Philanthropy prospect research manager jobs

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to Beat Macular Disease forever.

This exciting role is responsible for delivering income from a range of donors and prospects, with a focus on trusts and foundations, lottery and statutory sources, as well as HNWI. We are looking for an ambitious and strategic fundraiser with a proven track record of raising significant funds from charitable trusts and foundations, lottery and statutory sources as well as HNWI, who, alongside our existing team, will help to grow and develop this area of fundraising for the Macular Society. The post holder will have a proven eye for detail, an analytical nature, first class relationship management skills and a flair for writing successful applications.

In return, we provide a great working culture – we do something worthwhile and are proud to work together to Beat Macular Disease – as recognised by our inclusion in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023 list. 

We offer flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, rising to 27 after one years’ service, the ability to buy or sell annual leave, supportive family policies, and 6% pension contribution.

We are passionate about treating people fairly and as equals, doing so is instinctive to us. To Beat Macular Disease for all we know we have work to do. That’s why we are keen to hear from people of all backgrounds who have the skills and experience we are looking for. We particularly encourage applications from people from under-represented groups, to help ensure what we do and how we do it is inclusive – for everyone.

The Company seeks an experienced Income Generation and Fundraising Manager to join this dynamic and highly driven company to help us diversify and grow our income across corporate partnerships, individual giving, philanthropy and trusts and foundations.

This is a newly created part-time opportunity - for six months in the first instance, with the intention to be extended to two years plus - for an experienced, motivated and committed person who can develop and lead a strategy and delivery plan to realise our ambitions.

Purpose
This vital role works alongside the Head of Philanthropy to help build and grow our philanthropic partnerships over the next five years and beyond. As well as building upon current relationships, you will identify, research and cultivate relationships with charitable Trusts and Foundations as well as major donors to raise both restricted and unrestricted income.

Responsibilities and areas of work
This important role will focus primarily on Trust Fundraising but will also encompass Major Donor Fundraising. It will seek to identify new high-level donors, as well to develop existing relationships with our generous supporters. Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy, other team members and external consultants, and in collaboration with our colleagues in the
Programmes Team, the Senior Philanthropy Officer will focus on building our trust portfolio – with a focus on donors giving £5k - £100k per year

1. New business acquisition:
a) Researching new individuals and trusts to build a prospect list for future funders, using our database (Salesforce), available lists and external databases. Assessing the potential for active, lapsed and prospective donors to support CBM and recording accordingly.
b) Recommending tactical next steps for engagement with new individuals and trusts, for approval by the Head of Philanthropy.
2. Stewardship and cultivation of current and active donors:
a) Developing and implementing tailored stewardship plans, so that individuals / trusts are engaged in a bespoke manner, and that application and reporting deadlines are met.
b) Leading on the production and submission of applications, proposals and initial approaches (by post, email and, to a lesser degree, phone) and following up as required.
c) Reporting to donors in a formal or informal way, as appropriate, to ensure they are kept up to date with CBM and project developments                                                                                                                                                               d)Organising, facilitating and attending face-to-face and online meetings with high-level donors/ trusts, including organising dates and venues, and creating Meeting Briefs for all attendees to ensure positive outcomes.

3. Proposal and Report Writing
a) Designing and crafting compelling proposals, reports, project timelines and budgets that meet the bespoke needs of donors whilst meeting the needs of CBM and our Programme delivery colleagues, within agreed deadlines.
b) Working with members of the Programmes Team to ensure the accuracy of proposals /reports, and with members of the Fundraising & Communications Team to ensure consistency of messaging.
c) Working with the Philanthropy & Partnerships Team to develop new projects/ themes/
appeals for potential projects.

4. Other Team Responsibilities:
a) Helping to develop the Annual Forecast Budget for the Team, and providing updates on the pipeline and progress against targets.
b) Ensuring all information, donor activity is recorded and kept up-to-date on our database to fully-inform any approaches / meetings.
c) Providing proof-reading and copy-editing support to colleagues.
d) Monitoring the activity of related organisations and the fundraising sector, identifying changes, predicting trends and making recommendations as necessary.
e) Helping to develop a culture of enthusiasm and success, reflecting the ambitions of CBM, and promoting positive working and innovation.
f) Ensuring that the values of CBM UK are understood by external partners and always reflected in communications.
g) Carrying out any additional duties as required by the Head of Philanthropy and Director of Fundraising, Impact & Communications

Please read the Recruitment Pack for full details. 

