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At Bookmark, we have a simple vision: we want every child to read. We have seen significant growth over the past few years, building a network of engaged supporters and an effective Partnerships Board. As we pass the halfway mark of our three-year strategy, we are recruiting a major donor fundraiser to play a key role in the growth of our philanthropy programme, securing and developing relationships with high-net-worth individuals that change the story for children.
This individual will join a successful team, stewarding and cultivating existing supporters as well as managing a pipeline of prospects through their giving journey. You will work directly with the Head of Fundraising and be responsible for your own portfolio of major donors, trusts and family foundations. By August 2027 Bookmark aim to have reached 500,000 children with our literacy programmes, you could be part of that incredible goal.
Experience in philanthropy is welcome but not essential. We are equally interested in candidates with a strong track record of managing high-value relationships and delivering excellent stewardship in commercial or client-facing roles.
Job Description
Delivering the Philanthropy plan
- Work with the Director of Fundraising to grow the major donor portfolio within the wider strategy
- Build and maintain a portfolio of existing and new major donors who give or can give £20,000 or more, ensuring a first-class cultivation and stewardship journey
- Line manage the Philanthropy Executive and support their professional development, providing direction, support and guidance
- Work with our Fundraising Research & Administration Intern to identify new potential Bookmark major donors, working with Trustees, senior stakeholders, and our wonderfully supportive Partnerships Board to secure introductions and make asks of prospective supporters
- Design and deliver creative events and activities to generate income, cultivate and steward donors
- Create compelling, relevant and tailored funding proposals, reports and collateral to inspire and inform donors, reflecting Bookmark’s strong brand.
- Use Salesforce to manage the accurate recording, progression and forecasting of major donor relationships, enabling efficient reporting and KPI management
Work with the rest of the Fundraising team
- Work closely with the rest of the Fundraising team to ensure opportunities to maximise income for the fundraising team
- Devise and deliver annual plans, together with associated budgets, in line with the charity’s strategic objectives
- Work with the Senior Leadership Team, Chair of Trustees and colleagues across the charity to ensure major donor fundraising activity is aligned with the charity’s wider plans and objectives
- Ensure that all activity helps to build Bookmark’s brand and is always brand compliant
- Ensure Bookmark’s ethical fundraising policy is adhered to
Person Specification
Essential
- A successful track record in managing high-value relationships, including a proven track record of securing five-figure gifts
- Experience working towards and meeting, or exceeding, income targets
- Experience developing high value relationships through all stages of the giving cycle
- A demonstrable ability to build internal relationships and use senior stakeholders (CEO, Trustees, Senior Leadership Team) to help progress major donor relationships
- Experience working on successful events that meet fundraising targets
- Great verbal communication skills, demonstrated by strong external and internal relationships. You will have the skills to influence, motivate and persuade people to donate
- Demonstrable experience of writing successful, inspiring, emotive, and technically accurate cases for support and proposals tailored to a high value audience
- Experience growing and managing a pipeline, planning for your portfolio and increasing income
- An understanding and ability to build budgets and work with financials
- Experience using of Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Experience using Salesforce, or another fundraising database
Bonus Points
- Major donor and/or Trusts & Foundations experience
- Line management experience
- Experience working with a fundraising board or high value committee
- Experience managing and developing a high value giving circle
- Experience running matching campaigns or large mailings
Location: Minimum two days per week based at the Bookmark office (London), with flexibility around home working for the remaining days.
Contract type: Permanent - Full Time / Part-time (0.8/4 days) will be considered.
Salary: £40,000 - £42,000 (0.8 FTE - £32,000 - £33,600)
Reporting to: Director of Fundraising
Application deadline: 11th May at 10am, but please note that interim shortlisting will occur on 29th April at 10am.
Want to know more?
We will be running an online session for anyone wishing to understand more about the role on Wednesday 22nd April at 2pm. Please find the link to sign up on the relevant job description on our website.
Equality and Diversity
Bookmark is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunity for flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds.
Bookmark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being and welfare of children and requires everyone associated with the charity, including all trustees, employees, and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the role, including references from past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks.
At Bookmark, we are a small but growing team of hard-workichang people, who care about what we do. We love to roll up our sleeves, try new ways of doing things, and support each other so that we can achieve our goals. If that sounds like you and you share our vision and values, we'd love to hear from you.
Safeguarding
Bookmark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being and welfare of children and requires everyone associated with the charity, including all trustees, employees, and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the role, including references from past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks.
We promote a reading for pleasure culture in primary schools, focusing on supporting children in the most disadvantaged communities.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Prisoners Abroad is a small but powerful organisation supporting people through some of the most isolating and traumatic experiences imaginable. Whether it’s someone surviving a prison sentence overseas, returning to the UK with nothing, or a family facing the distress of having a family member imprisoned abroad, your work here will have a direct and lasting impact.
A fantastic opportunity has opened up to manage and grow a well-established major donor programme, developing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, craft compelling cases for support, and deliver thoughtful stewardship that makes donors feel truly valued and connected. You’ll also have the chance to shape how we grow our pipeline, with support from a team that values creativity, emotional intelligence and collaboration, so plenty of opportunities to get creative and make your mark.
With experience of securing 4–5 figure gifts and a flair for building meaningful relationships, you’ll be a confident communicator with strong writing skills, and you’ll enjoy using insight to create personal donor journeys that inspire generosity.
To apply for this position, please read the job pack which provides lots of information about the charity, the role and how to apply.
The deadline for applications is 10am Tuesday 5th May, however we will be reviewing applications as we receive them, so please apply when you are ready and you may be contacted about your application before the closing date. To ensure inclusivity, all applications received up to the closing date will be considered equally.
