Major gifts manager jobs

Join our team and help deliver real-world change

We stand at a defining moment. Climate change, inequity, and health challenges demand action. This isn't the first time Manchester has risen to the moment, and now we are ready to do it again.

At the end of 2025 we launched our first ever fundraising and volunteering campaign, “ Challenge Accepted”. We're uniting alumni, donors, staff, students and civic, industry and community partners to tackle the world's toughest challenges and transform lives locally and globally.

We are building an exceptional team of people to champion bold thinking that is rooted in impact.

Will you accept the challenge?

Manchester individuals are recognised for embracing shared values such as integrity, courage, ambition, and collaboration. Our community is strengthened by a pioneering outlook and a collective determination to drive positive change. We welcome people of all backgrounds who demonstrate resilience, optimism, and a genuine commitment to fostering a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable world. If you share these qualities, we warmly encourage you to get in touch with us.

This is a fixed term position for 3 years.

Details of the Role

Reporting to the Head of Principal Gifts, the Philanthropy Manager (Principal Gifts) will operate at the higher end of donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship to secure significant support (six and seven figure gifts) in support of the University’s key priorities.

As an exceptional fundraiser, you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of relationships with alumni and significant philanthropists, to secure gifts for bold, impactful projects and programmes across the University. You will proactively build the pipeline, demonstrating a creative approach to reach potential new donors in the UK and globally.

We seek individuals with success in securing significant philanthropic gifts in the Higher Education, Voluntary or Cultural Sector or proven transferable skills. You will have experience of working within a team whilst working towards personal targets. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are results orientated, persuasive and have exceptional negotiation skills.

Fundraising at The University of Manchester

As a member of the University's fundraising team, you’ll have access to a robust support structure that enables you to do your very best work. This includes regular training and development opportunities; access to detailed reports, data, and management information to guide and inform your fundraising; an expert team of Operations and Prospect Research colleagues supporting your work; and the full engagement of senior University leadership. As part of an experienced and supportive network of fundraisers, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to collaborate and share best practice. You’ll also have access to a whole host of learning and development opportunities to help you develop core skills like personal effectiveness, leadership, and management.

Manchester Mindset

Our approach to fundraising is driven by our values of being collaborative, bold and ambitious – and approaching our work with integrity. These values underpin the Manchester Mindset: our framework for fundraising success, authored by and for our fundraising team.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons and all appointments will be made on merit. As we are committed to the principles of the Race Equality Charter Mark, we would particularly welcome applications from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community who are currently under-represented at this level in this area. 

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in growing a major donor programme that directly supports life-changing eye care services in the Holy Land. You will work closely with the Executive Director, UK (EDUK) and senior leadership, including the CEO and Trustees, to contribute to the long-term sustainability of a respected and impactful international charity.

As part of a small, ambitious and collaborative UK team, you will play a major role in shaping and developing the major donor programme, building meaningful relationships with supporters and seeing the tangible impact of your work on patients and communities.

The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG) is a UK-registered charity delivering expert eye care to the people of the Holy Land, regardless of ethnicity, religion or ability to pay. It operates through two locally-registered charities to provide services in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.

A fundamental part of this remit is to be actively involved in creating and delivering engagement activities each year as well as helping to create a sustainable culture of philanthropy. Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Development Manager will be responsible for working with the SLT to roll out and enhance our fundraising strategy which will include the development and implementation of regular giving. The Development Manager will identify and cultivate a major donor portfolio. 

The post holder will build long term relationships with donors through high quality care, engagement events and personalised communications. In addition, the post holder will be responsible for managing the school’s data platform ensuring accurate data is held on the potential donor pool.

