor and legacy giving in Milton Keynes.

• A proven track record of securing major gifts and managing high-value donor relationships. 

• Experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies, prospecting plans, proposal writing and project management. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly at senior levels. 

• Strong understanding of fundraising compliance, tax-efficient giving, and donor stewardship best practices. 

• Credibility and gravitas to engage confidently with senior stakeholders and donors. 

• Strong relationship-building, networking, and influencing skills. 

In this role, you will: 

• Lead and develop relationships with individual donors, including major donors and those interested in legacy giving. 

• Contribute to the development and delivery of our individual philanthropy strategy. 

• Support our grant-making programmes by assessing applications, presenting recommendations, and monitoring funded projects. 

• Identify and develop new opportunities for philanthropic income and donor engagement. 

• Work closely with colleagues, fundholders, and community partners to maximise impact in Milton Keynes. 

We are looking for someone who: 

• Has experience in major donor fundraising, legacy giving, or relationship-led income generation. 

• Is a confident and credible communicator, able to build trust with donors, fundholders, and community partners. 

• Is organised, proactive, and analytical, with strong attention to detail. 

• Has a genuine passion for making a positive difference in Milton Keynes. 

This role offers the chance to play a key part in shaping the future of individual philanthropy at the Foundation, while directly contributing to projects that change lives across our community. 

Do you want to join a growing and dynamic children's charity and make a real difference?  This varied and rewarding role could be for you!

A little about us 

We are one of the largest providers of mental health services to schools in London. We also provide early years education and family support, including offering emergency assistance for families in crisis. This work makes a real difference to thousands of children and families each year.

Our values

We work with children and families of all backgrounds and of all faiths and none; our sole aim is to help those in greatest need so they can overcome the challenges they face and achieve their potential. Our work is underpinned by our core values of integrity, compassion, inclusion and partnership. 

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join our friendly team and use your fundraising experience to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families. As Fundraising Manager, your role will focus on developing relationships and generating income from charitable trusts, statutory sources, individuals, schools and parishes. 

This is a diverse and rewarding role where you can work closely with our project teams and see the direct impact of your efforts. The fundraising team is also actively involved in service delivery.  This role will be instrumental in helping to distribute gifts and food to hundreds of disadvantaged families at Christmas, as well as helping families in crisis by assessing Crisis Fund applications and approving grants.

As a proactive and creative fundraiser, you will also help to shape the department’s overall fundraising strategy and play an important role in ensuring that many more disadvantaged children and families can access the support they need and have hope of a better future. 

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with strong fundraising experience who is keen to use their skills to help CCS grow our income. A proactive and flexible approach is also a must! The successful candidate will have:

• At least four years’ experience or working as a charity fundraiser
• A proven track record of personally securing income in excess of £200,000 p.a.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop strong working relationships with colleagues and supporters.

What you will get in return

• Generous annual leave allowance of 30 days p.a. plus bank holidays
• 11% employer pension contribution
• Access to a staff Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme
• Funding to undertake a Diploma in Fundraising with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising after one year.
• The opportunity to wake up each morning and feel you are making a positive difference!

Location

Lovely office at 73 St Charles Square, London. W10 6EJ (private off-street parking is available for staff). Hybrid working options considered, with the expectation staff attend the office at least two or three days per week.

Application process

We are actively interviewing for this role so please submit your CV and covering letter as soon as possible.

Please ensure you include a concise cover letter that clearly sets out why your skills and experience make you suitable for this role and what motivated you to apply.

Further information

CCS is an inclusive employer and we aim to have a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we service. There is no requirement for our staff to be Catholic and we encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to safer recruitment and maintaining a strong and positive safeguarding culture.  This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.  References from current/past employers will also be sought once an offer has been made.

Charity No. 210920

Salary: £43,000 - £50,000
Contract: 2-year Fixed Term Contract
Location: London office 3 days per week (Hybrid working available)
Closing date: 26^th January
Benefits: 33 days annual leave, pension scheme up to 14%, hybrid working options

We have a great opportunity for a Philanthropy Manager working for a university based in central London. This university is particularly proud of their accessibility work, they have 5,000 students from households earning under £25,000 and provide scholarships, bursaries and cash support so this role will make a real impact for students. You will be managing a personal portfolio of up to 125 relationships with individuals, included in the portfolio are two million pound donors (a rare opportunity). This is a warm portfolio so will have a heavy relationship management focus.