If you have any questions about the application or recruitment process, or want to schedule a call for more information, then get in touch and we'll happily arrange that.
To protect, support and advocate for the health, welfare and human rights of British citizens in prison abroad.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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This role supports the Philanthropy Manager, Special Events and Committees, and the Senior Event Manager by delivering end‑to‑end event support for our portfolio of special events, including Recital 4 Research, an opera recital and reception; The Royal Marsden Cup, our annual golf day; and the Ever After Garden, our annual remembrance garden. Your role will include coordinating speakers, liaising with suppliers, managing volunteers, supporting in donor meetings, and writing donor communications. You will play an important part in delivering income growth from high value fundraising committees, special events and tribute funds.
This role also leads on prize donor stewardship, identifying opportunities for the Charity to be a beneficiary of an event, and events administration. Your support will ensure that as a team we deliver outstanding donor experiences and event outcomes.
We are a high performing team, and this role presents an exciting opportunity to play a vital part in helping us to realise our ambition whilst developing your career within an ambitious organisation.
About you
You will have a proven ability and passion for relationship building and be a high performing fundraiser with experience of delivering fundraising events. You will be ambitious and proactive and relish the opportunity to support the Charity to achieve its goals.
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
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Competitive salary of £33,000-£35,000
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Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton
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Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm
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27 days annual leave rising with length of service
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Training, support and development opportunities
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Access to the Blue Light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities
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Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes
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Opportunities for training and career development
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the role:
This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up and see the direct impact of your work on people experiencing homelessness across London. As our first Philanthropy and Major Gifts Officer, you will work closely with the Assistant Director of Fundraising to bring our new strategy to life, shaping how we engage major donors and grow a powerful community of supporters who are motivated to stand alongside Single Homeless Project (SHP) and our clients. Every relationship you build and every gift you secure will help create real opportunities for our clients to move away from homelessness and towards safety, stability and independence.
You will take the lead in developing and managing meaningful relationships with major donors, creating thoughtful and engaging journeys that bring them closer to our work and the difference it makes day to day. Alongside nurturing existing supporters, you will identify and secure new funding opportunities, building a strong and sustainable pipeline of donors and driving forward this new area of income generation within the team. Working collaboratively across SHP, you will connect philanthropists with our services in a way that feels personal, impactful and rooted in the realities of our work, while contributing to the wider fundraising targets that enable us to keep delivering life changing support.
Hybrid working for us means a mix of in office working in Kings Cross and home working. Currently two days in the office (usually Wednesday and Friday) with the rest from home.
About you:
- You have experience building relationships with donors, supporters or partners, and know how to turn those relationships into meaningful income or long term support.
- You’re a confident communicator, able to bring a cause to life through conversations and written content that genuinely connects people to impact.
- You’re proactive and driven, comfortable spotting opportunities, growing a pipeline and following through to secure results.
- You’re organised and detail focused, able to manage multiple relationships and keep accurate records using CRM or similar systems.
- You’re motivated by purpose and excited by the chance to help shape and grow a new area of fundraising that directly supports people experiencing homelessness in London.
About us:
We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.
In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up.
We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own.
Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable.
We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.
Important info:
Closing date: Sunday 26th April at midnight
Interview date: Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th May online via Microsoft Teams
Please note suitable candidates will be invited to a second stage interview in Kings Cross
This post will require a Basic DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.
Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role.
Preventing homelessness, transforming lives.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are sector leading with our heritage, connections, and relationships. Our friends are superbly connected and ready to use their networks to help us. With a talented, hard-working team, we deliver amazing, creative and innovative fundraising events that have a huge capacity to inspire people.
We are looking for a strategic and relationship-driven Senior Philanthropy Manager (Events) to join our growing Philanthropy team. This role is pivotal in cultivating and deepening relationships with War Child’s philanthropic supporters, through the power of our high-value events.
Working in a fast-paced environment, you’ll bring deep expertise in the strategic role high-value events have for a philanthropic audience. With exceptional interpersonal skills, and a strong understanding of major donor fundraising you'll provide strategic input into the planning and donor experience of our high-value philanthropic events, ensuring these moments strengthen relationships and inspire giving.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced events fundraiser who has previous experience of working in a high-value team, with a passion for international development. You’ll join a high-performing, values-driven team at a time of exciting growth. You will shape the future of our high-value events programme and work closely with inspiring supporters, this role offers both influence and impact.
If you share our values and believe that children’s lives should not be torn apart by war, we want to hear from you.
Your role
As Senior Philanthropy Manager (Events), you will lead War Child’s high-value events programme, engaging high-net-worth supporters and Global Ambassadors to maximise income from major donors. You will focus on shaping and delivering the donor engagement strategy for high-value events, working collaboratively with colleagues to maximise fundraising impact. You will partner closely with the Ambassador & Advocate Manager, who is responsible for operational planning and delivery of events across War Child.
This role requires a strategic thinker who is comfortable building trusted relationships with high-net-worth individuals, C-Suite level executives, philanthropists and senior event volunteers and advisors, managing multiple priorities, and operating confidently in a high-profile environment.
Your responsibilities
- Lead the development of the philanthropy team’s high-value events portfolio, ensuring events are strategically designed to support cultivation and stewardship goals, including those hosted by Global Ambassadors.
- Advise the Head of Philanthropy on the development of War Child’s high-value events strategy, identifying opportunities to enhance impact and income.
- Work closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Philanthropy Lead to deliver income targets, contributing to wider team strategy and planning.
- Act as the team’s subject matter expert on high-value events, setting clear objectives and KPIs to measure success over time.
