Philanthropy jobs

To enable Operation Smile’s global surgical activities, OSUK’s Partnerships Team works to maximise high-potential income channels such as corporate partnerships, major donors, community fundraisers and trusts and foundations.

We have created an exciting new position in our team for an ambitious and confident relationship fundraiser. Working as part of the Partnership Team, the Philanthropy Manager position will secure critical income from new and existing major donors through compelling, donor-centred approaches and excellent stewardship.

The position will build on existing relationships with individuals who make significant personal donations, aiming to grow their contributions, as well as making approaches to new prospects, working closely with the Director of Partnerships.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Philanthropy Development

• Ensure achievement of annual income target for philanthropy
• Develop and implement plans for a structured philanthropy programme, for both new and existing donors, aligning their giving with our strategic priorities
• Take primary responsibility for managing the current small pool of major donors, to grow and sustain their giving – strategic development of each relationship will be essential
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of new major donor prospects, creating propositions/proposals and making approaches, working with the Director of Partnerships
• Seek peer-to-peer introductions to new prospects, from existing donors, board members and other contacts
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to donors and internal stakeholders
• Work with the Communications team to generate media presence and content to attract philanthropic interest from new prospects
• Represent Operation Smile UK in global philanthropy discussions, applying any global strategies to develop successful fundraising plans for the UK
• Lead on development and management of any philanthropy cultivation events

Additional Responsibilities

• Create and maintain annual philanthropy budget and business plan, including activities from current supporters and forecasting new business income

Additional Information

• 2 years’ experience in a philanthropy or business development role
• We promote flexible and hybrid working, with 2 days per week in our London office in Battersea (nearest stations Clapham Junction and Wandsworth Town). There will also be some UK travel for meetings, conferences and events.
• Some overseas travel required to visit projects and partner countries, a highlight of the role!

First-round interviews are set for the week of 2nd March 2026. We strongly encourage early applications.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation. 

We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. 

Director of Philanthropy

We are seeking a Director of Philanthropy to join Nekton in a pivotal leadership role at a critical moment of organisational growth. You will lead and deliver a global philanthropic fundraising strategy for a pioneering marine science and conservation institute focused on rapidly accelerating the scientific exploration and protection of the ocean.

Position: Director of Philanthropy

Location: Hybrid (Onsite attendance in Oxford or London 2 days a week, with international travel)

Salary: £80,000+

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time

Closing Date: 23 February 2026

About the Role

The Director of Philanthropy is a pivotal, high-impact role responsible for co-defining, executing, and managing Nekton's global fundraising strategy, with a notable focus on securing major philanthropic gifts from high-net-worth individuals and foundations.

You will be the engine that drives the financial success of our ambitious scientific and conservation programmes, translating Nekton's vision to explore and protect the ocean into compelling cases for support.

Key areas of responsibility include:

· Strategy & Leadership

· Donor Relations & Management

· Collaboration & Communication

Why This Role Matters

This is a rare opportunity to shape and deliver one of the most ambitious philanthropic agendas in marine science today. As Director of Philanthropy, you will help unlock the resources required to explore the last great frontier on Earth, influence global ocean policy, and leave a lasting legacy for the planet.

If you are motivated by big ideas, long term impact, and the power of philanthropy to drive systemic change, this role offers both scale and purpose.

About You

This role demands an entrepreneurial, strategic, and highly hands on fundraiser with a proven track record of securing very significant gifts. You will be equally comfortable shaping strategy at Board level and personally leading high value donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

We are looking for someone with experience of:

· Securing significant six and seven-figure philanthropic gifts in a high-profile international organisation.

· Extensive network and demonstrable success in cultivating relationships with global philanthropic foundations, family offices and high-net-worth individuals.

· Articulating complex scientific and conservation initiatives into inspiring donor narratives and stand-out grant applications.

You will be able to undertake international travel to meet with prospects and attend events.

If you have a passion for ocean science, exploration, and conservation, and a deep commitment to Nekton’s mission, then apply today!

About Nekton

Nekton is a pioneering marine science and conservation institute, a charitable foundation committed to rapidly accelerating the scientific exploration and protection of the ocean. Our global programmes combine cutting-edge scientific discovery, inspiring public engagement, and catalysing policy impact.

This role is central to driving the financial ambition of our initiatives, including:

· Ocean Census (Primary Focus): A UN-endorsed, global collaboration to discover ocean life

· First Descent: Expedition-based deep ocean exploration and conservation

· Ocean Rising: Connecting culture and the ocean

· YACHTS for Science: Scientists to sea - matching private vessels with marine research.

