Prospect development manager jobs
Family Education Trust is recruiting a Development Manager to turn evidence-led research into real-world impact for families across the UK. This is a rare opportunity to build a fundraising function from the ground up inside a respected policy organisation - with the autonomy to do it your way.
About the role
You will build and lead FET's income growth function, securing near-term unrestricted income while developing durable fundraising capacity. Your core focus is establishing a new major donor and mid-value programme and delivering a high-performing trusts and foundations pipeline.
We have streamlined administrative responsibilities so you can concentrate on what matters: income growth and donor relationships. You will work closely with our Communications Manager, who produces copy and assets for your fundraising brief.
What we are looking for
We need someone with recent, hands-on fundraising experience in a mission-led organisation who has built income, not just maintained it. Experience building a major donor pipeline is essential, along with trusts and foundations competence. You must have genuine personal alignment with FET's mission and established public positions on family policy.
The details
Salary: Up to £40,000, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate Location: Home-based, with UK travel as required Contract: Full-time, permanent Hours: 37.5 per week Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays Pension: 5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice Closing date: 9am Monday 16 March 2026
How to apply
Please read the full job description and person specification (attached) and send a CV and covering letter by 9am Monday 16 March 2026. Your covering letter should explain how you meet the essential criteria set out in the person specification.
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!
Be the spark that turns creativity into impact.
Help Age Exchange grow arts & heritage programmes that change lives in social care.
Age Exchange—embedded in social care and powered by the arts—is hiring a Business Development Manager to ignite partnerships and funding that deliver innovative programmes across the UK. If you come from museums, galleries, archives or cultural organisations and can spot opportunities, craft compelling bids and open doors fast, this is your stage. Lead the growth of projects that boost health, wellbeing, learning and social connection—so creativity reaches the people who need it most.
The role will require someone who can work from our head office in Blackheath and the role will include some national travel as and when required so the ideal candidate will be based within an hours commute of the Community Hub in Blackheath, London.
What is The Deal for you?
- Flexibility! You will be working 35 hours per week over 5 days with some weekend work.
- Location: You need to be based within a commutable distance to our Community Hub in Blackheath, London.
- Benefits: retail discounts, holiday discounts, cycle to work scheme and travel discounts through our benefits app
- Best Lives Possible: You'll be working for an award winning charity who is passionate about ensuring our colleagues and the people we support lead the best lives possible
- Development: We'll work with you to develop your career or to learn and experience new things. We're passionate about developing our people!
- Support: From our Employee Assistance Programme (available 24/7), financial support options, and wellbeing fund you'll have the support available to lead an easier (financial) life
This role will design and secure a portfolio of national and local strategically aligned, market-relevant and impactful programmes which use arts, culture and creativity to achieve a positive impact on our target audiences. These programmes will empower the health, wellbeing, learning, social mobility and social connection of people supported by Age Exchange and Community Integrated Care. The role holder will play an essential role in leading the growth, reach and sustainability of Age Exchange by generating funding and commercial revenue and new partnerships.
What You'll do (list not exhaustive):
- Win funding & partnerships that fuel our programmes and core costs—trusts & foundations, corporates/sponsorships, individual giving, and earned income.
- Build and manage a high-quality pipeline—prospect, cultivate, write compelling bids/proposals, negotiate, and steward partners.
- Collaborate across the delivery team—aligning with colleagues so proposed projects and tenders are fundable, impactful, and on-brand.
- Report outcomes & learn—own quarterly KPI reporting and iterate approaches to hit clear income and partnership targets.
Our ideal Candidate:
- Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
- Proven success in bid writing and securing projects/tenders of £250k+.
- Strong experience in fundraising, commercial development, and project management within a funded environment.
- Creative thinker with the ability to design innovative programmes aligned to strategic objectives.
- Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience engaging stakeholders at senior levels.
- Skilled communicator and presenter, able to craft compelling proposals and pitches.
- Proficiency in MS Office and project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet).
- Bring proven success in the arts or heritage sector (e.g., museums, galleries, performing arts, creative health, community arts) with a track record of securing grants and/or sponsorships.
- Are a confident storyteller and bid writer who can turn creative ideas into fundable, strategically aligned propositions.
Why join us ?
- Be part of a nationally recognised charity making a real difference in people’s lives.
- Lead ground-breaking projects that combine creativity and social impact.
- Work in a collaborative, values-driven environment with opportunities for professional growth.
Success in this role means:
- Meeting funding and growth targets.
- Delivering a diverse portfolio of innovative programmes.
- Enhancing the charity’s profile through impactful projects and partnerships.
Ready to make a difference ?
Apply now and help us shape a future where arts and creativity empower communities across the UK.
Please note, if you are interested in this role, we welcome your application as soon as possible! Depending on the volume of applications received, the vacancy may be closed before the expected advertising end date.