- Build and manage relationships with high-net-worth individuals involved in events, including event committees and advisory boards. Identify and progress prospects to develop long term, high-value relationships, progressing event attendees through the major donor pipeline.
- Represent the team at events, building relationships, identifying new opportunities, and ensuring a high-quality donor experience.
- Use Salesforce to provide donor insights and guidance on high value events, including guest list management, briefings evaluations, and development of data dashboards to inform future event strategy track attendee journeys, and assess long-term value.
- Working closely with the Research & Insights Manager, to produce high-quality, post event evaluations using an insights led approach to continuously improve philanthropic events.
- Ensure philanthropy messaging and donor experience at events reflect War Child’s values and impact.
- Collaborate across War Child UK and the War Child Alliance building strong internal working relationships that benefit the high-value events strategy.
- Engage senior leadership, trustees and key external stakeholders in high-value events where appropriate, providing briefings and strategic advice to maximise their effectiveness.
- Represent the Philanthropy function in cross-organisational projects, helping to shape strategic initiatives that strengthen philanthropic engagement and provide inspirational departmental leadership.
- Provide first-rate line management to the Philanthropy Assistant, modelling excellence in management that will result in line reports thriving in their role, with high standards of performance and behaviour.
- Monitor progress against income targets and contribute to accurate forecasting, reporting and budget planning.
- Contribute to organisational learning by capturing insights from event attendee interactions, staying up to date on sector trends and proactively identifying new opportunities.
- Champion best practice in fundraising, data protection, and donor care, ensuring compliance and ethical standards at all times.
- Always maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current activities of War Child and be an advocate of the War Child brand.
- Responsible for creating a culture committed to the safeguarding of children, and adults and compliant to War Child’s Safeguarding and PSEAH (Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Harassment) policies.
- ·We are committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace. All staff are expected to actively contribute to this by embedding principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into their day-to-day work, decision-making, and interactions with colleagues, partners, and supporters.
These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the role.
You are
- Confident, engaging high value events specialist and fundraiser with exceptional networking and interpersonal skills (for both internal and external audiences) who can inspire high net worth and high-profile individuals to support War Child’s mission
- ·Significant experience in a similar special events/high value events role, with a specialist knowledge of high net worth major donor fundraising ideally within an international development or humanitarian NGO so you can present War Child’s work with authority.
- Experience advising on and optimising high-value supporter engagement at events, with a strategic understanding of how to deepen relationships through tailored experiences and be confident working alongside high profile individuals and Ambassadors who support our events
- Able to work independently in a target led environment with a proven track record of delivering successful high value fundraising events that achieve results, delivering against targets (including securing six-figure targets) and income growth.
- An excellent communicator, confident in managing relationships at all levels, influencing and negotiating as well as writing compelling formal and informal communications.
- Strong experience of project leadership and organisation including critically evaluating activities to achieve strategic priorities and maximise their effectiveness.
- Able to understand and clearly articulate international development issues and trends including War Child’s vision, mission and values and present War Child’s work with authority.
- Organised and able to plan and prioritise to meet multiple deadlines in a fast paced environment.
- Flexible and committed to supporting high-profile donor engagement, including attendance at events in the evenings or on occasional weekends, as part of delivering a sector-leading fundraising programme.
- Experience in line management is desirable but not essential.
- Up to date knowledge of fundraising regulation, compliance and GDPR, and its implications for fundraising policy and practise. Experience of using a CRM database, such as Salesforce.
No child should be a part of war. Ever.
This is an exciting opportunity to establish RLSS UK’s first-ever corporate fundraising function. The Corporate Partnerships Manager will build, lead, and deliver a new programme that maximises income from corporate supporters and aligns partners with our mission to save lives. You will be responsible for developing the strategy, creating the tools and foundations, proactively generating new business, and delivering excellent stewardship as partnerships are secured.
This role requires a commercially aware, results-driven individual who understands how to position partnerships in a way that delivers mutual value and translate opportunity into income through focused action, strong relationship building, and a clear understanding of corporate priorities.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a build from scratch environment, combining strategic thinking, creativity, and hands on delivery.
ROLE OVERVIEW
As the Corporate Partnerships Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of RLSS UK’s new corporate fundraising function, create a sustainable strategy, and build a strong pipeline from the ground up.
You will identify, secure, and grow high-value partnerships that align with corporate priorities, producing compelling and commercially compelling propositions that demonstrate clear mutual benefit. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will ensure partnerships support RLSS UK’s mission and contribute to long term income growth.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy and Planning
- Develop and deliver RLSS UK’s first corporate partnerships strategy, setting clear priorities and income targets for year one and beyond.
- Lead the development of a corporate partnerships income stream, building a sustainable portfolio of partnerships and relationships.
- Create the foundations for growth including a case for support, stewardship framework, pitch decks and templates and KPI and reporting tools.
- Establish systems and internal processes required for a corporate fundraising function.
- Use sector insights, benchmarking, and data to inform strategy and identify opportunities for growth.
Partnership Development
- Build and actively manage a new business pipeline from scratch, ensuring consistent prospecting and follow up.
- Conduct in-depth prospect research to identify target companies, align commercial priorities, and map key decision makers.
- Develop compelling, tailored proposals, pitches, and partnership packages that clearly articulate impact and mutual value.
- Secure a diverse portfolio of partnerships including multi-year strategic, six-figure, Charity of the Year, cause-related marketing, and sponsorship agreements.
- Create cultivation journeys for high-value prospects, maintaining momentum from first contact to close.
- Represent RLSS UK externally at meetings, events, and networking opportunities, confidently positioning the organisation with senior stakeholders.