Location: Any UK Trust office. Hybrid working 2-3 days in the office. Travel to London when required.

Interviews: 20th and 21st May over MS Teams

For more information, or to apply, please click 'apply now' to be directed to our website.

Join The King’s Trust as our new Principal Giving Manager and play a pivotal role in our 50th Anniversary Campaign and our ambition to raise £150 million, shaping the future of youth empowerment. With an annual target of £500k+, you’ll secure transformational gifts from high-value donors, pitch milestone projects such as our endowment, and lead proposals that bring powerful change to life. 

You’ll be part of a dynamic and passionate Philanthropy team that thrives on collaboration, big ideas, and meaningful relationships. This is more than fundraising - it’s about connecting visionary supporters with opportunities that truly make a difference. If you’re strategic, persuasive, and driven by purpose, with a track record of securing transformational gifts, this is your chance to leave a legacy for generations to come. 

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Principal Giving Managers? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Principal Giving Managers! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Equal Opportunities 

Here at The King's Trust, we're committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We want to be an organisation that's representative of the communities we serve, which is why we strive for diversity of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion and sex. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone, from any background, can be themselves and do the best work of their lives. 

We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation and sector, such as candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.  

We’re a Stonewall Top 100 Employer and we are an employer that is Disability Confident. Our staff, volunteers and young people are supported by KT CAN (our Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network) and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 

Safeguarding 

The King's Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake basic disclosure checks in accordance with the Codes of Practice for all roles within the Trust, and for our roles working directly with young people, at an enhanced level. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants. 

A NOTE FOR RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:

We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a preferred supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you!

Req ID: 3491 

Please identify your notice period and salary expectation in your cover letter.

Note: Unfortunately we cannot support applications from international candidates at this time

As one of the largest federated charities in the UK, with arguably greater reach into the lives of families and educational settings than any other non-Government organisation, Parentkind is on a bold and urgent mission: to support, champion, and empower parents to be partners in their children’s education and wellbeing. To help deliver this, Parentkind's fundraising efforts helped grow Parentkind's income from £1.5m to £10m (including in-kind donations) between 2022 and 2024.

Although best known for our support of almost 24,000 Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), Parent Councils, and Schools, helping them build strong school communities whilst they raise over £130 million each year to enhance children’s education, our work stretches far beyond the school gates. Parentkind is building a powerful movement that recognises parental engagement not as a nicety, but a necessity.

In recent years, families have faced a series of compounding challenges: the cost-of-living crisis, rising child poverty, and deepening educational inequality. These pressures have left many parents struggling to meet basic needs—let alone feel confident engaging in their child’s learning journey.  Parentkind has responded to this moment with compassion, agility and purpose, through a series of transformative campaigns, resources, and partnerships. Our recent transformational journey has seen Parentkind’s network grow by more than 70% of schools, and the income Parentkind has delivered both for itself and for its members by more than 550%. 

Our No Cold Child initiative, launched with FatFace, stepped in to address a stark statistic: over 150,000 children in the UK do not own a winter coat due to poverty. Through our trusted relationships with schools, we distributed 10,000 warm, high-quality coats worth £600,000 to the children who needed them most. Shortlisted for two Business Charity Awards, the campaign has been praised not just for providing warmth, but for restoring dignity, inclusion, and school readiness to thousands of children.

Our collaboration with Asda on Cashpot for Schools is another example of unlocking support at scale. This innovative community-led funding model allows shoppers to nominate and fund their local schools simply through everyday spending. In just the last year, this campaign has generated £5.78 million for schools—supporting everything from basic classroom supplies to vital extracurricular programmes and pupil wellbeing initiatives. Also shortlisted for a Business Charity Award, it is already a model for community-driven philanthropy.

Meanwhile, our All Dressed Up campaign—developed with World Book Day and Rubies Masquerade—confronted the often-overlooked issue of financial exclusion on key celebration days. More than 100,000 free dressing up costumes worth £1.34 million were delivered to children from low-income families. By enabling participation in events like World Book Day, we helped spark imagination, joy, and belonging for children who might otherwise feel left out—boosting self-esteem and supporting a positive connection to learning.