· New 5-Year Global Voyage: A major, sustained expedition to explore and protect the ocean globally.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Fundraising, Philanthropy, Fundraiser, Director of Fundraising, Director of Philanthropy, Head of Fundraising, Head of Philanthropy, Major Gifts, Major Donor.

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

About us

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money to save the lives of people with cancer, everywhere. We ensure our nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. Join our successful Philanthropy team and help us deliver our most ambitious appeal yet. 

Your role 

This role sits in the Philanthropy & Partnerships Directorate, a high performing team that is responsible for all areas of high value fundraising including major donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partners and special events/high value committees. We play a vital role in delivering a stewardship and communications programme to support the wider Directorate with the knowledge, tools and expertise to recognise, thank and update our highest value supporters.

We will need you to: 

• Maintain and manage data lists and mailing processes for key communications, including biannual newsletters, season’s greetings cards and the Charity’s Impact Report.
• Support fundraisers to coordinate and deliver correspondence to donors and partners, including sharing news from the hospital or preparing routine updates, ensuring all communications are accurate, timely, and properly recorded.
• Upkeep all donor recognition information, including tracking members of the Charity’s stewardship circles and auditing donor recognition across the hospital.
• Coordinate donor recognition pages for the Charity’s annual Impact Report, working closely with the PR and Communications team.
• Coordinate with hospital staff to ensure donor recognition is accurately recorded, appropriately displayed, and installed on schedule.
• Support the delivery of donor stewardship projects by managing administrative tasks such as researching and sourcing suppliers or products, managing orders, and coordinating logistics across teams to ensure projects run smoothly and efficiently.
• Oversee stock levels of materials and assets – order, receive, store and distribute materials to the team as required.

You’ll be an enthusiastic team player with:

• Strong organisational skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Self-motivated, reliable and responsible
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in maintaining and delivering administrative processes
• Experience in maintaining and delivering administrative processes

Why join us?

We’re a values-driven charity committed to saving lives by funding world-leading research, treatment, and care at The Royal Marsden. You’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious, and kind team, with plenty of opportunities for learning and development.

What we offer:

• 27 days annual leave (rising with length of service), plus UK bank holidays
• Up to 6% employer pension contributions (increasing with service)
• Enhanced maternity and adoption pay
• Life insurance and employee assistance programme
• Flexible and hybrid working options (work from home one day a week)
• Access to subsidised staff restaurants, wellbeing initiatives, and more
• Bright, modern offices in Chelsea and Sutton, with excellent transport links

Inclusion matters

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and walks of life.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.

You will be part of a small energetic and committed team supporting the delivery of Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s philanthropy and income generation ambitions. Working collaboratively with colleagues, you will help grow and steward support from individuals, corporate, charitable and statutory donors, with a lead responsibility for a defined portfolio of relationships and initiatives.

Fundraising and relationship building happen across the charity, and you will manage your own portfolio of donors and partners and work with the Chief Executive and wider team to co-ordinate activity, share insight and maximise opportunities for place based philanthropy in Northamptonshire.

You will need confidence, excellent communication skills and the ability to plan and deliver projects as part of a highly collaborative team. You will be comfortable cultivating, stewarding and sometimes soliciting charitable donations yourself, as well as creating opportunities for the Chief Executive to engage with donors and prospective supporters.

LGBT Foundation is an impactful, vibrant charity with a wide portfolio of well-established services and rapidly developing new initiatives aimed at meeting the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people.  The Fundraising & Marketing Team at LGBT Foundation is a small yet collaborative group of professionals. They are dedicated to advancing the visibility and impact of the UK’s leading health and wellbeing charity. The team is responsible for implementing wide-ranging fundraising, communication, and marketing strategies. By leveraging various channels such as email marketing, the organisation’s website, video, social media, OOH advertising and traditional media, the team strives to support the national visibility, brand awareness, impact storytelling and income generation of the charity by attracting, engaging and stewarding a growing supporter base.   LGBT Foundation’s Partnerships & Philanthropy Advisor will work with fundraising & marketing colleagues to deliver against strategic objectives and achieve in-year financial targets, significantly increasing income and support, specifically from corporates, individual giving (donations), legacies and fundraising events. In this role as a Partnerships & Philanthropy Advisor, corporate partnerships (attraction, engagement, and retention) will be a priority, ensuring members see the value in our offer.   