We’re really proud to be a Hive HR Employee Voice Certified organisation, a recognition that confirms our commitment to creating a culture where our colleagues are not only encouraged to share their thoughts, but where this feedback is actively sought and acted upon to drive positive change at every level.
In our 2025 Colleague Engagement Survey, 59% (nearly 3,800) of our people shared their feedback and insights, giving us an incredible Employee Net Promoter Score of +34.
The Employee Net Promoter Score is a measure of how willing our colleagues are to recommend us as a good place to work to their loved ones – and a score of +34 is considered a Very Good score when compared to global benchmarks set by hundreds of other organisations.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chichester Festival Theatre has a strong track record of building long-term relationships with both local and national trusts, securing essential investment across areas including arts engagement, mental health, dementia care, education, heritage, inclusion and access.
With an established and credible trust base already in place, this role will be responsible for identifying new opportunities for growth, writing compelling bids and ensuring excellent stewardship of existing funders. Working closely with the Development Director and wider Development team, the postholder will help strengthen and expand CFT’s Trusts & Foundations portfolio, contributing directly to the theatre’s long-term financial sustainability and impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Research and identify new Trusts & Foundations to build a strong funding pipeline.Write compelling, tailored funding applications
- Coordinate with internal departments to shape high‑quality, evidence‑based proposals.
- Track application progress, deadlines and reporting schedules.
- Provide outstanding stewardship to existing funders through reports, evaluations and updates.
- Manage invitations to cultivation events, press nights and project visits.
- Cultivate new prospects through Development Committee and trustee networks as well as proactive outreach.
- Process payments, receipts and acknowledgements via Spektrix.
- Work with Finance to reconcile restricted income.
- Attend supporter events, press nights and cultivation events as required (including evenings/weekends).
- Manage and oversee excellent trust administration.
- Contribute to annual Trusts strategy alongside the Development Director.
Essential Criteria
- Experience writing successful five and six figure bids.
- Strong relationship‑building skills with trustees and funders.
- Excellent administrative and organisational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and reporting requirements.
- Strong written communication skills adaptable for different funders.
- Proactive and collaborative approach.
- Ability to manage a minimum annual Trust income target of c£250,000.
- Understanding of impact reporting/evaluation.
- Desirable Criteria
- Experience in the arts or charity sector.
- Knowledge of Spektrix or similar CRM systems.
- Experience stewarding funders via events or project visits.
Please visit our website for full details.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
In this pivotal role as Prospect Research Manager at Diabetes UK, you will lead on managing prospect research, pipeline development, and adhere to best practice across income streams with a clear strategy that focuses on sourcing prospective high value donors to fund key strategic ambitions. One in 15 of us is now living with diabetes. Together, we have the opportunity to change this for the next generation. We are looking for someone who is a strategic thinker, analytical, organised in their approach and who can demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail in their work. Join us and be part of something truly transformational as we change the narrative around diabetes and create a more inclusive world.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
**PLEASE NOTE: To apply for this vacancy, please ensure you firstly download a copy of our application form from the documents section below and complete it. Click the 'apply' button and fill out your personal details in the relevant sections. Once you have submitted these you will be asked if you would like to attach any documents. At this stage please submit the completed version of the application form.**
Job title: Prospect Research Officer (fixed term contract 12 months)
Salary: £31,500-£35,000
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: 12 months
Reports to:Prospect Research Manager
Key relationships: Partnerships and Philanthropy Team, SMT, UNHCR’s global due diligence team
Location: WeWork, 1 Mark Square, London EC2A 4EG (hybrid working policy operates)
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
United Kingdom for UNHCR is the United Nations Refugee Agency’s national charity partner for the United Kingdom. We generate public awareness of the plight of refugees and raise funds to help protect them through UNHCR’s humanitarian operations across the world.
Our supporters include UK private individuals, communities, corporate partners, trusts and foundations. The funds we raise help UNHCR deliver emergency relief such as shelter, medical care and basic supplies to people fleeing conflict and persecution, as well as healthcare, education and livelihoods opportunities for those who remain displaced over the long term.
Nobody chooses to be a refugee, but we can all play a part in their protection, and we want those who work with us to share our values and passion for the cause.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING
We strongly value diversity and recognise that it is critical to our success and the cause that we serve. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all who work with us and strongly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of being a refugee, asylum seeker, internally displaced person, or a stateless person. UK for UNHCR is proud to have Diversity & Inclusion Working Group. The Diversity & Inclusion Working Group is a group of colleagues focusing on tasks that drive action in the implementation of our D&I Approach. The group also works to create safe spaces that brings colleagues together for events, discussions and learning experiences that celebrate and support diversity and tackle barriers to inclusion.