To be successful as the Philanthropy Manager you will need:

• Substantial experience of relationship management, ideally in a major gifts context, or from the commercial sector as a relationship manager for high-value customers
• Proven track record of successfully soliciting funds in the range of five-figures and above
• Experience working with high-net-worth individuals or high-value organisations
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders

If you would like to discuss this role with us please contact us and quote the reference 2819AJ.

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 here.

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.

If you would like to discuss this role with us please quote the reference.

Battersea has entered an exciting phase of innovation and transformation as we embark on the second year of our new five-year strategy. With increased investment in income generation, we are strengthening our team to drive the growth necessary to achieve our organisational goals.

This is a new role working within Battersea’s Philanthropy & Trusts team to seek and secure new income as part of a £4-6million pound capital fundraising appeal over the next 3 years.

One of the key pillars of Battersea’s current strategy is to ensure that we continue to provide expert care for all the dogs and cats that come through our gates. One of the ways in which we do this is by investing in our facilities to ensure that they continue to meet the changing needs of the animals we care for. Our new capital fundraising appeal will help to achieve that aim.

The key purpose of this Philanthropy Manager (New Business) is to meet both financial and strategic KPIs, by cultivating a pipeline of new major donor prospects to secure significant donations for this capital campaign.

Please note: this is a 3 year Fixed-Term contract opportunity

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year.
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution.
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans.

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Our hybrid working model:

We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.

Diversity and inclusion:

We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.

More about us:

At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Acceptable use of AI:

At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.

To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.

Closing date: 21st January 2026
Interview date(s): Interviews will be taking place on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged as the role will closed once filled.

All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. For full details on the role, please download the recruitment pack.

Salary: £47,100
Contract: FTC – 3 Years
Location: Battersea London – Hybrid
Closing date: 21^st January
Benefits: 28 Day Annual Leave (excl Bank Holidays), Generous Pension scheme (Ie, employee contribution 5%, employer contribution  10.3%), Enhanced Parental Leave

I’m working on a very exciting new Philanthropy Manager role to join the team at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, one of the UK’s most loved animal welfare charities. This role will be at the heart of a transformative £4–6 million capital campaign that will create world-class facilities, ensuring thousands of dogs and cats receive the best possible care for years to come.

As Philanthropy Manager, you will focus on cultivating new major donor relationships to secure significant gifts for this campaign. You’ll develop and manage a personal pipeline of prospects, lead bespoke cultivation and stewardship activity, and work closely with senior leadership and volunteers to open networks and secure transformational support.

This role is ideal for someone with a proven track record in major donor fundraising and experience of securing gifts for capital appeals.

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

• Demonstrable experience of securing 5- and 6-figure gifts from major donors
• Experience of fundraising for capital campaigns.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with senior stakeholders.

If you would like to have an informal discussion, please call and ask to speak with Jake, or you can press apply and we will get in touch.

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, passionate about improving equality across the sector. You can read more about our commitment to diversity on our website.

If enough applications are received, the charity reserves the right to end the application period sooner.

If you wish to discuss this role with us, please quote reference 2811JP.

At Ambitious about Autism, we're currently looking for a Head of Philanthropy to join our Fundraising team.

You'll lead, oversee and implement ambitious plans, as set out in the new fundraising strategy and enabling us to fully capitalise on the opportunities presented over the next few years, with a focus on the development of a major donor strategy, growing our profile and supporting a high-performing Philanthropy team. Alongside this you will personally manage a portfolio of high value solicitations, resulting in 6- and 7-figure gifts.

You'll evaluate each income stream and develop plans aligned with fundraising strategy, ensuring these translate into deliverable objectives. You'll play a key role in the development of fundraising appeals, including large scale proposals and approaches, as well as developing creative and compelling funding applications to engage new supporters.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience of planning and implementing successful major donor fundraising programmes
• Proven experience of securing high-value major gifts
• An understanding of trends and developments across the sector and demonstrable knowledge of best practice in major donors, trusts and foundations fundraising
• Experience of financial management of expenditure budgets including setting, accurate forecasting and achieving financial and non-financial targets

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.

Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Harris Hill are delighted to be working with a fantastic charity to recruit for a Development Manager – Corporate and Philanthropy in orderto lead on the growth of the charity corporate partnerships and philanthropic giving.

This is a high impact role for someone who thrives on building relationships, unlocking income, and thinking creatively about partnerships that go beyond traditional models. You’ll lead a talented team and play a central role in a small but dynamic fundraising department.