- Work closely with commercial colleagues to ensure alignment and avoid overlap with existing commercial contracts.
Account Management
- Provide effective day-to-day relationship management to ensure partners feel supported, informed, and engaged with RLSS UK’s mission.
- Deliver clear partnership growth plans that maximise income, engagement, impact, and mutual benefit.
- Identify and activate opportunities to expand partnerships across corporate philanthropy, payroll giving, strategic volunteering, sponsorship, cause-related marketing, and employee engagement.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with senior stakeholders, acting as a trusted and credible partner.
- Monitor partnership delivery against agreed KPIs and use insight to refine and strengthen activity over time.
- Produce high-quality written communications, proposals, and impact reports tailored to individual partners.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, Education, and Commercial teams to ensure consistent and high-quality delivery.
Reporting and Evaluation
- Use data-driven insights and KPIs to evaluate and refine strategies for maximum impact, income growth, and return on investment.
- Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, UK GDPR, and RLSS UK policies.
- Maintain accurate pipeline and forecasting information within the CRM system.
- Deliver annual reviews for partnerships to demonstrate impact and ensure all partnerships are meeting agreed KPIS.
- Identify emerging trends and opportunities to diversify income streams and enhance brand visibility.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
- All other duties reasonably associated with your role, as directed by the Line Manager.
- Line management responsibility for the Supporter Engagement Executive, including performance and development, assigning day-to-day tasks and projects, and providing guidance and support.
- Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up-to-date documentation as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme.
- Demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards at all times.
- Help create an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued, everyone can contribute, and everyday actions ensure we meet our duty to uphold and promote equality.
This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the organisation.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes
- Experience in business development, fundraising, partnerships, or relevant commercial roles.
- Ability to build strong relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience securing and managing partnerships across at least two of:
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- Charity of the Year
- Strategic partnerships
- Sponsorship
- Cause related marketing/ brand licensing
- Confident pitching and negotiating with senior corporate leaders.
- Strong strategic thinking coupled with hands‑on delivery.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to create persuasive proposals and cases for support.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Strong understanding of return on investment (ROI) and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness, sustainability, and value of fundraising activity.
- Strong understanding of CRM systems and fundraising technologies, and how these support effective partnership programmes.
- Understanding of fundraising regulation, GDPR, and ethical fundraising practices.
- Experience managing budgets and ensuring effective allocation of resources.
- Comfortable working in an environment where systems, processes, and programmes are being built from the ground up.
Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes
- Knowledge and understanding of RLSS UK.
- Previous experience of line management.
- Experience of working in a charity or organisation where corporate fundraising or partnerships have been developed from the ground up, including building systems, processes, and pipeline momentum.
- Experience working in a small team or start-up environment.
- Commercially minded, with a strong understanding of the corporate landscape and the ability to shape compelling, mutually beneficial partnership opportunities that align business priorities with charitable impact.
ABOUT RLSS UK
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is the leading charity for water safety and drowning prevention in the UK and Ireland. Our mission is to save lives by being the leader in lifesaving, lifeguarding, and water safety education so that everyone can enjoy water safely. We share our expertise, skills, and knowledge to empower people to enjoy water safely and achieve our vision; communities free from drowning.
With increasing corporate focus on ESG, community safety, and employee wellbeing, RLSS UK is uniquely positioned to build strategic partnerships that help companies keep their people and communities safe around water.
WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU
RLSS UK is a national Charity based in Worcester, and we offer great staff benefits including -
- Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
- Private Medical Scheme*
- Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
- Eye Care*
- Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Howdens Sports Benefits/Perks at Work
- Free RLSS UK Membership
- Free tea and coffee when working from HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
- Free on-site parking when working from HQ
- Company Events and more!
*Subject to eligibility criteria
YOUR APPLICATION
Please send your CV along with a Cover Letter outlining why you should join our Income Generation and Engagement Team
Closing Date – 5.00pm, Wednesday 29th April 2026
Interview Date – Thursday 7th May 2026 at our Worcester Head Office (subject to change)
Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.
RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader.
It is our vision to have nations without drowning where everyone can safely enjoy being in, on or near water.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is a family of 23 independent schools and two academies, united by a shared mission to help girls learn without limits, so they go on to lead lives without limits. As pioneers in girls’ education, we are proud of our heritage and ambitious for our future. To fulfil our public purpose of reaching as many girls as possible, we have an ambitious fundraising strategy, focused on transformational bursaries and innovative learning, enabling girls from a wide range of financial backgrounds to access a GDST education.
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Philanthropy Operations to lead the systems, processes and insight that underpin philanthropic income generation and supporter engagement across the GDST and its family of schools.
This is a key leadership role within the Philanthropy and Partnerships team. Working closely with the Deputy Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, you will provide strategic leadership for the operational infrastructure that enables fundraising and alumnae engagement to grow in a coordinated, compliant and sustainable way. You will play a central role in strengthening how data, systems and operational support are used to help colleagues across the Trust Office and schools deliver excellent fundraising and stewardship activity.
What you’ll be doing
In this role, you will lead the operational strategy that supports philanthropy and alumnae engagement across the GDST, ensuring the systems, processes and reporting that underpin fundraising are effective, compliant and built for sustainable growth. You will lead CRM, data and performance insight to strengthen decision-making, pipeline development, donor stewardship and long-term relationship management across the GDST network.
You will also oversee core fundraising operations, provide high-quality reporting to senior leaders and Trustees, and lead a small team to deliver strong operational support across the GDST. Alongside this, you will help equip colleagues across schools and the Trust Office with the tools, guidance and insight they need to strengthen fundraising and supporter engagement.