JOB PURPOSE
UK for UNHCR (UK4U), the UN Refugee Agency's national charity partner, is looking for a Prospect Research Officer to join a small but high performing team with big ambitions. This role will play a key part in continuing to build our UHNWI, HNWI, Trust and Foundation and Corporate and pipelines, by working closely with the Prospect Research Manager, fundraising colleagues as well as UNHCR internationally.
This role reports to the Prospect Research Manager, who is responsible for developing and driving the prospect research strategy, due diligence and all high level, strategic prospect research. The post holder will help identify research, organise and evaluate a prospect’s financial capacity, ability to give, willingness to give, charitable interests, and connection to the organisation, operating within the organisation’s due diligence process. The role will support UK for UNHCR’s due diligence process by helping to renew due diligence on existing pipelines, to completing some new due diligence profiles on lower-level prospects through utilising key due diligence tools and platforms, working with the Prospect Research Manager and members of the Partnerships and Philanthropy team, SMT and UNHCR’s global due diligence team.
Passionate about the refugee cause and UNHCR’s contribution, you will have demonstrable experience of successfully identifying prospects as well as preparing and presenting in depth prospect briefs for across the high value fundraising pipeline from UHNW and HNW individuals, Trusts & Foundations and Corporates. You will be familiar with using a variety of information sources, of complying with GDPR and other regulations and working with a CRM database. Donor focussed and a problem solver, you will with have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be someone who enjoys working as part of a team.
We are interested in hearing from candidates with a range of professional experience: charity or private sector. If you think you have the relevant skills and crucially, the passion to support the refugee cause, please apply.
ROLE RESPONSIBLITIES
- Working with the Prospect Research Manager to support the overarching strategy for the prospect research function and to help deliver a strong and sustainable prospect pipeline.
- Prepare prospect research profiles for the Philanthropy and Partnerships Team, whether in preparation for individual meetings or for a range of events.
- Support the Prospect Research Manager’s work with the Director of Private Philanthropy to identify UHNWI prospects and their work with the Senior Philanthropy
- Advisor to identify prospective members of UK for UNHCR’s first advisory development board.
- Using a broad spectrum of sources, identify, research, organise and evaluate a prospect’s financial capacity, ability to give, willingness to give, charitable interests, and connection to the organisation. Support fundraising staff in prioritising prospects.
- Keep up to date on trends and new ways of working within Prospect research and due diligence.
- Work within UK4U’s due diligence policy and processes, supporting the Prospect Research Manager to maintain a system to enable the organisation to track due diligence carried out, ensuring compliance with all regulatory best practice standards.
- Produce in-depth, well-written reports on prospects based on a combination of data from the donor database, open access records and other markers of high-quality donors.
- Support the Prospect Research Manager to embed best practice use of the database within the team.
- Provide general support to fundraising staff and work on special projects when called for.
- Support Prospect Research Managers bi-yearly pipeline reviews to ensure pipelines remain dynamic and fit for purpose.
The above list is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to perform duties that are not detailed above.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND EXPERIENCE
Essential Experience
- Experience of profiling, network mapping, prospect qualification and other prospect research activities.
- Experience of working with colleagues in Individual Giving Teams and with major donor and corporate fundraisers to optimise use of a CRM database to identify potential prospects.
Essential Skills/Knowledge
- Ability to act proactively to identify new prospects
- Ability to juggle and prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Able to demonstrate flexibility, with a willingness to respond quickly, particularly at times of humanitarian crisis
- Ability to investigate, analyse, and synthesize large quantities of data into a user-friendly and concise format for the use by fundraisers and key volunteers (e.g. Trustees)
- Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations well
- Demonstrable strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to be discreet with valuable and personal donor details that are often confidential
- Ability to problem-solve effectively
- Ability to take a tactful and ethical approach to fundraising tasks
- Demonstrable understanding of GDPR and other regulatory compliance issues.
- Ability to work proficiently with CRM databases (knowledge of Salesforce helpful).
- Ability to work proficiently in Microsoft Office Suite.
Desirable Skills/Experience
- Demonstrable interest in or higher education on/or similar study on international development/humanitarian issues.
WHY JOIN UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR?
You will be part of a high performing agile team of talented people, all committed to build solidarity and raise funds for refugees and displaced people worldwide. You will be working in a flexible, supportive, and inclusive environment, where your work will be recognised and appraised.
What else?
Wellbeing
- 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays
- Employee Assistance programme providing 24/7 access to online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing.
- Access to 100s of perks with discounts on everyday purchases.
- Office wellness perks.
- Discount on gym memberships.
- Hybrid and Flexible Working.
- Staff socials.
Financial
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8%.
- Non-contributory group life assurance scheme
- Non-contributory Income protection scheme.
- One-off contribution towards homeworking set up.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
- Enhanced sick pay scheme.
Development
- Comprehensive training and continuing development opportunities.
- Individual training budget.
HOW TO APPLY
If you have the relevant skills and the passion to use them to support refugees, please apply by completing our application form which is available in the documents section.