You will also work with the Director of Fundraising & Marketing to shape four individual giving campaigns a year and two legacy awareness campaigns a year. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Marketing Manager to keep fundraising information on webpages and social channels active, ensuring regular promotion of charity challenges and shaping digital mobilisation efforts which will build the charity’s supporter base, attracting more new donors.   

You will support regular reporting on performance towards financial targets, working closely with colleagues to reconcile income, ensure Salesforce records and reports are up-to-date and that integrations support automated data flows.

We are taking positive action to encourage applications from people of colour (PoC) and other racially minoritised communities, trans*, non-binary, and/or older people (aged 50+), to improve the representation of colleagues from these communities in our staff team.

*Trans is an umbrella & inclusive term used to describe people whose gender identity differs from that which they were assigned at birth; including non-binary people, and those who partially or incompletely identify with their sex assigned at birth.

This is an exciting and engaging role, managing a small, well-established Philanthropy Team, where you will have the opportunity to work directly with our top supporters, develop interesting cultivation events and help us reach new supporters across Dorset and Wiltshire.

The Philanthropy Team incorporates major donor, mid-value, trust and legacy fundraising. It works closely with public fundraising and events teams. The CEO, Deputy CEO and specific trustees are also actively engaged in managing key relationships.

The role

The role is full time (35 hours per week) with hybrid working between home and the office in Wimborne in Dorset. There will be a requirement to travel across both Dorset and Wiltshire for internal meetings, donor meetings and events, with occasional out of hours working.

About you

We are looking for a talented, strategic, individual who can hit the ground running, be innovative, ambitious and bring exciting new ideas, ready to make a real difference to the growing number of local families we support. Energetic and with a passion for this type of role, you will be a confident communicator, who can build relationships with new and existing supporters and a considerate and thoughtful people manager. You must have a proven track record of working with high-net worth individuals in order to apply. We welcome applicants from within and outside the charity sector.

About us

Julia’s House cares for babies, children and teenagers with life-shortening or life-threatening conditions across Dorset and Wiltshire. We provide support for the whole family - mums, dads, siblings and even grandparents. Our care is regular, frequent, flexible and free, with more than half of our care taking place in family’s homes.  When the worst happens, Julia’s House is there. We offer comfort and support at home, in hospital or our hospices, wherever families need us.

Join us and make a real difference in this key role

The Philanthropy Manager will develop a philanthropy strategy, building on the partnerships and resources already in place. You will develop a pipeline backed up by robust prospect research (some administrative assistance will be provided), and instigate a cultivation and stewardship programme, typically adopting a staged approach to major asks.

You will be accountable for the acquisition, development, and stewardship of high value supporters for CUF, both individual philanthropists and non-statutory grant-making bodies. You will develop and strengthen relationships with existing donors, as well as identifying warm prospects currently not supporting CUF financially. A key part of your role will be meeting and engaging major donor prospects to grow the pool.

You will engage with Trustees and senior leaders, to identify and nurture Christian philanthropists and grant body decision-makers within their spheres of influence.

You will lead on developing cases for support and writing grant applications, helped by the wider staff team.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter with high levels of motivation, and the ability to both develop and operationalise strategy as a member of a small team. You will have a track record of successfully initiating, managing and developing relationships with High-Net-Worth individuals and grantmaking bodies, and securing donations and grants, via proposals or through face-to-face meetings, as required. 

How to apply

To apply, please email an up-to-date CV and covering letter (please note that only CV’s accompanied with a covering letter will be considered for shortlisting) outlining your relevant skills and experience, relating to the listed responsibilities and person specification to:

Closing date: 17:00 Monday 2nd March 26, with interviews to be held on 10th March 26 online.

Philanthropy Manager 
Up to £44,000 FTE per annum, £35,200 actual, plus 8% pension contribution 
28 hours per week 
Permanent role  
Hybrid working – homebased working for the majority of time with a need to attend head office in Godalming on occasions

An exciting opportunity to lead relationships with some of the League’s most influential supporters and secure transformational gifts that will help end animal cruelty in the name of ‘sport’. 