What skills and experience you’ll bring to the role
- Significant experience in philanthropy or fundraising operations leadership, with a strong track record of leading systems, processes and operational improvement in a complex organisation
- Substantial experience of CRM management, data analysis and fundraising reporting, with the ability to translate insight into clear strategic recommendations and practical action
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively while maintaining close attention to detail
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work closely with senior stakeholders, including executive leaders and Trustees, and to build trusted relationships across a network of schools and central teams
- Experience of leading and developing teams, alongside a good understanding of fundraising regulation, compliance and data protection
- A combination of strategic thinking and operational rigour, with a clear motivation to help create greater access, opportunity and impact through philanthropy at the GDST.
Why join us?
As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Generous pension schemes
- Free life assurance benefit
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
There are many other good reasons to work with us. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you’ll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.
For further details and to apply please click the apply button.
Closing date: 30th April 2026 at 10:00 AM.
The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Role: Development Manager
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Location: Hybrid working. London or Cornwall office three days per week, home working two days per week.
Oceana UK is focused on some of the biggest threats facing UK seas, including protecting seabed habitats, ending overfishing, and preventing new offshore oil and gas developments. We fight for UK seas to get the protections they deserve through highly visible campaigns and detailed policy interventions to secure measurable changes to rebuild and maintain ocean abundance and health. We act as a vital public-policy interface – raising the profile of our issues through campaigns, science, communications, and expeditions, and directly influencing policymakers and politicians.
We are now at a pivotal moment of growth, impact, and development. We have delivered meaningful progress in our first full three years of operations, helping secure major victories to protect and restore UK seas, including protecting huge areas of our seas from industrial fishing and stopping new offshore oil and gas expansion. Working closely with our international team, we are now evolving our organisation and campaigns to deliver even greater impact in the next 3-5 years, underpinned by strengthened funder relationships.
Our small, experienced, and highly motivated team are based in London and Cornwall, coming together both digitally and in person as part of developing and delivering our ambitious campaign strategy to restore ocean biodiversity and abundance. We’re proud of the team we’re creating here in the UK, and we’d love for you to join us.
Job Purpose
The Development Manager will manage our fundraising and partnerships portfolio, supporting the stewardship of relationships with some of the world’s biggest environmental foundations and philanthropists. They will manage new and existing relationships, prepare grant applications and reporting, and evolve our outreach to support the growth and diversification of our fundraising opportunities. The role will work closely with the Executive Director, our UK team, and our US based global development department, to secure sustainable resources to strengthen Oceana UK and help drive positive impact for our seas.
Eligible candidates should have a passion for fundraising and a track record in securing major grants and donations, with a focus on trusts, foundations, and philanthropy. They will foster strong relationships with high-level partners, co-deliver excellent funding applications and reports, and provide written and verbal updates with precision and confidence. They will demonstrate a strategic mindset, alongside strong organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail. They must have experience in growing and diversifying income streams and converting new interest into long-term, sustainable, support.
The position will be hybrid, based three days per week (Tues-Thurs) from Oceana’s UK offices in Newquay, Cornwall or Paddington, London. Regular national, and occasional international, travel will be required to meet team members and stakeholders in geographically diverse locations, including Washington, DC.
Responsibilities
- Manage relationships and reporting to existing funders alongside the international development team and Executive Director. This will primarily be with trusts and foundations, individual philanthropists, and some corporate supporters.
- Manage successful grant applications and budgets, co-ordinating and collaborating with the international development team.
- Work closely with the finance, policy, communications, and campaigns team to ensure all relevant stakeholders are consulted in grant applications and reporting.
- Manage and deliver timely reporting, communications, and updates to funding partners and stakeholders.
- Manage and develop other existing UK income streams, including mass giving alongside the communications team.
- Identify, develop and manage additional UK income opportunities, including with smaller trusts and foundations.
- Collaborate with the Director of Finance and People, and international development and budgeting teams, to manage income forecasts and grant financial reporting.
- Maintain appropriate development records and database for all UK activity.
- Ensure compliance with UK fundraising regulations and best practice.
- Develop and manage key fundraising and partnerships events.
- Work with Executive Director to develop our outreach with funders at international events.
- Attend and represent the UK in monthly development meetings with the international team.
- Plan and manage UK development priorities, calendar, and budget.
- Be present in person in the London or Cornwall office 3 days per week (Tues-Thurs), promoting a positive working culture.
- Ensure a strong commitment to the organisation’s values and vision, as set out by Oceana globally.
- Travel occasionally, both nationally and internationally, to meet with team members and wider internal and external stakeholders.
- Other tasks as needed to support development and organisational objectives.
Candidate Requirements
Education and work experience:
- At least 5 years of professional experience in fundraising and development, ideally in the ocean or the environmental space (essential).
- Experience writing successful multi-year grant applications, alongside robust budgets, for trusts and foundations (essential).
- Experience managing charitable foundation relationships, delivering detailed and timely reports, and managing ongoing communications as required (essential).
- Experience managing major and corporate giving.
- Experience prospe cting, managing and analysing research on fundraising opportunities.
- Experience co-developing and diversifying fundraising opportunities.
- Good existing relationships with environmental trusts and foundations (preferred).
Skills & Knowledge:
- Excellent external relationship building, including confident networking skills, and organised and positive relationships with funders outside of scheduled reporting.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to understand and distill complex scientific issues and detailed campaigns for fundraising purposes.
- Strong focus on spotting and cultivating new institutional fundraising opportunities
- Strong internal stakeholder management, adept at involving relevant teams (leadership, campaigns, finance, international) to develop funding applications.
- Confident and proficient using CRM platforms or other grant management tools.