The post holder will possess relevant experience, be proactive and have an excellent work ethic. The post holder will be able to manage a dynamic workload and work with a variety of people within the Albyn community. The Development Manager will be supported fully in their career and professional development within a supportive and nurturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

These include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy including an annual plan for individual giving and major donor portfolio management

• Build long-term relationships with donors through high quality care, engagement events and personalised communication

• Monitor and report on fundraising budget and KPIs

• Co-ordinate an ongoing strategy of digital campaigns, direct mail and promotional materials to donor pool and wider stakeholders

• Maintain, expand and update the development database

• Research new prospects or sponsorship opportunities, interrogating the database of potential donor to identify opportunities and promoting opportunities to boost the number of contactable constitutions 

• Provide all data support and reporting required by the Director of Finance.

• Work collaboratively with the finance team to ensure rigorous gift management administration processes, including Gift Aid information records. 

• Work with external stakeholders, volunteers, and other supporters to maximise relationships and networks.

• Support donor stewardship and fundraising events with guest lists, invitations, RSVPs, event management and attending events when required.

• Support in arranging alumni visits and tours to the School.

• Carry out other duties as may reasonably be requested by the Director of Finance.

• Support the delivery of the School’s charitable vision, by attending events and presentations and acting as a strong ambassador for Albyn.

Qualifications & Experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant discipline.

• A proven track record in fundraising and philanthropy

• A demonstrable understanding of data management and leveraging information stored on a database.

• Proven communication and project management skills, particularly event management.

• The ability to write and verbally communicate messages that are clear and concise.

• The ability to take a proactive approach to the work in support of the long term philanthropic aims of the School.

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent communication, team-working and people management skills.

• Willingness to engage with our wider community in a collaborative, friendly and professional manner.

• Ability to multitask and deliver high quality work under tight deadlines.

• Passionate about learning and developing.

• Willingness to work evenings, and weekends as required.

• Excellent organisational skills and meticulous attention to details.

• Excellent IT knowledge and skills. 

• A collaborative spirit and strong team ethic.

• Passion for the transformational impact of education through philanthropy.

Application Process

Applicants must submit: 

• a full CV (including details of all post-16 qualifications). 

• a letter of application (maximum two sides of A4) explaining your reasons for applying and outlining your suitability for the role.

• the names, phone numbers and email addresses of two professional referees.

Appointment Terms

• This is an open ended position available immediately. 

• Salary will be circa £40k per annum, dependent on qualifications and experience.

• The pension scheme the School will use to comply with its auto-enrolment obligations is the Royal London. The School may amend or replace the scheme from time to time.

Other, Non-contractual, Benefits

• Employee Assistance Programme.

• Cycle to Work Scheme.

• Benefits platform package.

• Use of the School’s Fitness Suite.

• Preferential gym membership rates (personal and family) at Aberdeen Sports Village.

• A strong, supportive staff community.

Equal Opportunities

At Albyn School we are committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce that better reflects our pupils and local community. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnic or national origin, gender identity, marital status, political opinion, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or trade union membership. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Please note the following:

• For an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Director of Finance, Graeme Park or the Director of People & Culture, Debbie Dyker

• Applications should be sent by email to the HR Manager, Susan Allan

• Albyn School is committed to safeguarding children and the successful applicant will be subject to a PVG check by Disclosure Scotland.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on 5 May 2026.

About Albyn School

Founded in 1867, Albyn School (‘Albyn’) is one of Scotland’s leading independent schools, offering an exceptional education to pupils from nursery through to sixth form. Located in the heart of Aberdeen, we combine academic excellence with a vibrant co-curricular offering, a strong sense of community, and a forward-thinking approach to learning and development.

Albyn was founded on a pioneering belief in empowerment - enabling young women to attend university and access opportunities that had long been denied to them. That same principle of empowerment still defines us today. As a modern co-ed school, we believe in equipping every pupil to pursue their own path, while supporting others to do the same. This is why our school values centre on developing self-awareness, ambition, and an outward-looking mindset, so that Albyn pupils not only thrive, but contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Our Purpose: To be Aberdeen’s leading community of lifelong learners and an enduring force for good.

Our Mission: We cultivate thoughtful learners and compassionate individuals, empowering each pupil to thrive academically and personally. Inspired by our founding belief in opportunity, we champion innovation in learning, meaningful partnerships, and a deep commitment to wellbeing - so every pupil is equipped to shape a better future.

