Major gifts manager jobs

Strategic Legacy Marketing Manager

£49,492 - £58,226 + Benefits

Hybrid between home and Poole (min 2 days a week in Poole)

Ref: 21021

About us

Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue. The RNLI depends on Gifts in Wills to fund two-thirds of our lifesaving services.

We’re looking for a Strategic Legacy Marketing Manager to lead our team of legacy marketing specialists. This is a new role leading an established team that is key to building our long-term legacy income. It is responsible for developing and expanding our multi-channel legacy pledger recruitment programme, enhancing and growing our legacy engagement & conversion journeys and growing our In Memory giving initiatives, including our Launch a Memory offering.

Your role

As the Strategic Legacy Marketing Manager, you’ll be focused on:

• Driving innovation and development of the wider legacy strategy as part of the legacy leadership team.
• Leading a team responsible for all aspects of our marketing acquisition, conversion and engagement programmes for Legacy & In Memory giving.
• Collaboration and coordination with fundraising stakeholders across the organisation to deliver the legacy strategy in support of the wider fundraising strategy.
• Identifying and growing talent within your team.

About you

You’ll be passionate about fundraising and understand the importance of delivering donor-centric marketing programmes that support business goals and outcomes.

More specifically, you’ll need:

• Proven track record and extensive experience in developing a donor-centric marketing strategy and overseeing its successful delivery. Ideally, this will be in legacy and/or In Memory giving and include experience in creating large-scale multi-channel paid media programmes.
• Experience in leading and motivating teams and building cultures that bring out the best in individuals. A confident people manager with experience of coaching and supporting others to develop and achieve results.
• A great communicator with extensive experience of effectively engaging with and influencing stakeholders at all levels in a business.
• A strategic thinker who looks and plans ahead, with the ability to identify appropriate change and to deliver it while keeping their team and all stakeholders engaged.
• Demonstrable ability to use and understand trends and insights to positively influence the development and delivery of activities.
• Problem-solving skills to overcome challenges and a passion to deliver the best possible results for our supporters and our charity.

This post requires a valid driving licence.

So, if you have a passion for fundraising and are looking to lead a successful legacy team who have ambitions to grow further, this could be the role for you. For more information and to apply, please visit our jobs page.

Closing date: 18 January 2026.

Interview date: 12 - 13 February 2026.

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.

A senior member of the high-performing Trusts & Philanthropy team, you will be responsible for routinely raising significant revenue and capital funds from major donors. This key role will focus on working with prospects and donors with the motivation and capacity to invest in Maggie’s growth and will prioritise transformational gifts which can support our accelerated growth. You will be a strategic thinker with significant experience to deliver principal gifts to the value of £1million and above.  

 As Head of Philanthropy you will ensure the effective identification and cultivation of prospects through board or volunteer networks. You will commission a programme of engagement and stewardship events to inspire and enthuse potential supporters and invigorate current donors to continue support. You will also personally manage a prospect portfolio using exceptional communications, engagement and stewardship strategies in order to achieve our ambitious fundraising goals and objectives.

 You must be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of major gift portfolio management and principal gift development. A record of successfully expanding the donor base through cultivation and excellent stewardship is also essential. You will share your significant experience and insight where helpful to contribute to the successful development and implementation of Maggie’s overall fundraising strategy.
 
 Please note that interviews will held on Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th February.

Please see the attached job description for further details.

Since opening its doors in 1871, Royal Albert Hall has stood at the heart of the nation’s cultural life. From the Suffragettes to Stormzy, Elgar to Einstein, the Beatles to Shirley Bassey, the world’s most influential voices have shaped moments of history on its iconic stage.

Today, the Hall continues to deliver an extraordinary programme spanning classical music, rock and pop, national moments and the spoken word. Each year, nearly two million people experience performances that entertain, challenge and inspire, creating unforgettable memories within one of the world’s most recognisable and celebrated buildings.

Looking ahead, the Hall has set an ambitious new vision to ensure it remains a place of dreams and determination, contemplation and celebration for generations to come. Central to this vision is the continued growth of its highly successful outreach programme, supporting emerging artists and deepening engagement with communities, widening access to the arts and strengthening the Hall’s social impact.

In support of this long-term ambition, a pioneering £50 million capital appeal was launched in late 2025. This 15-year estate plan represents a significant evolution in the Hall’s fundraising approach, creating an exceptional opportunity to expand its philanthropic reach, deepen relationships with supporters and secure transformational investment in the future of this much-loved institution.

Against this backdrop, the Royal Albert Hall is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Philanthropy to lead its philanthropic activity through an exciting period of growth and change. This senior role will drive income generation across major donors, trusts and foundations, and the Friends & Patrons programme, while playing a pivotal role in the success of one of the most high-profile capital appeals in the arts. The post offers a rare opportunity to deliver a step-change in philanthropic income and prospect development, helping to realise the Hall’s bold vision for the future.