Closing date: 2nd March 2026
Interview dates: First round interviews will be held online 10th-12th March. Second round interviews will be held w/c 16th March
If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation please contact us. We will make every effort to respond to your request for assistance as soon as possible.
United Kingdom for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is registered with the Charity Commission (England & Wales), charity no. 1183415. It is the UK national partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency.
We stand with refugees – will you join us?

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!
Mission Without Borders UK are seeking an exceptional Major Donors, Trusts & Partnerships Manager to help drive our mission forward and make a lasting difference for children and families across Eastern Europe.
Mission Without Borders (MWB) is a Christian organisation working in some of the most challenging contexts in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine. We come alongside children, families, and communities living in poverty, offering practical, emotional and spiritual support, sharing the hope found in Jesus Christ to enable people to move towards self-sufficiency.
MWB UK is entering an exciting period of growth. With an ambitious five‑year plan underway, we are seeking to strengthen our work with major donors, charitable trusts, foundations, and Gift‑in‑Kind (GIK) partners to expand our impact and reach more people in need.
About the role
This is a pivotal and high‑impact role, perfect for a talented relationship‑based fundraiser who is motivated by purpose, strategy, and the power of partnership.
You will:
· Build and manage a strong portfolio of major donors, developing tailored engagement plans that inspire deep and long‑term support.
· Grow income from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory funders through high‑quality applications and outstanding stewardship.
· Lead MWB UK’s Gift‑in‑Kind strategy, securing in‑kind products and managing the logistics journey from offer to delivery into field countries.
· Craft compelling proposals and impact reports that clearly articulate MWB’s vision and programme outcomes.
· Collaborate with passionate colleagues across MWB’s international network to identify funding priorities, shape supporter experiences, and maximise impact.
· Contribute strategically to MWB UK’s fundraising plans, spotting opportunities, and driving income growth.
This role blends hands‑on relationship management with strategic ownership. This is ideal for someone who thrives on initiative, creativity, and wants to see their work translate into real, tangible change for vulnerable people.
About you
We’d love to hear from you if you have:
· Proven experience securing income from major donors and/or charitable trusts.
· Excellent relational skills with the ability to connect, inspire, and build trust.
· Strong written and verbal communication skills, including crafting persuasive proposals.
· A proactive, organised, detail‑driven approach with the ability to prioritise effectively.
· A genuine alignment with MWB’s Christian ethos and values.
If MWB’s vision is a cause that inspires you and the position fits with your skills, values and experience, then we would love to hear from you.
The position offers flexibility with a mix of home working and office based to be discussed. This is a full-time position, but we are open to hearing from candidates who can work a minimum of 4 days a week.
What we offer
· 30 days holiday per year
· Flexible working
· Employee Assistance Programme
· Pension scheme
· Opportunities to travel to projects in our field countries, as required
How to apply
Please send a covering letter of no more than 2 pages highlighting your reasons for applying and explaining your how your skills, experience and values align with the role.
Please see the Job Description below for more details. If an informal conversation about the role would help, please call or email us.
We are actively interviewing as applications come in, so please apply now.
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!
Job Purpose:
EMERGENCY ONG ETS (‘EMERGENCY’) is an independent non-governmental organisation. Headquartered in Italy, it provides free, high-quality medical and surgical treatment to victims of war, landmines and poverty. At the same time, it promotes a culture of peace, solidarity and respect for human rights.
Since its founding in 1994, EMERGENCY has worked in 21 countries around the world, providing free medical care in accordance with its core principles of equality, quality and social responsibility. We do this in a sustainable way: by building healthcare facilities, training local personnel, and conducting search and rescue missions in the Mediterranean Sea.
As an affiliate, EMERGENCY UK has set out an exciting ambition to build on its success over the last three years. This includes a substantial growth in its income, with a particular focus on high value giving from philanthropists, trusts and other private donors. The aim is to implement the newly developed high value fundraising strategy, with a view to tripling current income levels from this source by securing high five and six figure gifts of both unrestricted and restricted income.
The purpose of the Development Manager is to build and maintain a portfolio of high value donors and prospects through proactive networking, identifying cultivation opportunities and thoughtful stewardship. With a focus range of £100,000 and above, the position will develop long-term, strategic partnerships with existing and potential high value supporters, where relationships and their impact will be measured from both a financial and non-financial perspective.
The postholder must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and demonstrate a high degree of lateral thinking within a small but hard-working team.
Main activities:
1) To raise funds in the form of high value gifts (focusing on £100,000 and above) through a variety of methods, including regular face-to-face meetings, attending conferences and participating in other activities by implementing a comprehensive programme to identify, research, cultivate and solicit high value donors who have the potential for significant, multi-year giving.
In this context, the postholder will be required to spend a considerable amount of the working week out of the office travelling and meeting in person with potential donors and their representatives.