What You’ll Do: 

As our Philanthropy Manager, you will lead our major donor programme and manage a growing portfolio of high-value individuals, trusts and partners. Working closely with the Director of Fundraising, Chief Executive and senior stakeholders, you will identify, cultivate and steward influential supporters, making compelling asks and demonstrating the real-world impact of their generosity. Your responsibilities will include: 

• Developing and managing relationships with major donors, high-value individuals, family trusts and corporate partners
• Delivering an ambitious philanthropy strategy, annual plan and budget
• Building and maintaining a robust prospect pipeline through research, networking and relationship-building
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to develop fundraising propositions, related income sources, such as family trusts and corporate partners, and donor updates

· Tracking performance, managing income reporting and maintain accurate records

Who You Are: 

We need a confident and inspirational relationship manager with a passion for animal welfare, who possesses: 

• Previous experience working with high-net-worth individuals, either in the charity or commercial sector
• Proven success in major gift fundraising
• A strong understanding of major donor fundraising principles

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience using CRM systems and managing donor data.

Why Join Us: 

We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance, enjoy flexible working arrangements, including options for compressed hours and remote work from day one. With 28 days (pro-rata) of annual leave, in addition to the public holidays, and a generous employer contribution of eight percent towards your pension scheme, we prioritise your well-being. Additionally, our benefits package includes discounts on shopping, electronics, hospitality and leisure. Find out more about working at the League. 

The League Against Cruel Sports is committed to inclusivity and diversity, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

We believe that together we can end animal cruelty in the name of sport. Join us in our purposeful mission to redefine what is acceptable and inspire positive change in animal welfare legislation.  

Ready to make a real difference? Don't wait - apply now! We're looking to fill this position quickly and will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. To apply, please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating what days and hours you are available.

Salary: £57,823-£62,434
Contract: Two year fixed term (April 2026 – May 2028)
Location: Cardiff, with hybrid working (2-3 days in office)
Closing date: Wednesday 28^th January
Benefits: 27 days annual leave (rising to 32), pension, flexible working, staff discount schemes

We are delighted to be partnering with Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales to recruit a talented NMC100 Philanthropy Lead, joining at a pivotal moment as National Museum Cardiff moves towards its centenary in 2027. This once?in?a?generation redevelopment will transform one of the UK’s most significant museums, creating a vibrant, modern, sustainable cultural destination for the next 100 years.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior philanthropy specialist to shape and deliver a high?value fundraising programme of national and international significance. You will join a collaborative, ambitious external relations and funding team and play a central role in securing major gifts from individuals, trusts, foundations and global partners to bring this transformational capital project to life.

To be successful as Philanthropy Lead you will need:

• Significant experience securing six? and seven-figure donations for major capital or transformational programmes.
• Strong track record in cultivating and stewarding high?value relationships, including major donors, philanthropists and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent strategic thinking and communication skills, with the ability to bring a vision to life through compelling storytelling.
• Strong understanding of the philanthropy landscape across Wales, the UK and internationally.

If you would like to discuss this role with us please contact us and quote the reference 2807EI.

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, we use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs. We are passionate about improving equality across the sector, you can read more about our commitment to diversity here.

We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you as the leading charity recruitment agency.
If enough applications are received the charity reserve the right to end the application period sooner.

 

First Give

First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.

Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.

The Route to a Million Campaign

This is an exciting time for First Give, as we seek to expand and diversify our fundraising streams into Corporate and HNWI. To support this, we are launching the Route to A Million campaign in March, aiming to raise an additional £1.5 million over the next 3 years on top of our forecast income. The campaign is supported by a newly recruited campaign board, and the new Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships will spearhead the work required to achieve this target.

Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic and entrepreneurial Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships to supercharge First Give’s next phase of income growth. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our mission, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver a multi‑year fundraising strategy that fuels real, measurable impact for young people and society as a whole. First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, brings new ideas to the table and is comfortable leading a brand-new team.

As the senior leader for all income streams, you will own and drive our major donor programme; unlock new philanthropic partnerships; and build a talented team across other income streams to achieve ambitious goals. Working closely with the Director and our emerging Campaign Board, you will play critical role in growing our £1m+ annual income, deepening donor engagement and building the culture, systems and relationships that will propel First Give into its next phase of expansion.

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional fundraiser who thrives in a values‑driven, high‑ambition environment and wants to make a lasting contribution to a fast‑growing education charity.

Contract: Full time (35 hours per week), Permanent

Salary: £60K (+£2K London weighting if applicable)

Location: This is a hybrid contract. The successful candidate will be expected to work from our London office or attend in-person meetings and host donors at school Final events as required. The remainder of the week can typically be worked remotely, with flexibility as required.

The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we.  We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.