Alongside these national campaigns, Parentkind supports families year-round through a growing suite of programmes designed to inform, prepare and empower parents. Our Be School Ready programme offers crucial guidance and confidence to parents preparing their children for the leap into primary education. With a mix of practical advice, developmental tips, and reassurance, through the distribution of 135,000 copies of Be School Ready and an online campaign, it supports families at one of the most formative moments in their child’s life.

We also deliver a wide-ranging series of live expert webinars and parent-friendly resources, covering topics such as managing anxiety, supporting special educational needs, navigating school transitions, and building home-school partnerships. These resources—developed in consultation with experts and rooted in lived parent experience—equip families to feel informed and empowered, no matter what challenges arise.

This month, we launched our Parent-Friendly Schools Accreditation Programme, designed to formally recognise schools that go above and beyond in fostering positive, inclusive relationships with parents. The accreditation celebrates schools that actively listen to parent voices, make engagement easy and accessible, and embed family partnership in their culture. It is a practical and inspiring tool to drive long-term change in the sector and offers a roadmap for schools wanting to strengthen their community.

Our work is grounded in evidence. Every year, we conduct the UK’s largest parental engagement study: the National Parent Survey. In 2024, over five thousand parents participated, providing invaluable insight into what families think about the education system. The findings are fed directly into government consultations and have already influenced national debates on school funding, attendance, mental health support, SEND provision, and curriculum reform. We believe passionately that parents must not be the missing voice in education policy—and we work tirelessly to ensure their views shape the decisions that affect their children’s lives.

Today, through Parentkind’s federated network of more than 130,000 parent and teacher volunteers, our work impacts the lives of millions of parents, carers, teachers and children throughout the UK through our membership, programmes, advocacy and campaigns. But we know we can—and must—do more.

We’re looking for someone with passion, purpose, and creativity—someone who understands that a warm coat, a World Book Day costume, or a parent’s voice at the table can all be catalysts for lifelong change.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our growing Fundraising Team and play a leading role in shaping a brand-new trust fundraising programme from the ground up. We’re looking for someone with experience in securing income from trusts and foundations—someone who’s a confident communicator, both in writing and in person, and who brings a curious and strategic mindset to prospect research.

You’ll help craft compelling cases for support and develop a portfolio of proposals and reports that showcase the impact of our work—amplifying the voices of parents and schools and demonstrating how Parentkind is driving positive change. Strong attention to detail is essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

If you believe, like we do, that when parents matter, children succeed, we’d love to hear from you.

You’ll have:

• Proven experience in trust and statutory fundraising, securing five- and six-figure grants.
• Demonstrable success in developing compelling proposals and reports for funders.
• Strong relationship management skills with a track record of stewarding long-term partnerships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey impact effectively.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of the education, family support, or community development sectors.

You’ll get:

• To join a fast-moving charity with an exciting future
• To build your own team, playing a key role in driving forward the charity’s strategy and shaping our fundraising activity
• Remote working full-time with a great online team culture
• 25 days holiday in addition to UK public holidays.

How to apply

A full candidate pack is attached on this listing. To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your motivations for applying for the role and how you meet the Person Specification.

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis via video conference.

Parentkind is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and we ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and equally.  We would be grateful if you would complete the equal opportunities monitoring questions when applying online to help us check that we are carrying out our policy of equal opportunities for all people.  The information will be kept confidential and will be separate from your application.  It will have no bearing on your application.

Parentkind is committed to meeting the needs of applicants with disabilities.  Please let us know if you require any adjustments to your application or interview process.

About Us:

Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting is the world’s only movement for every girl and any girl because we believe that each of them deserves to be the best they can be. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts learn by doing, make friends and have fun. In brave, local spaces, girls develop the skills and attitudes to change themselves, their communities and our world. The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts supports 153 national Girl Guide and Girl Scout organisations around the world to be united, thriving and growing.

Job Purpose:

The full-time Fundraising Manager, Major Gifts will play a critical role in advancing the mission of WAGGGS by managing and cultivating relationships with existing and prospective major donors. This position focuses on relationship cultivation and stewardship with the aim of increasing donor engagement and funds raised. The ideal candidate will be a donor-focused, enthusiastic, and results-driven professional with a passion for empowering girls and young women globally.