As Head of Philanthropy, you will:

• Lead the Royal Albert Hall’s philanthropic efforts, overseeing a talented team and delivering an ambitious strategy that spans multiple income streams: major donors, trusts and foundations, events, and the Friends & Patrons programme.
• Play a key role in helping shape and deliver the Hall’s transformative £50M capital appeal, which represents an extraordinary opportunity to expand the Hall’s fundraising reach, significantly increasing the volume of prospects engaged and deepening relationships with existing donors. Your ability to inspire your team and personally steward key supporters will be instrumental in driving this evolution in the Hall’s fundraising approach.
• Primarily focus on securing new supporters and driving innovative approaches to growing the donor base. Cultivating existing relationships is also an important aspect of the role.
• Foster a supportive and high-performing culture within your team, using a coaching leadership style to maximise potential and ensure the delivery of ambitious income targets. Your leadership will be key to driving performance while maintaining hands-on involvement with major donors and high-profile supporters.

Essential skills and experience: 

• An accomplished philanthropic fundraiser and inspiring team leader with a proven track record of securing minimum 6-figure gifts from HNWIs. Examples should be clearly evidenced on your CV.
• Confident managing senior stakeholders, developing strategy, and working across multiple income streams to grow voluntary income.
• A leadership style that combines strategic oversight with personal involvement, enabling you to manage high-value relationships directly when needed, especially with key donors.

Arts fundraising experience is not essential.

Employee benefits include:

• 25 days per year annual leave (pro rata for part-time employees), with the opportunity to buy or sell up to five days holiday per calendar year
• Enhanced pay during maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
• Life assurance of 6 x basic salary
• RAH’s canteen offers free hot and cold meals, including vegetarian options, to staff whilst at work
• Employee Assistance Programme

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.

Philanthropy Manager

We are seeking a proactive and relationship-led fundraiser to drive major donor and legacy giving for a growing and ambitious charity.

Position: Philanthropy Manager

Salary: £40,000

Location: Hybrid, with weekly office day in Kennington, London SE11

Hours: Full time

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 10:00am, Monday 12 January 2026

Interview Dates: 15 January (online) and 22 January (in person)

About the Role

This is a hands-on and rewarding role where you will lead the day-to-day delivery of major donor fundraising and help grow legacy giving. Working closely with the Development Director, senior leaders and trustees, you will oversee the major donor pipeline, build strong and meaningful relationships, and deliver personalised supporter experiences that inspire long term commitment.

You will line manage the Philanthropy Officer and work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to plan and deliver events, develop compelling donor communications and support data driven insight into supporter behaviour and opportunities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and growing a portfolio of major donor prospects and supporters
• Developing tailored cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans
• Planning and delivering high quality donor events and engagement activities
• Leading on legacy giving development, communications and stewardship
• Researching new prospects and preparing donor briefings
• Overseeing due diligence processes and ensuring compliance with fundraising standards
• Producing regular reports to support income forecasting and pipeline management
• Coaching, motivating and developing the Philanthropy Officer
• Supporting the implementation of improved CRM and data systems

About You

As Philanthropy Manager you will be confident, organised and proactive, with strong relationship management skills and the ability to communicate impact with clarity and warmth. You will be motivated by building meaningful supporter relationships and delivering exceptional experiences.

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong background in major donor or individual giving fundraising
• Experience securing five or six figure gifts
• Ability to manage pipelines and donor journeys using CRM systems
• Experience planning and delivering donor cultivation events
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational and project management skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders, trustees and colleagues
• Experience researching and cultivating new prospects

Personal qualities:

• Warm, engaging and confident working with people from all backgrounds
• A proactive mindset with the ability to spot opportunities
• Commitment to inclusion and belief in the transformative power of the arts
• A collaborative team player with a supportive leadership style

About the Organisation

This organisation works nationally to make music education equitable, inclusive and joyful for every child. Through long term programmes in partner schools, teacher training, advocacy work and sector wide initiatives, it supports thousands of children and young people each year. The charity is entering the next phase of strategic growth, scaling its most impactful work and strengthening its national influence.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Major Donor Manager/officer, Individual Giving Manager/officer, Fundraising Manager/officer, Philanthropy Lead, Development Manager/officer, Supporter Engagement Manager/officer.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

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

This is an exciting opportunity to join The National Brain Appeal, a highly ambitious neurological charity with an outstanding track record. We have raised significant funds to transform research and care for people living with neurological conditions – from dementia and brain tumours to motor neurone disease and epilepsy.

Building on the success of our recent appeals, this role will play a pivotal part in expanding our major gifts fundraising and delivering a step-change in the impact of our work. We are seeking a highly experienced philanthropy and partnerships professional with a proven track record in generating major gifts up to figures, who will lead the creation of a new Development Board and work closely with senior supporters, clinicians and researchers to grow and deepen our networks.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

In September 2025 Oxford opened its new home for humanities, the state-of-the-art Stephen A.  Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. Building on our successes in recent years, we are growing the team with a new senior fundraising role that will work with world-class academics and artists in our faculties and in the Centre’s cultural programming.