2) To manage and develop meaningful donor relationships, including with existing donors, by utilising a wide range of methods, including stewardship events and networking amongst existing donors and their contacts.
3) To actively participate in the implementation of the current high value fundraising strategy, leading change and adjusting plans based on experience and realistic assessments in order to meet pre-agreed targets. This includes supporting the ongoing development of all aspects of the strategy, such as the case for support, prospect research, donor recognition opportunities and individual donor development plans for high value donors and prospects.
4) To contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the team, taking a lead role in the annual planning and reporting process for high value donors, providing regular progress reports against income targets and ensuring high standards of accountability. This also includes ensuring written and electronic records of donors are maintained, in compliance with data protection legislation.
5) To represent, and act as an ambassador, for EMERGENCY UK at external events, promoting its work and values where and when possible.
Person specification:
- Senior level experience working with foundations, corporates, high and ultra-high net worth individuals, leading them from identification to giving annual and multi-year gifts at the high five and six-figure level
- Experience of working independently to identify and cultivate prospects and influencers who have the ability to make personal introductions to high and ultra-high net worth individuals
- Experience in implementing high value giving strategies and annual plans for high and ultra-high net worth individuals, including reporting on targets and KPIs
- Experience of identifying potential high value donors, qualifying prospects and managing/growing a high-level prospect pipeline
- Experience of working with restricted grant funding: submitting proposals, completing monitoring forms and reporting to donors
- Experience of working within the humanitarian and development sector is preferable
- Experience of working with multiple stakeholders in a complex, multi-cultural environment
- Experience of creating high-quality, high-level donor events and bespoke engagements
- Experience of using Salesforce or similar CRM products/fundraising databases
Essential skills:
- Excellent stakeholder and relationship management skills
- Ability to communicate complex themes and subjects in a compelling and engaging way in writing and verbally
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to motivate and engage high value donors and prospects in the work of EMERGENCY
- Strong understanding of restricted grant funding processes, including proposal development, monitoring, and reporting
- Knowledge and understanding of how to use influencers and connectors in the most effective way for the benefit of EMERGENCY UK and the wider organisation
- Ability to be flexible and work in a fast-moving environment, leading on a wide range of tasks and projects simultaneously
- A strong team player who treats colleagues with respect and courtesy at all times
- Knowledge of tax efficient giving in the UK, current data privacy legislation and other regulatory compliance issues
- Proficient in Microsoft Office. Experience using Salesforce is desirable.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. If you require adjustments during the process, let us know.
To apply, please submit your CV and a short cover letter (maximum 300 words) via the CharityJob portal.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Development, Alumni and Campaigns Office
Prospect Research Officer
Ref: SC4931
Starting salary from £31,236 per annum, dependent on skills and experience, with an annual increment up to £37,694 per annum.
UEA is advancing its ambitious £100 million Dare to Do Different Campaign, with Prospect Research playing a central role. We are seeking someone who can help drive transformational change.
In this role, you will work closely with our fundraising team to identify, research, and engage high‑quality prospects, helping to build a strong pipeline of major donor opportunities while upholding the highest ethical standards. Your insights will inform strategic fundraising aligned with the University’s key priorities.
The ideal candidate will be educated to at least A level (or equivalent qualification) or equivalent experience and have a good understanding of fundraising, along with strong research, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
You will join a collaborative, supportive team that takes pride in achieving excellent results. This is a valuable opportunity to make a lasting impact helping us meet campaign goals and shape UEA’s future.
This full-time post is available on an indefinite basis.
UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from individuals who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, part time, job share, term-time only and/or hybrid working. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.
Further information on our great benefits package, including 39 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days, can be found on our benefits page.
Closing date: 16 March 2026
The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.
At UEA we’ve got the vision, the drive and some of the best, most innovative minds ready to solve the planet’s most pressing challenges.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.
As a charity we could not plan for our next programme of artistic work, or our community and outreach projects, without the support of our philanthropists and members. As an organisation we are committed to ensuring that all philanthropists and members enjoy a rewarding relationship with our organisation.
Following an internal promotion, the Development and Advocacy Department are looking to appoint an experienced Philanthropy Manager to join our Philanthropy team. In this exciting and dynamic role you will manage a number of philanthropic relationships and make a significant contribution to the team through developing new initiatives and growing the portfolio.
The ideal candidate profile for this post will be a team player, with the following credentials:
- An established track record in philanthropy or fundraising for major organisations
- Demonstrated success in managing a portfolio of high value relationships with experience of personally securing significant gifts
- Ability to think strategically to devise relevant engagement and cultivation plans and identify opportunities for approaches to prospects
- A balance of experience and innovation to be able to develop new ideas and launch new initiatives successfully
- Credibility as an ambassador in the area of philanthropy, able to work effectively at senior levels and liaise with high-net-worth individuals
- Strong project management skills, with demonstrable experience of solving complex problems, drawing on given resources and collaborative working
A working knowledge of our repertoire is not a pre-requisite for this role but the ability to upskill quickly in our art forms in order to confidently speak to prospective donors is essential.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the UK’s leading arts organisations and our aim is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion underpin all that we do. We want our people to be representative of the diversity in the UK. We understand the creativity and innovation that diversity can bring and strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive.
We encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills to join our teams. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, which means that we are actively working to ensure that candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We will endeavour to offer an interview to candidates who tell us they wish to participate in the scheme and who demonstrate in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role, though sometimes due to the volume of qualified candidates with declarations this is not possible.
The RBO is also committed to safeguarding and protecting all children, young people, and adults and we implement robust safer recruitment practices. Due to our safeguarding promise, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check before commencing employment with us, which will be indicated in the advertising.
Closing date for applications: 11:59pm, Sunday 8th March 2026.
Interviews will follow a two stage process with 1st stage online via MS Teams and 2nd stage in person at ROH Covent Garden.
To ensure a fair process, late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.
Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Membership Account Manager leads the development, delivery and growth of FareShare South West’s membership programme across the West of England region. The role ensures that Community Food Members (CFMs) receive an outstanding experience, that surplus food is used effectively to strengthen communities, and that membership growth aligns with organisational strategy. Through excellent relationship management, data-driven insight and collaborative working, the postholder drives recruitment, retention and development of CFMs, ensuring FareShare South West maximises its impact across the region.
Membership Management
- Provide account management to all CFMs, resolving issues quickly, and provide enhanced support for key groups (e.g., large CFMs, programme-funded CFMs, high-impact beneficiaries).
- Oversee member onboarding, service changes, cancellations and annual renewals.
- Manage all member engagement through the CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system, ensuring accurate and up-to-date data.
- Work closely with the Finance Manager to oversee annual renewals and support the recovery of late or missed payments.
- Coordinate member communications with the Communications Team to ensure a high-quality CFM experience.
- Use data and insight to track engagement, inform improvements and support retention.
- Manage the delivery schedule, including updates to food profiles, contact details and addresses.
- Support or cover the CFM Support Officer by writing orders for allocated members.
Membership Recruitment
- Research new markets and potential members by geography, sector, food use or organisational type, maintaining a database of prospects.
- Working with other FareShare network partners, and our delivery partner in Exeter, Exeter Food Action, identify and develop new members.
- Support the Head of Food & Community with recruitment campaigns, outreach, events and sector-specific engagement.
- Ensure a seamless onboarding process for all new members
- Document and report recruitment activity and progress of prospective members towards membership.
Membership and Community Development
- Support the development and introduction of new surplus food types (e.g., frozen, relabelled, catering packs) into the membership offer.
- Work with the Head of Food & Community to establish a refreshed, high-value membership service aligned to food supply, logistics capacity and community need.
- Contribute to the development and scaling of membership programmes across regions (e.g., Crisis Resilience Fund).
- Support delivery of the membership strategy, meeting budget expectations and ambitious growth targets.
- Act as a passionate advocate of FareShare South West, representing the organisation confidently to internal and external stakeholders.
- Assist in the compiling of reports for FSSW communications and Programme funding.
Team Management and Support
- Lead and develop team members, including recruitment, supervision, appraisals, wellbeing and professional development.
- Support the Head of Food & Community to develop a high performing culture across the membership team, working closely with teams in food, operations and volunteering.
- Support an inclusive, supportive and purpose-driven culture that motivates staff to contribute to the charity’s mission.
- In line with FSSW’s growth and in working with the Operations Team, develop systems and procedures to ensure the efficiency and smooth running of deliveries, collections and systems.
Health, Safety and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with FareShare UK standards, Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations.
- Ensure teams understand and comply with organisational policies, food safety requirements, health and safety legislation and safeguarding responsibilities.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience in account management, customer service or membership management.
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with confidence engaging diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to manage data accurately using CRM systems and apply insight to improve services.
- Highly organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable
- Experience in the charity, community, food redistribution or voluntary sector.
- Experience supervising or managing staff.
- Experience in outreach, recruitment or business development.
- Understanding of food safety, logistics or supply chain operations.
- Experience supporting organisational change or service development.
- Ability to represent an organisation professionally to external partners and networks.
Our mission is a future where no food is wasted, and all people can thrive.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a fundraising manager whose core strengths are trusts and foundations fundraising, major donor cultivation, and excellent proposal writing.
The NCTJ is the guardian of the gold standard in journalism training. Through charitable initiatives including the Community Reporting Fund and Journalism Diversity Fund, we widen access to journalism careers, strengthen community reporting, and champion trusted journalism at a time when misinformation and public scepticism make high professional standards more important than ever.