About You:

You will have experience managing and cultivating relationships with existing and prospective major donors. You will be focused on increasing donor engagement and funds raised. You will be a donor-focused, enthusiastic, and results-driven professional with a passion for empowering girls and young women globally.

Key Responsibilities:

1. New Donor Cultivation

2. Existing Donor Relationship Management

3. Stewardship and Reporting

4. Collaboration and Communication

5. Data Management

Applicants must have right to live and work in the UK and a minimum of 2 years experience working with High Net Worth Individuals.

Please note that applications without CV and Cover letter will not be considered for this role. A 2 page cover letter explaining your experience working with High Net Worth Individuals is mandatory.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for a detailed information about the role.

Our Fundraising Manager will play a critical leadership role within the Partnerships team, driving growth in philanthropic income through high-value donor engagement. The post holder will be responsible for cultivating and stewarding a portfolio of major donors, including HNWIs, senior business leaders, and key trusts and foundations while identifying and converting new prospects through MFL’s networks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developing and implementing a strategic plan for major donor stewardship and new donor cultivation. Building and leading major donor relationships.
• Producing compelling, tailored proposals, bids, and impact reports.
• Managing income reporting and pipeline via Salesforce and supporting compliance processes.
• Cross-team collaboration to align fundraising with programme priorities and communications.

Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)

Salary£48,354.46 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)

Location: London/Hybrid

Salary: £48,354.46 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1095733

We seek a strategic and relationship-driven Philanthropy fundraising professional with a passion for making a difference to young people’s lives. If you thrive on securing transformational gifts and building meaningful connections with high-value donors,  then YMCA England & Wales has an incredible opportunity for you to shape and lead our Major Giving programme as our new Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving).

About YMCA England & Wales

YMCA England & Wales supports 83 local YMCAs, advocating for vulnerable young people by providing essential building blocks for a better life—like a safe home, guidance, friendship, and employment skills. We are committed to ensuring fairness and opportunity for all, and through our collective voice, we influence national policy and media to improve the lives of young people across the country.

Fundraising at YMCA England & Wales has three pillars:

• Fundraising for distribution through initiatives such as our RoomSponsor programme and national partnerships
• Fundraise to support YMCAs and fund our policy, campaign and research work, which changes the lives of young people
• Help YMCAs fundraise themselves by providing assets, propositions, and advice for local fundraisers.

The Role

As Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving), you will lead the development and implementation of an ambitious new Major Giving strategy to secure and maximise funds from high-net-worth individuals. Your focus will be on nurturing relationships with existing donors while identifying and engaging new prospects, driving initiatives including Giving Circles and Development Boards.

You will work closely with senior leadership, Trustees, and key stakeholders to craft compelling cases for support, aligning with YMCA’s ambitious new housing strategy and broader organisational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors, developing tailored engagement strategies to inspire long-term support.
• Plan and execute donor stewardship activities, including bespoke events, face-to-face meetings, and personalised communications.
• Work with senior leadership and Trustees to build strong relationships with philanthropists and high-value supporters.
• Develop and deliver compelling proposals, impact reports, and updates to donors.
• Identify and research prospective major donors, developing strategies to engage them effectively.
• Implement YMCA’s ambitious Major Giving Strategy which projects an ever more important focus for this area.
• Oversee the Major Giving income and expenditure budget, providing accurate forecasts and performance reports.
• Collaborate with colleagues across fundraising teams to align strategies and maximise income opportunities.
• Ensure robust data management within the CRM database, adhering to GDPR and best practices.
• Work cross-functionally to develop new fundraising products and giving opportunities, ensuring high-value philanthropy is embedded across the organisation.

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated, strategic, and personable fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing major gifts. You will be confident in building relationships with high-net-worth individuals and passionate about delivering exceptional donor experiences.

You will have:

• Significant experience in major donor fundraising, with a track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to engage and influence high-value supporters.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to create compelling cases for support.
• Budget management and forecasting experience, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders, including Trustees and senior leadership teams.
• Knowledge of philanthropy trends, donor motivations, and fundraising best practices.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an ambitious and growing fundraising team, with the opportunity to shape and lead YMCA’s major donor programme.
• Work for a charity that makes a real difference in the lives of young people and communities across England & Wales.
• Enjoy a collaborative and supportive work environment, where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with opportunities for professional development.