Our Vision: To lead the future of education by inspiring curiosity, building character, and expanding opportunity - just as we did when we were founded. We aim to shape a generation of changemakers ready to contribute confidently in a complex, evolving world.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Based at the heart of South Leeds, The Hunslet Club has been helping young people achieve their full potential for over 85 years. With a membership of 4000 young people and around 87,000 individual visits, we are one of the largest youth organisations in the country, dedicated to helping young people aged 18 months to 25 years. The club provides a safe space with diverse activities, including football, rugby, dance, boxing, gymnastics and youth clubs alongside alternative education, and vocational training.

Job TitlePhilanthropy Manager

Reporting to Chief Executive Officer

Location The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road, Leeds, LS10 1BP / Hybrid Working

Salary                          £40K - £50K depending on experience.

Role

We are looking for a successful Philanthropy & Fundraising Manager with a proven track record in face-to-face major donor fundraising, or an individual with outstanding transferable skills and experience of working within the charity sector. The individual must thrive on building trusted relationships and be confident in securing significant philanthropic gifts by successfully securing complex, high-value partnerships over the line.

Management Supervision and Guidance

You will be responsible to the CEO for your daily tasks and duties, and ELT in any other matters.

Purpose
The Philanthropy Manager will create and drive The Hunslet Club’s fundraising strategy by cultivating and securing significant philanthropic support a new capital project to expand opportunities for young people across South Leeds. This role is central to building meaningful, long-term relationships with individual donors, trusts, foundations and partners, translating their passion for youth development into transformational investments that strengthen programmes, increase participation and create sustainable impact. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with confident stewardship, ensuring that funding growth aligns with The Hunslet Club’s mission to help young people achieve their full potential.

Duties and responsibilities

The Philanthropy & Fundraising Manager will work on a full-time basis, or part-time on a pro-rata basis. The primary responsibility of the role is to secure £700,000 and above in philanthropic income over a 18 month period. This will be achieved through identifying, researching and cultivating individual donors, corporate supporters, trusts, foundations and strategic partners, using research tools and publicly available information to build and manage a strong portfolio of prospects, particularly those with an interest in supporting young people and communities.

To be successful, the postholder will develop an excellent understanding of The Hunslet Club, its mission and its inspirational youth and community work, and will help to develop and articulate a compelling case for support. The role will involve achieving a clearly defined set of Key Performance Indicators, providing high-quality stewardship to maximise donor retention, and maintaining, developing and leveraging existing relationships with current supporters. The postholder will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, including Executive/Senior Leadership and Trustees, to ensure effective involvement in fundraising activity where appropriate.

The successful candidate will organise suitable events and cultivation opportunities to build long-term relationships with potential supporters. Attendance at events, meetings and conferences will be required, with support from Executive/Senior Leadership and Trustees.

The successful candidate will also be expected to volunteer at a minimum of three cross-club community events per year and to carry out other reasonable duties as requested by the Executive Leadership Team.

The Senior Fundraising Executive (Grants) leads on bid-writing and relationship building with grantmakers (Trusts/Foundations/Public). The candidate will be a key player in the Grants team alongside the Director of Development (Grants/Major Gifts) and Development Officer. Create has seen its fundraising increase significantly in recent years, as it fulfils its ambitious plans to double its reach by its 25th anniversary in 2028. The Grants team is responsible for securing over 50% of the charity’s income, managing an extensive portfolio of T/F/Public funders, approaching a well-researched pipeline of potential funders, and researching prospects. The successful candidate will share Create’s commitment to the transformative power of the creative arts within community settings, with exceptional written and verbal communication, research, organisational and IT skills, and meticulous attention to detail.

At Bookmark, we have a simple vision: we want every child to read. We have seen significant growth over the past few years, building a network of engaged supporters and an effective Partnerships Board. As we pass the halfway mark of our three-year strategy, we are recruiting a major donor fundraiser to play a key role in the growth of our philanthropy programme, securing and developing relationships with high-net-worth individuals that change the story for children. 