Diversifying and growing charitable income is a strategic priority for NCTJ. Following the development of our fundraising strategy, this role will focus on building and growing income from UK trusts, foundations and high net worth supporters. You will have the autonomy to shape the grants and major donor pipeline.
Corporate partnerships are led primarily by our Head of Business Development. This role focuses on grants, major donors and stewardship.
About the role
You will:
- Research and manage a strong pipeline of trusts and foundation prospects
- Write and submit high-quality, tailored grant applications and expressions of interest
- Develop compelling cases for support, budgets, outcomes and proposal templates
- Build and manage major donor/high net worth pipeline through warm networks
- Lead on donor cultivation and follow-up
- Strengthen stewardship and reporting so funders feel valued and close to the impact
- Use HubSpot CRM to track pipeline, deadlines, reporting and performance
About you
You will have:
- A strong track record in trusts and foundations fundraising
- Experience securing substantial grants (five-figure and above)
- Excellent proposal and case for support writing skills
- Experience working with major donors/high net worth supporters (or strong transferable relationship-led fundraising experience)
- Strong organisation and CRM discipline
- Confidence working with senior leaders
Experience in journalism, media, education, social mobility or EDI is welcome but not essential. It is vital that you support the critical role professional journalists play in our democracy.
Benefits
- Salary c £40,000 (£37,000-£43,000) depending on experience
- Pension: 5% employer and 5% employee contribution
- Annual leave of 25 days plus bank holidays
- Discretionary bonus based on company performance
- Life cover
- Training and career development
How to apply
Please apply with your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 1,000 words total) addressing the following:
- Trusts and foundations track record (300 words)
Describe one trust or foundation grant of £30,000+ that you personally led. Include who the funder was, what the project was, how you shaped the proposal to meet their criteria, and the outcome. - Proposal writing approach (250 words)
When starting a new funding application, what are the first five things you do before you begin writing? Please be specific. - Working with senior stakeholders and impact information (250 words)
Give an example of how you worked with colleagues, senior leaders or contacts to gather the information needed for a funding proposal or donor meeting. What did you do and what was the result? - Interest in journalism and the NCTJ mission (200 words) What is it about the NCTJ’s work, values and mission that interests you, and why do you think it is important at this point in time for journalism and society?
Your supporting statement is an important part of the assessment for this role. We are looking for evidence of your own proposal-writing style, experience and judgement. Generic or highly templated responses are unlikely to score well.
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a short writing exercise as part of the interview process.
About the NCTJ
The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is the charity at the heart of journalism education and training in the UK. We are the guardian of the gold standard in journalism training and qualifications, and we champion equality, diversity and inclusion so that journalism is accessible to people from all backgrounds.
Through charitable initiatives including the Journalism Diversity Fund and the Community Reporting Fund, we widen participation in journalism, support community reporting, and strengthen trusted journalism at a time when misinformation and public scepticism make high professional standards more important than ever.
NCTJ is financially stable and widely respected within the industry. However, diversifying and growing charitable income is a strategic priority for 2026–27. We have developed our first fundraising strategy to support sustainable growth and impact, and this role is central to delivering it.
Purpose of the role
This is a specialist role focused on securing and stewarding funding from trusts and foundations and developing a pipeline of major donors and high net worth supporters, underpinned by exceptional proposal writing and strong relationship management.
Corporate partnerships are led primarily by the head of business development. This role will support corporate fundraising through proposal/case development and stewardship where needed, but the primary focus is securing charitable grants and major donors.
Key responsibilities
1) Trusts and foundations fundraising
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of UK trust and foundation prospects that advance NCTJ’s charitable priorities (including diversity, community reporting, and training for a fast-changing media industry).
- Develop and maintain a grants calendar and tracking system, including deadlines, funder preferences, decision timelines, and reporting requirements.
- Write and submit high-quality, tailored grant applications and expressions of interest, working to agreed targets and timescales.
- Develop a suite of core fundraising materials (case for support, programme proposals, budgets, outcomes and evaluation narrative, boilerplate and templates) to increase quality and consistency across submissions.
- Confidently communicate the NCTJ’s purpose and impact through presentations, reports, and digital content and represent the NCTJ at meetings and events, both virtually and in person.
- Build and maintain strong funder relationships, ensuring excellent stewardship, timely reporting and opportunities for renewal and uplift.
2) Major donor / high net worth giving
- Work with the senior team to identify major donor prospects through networks and sector connections.
- Undertake proportionate prospect research and build a high-quality cultivation pipeline.
- Create tailored donor proposals and impact statements that support donor interests while advancing NCTJ priorities.
- Support cultivation meetings with briefs, materials, follow-up and stewardship plans, tracking all activity in CRM.
3) Impact, storytelling and stewardship
- Work closely with programme and communications colleagues to gather impact data, case studies and beneficiary stories to strengthen proposals and reporting.