If you are passionate about philanthropy and have the skills and experience to drive major donor fundraising at YMCA England & Wales, we would love to hear from you!

To apply: please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, who are currently under-represented throughout YMCA England & Wales. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.

Part home/Part office (London) based

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as a Foundations Executive.

This role will build and nurture relationships with UK-based trusts and foundations. You will have individual responsibility of taking care of a portfolio of predominantly four and five-figure donors. You will be responsible for embedding these important ongoing donors into the UNICEF UK family, and actively seeking out and identifying new potential donors.[UA1] [GG2] 

You will already be experienced in successfully raising funds from trusts, foundations, major donors, and/or other supporters. We are also open to candidates with transferable skills that are relevant to the role, such as strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience of using research mechanisms and producing good quality communication for high value donors is highly desirable.

Act now and visit the website via the apply button to apply online.

Closing date: 9am, Monday 19 May 2025,  

1st Interview date: Tuesday 3 June 2025, via video conferencing (MS Teams).

2nd Interview date: Wednesday 18 June 2025, in person at UNICEF UK office.

In return, we offer:

· excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools)

· outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to flourish in your role

· impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

· an open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children.

· the opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world

Our application process: We use a system called "Applied" that anonymises your responses and focuses on your actual skills that are relevant to this role. This benefits you by giving you a greater chance of expressing your skills in this objective selection process.

We are gradually moving back to our offices on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and we anticipate most colleagues will work one or two days a week in the office and the rest of the time from home. We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level at UNICEF UK. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for children.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

We welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.

We only accept online applications as this saves us money, making more funds available for us to help ensure children’s rights.

If you require support in completing the online form or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the Supporter Care line during office hours.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note that we only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.

Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland)

King’s College, Cambridge
Director of Development

Shape the Future of a World-Renowned Institution.

Salary: Starting salary in the region of £90,000 with scope to go beyond for a leading professional with outstanding experience and track record. 
Location: Cambridge, UK

King’s College, Cambridge, founded in 1441 by Henry VI and known worldwide for its historic Chapel and Choir, is seeking a visionary Director of Development to lead its philanthropic fundraising and help shape its future.

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the world’s most renowned academic institutions at a transformative moment in its history. Using the momentum of the visionary £100 million King’s Campaign, the new Director will develop and deliver an exciting, multi-year fundraising strategy that supports the College’s most ambitious goals - expanding access and student support, enhancing research capacity and preserving our architectural heritage.

You will bring a proven track record in major gifts fundraising, inspirational leadership and experience of cultivating deep, lasting relationships. A key member of the leadership team, you’ll engage a passionate global alumni network and forge new partnerships with individuals and organisations aligned with the College’s commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation.

King’s is a community that values independent thinking, creativity, and social impact. Among our alumni are Nobel laureates, world-changing scholars, and trailblazers. At its heart, the College remains deeply committed to ensuring that the brightest students - regardless of background - can thrive.

As Director of Development, you will be elected to a Fellowship of the College, joining a vibrant, diverse and dynamic community. This is more than a job - it is a chance to have a lasting impact on an institution where education and innovation have shaped the world for over five centuries.

King’s College, Cambridge is partnering with Erin Hall-Westfall and Joanna Logan of Constellate Global Talent on this search.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday, 25 May.
First round interviews are expected to be held w/c 16 June, with second round interviews the w/c 23 June.

Interested?

The candidate pack and details to contact us for a confidential discussion are attached. 

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter via CharityJob or Institute of Fundraising no later than Midnight on Sunday, 25 May. 

Please do not apply via the King’s College website. No agencies please.

The University of Manchester is part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities and highly respected across the globe as a centre of teaching excellence and research innovation and discovery.

With 25 Nobel Prize winners among our current and former staff and students, we have a history of world firsts, with our impact ranging from splitting the atom to giving the world graphene.

Our purpose is to advance education, knowledge and wisdom for the good of society, putting our three core goals of research and discovery, teaching and learning, and social responsibility at the heart of everything we do.