- Good understanding of data privacy, code of fundraising practice, and other relevant regulations.
- Strong prioritisation and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple tasks and workstreams effectively.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Proactive and self-motivated, with a strong drive to meet and exceed fundraising targets.
- Ability to work well both independently and as part of a small, close-knit team.
- Good understanding of the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and a proven commitment to improving these in the environmental space.
- Integrity and the ability to work with confidential information with discretion.
Equal Opportunities
Oceana is committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the community it serves at all levels of the organisation, and we particularly welcome applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented within the conservation sector.
All offers of employment are conditional upon the successful completion of reference checks.
Application Deadline: Sunday 10th May 2026
Interviews: w/c 18th May and w/c 25th May
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join the Philanthropy and Partnerships Directorate on a one-year fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover for our Philanthropy Manager. As Philanthropy Manager you will manage a portfolio of existing major donors and lead on building relationships with new potential supporters to secure 5 and 6 figure donations.
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.
From funding state-of-the-art equipment and ground-breaking research, to creating the very best patient environments, we will never stop looking for ways to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.
We are a very ambitious organisation which has gone through transformational growth over the past five years. Alongside funding an existing programme of world-leading research, treatment and care, the Charity completed its largest capital appeal to date, successfully raising £70 million to build the Oak Cancer Centre at the hospital’s Sutton site, which opened in summer 2023.
With one in two of us expected to develop some form of cancer, it is essential that we go even further in our fundraising efforts to support the essential work of The Royal Marsden. Therefore, we are delivering our most ambitious strategy yet, that will see us raising at least £215m over the 5-year period.
The Charity is committed its biggest fundraising appeal to date, for a new major development project in Chelsea. There is also an extensive portfolio of engaging projects outside of the capital appeals that help to support all aspects of the hospital’s work to improve the lives of cancer patients.
The Philanthropy and Partnerships Directorate
Working for us offers you a challenging and rewarding career, as well as the chance to really improve the lives of those living with cancer.
The Philanthropy and Partnerships Directorate, a high performing function that is responsible for all areas of high value fundraising including major donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partners and special events/high value committee supporters.
We work with the Charity’s most generous supporters, who make a significant difference to the work of The Royal Marsden. Philanthropy plays a vital role in the success of funding the hospital’s most urgent priorities and projects.
Job purpose
As Philanthropy Manager you will manage a portfolio of existing major donors and lead on building relationships with new potential supporters to secure 5 and 6 figure donations. You will support the Head of Philanthropy and Special Events, other members of the RMCC leadership team, to explore their networks, facilitate introductions and secure gifts.
You will be a proactive individual with a proven ability and passion for relationship management and donor acquisition driving the delivery of our donor-centric strategy for philanthropy.
This is an opportune time to join The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity as we embark on our most ambitious Appeal to date. We are a high performing team, and this role presents an exciting opportunity to play a vital part in helping us to realise our ambition whilst developing your career within an ambitious organisation.
Working relationships
You will work closely with our Senior Philanthropy Managers, and regularly liaise with the Head of Philanthropy and Special Events, and Associate Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships and their Deputy. You will also work directly with teams at the hospital, as well as colleagues across P&P and Public Fundraising.
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Based at the heart of South Leeds, The Hunslet Club has been helping young people achieve their full potential for over 85 years. With a membership of 4000 young people and around 87,000 individual visits, we are one of the largest youth organisations in the country, dedicated to helping young people aged 18 months to 25 years. The club provides a safe space with diverse activities, including football, rugby, dance, boxing, gymnastics and youth clubs alongside alternative education, and vocational training.
Job TitlePhilanthropy Manager
Reporting to Chief Executive Officer
Location The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road, Leeds, LS10 1BP / Hybrid Working
Salary £40K - £50K depending on experience.
Role
We are looking for a successful Philanthropy & Fundraising Manager with a proven track record in face-to-face major donor fundraising, or an individual with outstanding transferable skills and experience of working within the charity sector. The individual must thrive on building trusted relationships and be confident in securing significant philanthropic gifts by successfully securing complex, high-value partnerships over the line.
Management Supervision and Guidance
You will be responsible to the CEO for your daily tasks and duties, and ELT in any other matters.
Purpose
The Philanthropy Manager will create and drive The Hunslet Club’s fundraising strategy by cultivating and securing significant philanthropic support a new capital project to expand opportunities for young people across South Leeds. This role is central to building meaningful, long-term relationships with individual donors, trusts, foundations and partners, translating their passion for youth development into transformational investments that strengthen programmes, increase participation and create sustainable impact. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with confident stewardship, ensuring that funding growth aligns with The Hunslet Club’s mission to help young people achieve their full potential.
Duties and responsibilities
The Philanthropy & Fundraising Manager will work on a full-time basis, or part-time on a pro-rata basis. The primary responsibility of the role is to secure £700,000 and above in philanthropic income over a 18 month period. This will be achieved through identifying, researching and cultivating individual donors, corporate supporters, trusts, foundations and strategic partners, using research tools and publicly available information to build and manage a strong portfolio of prospects, particularly those with an interest in supporting young people and communities.
To be successful, the postholder will develop an excellent understanding of The Hunslet Club, its mission and its inspirational youth and community work, and will help to develop and articulate a compelling case for support. The role will involve achieving a clearly defined set of Key Performance Indicators, providing high-quality stewardship to maximise donor retention, and maintaining, developing and leveraging existing relationships with current supporters. The postholder will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, including Executive/Senior Leadership and Trustees, to ensure effective involvement in fundraising activity where appropriate.
The successful candidate will organise suitable events and cultivation opportunities to build long-term relationships with potential supporters. Attendance at events, meetings and conferences will be required, with support from Executive/Senior Leadership and Trustees.