As a Development Manager – Corporate and Philanthropy you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of a strategic plan to significantly grow corporate income.
• Research, identify and approach potential new corporate partners with bespoke, high-quality proposals and presentations.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of high value opportunities, developing partnerships that align with companies’ CSR and employee engagement goals.
• Pitch confidently to senior stakeholders and boards, tailoring approaches to different audiences and sectors.
• Work closely with the Director of Fundraising to engage senior level supporters, trustees and major donors to open doors and secure transformational gifts.
• Oversee the stewardship of corporate supporters, ensuring they are engaged and recognised in meaningful ways.
• Support cross over opportunities where corporate leaders may also be cultivated as major donors.
• Collaborate with marketing, communications and operations colleagues to deliver creative, co-branded campaigns and impactful partnerships.

To be successful, you must have experience:

• Proven track record in securing five and six-figure corporate partnerships or comparable business development success.
• Experience writing and designing compelling partnership proposals and presentations.
• Excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills with both corporate and philanthropic audiences.
• Ability to pitch with confidence to senior level decision makers.
• Strong collaboration skills, particularly with marketing/communications teams.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and effective pipeline reporting.
• Good understanding of the charity and corporate social responsibility landscape.

Desirable

• Previous experience in line management or mentoring.
• Experience working with major donors or high-net-worth individuals.

Salary: £42,500-£46,000

Location:  London, hybrid working , 1-2 days in the office

Contract: Permanent

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!

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.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE POST

This strategic and outward-facing role will be instrumental in expanding the School’s network of supporters and maximising philanthropic income as we celebrate our Centenary in 2026. The postholder will take a leading role in identifying, cultivating, and securing new major donor relationships - building a strong and sustainable pipeline of prospects capable of making transformational gifts to support the School’s vision and long-term priorities as it seeks to uphold its global standing as a centre of performance excellence in classical dance from London base.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced development professional to play a pivotal part in shaping the School’s next chapter. Working closely with senior leadership, the postholder will design and deliver innovative engagement strategies to attract new supporters, deepen relationships with key prospects, and communicate the School’s impact and ambitions with clarity and passion. The role requires a proactive and strategic relationship-builder with the confidence to engage high-level individuals and the insight to convert interest into enduring philanthropic partnerships in support of the future of the performing arts at the highest level.

CONTRACT TERMS

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Salary: £45,000 per annum

Location: Upper School, Covent Garden

Start Date: March/April 2026

Annual Leave: 30 days per annum

MAIN DUTIES

Donor Cultivation and Relationship Management

• Build and nurture strong, long-term relationships with new and existing supporters through personalised engagement strategies informed by the Head of Development
• Represent the School at meetings, events, presentations and functions to cultivate connections with prospective donors
• Collaborate with senior leadership and the Donor Relations Team to ensure high-level donors are onboarded seamlessly and receive tailored stewardship and recognition.

Strategic Fundraising Planning

• Develop and implement strategies to attract new major donors, aligning with the School’s fundraising priorities for UK in-year activity, as well as USA and Asia development
• Work with senior leadership to set fundraising targets, track progress, and report on performance across each giving level prioritising annual donations of £50k+ per annum.

Proposal Preparation

• Collaborate with content, communications and marketing team colleagues to create compelling materials that articulate the School’s mission and strategic priorities
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of fundraising campaigns, events, and initiatives to engage, cultivate and convert prospective supporters.

Prospect Research and Identification

• Maintain and update the active prospects pipeline, ensuring all opportunities are tracked and appropriately prioritized with touchpoints and assigned relationship leads
• Contribute to the invitations tracker to ensure all prospects are engaged with in a systemised and relevant way according to location, interest, propensity to give.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Analysis

• Maintain accurate records of donor engagement and interactions in the CRM system improving and refining systems and processes as part of a growing department
• Monitor progress against fundraising targets, providing regular reports and insights to senior leadership on pipeline value from identification to stewardship stages
• Analyse donor trends, sector insights and curate feedback to refine engagement strategies.

Team Collaboration and Leadership

• Work closely with colleagues across Development and the Senior Leadership Team as well as Artistic and Academic staff to refine the propositions and align fundraising priorities
• Host year-round events with the Development Team to enable all prospect engagement
• Mentor and support junior staff involved in development activities where appropriate.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria:

• Proven experience in donor cultivation and relationship management - Demonstrated success in building and sustaining 5 and 6 figure annual relationships with major donors and key stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and project management skills - Capacity to manage multiple donor relationships, events/projects, and fundraising initiatives simultaneously, while maintaining attention to detail in a dynamic office environment.
• Strong strategic fundraising expertise - Ability to design, implement, and evaluate fundraising strategies that align with institutional priorities and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - Skilled at engaging and influencing diverse audiences through persuasive written and verbal communication, including at senior levels.
• Proficiency in proposal and campaign development - Experience preparing compelling fundraising proposals, campaign materials, and event strategies that inspire donor support.
• Analytical and reporting skills - Ability to monitor, interpret, and report on fundraising performance, donor trends, and engagement metrics using CRM and data analysis tools.
• Collaborative teamwork - Proven ability to work effectively across departments and with senior leadership, collaborating with colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Ethical commitment and alignment with institutional values - Demonstrated integrity, discretion, and commitment to advancing the mission and values of the School through responsible fundraising practices.