Please download the candidate pack for more details, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like a chat about the role or any reasonable adjustments we can make before applying: contact details provided in the candidate pack.

After a successful Inspiring Minds Campaign that raised £50m over a 10-year period and achieved the goal of providing bursaries to 1 in 4 pupils, the Latymer Foundation is now entering a new strategic period. A new three-year strategy will sustain and grow bursary provision, driving us towards the goal of achieving needs-blind admissions, whilst positioning Latymer as the independent school that sets the global standard for access, inclusion and opportunity.

Within this context, the Head of Philanthropy will play a vital role in securing the financial resources that sustain Latymer’s sector-leading bursary programme, ensuring that talent, not financial circumstance, determines access to a life-changing Latymer education.

The Head of Philanthropy role will have a strong personal focus on major gifts fundraising, whilst overseeing all philanthropic income streams — Major Gifts, Regular Giving and Legacies.

Salary circa £75,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

To apply and find out more about the school and our attractive staff benefits package, please visit our dedicated recruitment website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 9.00 am on Monday, 23rd February 2026.

Interviews 1st Round (Virtual) – Tuesday 3rd & Wednesday 4th March 2026.

Interviews 2nd Round (In-person at Latymer Upper School) – Wednesday 11th March 2026.

Diversity – The School is fully committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We have an established and representative staff Equality and Diversity Board to help drive forward positive change. A further Equality and Diversity Committee has recently been formed from our student population.

We are committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff, ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of our students and local community. Acknowledging a lack of ethnic diversity within our Support Staff community, we particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates for this role. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010; however, the School may employ positive action where diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS, online checks and receipt of two satisfactory references.

Liberty is seeking an ambitious, values‑driven fundraiser to oversee and deliver our trust and foundation, legacy, and major giving fundraising. As the Fundraising Manager for Philanthropy, this role requires proven experience of building, sustaining and growing significant income from philanthropic sources.

Liberty is a small organisation, which punches above its weight. The Fundraising Manager will combine strong leadership with hands on day-to-day delivery. As a key member of the Management Team, the role will oversee a talented team comprising a Philanthropy Officer and two Grants Officers. You will combine strategic oversight with hands‑on delivery, shaping compelling funding propositions and building strong, lasting relationships with funders and supporters. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you will ensure our complex and multifaceted work is translated into inspirational cases for support that resonate with funders.

This is a critical role in a vital organisation. Success will see the maintenance and development of a diverse range of income generation streams, and Liberty being better able to achieve its mission of challenging injustice, defending freedom and campaigning to make sure everyone in the UK is treated fairly.

You will have a strong commitment to Liberty’s anti-oppression values and strategy.

Liberty fully embraces flexible working and is committed to employee development. We aim to encourage people from all backgrounds to work with us and are particularly interested in hearing from people from minority backgrounds and all socio-economic sections of society. Liberty supports hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week in the Westminster office.

The deadline for applications is 9am Monday 2 March 2026

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Please be aware that we do not accept CVs for this role. All applicants must complete the application form to apply.

First round interviews will be held online on Tuesday 17th March

Second round interview will be held in person on Tuesday 24th March

For more information and details on how to apply, please visit our website.

We’re working with a large, well-established national charity that is investing significantly in its philanthropy programme and is now looking to appoint an experienced Philanthropy Manager to join a growing and ambitious income generation team.

Salary: £45,000 – £48,000
Location: London / Hybrid
Contract: Permanent, full time (flexible working considered)

This is a senior, relationship-led role, suited to an established major donor fundraiser who enjoys managing high-value relationships while also supporting and developing others.

Key highlights of the role

• Ownership of a high-value major donor portfolio, securing consistent five- and six-figure gifts
• Line management responsibility for a Philanthropy Officer, with a strong focus on coaching, development and performance
• Close working with senior leadership and influential volunteers to open networks and progress strategic relationships
• Significant autonomy to shape cultivation, solicitation and stewardship approaches
• Opportunity to contribute to long-term philanthropy strategy and pipeline growth
• Strong internal collaboration with fundraising operations, events and wider income teams

This role will suit someone with proven experience of securing major gifts, confidence making face-to-face asks, and the ability to balance hands-on fundraising with effective people management.

This is a rolling recruitment process, with the hiring manager reviewing CVs as they are received. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Please email Hannah at

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

About the role

We are looking for an excellent and experienced relationship fundraiser, who excels at identifying and building inspiring and genuine connections with high net-worth individual donors, who have the capacity to give six- and seven- figure gifts.