As Head of Supporter Engagement, you will provide University-wide leadership to develop, plan and implement sector-leading fundraising and supporter engagement strategies, policies and programmes – with a particular focus on Regular and Leadership giving (<£10k), Legacy Fundraising, and ensuring an exceptional prospect and donor experience for donors giving at all levels.

As the senior lead for the key public-facing aspects of our fundraising programme, you’ll be accountable for the performance of key fundraising streams. You’ll work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that strategies and operational plans are in line with institutional needs. You’ll support and inspire your team to deliver ambitious targets. And you will provide support and strategic guidance to University leaders, academics, and colleagues across the University.

You’ll also be a member of our Development Leadership Team (DLT), meaning that you will play a significant role in our success across the whole fundraising mix. The transformation enabled by the launch of our first university-wide fundraising and volunteering campaign will provide further opportunities for your role to evolve during the campaign’s public phase.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual looking to advance their career in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

As Head of Supporter Engagement, you will undertake a range of activities commensurate with the grading and responsibility of the post. This includes:

• Lead the strategic planning for the Supporter Engagement team (currently Donor Experience, Regular and Leadership Giving, and Legacy Fundraising), working with area leads to translating business objectives into clear operational plans.

• Take overall responsibility for the development and leadership of strategic supporter journeys for key campaign audiences, and coordinate communications planning across the Division.

• Lead your team to conceptualise, plan and deliver communications, events, products and experiences that deliver strategic objectives, working collaboratively with colleagues across DDAR and the wider University.

• Proactively identify ways for Supporter Engagement activity to support and complement major and transformational fundraising.

• Identify and leverage opportunities to use university-wide communications and events to support fundraising success.

• Work to embed a culture of philanthropy across the whole institution, ensuring that the relationships, systems and products are in place to involve students and staff in fundraising.

• Be the University’s subject matter expert for your areas of responsibility, providing support and consultancy to senior colleagues, including University Executive members.

• Represent the interests of the Division at University-wide strategy groups and committees as required.

• Oversee financial planning and resource allocation across the Supporter Engagement team.

• Monitor performance across your areas of responsibility, motivating and inspiring your team members to deliver ambitious goals, supporting their development, and embedding a high-performance culture.

• Take shared responsibility for the overall leadership of the fundraising programme as a member of the Development Leadership Team (DLT).

• Be a proactive and visible leader across the Division and wider University.

• Actively contribute to the sector through thought leadership, representing the University at conferences and other sector meetings.

• Role model and embed the “Manchester Mindset” and embody the values and culture of the University and DDAR within your working practice and relationships.

Essential knowledge, skills and experience

• Experience of leading significant mass participation fundraising, legacy, and donor experience programme(s) in the higher education or charitable sector.

• A well-developed understanding of the fundraising mix, and the principles and processes that underpin fundraising success at all levels.

• Experience of developing and delivering strategies to achieve business objectives.

• Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-cutting teams to deliver exceptional work.

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills with experience of translating complex information into effective, persuasive and clear language for a variety of purposes.

• Proven experience of policy development and negotiation.

• Experience of working with a wide range of colleagues from a variety of disciplines across a large and complex organisation and providing consultancy and support to senior colleagues on a specialised area of expertise.

• Experience of effectively managing budgets.

• Excellent project management skills.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the necessary listening, facilitation and negotiation skills to represent the University at the highest levels, coupled with the highest levels of tact and discretion required to deal with highly confidential information.

• Enthusiasm and energy to act proactively, and the initiative, drive and commitment to work individually when required.

• A genuine belief in the world-changing power of higher education.

• Willingness to work outside normal office hours as required.

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience

• Experience of fundraising from diverse international audiences and designing strategies to meet their needs.

As one of the leading Universities our employees enjoy exclusive access to excellent benefits and schemes including:

• Generous annual leave allowance, including Christmas/New Year closure
• Pension scheme membership to provide benefits for you and your family
• Well-being programme with counselling, fitness and leading sports facilities
• Learning and development opportunities
• Season ticket loans for public transport
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Workplace nursery scheme
• Staff recognition schemes
• Staff discounts on a range of products and services including travel and high street savings

Closing date: 9 May 2025.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments will be made on merit.

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

Blended working arrangements may be considered

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

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