Desirable Criteria:

• A knowledge and appreciation of ballet, the arts, performance, elite sport
• Understanding of 501c3 and Endowment Fund structures
• Previous experience of using Salesforce.

SAFEGUARDING DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and recognises that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment to children’s safeguarding and to share this child-centred approach. This approach means that staff must consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child. Additionally, the following is expected of all staff:

• To uphold the School’s policies relating to safeguarding and child protection, behaviour, health and safety and all other relevant policies
• To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and come into contact with
• To report any safeguarding concerns using the relevant channels, such as informing the Designated Safeguarding Lead, in a timely and appropriate manner
• To ensure full compliance with all statutory regulations, particularly the most recent Keeping Children Safe in Education, and to communicate concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, other relevant staff of The Royal Ballet School or local children’s services as appropriate.

This job information cannot be all encompassing. It is inevitable over time that the emphasis of the job will change without changing the general character of the job or the level of duties and responsibilities entailed. Consequently, this information will be periodically reviewed, revised and updated in consultation with the post holder to reflect appropriate changes.

We are committed to creating an environment where all our employees feel part of our team and can flourish, regardless of their background. We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.

Philanthropy Manager

12 Month Fixed Term Contract

£43,850 - £47,723 pa

City of London E1 8QS and we are a hybrid working organisation

This role is offered on a hybrid contract giving you the opportunity to also work from home three days a week. Remote contracts would not be considered for this role.

Purpose of Role

This is a new role at an exciting time of development within the philanthropy programme – it presents a great opportunity for you to contribute to our growth as we invest in the programme and work towards new and ambitious targets.

As our Philanthropy Manager, you will build and manage a healthy major donor portfolio to increase five and six figure income from individual donors and family trusts for Comic Relief.

With excellent relationship development skills and experience in securing major donations, you will increase support for our annual major campaigns, thematic funding, and our newly launched major giving product.

In a creative and dynamic organisation, you will devise and deliver a calendar of engaging and unique cultivation events and communications that reflect our brand and showcase the brilliant work of our funded partners. 

Working within an ambitious team, you will have the support of our Prospect Research Manager to identify new prospects, and the Individual Giving Manager and Data Team to develop a streamlined donor journey cultivating supporters from the wider fundraising programmes.

Your contribution will be pivotal in transforming lives and helping us achieve our goal of a ‘Just World Free From Poverty’. 

Key responsibilities:

Portfolio Management

Represent the organisation to a high-level and establish excellent, trusting relationships with donors and prospects through 121 relationship development

Deliver high quality, bespoke donor communications and cultivation plans.

Manage the pipeline using best practise moves management.

Deliver monthly pipeline reviews in collaboration with the Prospect Research Manager through accurate reporting and analysis.

Maintain accurate systems and processes to support the recording of donor data, communications, and donation tracking and reporting.

Continually feed the pipeline by prospecting from external and internal sources.

Develop a seamless donor journey across IG channels through to the portfolio.

Philanthropy programme delivery

Delivery high quality cultivation events and activities that attract new support and develop existing donors.

Work with the Philanthropy Lead to secure support for and deliver the new major giving product.

Support the Philanthropy Lead in delivering cultivation activities to secure seven figure donations.

Work with the Philanthropy Lead to further shape and refine the philanthropy strategy, developing the programme together to achieve our inspiring 5-year goals. 

Income and targets

Achieve annual income targets.

Set and achieve targets for moves management and pipeline growth with support from Prospect Research Manager.

Cross-team collaboration

Work with Funding Team to identify theme-specific gift opportunities.

Work with the IG, Storytelling, Challenges and Production teams to deliver adapted major donor appeals to support our major annual campaigns (Red Nose Day, Winter Appeal, Celebrity Challenges) 

Work with our Finance Associate and data team to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of income

Work with our Web team to create a new philanthropy webpage and oversee the philanthropy sections in the development of our new website. 

Work with the Social Media team to increase philanthropic messaging and storytelling across LinkedIn and sector socials.