The successful candidate will also be expected to volunteer at a minimum of three cross-club community events per year and to carry out other reasonable duties as requested by the Executive Leadership Team.
If you are interested in this opportunity please send an expression of interest letter detailing why you want to apply for this role and what experience you have to fulfil the requirements linked to the above person specification, along with your CV. Please note applications which do not include both the expression of interest letter and CV will not be considered.
All applicants must confirm that you are eligible to work in the UK, provide details of your current or most recent remuneration package and your notice period. Please also inform us of any reasonable adjustments we would need to make to assist you in the selection process.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Partnerships and Philanthropy Manager will play a key role in driving income growth through philanthropy and strategic partnerships across Northern Ireland. Reporting to the Northern Ireland Director, with a dotted line to the UK Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, this role will contribute to the delivery of an ambitious growth strategy. The post-holder will build and steward relationships with major donors, corporate partners, and philanthropic organisations to ensure alignment with national and regional objectives, and will lead the development of high-quality fundraising, cultivation and stewardship events that deepen engagement, grow income and strengthen long-term supporter relationships. They will also lead and support their direct report, ensuring a collaborative, high-performing fundraising team.
About You:
ESSENTIAL
- Proven experience securing high-value philanthropic gifts from trusts, foundations, major donors, and corporate partners.
- Strong relationship management, donor stewardship, and negotiation skills.
- Strategic and results-oriented approach, with a track record of meeting and exceeding fundraising targets.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Experience in team management and/or a clear, evidenced track record of driving or contributing to the success of high-performing teams.
- Strong analytical and reporting capabilities.
- Full driving license and access to a car
DESIRABLE
- Knowledge of the philanthropic and corporate funding landscape in Northern Ireland.
- Experience working in the non-profit or charity sector.
- Familiarity with CRM and donor management systems.
To view the full job description, please click on the link below to download the document.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:
Concern Worldwide encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, ethnicity and origin, disability, political beliefs, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status to apply to become a part of the organisation. Concern is against all forms of discrimination and unequal power relations, and is committed to promoting equality.
About us:
We are an international humanitarian organisation that strives for a world free from poverty, fear and oppression. We deliver life-saving and life-changing interventions to the world's poorest and most vulnerable people. From rapid emergency response to innovative development programming, we go to the hardest to reach places to make sure that no-one is left behind. With almost 4,500 staff of more than 50 nationalities, Concern operates in 24 of the world’s poorest countries, helping people to achieve major and long-lasting improvements in their lives.
Benefits
• 25 days’ annual leave, pro-rated for part-time employees.
• Office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
• Flexible hours and hybrid working
• Annual leave purchase scheme
• Enhanced parental leave pay
• Stakeholder pension
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle scheme
• Life assurance
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Details of our benefits could be found on our website.
Job Location: Belfast (Hybrid)
Concern UK operates a flexible hybrid working policy, which can be a mix of home and office working. However, due to the nature of this role, the post‑holder may be required to attend the Belfast office more frequently and travel to meet corporate partners, donors, and attend networking or external events.
Our Belfast office is located in an historic building in a lively area, close to the Ulster University Belfast campus, cafés, restaurants, shops, and excellent transport links. The building is full of character, blending historic charm with modern, flexible workspaces designed for collaboration and creativity.
Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the UK at the time of application.
Belfast: £46,140 to £51,267, based on full time hours (35 hours per week)
New employees will normally start at the minimum of the pay band, with scope for progression over time.
The successful post holder will be required to complete a criminal records self-declaration form and a Basic AccessNI check.
Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with Concern Worldwide. This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences.
Our mission is to permanently transform the lives of people living in extreme poverty, tackling its root causes and building resilience.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Camden (Head Office)/Hybrid
Salary: £44,052 - £46,770 per annum
(Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band based on fairness and our pay scales)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Tuesday 21st April 2026
Closing Time: 00:00am
Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as a Philanthropy Lead at Solace Women's Aid.
You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.
Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.
About the Service
Solace is embarking on a new five-year fundraising strategy, with ambitious plans to double fundraised income to £3m by 2031. This voluntary income plays a pivotal role in the financial wellbeing of the charity, enabling us to do more to support the thousands of women and children who come to us each year as a result of violence against women and girls.
Fundraising at Solace works closely with colleagues responsible for winning and managing statutory funding contracts, and is situated within the Business Development Directorate, alongside our award-winning Communications, Partnerships & Public Affairs teams. You will collaborate with colleagues within Fundraising – including Corporate, Individual Giving and Community – as well as across the organisation including senior leadership and Solace’s wider support and volunteer networks such as trustees and its lived-experience-led Shadow Board.
About the Role
Philanthropy has been identified as a key opportunity and will play a central part in future income growth. In this newly created role, you will lead the establishment and growth of philanthropy fundraising for Solace. Responsible for building and managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, advisors, senior volunteers and trusts and foundations, you will use your entrepreneurship and excellent communication and influencing skills to secure and steward committed, high-value, mutually rewarding funding partnerships for Solace.
About You
You will be someone who is committed to the Solace values and is an experienced philanthropy fundraising expert who will embed best practice, and grow and nurture the relationships that drive sustainable income growth. As well as managing a portfolio of donors and prospects with major gift potential, you will work closely with colleagues and allies to build a culture of philanthropy.
We understand that you may not have all the knowledge, experience, and skills mentioned in the Job Profile Document. However, your interpersonal skills, passion to have a positive impact, commitment to our purpose, and ability to learn quickly and collaborate effectively will be equally important.