In addition to housing a Humanities Library and 7 academic faculties, the Schwarzman Centre includes a world-class, purpose-built concert hall space, theatre, cinema and ‘black box’ performance space, creating a new home for music, film, performing arts and visual arts in Oxford and transforming the experience for students, academics and the local community. The building will create a step change in the visual and performing arts in Oxford, establishing a central base for the Music faculty and History of Art department while offering exciting potential for collaboration with the Ruskin School of Art.

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. We are looking for a new senior fundraiser to join our energetic team to raise major gifts for a range of posts, scholarships and other priorities across the Humanities Division.  Oxford is the world’s leading university for humanities teaching and research. The University’s scholarship in languages, literature, history, philosophy, religion, and the arts – from the earliest civilisation to the present day – enriches our understanding of humankind. Our research informs how we engage with historic issues and contemporary concerns, and contributes to our understanding of – and solutions to – some of the most complex global challenges, from climate change to the impacts of Artificial Intelligence.

 About the Role

This fundraiser will work closely with senior academics in the Humanities Division. The post will focus primarily on funding for posts and scholarships in the academic faculties as well as securing support for the activities of the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, including the programme of public events that will start taking place in the building from spring 2026. An interest and appreciation for the arts and humanities is essential. 

To Be Successful You’ll Need:

· To be an experienced development professional with a strong track record of securing major gifts and the ability to secure gifts in the range of £100k-£1m+

· Confidence to work with people from a range of backgrounds, both internally and externally

· The ability to think creatively in prospecting, cultivation and stewardship by identifying and maximising opportunities

· To work well as part of a team, with the capacity to work independently on projects and priorities

· A passion for the arts and humanities, and an awareness of the funding landscape in the UK and internationally

What We Offer

As an employer, we value the wellbeing and development of all our employees. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

· 38 days annual leave (including public holidays)

· Hybrid working arrangements for a healthy work-life balance

· Extensive personal and professional development opportunities

· Membership to CASE to support your professional development as an educational advancement professional

· Supportive childcare services and other family-friendly leave schemes for working parents, guardians and those with caring responsibilities

· Generous family leave for maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave

· Excellent contributory pension scheme for your financial future

· Salary sacrifice scheme for additional savings

· Subsidised sports centre membership to promote well-being

· Cycle loan scheme to encourage sustainable commuting

· Discounted bus and transit travel

In addition, you will have access to a vibrant community with social groups and sports clubs fostering an inclusive atmosphere.

 Application process:

· Click the link to ‘Apply’ and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be taken to our online Applicant portal.

· Applications should consist of a full CV and a letter of application in your own words, in PDF format (maximum of 2 pages; no AI-written applications, please) outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon on Monday 19 January 2026 can be considered.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on Tuesday 27 January 2026, in person in Oxford.

 Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

Trusts Manager

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Salary in the region of £40,000 - £45,000

38 days’ holiday |Defined contribution pension scheme | Hybrid working

For over 120 years, RADA has stood at the forefront of dramatic arts training, nurturing generations of actors, directors, writers, producers and technical artists who have gone on to shape the worlds of theatre, film and television. Access and diversity are at the heart of who we are, and we are deeply committed to ensuring talented students from all backgrounds can experience our training, uplifting the greatest range of voices and perspectives.

This is an exciting time to join us. Our vision and strategy focus on sustainability and inclusion, foregrounding excellence, equitable practice and wellbeing, and empowering artists. Alongside developing our growth strategy, estates strategy, industry partnerships and international offer, we are addressing two urgent priorities: investment in our estate and in bursaries to ensure all talented students can thrive. This is in addition to raising unrestricted funding for RADA’s core activity. At the same time, we are building a renewed alumni strategy, creating opportunities for graduates to connect, collaborate and shape the future of our industry.

We are seeking an experienced trusts fundraiser to join our Development team at a pivotal point in our journey. As Trusts Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of RADA’s future fundraising growth by developing and stewarding long-term relationships with a portfolio of Trusts and Foundations to unlock transformational support for RADA’s mission and future. Reporting to and working closely with the Head of Grants & Fundraising Services, you will support with the creation of the Trusts and Foundations annual strategy, and will confidently seek out and secure new mid-level gifts.

The ideal candidate will be a confident and proactive fundraiser from an arts/cultural or higher education context and with a track record of gifts at the five-figure level. Your persuasive communication skills, attention to detail, and willingness to take initiative will be important drivers in this role. In addition, your ability to build relationships and inspire trust with RADA’s leadership and senior volunteers will be key to your success.

If you are excited by the opportunity to shape the future of dramatic arts training, and to make a lasting difference through life-changing work, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For a confidential conversation about this exceptional opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. For further information, key dates, and how to apply, please visit the Richmond Associates website and download a detailed candidate pack.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process.

We are taking positive action by guaranteeing an interview to any applicant who self-identifies as being from a Black, Asian or Global Majority background, and/or who self-identifies as D/deaf or disabled, and has experience as a development department lead or deputy lead in the cultural and Higher Education sectors. If you regard yourself as having these characteristics, please state so clearly on your supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 09:00 on Monday 12th January 2026

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