Sector Knowledge

Monitor trends and best-practise in philanthropy and family giving vehicles.

Monitor trends in the UK and global funding environment, specifically next generation donors, wealth advisors, intermediaries, and talent.

Network with peers and others in the major giving space including wealth and philanthropy advisors

Data management 

Coordinate with the Prospect Research Manager to conduct ethical screening and due diligence.

Ensure consistency, integrity and accuracy of donor data in compliance with GDPR.

Person specification

Essential criteria

Significant experience in securing five figure donations and managing a personal portfolio of major donors.

Excellent verbal and written communicator, with the ability to communicate often complex programme and funding work in an engaging way to lay audiences. 

Significant experience in writing compelling cases for support and major donor appeals and proposals.

Experience in creating and delivering high quality donor events.

Ability to represent the organisation at a high level with external audiences.

Experience in using a CRM (e.g. RaisersEdge, Salesforce, D365) including managing donor records, moves management, running queries and reports.

Excellent team player with the ability to support colleagues in a fast-paced and busy environment.

Ability to work proactively and manage a busy workload with a systematic approach to work.

Desirable criteria 

Experience in securing six figure donations.

Experience of Salesforce.

Perks and benefits:

· Flexible working hours

· Work from home option

· Life Insurance

· Wellness programs

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

· Paid emergency leave

· Sabbatical Opportunities

· Professional development

· Mentoring/coaching

· Paid volunteer days

· Payroll giving

· Salary sacrifice

· Team social events

· Extracurricular clubs

· Cycle to work scheme

· Free fruit

To apply please visit our website via the link and apply online.

Comic Relief reserves the right to close the role early if a large number of applications are received.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Comic Relief we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Why work at Comic Relief

There are lots of good reasons to join us at Comic Relief. You can read more about our employee benefits, such as our commitment to flexible and hybrid working. We ask staff to come to the office twice a week, normally on agreed team days, so that we can do all those things that are difficult to do online. Our office is based in Whitechapel, London,

There are lots of opportunities to develop your skills and experience at Comic Relief, including opportunities to become a Mental Health First Aider or to participate in our Employee Network Groups that focus on making Comic Relief a more inclusive place to work.

Disability Confident Employer

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we take positive action by providing first-round interviews to candidates who have a registered disability, provided they meet the minimum criteria for the role, as demonstrated on their CV and application questions.

Key Responsibilities

Trust & Foundation Strategy Enhancement

• Develop and execute a trust fundraising strategy to increase income and position the Charity as a credible, evidence-led delivery partner for funders
• Meet income targets aligned with the Charity's growth strategy, to fund both core programmes and capital projects, prioritising multi-year funding opportunities
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective funders, ensuring regular and meaningful engagement
• Craft compelling, tailored proposals, applications, and cases for support to secure major grants 

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit a Trust Fundraiser and Prospect Researcher to support with identifying and evaluating potential donors
• Build a collaborative and inclusive team culture that values equity, wellbeing, and shared purpose 

Relationship Management

• Cultivate and steward relationships with existing and prospective trusts and foundations, ensuring they remain engaged with the Charity’s five-year Impact Strategy
• Provide exceptional reporting to funders, showcasing the impact of their contributions through updates, case studies, and financial reports
• Represent the charity at meetings, events, and site visits to inspire and engage potential funders 

Reporting & Compliance

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of trust fundraising activities, providing detailed reports to Senior Leadership and funders, as required
• Ensure compliance with all relevant fundraising regulations and best practices

Collaboration & Coordination

• Work closely with the Programme Manager and Capital Appeal Manager to develop well-costed, fundable programmes aligned with strategic priorities and with measurable outcomes
• Work closely with wider internal teams, including Programmes, Service Delivery, Finance, and Communications, to gather information, align messaging, and ensure funding requirements are met
• Collaborate with colleagues across other income streams to maximise crossteam opportunities and share insights on high-value prospects
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and tracking of relationships, proposals, and outcomes using the Charity’s CRM system

Knowledge & Experience

• Proven track record of securing five and six figure gifts from trusts, foundations, or institutional funders, including cold prospects, demonstrating confidence in donor acquisition
• Skilled in network mapping, prospect research and business development
• Demonstrable experience of working on major capital appeals or high-value fundraising campaigns
• Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive and tailored funding applications
• Strong research and analytical skills to identify funding opportunities and align them with strategic priorities
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to build and sustain long-term partnerships
• Experience using CRM systems to manage and track donor relationships and activities
• Experience in securing multi-year funding (desirable)
• Experience in line management, with the ability to motivate staff and nurture talent (desirable)