What we can offer you
We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:
- Flexible working
- Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Employer pension contribution
- Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
- Access to Inclusion Networks
- Daily clinical debriefing
- Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
- Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
- Flow & Restore yoga classes
- Meditation sessions
- Cycle to Work Scheme
How to apply
When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:
- Values, Behaviours & Competencies
- Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.
This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.
No agencies.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join our team and help deliver real-world change
We stand at a defining moment. Climate change, inequity, and health challenges demand action. This isn't the first time Manchester has risen to the moment, and now we are ready to do it again.
At the end of 2025 we launched our first ever fundraising and volunteering campaign, “ Challenge Accepted”. We're uniting alumni, donors, staff, students and civic, industry and community partners to tackle the world's toughest challenges and transform lives locally and globally.
We are building an exceptional team of people to champion bold thinking that is rooted in impact.
Will you accept the challenge?
Manchester individuals are recognised for embracing shared values such as integrity, courage, ambition, and collaboration. Our community is strengthened by a pioneering outlook and a collective determination to drive positive change. We welcome people of all backgrounds who demonstrate resilience, optimism, and a genuine commitment to fostering a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable world. If you share these qualities, we warmly encourage you to get in touch with us.
This is a fixed term position for 3 years.
Details of the Role
Reporting to the Head of Principal Gifts, the Philanthropy Manager (Principal Gifts) will operate at the higher end of donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship to secure significant support (six and seven figure gifts) in support of the University’s key priorities.
As an exceptional fundraiser, you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of relationships with alumni and significant philanthropists, to secure gifts for bold, impactful projects and programmes across the University. You will proactively build the pipeline, demonstrating a creative approach to reach potential new donors in the UK and globally.
We seek individuals with success in securing significant philanthropic gifts in the Higher Education, Voluntary or Cultural Sector or proven transferable skills. You will have experience of working within a team whilst working towards personal targets. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are results orientated, persuasive and have exceptional negotiation skills.
Fundraising at The University of Manchester
As a member of the University's fundraising team, you’ll have access to a robust support structure that enables you to do your very best work. This includes regular training and development opportunities; access to detailed reports, data, and management information to guide and inform your fundraising; an expert team of Operations and Prospect Research colleagues supporting your work; and the full engagement of senior University leadership. As part of an experienced and supportive network of fundraisers, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to collaborate and share best practice. You’ll also have access to a whole host of learning and development opportunities to help you develop core skills like personal effectiveness, leadership, and management.
Manchester Mindset
Our approach to fundraising is driven by our values of being collaborative, bold and ambitious – and approaching our work with integrity. These values underpin the Manchester Mindset: our framework for fundraising success, authored by and for our fundraising team.
As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons and all appointments will be made on merit. As we are committed to the principles of the Race Equality Charter Mark, we would particularly welcome applications from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community who are currently under-represented at this level in this area.
What you will get in return:
- Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Head of philanthropy
When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.
About the Role
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Philanthropy to lead and transform our major donor programme. This role is full time, based at our King’s Cross office in London, with hybrid working in place. The successful candidate will work 2–3 days per week on site and meeting donors, with the remainder worked remotely.
This is a critical senior leadership role responsible for developing and delivering an ambitious philanthropy strategy that builds a sustainable pipeline of five, six and seven-figure, multi-year gifts from high-net-worth individuals.
You will shape and grow a sector-leading major donor programme – strengthening stewardship, building influential networks and inspiring transformational support for people with complex disabilities.
What You’ll Lead
Strategic Income Growth
- Develop and deliver an ambitious philanthropy strategy.
- Build and manage a sustainable, multi-year pipeline of five, six and seven-figure gifts.
- Review and enhance stewardship journeys and relationship management standards.
- Expand and develop mid-level giving programmes to grow supporter volume and value.
- Identify, engage and steward key ambassadors and networks.
- Deliver high-impact events that generate strong return on investment.
- Develop compelling, emotionally engaging proposals and presentations.
Leadership & Culture
- Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing philanthropy team.
- Coach and empower managers to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
- Model inclusive, values-led leadership.
- Partner with senior leaders across the organisation to align strategy and propositions.
- Embed collaboration and co-production across fundraising activity.
Performance & Governance
- Take full accountability for budgets, KPIs and income targets.
- Monitor and forecast income performance, taking corrective action where needed.
- Lead cross-team strategic initiatives that strengthen capability and shared learning.
- Ensure compliance with the Fundraising Regulator Code of Conduct, GDPR and data protection requirements.
About You
We are looking for a strategic, relationship-led fundraising leader with a proven track record of securing transformational support from high-net-worth individuals.
You will bring:
- Demonstrable experience of transforming a major donor programme.
- Proven success securing and stewarding multi-year, five and six-figure gifts (and above).
- Significant leadership experience within the not-for-profit sector.
- Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting and performance analysis.
- Data-driven decision-making skills (ideally with experience of Power BI, MS Dynamics or similar).
- Exceptional communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
- A values-led approach that authentically includes people with lived experience.
- The ability to operate confidently within a large and complex organisation.
You will also be willing to travel within the UK and attend occasional evening and weekend events.
About Sense
We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Sense is proud to be a disability confident leader.
Working at Sense can be incredibly rewarding; we offer the opportunity to work in a large, diverse and successful charity where people can develop their skills, knowledge and careers in a supportive and flexible environment. In addition, we have excellent training and development, the opportunity for you to join our Group Personal Pension scheme and a generous annual leave entitlement.
To apply
Please use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your application to shortlist candidates for interview; in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly.We would recommend that you read the candidate guidelines, job description and person specification (found at the base of this advert) before applying.
Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role.
For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential.
We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world.