This individual will join a successful team, stewarding and cultivating existing supporters as well as managing a pipeline of prospects through their giving journey. You will work directly with the Head of Fundraising and be responsible for your own portfolio of major donors, trusts and family foundations. By August 2027 Bookmark aim to have reached 500,000 children with our literacy programmes, you could be part of that incredible goal.

Experience in philanthropy is welcome but not essential. We are equally interested in candidates with a strong track record of managing high-value relationships and delivering excellent stewardship in commercial or client-facing roles.

Job Description

Delivering the Philanthropy plan

• Work with the Director of Fundraising to grow the major donor portfolio within the wider strategy 
• Build and maintain a portfolio of existing and new major donors who give or can give £20,000 or more, ensuring a first-class cultivation and stewardship journey
• Line manage the Philanthropy Executive and support their professional development, providing direction, support and guidance
• Work with our Fundraising Research & Administration Intern to identify new potential Bookmark major donors, working with Trustees, senior stakeholders, and our wonderfully supportive Partnerships Board to secure introductions and make asks of prospective supporters
• Design and deliver creative events and activities to generate income, cultivate and steward donors
• Create compelling, relevant and tailored funding proposals, reports and collateral to inspire and inform donors, reflecting Bookmark’s strong brand. 
• Use Salesforce to manage the accurate recording, progression and forecasting of major donor relationships, enabling efficient reporting and KPI management

Work with the rest of the Fundraising team

• Work closely with the rest of the Fundraising team to ensure opportunities to maximise income for the fundraising team
• Devise and deliver annual plans, together with associated budgets, in line with the charity’s strategic objectives
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team, Chair of Trustees and colleagues across the charity to ensure major donor fundraising activity is aligned with the charity’s wider plans and objectives
• Ensure that all activity helps to build Bookmark’s brand and is always brand compliant
• Ensure Bookmark’s ethical fundraising policy is adhered to

Person Specification

Essential

• A successful track record in managing high-value relationships, including a proven track record of securing five-figure gifts
• Experience working towards and meeting, or exceeding, income targets
• Experience developing high value relationships through all stages of the giving cycle 
• A demonstrable ability to build internal relationships and use senior stakeholders (CEO, Trustees, Senior Leadership Team) to help progress major donor relationships
• Experience working on successful events that meet fundraising targets
• Great verbal communication skills, demonstrated by strong external and internal relationships. You will have the skills to influence, motivate and persuade people to donate
• Demonstrable experience of writing successful, inspiring, emotive, and technically accurate cases for support and proposals tailored to a high value audience
• Experience growing and managing a pipeline, planning for your portfolio and increasing income
• An understanding and ability to build budgets and work with financials
• Experience using of Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience using Salesforce, or another fundraising database

Bonus Points

• Major donor and/or Trusts & Foundations experience 
• Line management experience
• Experience working with a fundraising board or high value committee
• Experience managing and developing a high value giving circle
• Experience running matching campaigns or large mailings

Location: Minimum two days per week based at the Bookmark office (London), with flexibility around home working for the remaining days.

Contract type: Permanent - Full Time / Part-time (0.8/4 days) will be considered.

Salary: £40,000 - £42,000 (0.8 FTE - £32,000 - £33,600)

Reporting to: Director of Fundraising 

Application deadline: 11th May at 10am, but please note that interim shortlisting will occur on 29th April at 10am.

Want to know more?

We will be running an online session for anyone wishing to understand more about the role on Wednesday 22nd April at 2pm.  Please find the link to sign up on the relevant job description on our website.

Equality and Diversity

Bookmark is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunity for flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds.

Bookmark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being and welfare of children and requires everyone associated with the charity, including all trustees, employees, and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the role, including references from past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

At Bookmark, we are a small but growing team of hard-workichang people, who care about what we do. We love to roll up our sleeves, try new ways of doing things, and support each other so that we can achieve our goals. If that sounds like you and you share our vision and values, we'd love to hear from you.