This role requires a motivated, creative and confident individual, who thrives on getting out and about and meeting with supporters. The role will help shape the Business Development and Philanthropy Team’s plans to deliver outstanding donor engagement and stewardship so that our donors are inspired and proud to support us and enjoy their philanthropic giving experience. This role will make a vital contribution to delivering a step change in our philanthropic income growth to support Practical Action’s strategic ambition and mission.

About you

We are seeking a motivated, creative and confident individual, who thrives on getting out and about and meeting with supporters. You will have at least 5 years’ experience of securing gifts from high net-worth individuals making gifts privately or through family trusts, donor advised funds and corporations.

Accountabilities

• Lead the process of identifying and cultivating individual donor prospects (UK and international) capable of giving six- and seven- figure gifts, fully understanding their funding preferences, criteria and fit with Practical Action.
• Steward a portfolio of loyal and high-quality donors, giving five and six figure annual gifts and ensure our donors receive exceptional stewardship, feel valued for their support and become advocates of Practical Action to their friends, family and networks.
• Work with autonomy and represent Practical Action at one-to-one meetings and networking events with high net-worth individuals.
• Work with senior colleagues and the Board of Trustees to identify prospects, build relationships and secure gifts from high net-worth individuals.
• Distil complex information and messaging into powerful, emotive and high-quality tailored communications (including pitches, cases for support, bespoke proposals and donor reports) that demonstrate impact and inspire giving by individual donors and family trusts.

Person Specification

To be successful in the role, the ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:

• Significant fundraising experience (5 years+) of securing gifts from high net-worth individuals making gifts privately, or through family trusts, donor advised funds and corporations.
• Excellent knowledge about philanthropy sector developments, trends and key philanthropic organisations and networks in the UK and internationally.
• A strong and proven track record of building new prospect pipelines and of managing a portfolio of donors, including demonstrable experience of securing six- and seven-figure gifts.
• An experienced and confident networker with a proven ability to build and maintain a diverse group of contacts, at all levels, both internally and externally, and represent Practical Action to inspire, secure commitment and support.
• Knowledge of data protection principles, legal requirements, and ethical fundraising practice is essential.

Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to summarise and distil complex issues in an inspiring way.
• Ability and confidence to influence and manage successful internal relationships including writing reports and donor meeting briefings for senior colleagues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment, ensuring our donors receive excellent stewardship throughout their relationship with Practical Action.
• Strong project management skills to lead approaches backed up by an appropriate level of research and analysis.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to trial, learn and adapt — whether building on existing major giving experience or trialling new ideas and approaches to reach new donors audiences, for example next generation or diaspora giving.
• You will contribute to a culture of kindness, collaboration, rigour and accountability.
• Effective and positive team-player with a strong preference for collaboration
• Strong administrative, time-management, IT and numeracy skills.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Why join us?

The opportunity to work for an organisation that is making a positive difference to the lives of people worldwide, a friendly and supportive culture, and working with values-driven and highly engaged colleagues are just some of the reasons we think Practical Action is a great place to work.

This role will be based in the UK.

The successful applicant must have the pre-existing right to both live and work in the UK.  The successful candidate will be expected to attend the Rugby office on regular occasions.

Additional information

Practical Action believes that having a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture based on respect will enable us to be an effective organisation. We seek to create an inclusive workplace in which people are accepted as individuals, regardless of their differences and where they feel their contribution is valued.  Practical Action is an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications from under-represented groups.

We stay committed to cultivating an inclusive and diverse working environment and believe that people from different backgrounds or cultures give us different perspectives, and the more perspectives we have, the more successful we will be. By building a culture where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued we give everyone working with us the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Practical Action is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults and as such candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal checks and terrorist financing.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 1st March 2026.  Please note that should we recruit a suitable candidate before the closing date, we will close applications earlier than the specified date.

Interviews: It is anticipated that first round online interviews will take place week of 9th March and final interviews will take place in person at our Rugby office week commencing 16th March 2026.

If you do not hear from us within five weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

HOW TO APPLY

If you want to work for a charity with significant people ambitions, then we would like to hear from you. For more information, please visit our careers page. To apply please submit a copy of your CV (A MAXIMIUM OF 2 PAGES) and send us a supporting statement that includes the answers to the following question:

1.Why are you an excellent candidate for the Philanthropy Executive role at Practical Action, please provide examples from your career to evidence your answer?