Safeguarding

Bookmark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being and welfare of children and requires everyone associated with the charity, including all trustees, employees, and volunteers to share this commitment.  Successful applicants will need to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the role, including references from past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

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

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

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

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

How to apply

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

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

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

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting our client in the search for a Major Donor Fundraiser. Our client is a global animal welfare organisation working to reveal suffering, rescue animals in need and protect animals under direct human influence. With a strong international presence and a mission-led approach, the organisation delivers sustainable campaigns and projects designed to create lasting change for animals worldwide. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced relationship fundraiser to join a leading international organisation and play a key role in developing high-value income across a diverse portfolio.

Prospectus is excited to be supporting our client in their search for a Philanthropy Manager.

Our client is a space for creative ideas, connections and the opportunity to make change. From small beginnings in 2008, they have grown into a global network of women and allies from all walks of life who are bonded by the collective aim to live in a world where women and girls’ equal rights and equal opportunities are the norm.

The organisation are reviewing applications and interviewing on a rolling basis. Please do apply now and we will be in touch!

This is a 2-year fixed-term contract role (with view to become a permanent position), paying a salary of £40,000 to £42,000 per annum. This is primarily a homebased role; the postholder is expected to travel to London at least twice a month for meetings and events.

The Philanthropy Manager will work closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, and the CEO to develop fundraising opportunities and drive income via major donors, corporates, global foundations and special events. You will support with cultivating and stewarding key relationships and funders, deepening relationships and maximizing their potential by creating new funding opportunities and calls to action.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced high-value fundraiser and a confident relationship manager. You will have demonstrable experience in securing 5-figure gifts from major donors and trusts and foundations and a track record of working with high profile supporters.

If you are interested in applying to this position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

Prospectus and the organisation are invested in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. Please let us know if we can help you with the application process in any way. We are more than happy to make any reasonable adjustments to enable all interested candidates to apply. If you have any disability and would like assistance with completing an application then please contact Ariha Semontee at Prospectus.

Prospectus is excited to be working with our client to help them recruit for a Philanthropy Manager to join their team. The organisation brings together world-class performers and trailblazing creatives teams to share unforgettable performances with audiences near and far. Equally, the Philanthropy and wider Development teams provide unparalleled donor experiences and opportunities to support a wide range of performances and learning events every year.

The organisation's Development Office is a busy, in-person office that provides a world-class environment to be close to supporters, development colleagues, and performance staff and performers. This role is offered on a permanent contract basis paying a salary of £36,000 to £40,000 per annum, depending on experience and will be mainly on-site in Covent Garden.

The Philanthropy Manager will manage a portfolio of key philanthropic relationships and increase the value of the relationships with existing supporters. They will maximise income from philanthropists through new initiatives and promotion of a range of activities, including regular events.  The post holder will create and develop giving circles too and will work to an agreed plan for each approach and actively solicit gifts personally where appropriate.

They are looking for someone with a demonstratable track record in philanthropy or fundraising for major organisations and a demonstrated success in managing a portfolio of high value relationships. They are looking for a candidate with demonstrable experience of personally securing four and five figure donations. The ideal candidate will bring a balance of experience and innovation and will have an understanding of the art forms of opera, ballet, music and dance.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process, then please contact Firas El Dib at Prospectus. 

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you. 

In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon. 

Senior Philanthropy Manager

Edinburgh International Festival

Location: Edinburgh

Salary: £47,000 - £51,000 pa plus benefits

The Edinburgh International Festival is one of the world’s great celebrations of the performing arts—bringing people together across cultures since 1947. Each August, we transform Edinburgh into a global stage, showcasing the most exciting and original work in opera, music, dance and theatre.

Beyond the Festival, we create year-round experiences that spark creativity and deepen cultural curiosity. Our ambition is bold: to deliver world-class art to the widest possible audience.

To sustain and grow our impact, we’re investing in our fundraising and partnerships, and expanding our Development team. We’re now looking for a Senior Philanthropy Manager to drive major donor growth, particularly among wider national and international supporters.

With a focus on donors with the capacity to give £10,000+, and a portfolio mostly centred in London and New York, you’ll design compelling engagement strategies, secure new gifts, and grow existing support. You’ll also get to work closely with senior leadership, playing a key role in securing some of the Festival’s most significant donations.  We’re looking for a proactive, strategic fundraiser with a strong track record in individual major gifts and stakeholder management.  This will take someone who thrives on building relationships, thinking creatively, and delivering results as part of a collaborative team.  Could that be you?   

This is a rare career opportunity to join a high-performing and growing fundraising team at an organisation which maintains an exceptional reputation year on year, and garners international respect and attention.  If that piques your interest, please get in touch via our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates.  You can download further details on the role from their website by following the Apply button.

Closing date for applications: 5pm Wednesday, 29 April 2026

We are seeking a proactive, strategic and donor-centred fundraiser to lead and implement our

Individual Giving and emerging Legacy Giving programmes. This role is ideal for a fundraiser with experience in donor stewardship, campaign development and relationship-based fundraising who is ready to play a key role in growing sustainable voluntary income.

You will lead on the end-to-end delivery of supporter acquisition, retention, and stewardship plans, ensuring that every donor feels valued and understands the impact of their support. Alongside managing an established portfolio, you will proactively build a strong pipeline of new prospects, driving year‑on‑year income growth.

In addition, you will lead the development of our first Legacy Giving programme. With no formal legacy activity in place and a large, engaged volunteer network, this is a unique opportunity to establish a long-term income stream from the ground-up – raising awareness, creating accessible materials and nurturing warm supporters who may consider leaving a gift in their Will.

This role blends strategic planning with “hands-on” campaign delivery. You will use insights from supporter data to refine supporter journeys across both digital and traditional channels, managing budgets and key relationships to achieve our growth targets. We are a growing charity, and this role offers the opportunity to innovate and shape the future of our Individual Giving and Legacy Giving programmes with strong support from Head of Fundraising and the CEO.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a year‑round Individual Giving strategy to acquire new supporters and increase donor loyalty.
• Plan and deliver multi‑channel fundraising campaigns including two established annual Big Give campaigns.
• Plan and deliver legacy awareness moments throughout the year (e.g., Remember A Charity Week).
• Monitor and strengthen donor retention, reactivation and upgrade strategies through consistent, high‑quality stewardship.
• Build strong relationships through meetings, events, tailored communications and impact reporting.
• Work with Head of Fundraising, SMT and Trustees to support high-value donor engagement.
• Lead the creation and delivery of Schoolreaders first Legacy Giving strategy.
• Develop clear and accessible legacy information for supporters, volunteers and the wider public.
• Collaborate closely with the Comms Manager to develop impactful campaign assets and compelling stewardship content and legacy messages across multiple channels.
• Ensure all donations and supporter interactions are promptly and accurately recorded in the fundraising CRM (Salesforce) and ensure donors receive timely and well‑managed acknowledgements.
• Create personalised cultivation plans, stewardship strategies and donor engagement touchpoints, particularly for the charity’s 100 Club members and HNWI’s.
• Represent Schoolreaders at face-to-face meetings and events to raise the charity’s profile and secure individual support.
• Work alongside colleagues and volunteer County Teams to maximise local and national fundraising opportunities.
• Identify PR opportunities generated by fundraising activities and coordinate with the Comms Manager to optimise visibility and income.

Benefits:

As part of our commitment to making Schoolreaders a great place to work, we offer access to the following employee benefits:

• 25 days annual leave (3 of which must be taken over Christmas), 1 day paid leave for your birthday, plus public/bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time staff)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Access to a free 24/7 support service providing legal, financial, emotional, and medical advice
• A positive, supportive working environment which actively supports a healthy work-life balance
• Charity away days and social events
• Free parking and on-site facilities such as a canteen

Salary: £50,000 – £55,000
Contract: Permanent
Location: Twickenham, SW London (hybrid working)
Closing date: Rolling
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.