- Develop and deliver a clear plan for thanking trusts and major donors, keeping them updated on impact, and staying in regular contact.
- Use NCTJ events and industry milestones as stewardship and cultivation opportunities, coordinating targeted follow-up and relationship management.
4) Systems, reporting and evaluation
- Maintain excellent data quality and discipline in HubSpot CRM, including prospect stage, relationship owner, next actions, submissions, reporting deadlines and contact history.
- Produce clear pipeline and performance reports for the HoBD/chief executive (eg, submissions, conversion rates, forecast, learning and next steps).
- Contribute to quarterly review sessions to evaluate progress and refine approach.
5) Collaborative working
- Build strong working relationships across the charity and its stakeholders to translate NCTJ’s work into fundable propositions and well managed projects ensuring effective delivery of programmes through cross functional collaboration.
- Bring innovative and creative concepts to the team, and develop valuable programmes and initiatives which add to the NCTJ’s new income stream.
- Contribute to shared messaging that reflects NCTJ’s mission: high standards, quality, trusted journalism, accessibility and measurable EDI impact.
Person specification
Essential
- Significant experience in trusts and foundations fundraising, including writing successful applications.
- Proven track record of securing substantial grants (five-figure and above, including multi-year where possible).
- Outstanding proposal and case for support writing skills (clear structure, persuasive narrative, strong budgets/outcomes, and tailoring to criteria).
- Strong pipeline management skills and ability to deliver multiple submissions to deadlines.
- Experience cultivating and stewarding major donors/high net worth individuals (or strong transferable relationship-led fundraising experience).
- Strong CRM capability and reporting discipline.
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders.
Desirable
- Experience strengthening fundraising systems, templates and stewardship processes.
- Experience in education, media/journalism, social mobility, EDI or local/community development.
Personal attributes
- A high-quality writer who takes pride in precision, tone and evidence.
- Proactive, organised and accountable.
- Warm, credible and professional with funders and senior stakeholders.
- Motivated by widening access, high standards, and trusted journalism.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
Join our Community Fundraising Team and play an important part in supporting some of The Royal Marsden Cancer charity’s most dedicated supporters. Working alongside the Community Fundraising team you will effectively steward existing supporters, engage our community supporters and identify new prospects.
If you are a high performing fundraiser with experience of delivering income growth through effective relationship management, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
What you’ll be doing:
- Line manage a team to ensure they achieve their objectives and fundraising targets
- Deliver best in class stewardship to develop long term relationships
- Identify and develop fundraising initiatives to engage community fundraising supporters in line with the Charity’s strategy
- Identify opportunities to raise awareness of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity including giving talks and presentations, attending local events and networking events
- Monitor income monthly and contribute to budgeting and reforecasting. Identify areas of concern and where there might be potential for growth
- Work with other teams within the Charity, including Finance, Data, PR, Marketing and other fundraising teams to maximise best practice and supporter experience
What we’re looking for:
We’re looking for someone who is:
· An experienced, high-performing fundraiser with a proven track record of securing financial support from community fundraising supporters
· An excellent written and verbal communicator, able to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences
· A confident leader, able to motivate, manage and support high-performing teams
· Highly organised, with experience in financial planning, monitoring and budgeting
· Proactive and self-sufficient, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to take initiative
· Able to work with sensitivity and diplomacy, including in emotionally complex situations
· Experienced in using Raiser’s Edge NXT and/or fundraising for major charitable appeals (desirable)
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:
· Hybrid working between home and Sutton with occasional travel to Chelsea.
· Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm
· 27 days annual leave rising with length of service
· Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service)
· Training, support and development opportunities
· Access to the Blue Light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities
· Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more
· 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
· Opportunities for training and career development
Inclusion matters:
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Applications from all backgrounds are warmly welcomed
Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.
How to apply:
Use CharityJob ATS
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.
The Sick Children's Trust
Salary: £46,000
Location: Hybrid (1-2 days/week in London EC2A)
Closing date: Thursday 5 March 2026
Charity People is thrilled to be partnering with The Sick Children's Trust to recruit their new Development Manager - Corporate & Philanthropy. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a warm, values-driven organisation that provides vital 'Homes from Home' supporting thousands of families with seriously ill children in hospital.
For over 40 years, The Sick Children's Trust has been giving families a free place to stay, just steps from their child's hospital bed. Their ten 'Homes from Home' across England provide more than a welcoming place to stay - they also give comfort, stability, community and compassion at the most difficult moments in a family's life.
With 91% occupancy, 48,062 nights of accommodation provided last year, and over 3,200 families supported, the impact of this charity is profound. This role sits at the heart of expanding that life-changing reach.
The Role
As Development Manager - Corporate & Philanthropy, you will lead the growth of an ambitious and high-performing corporate partnerships programme. This is a senior, income-generating role focused on securing new business, stewarding high-value relationships, and influencing philanthropic support through senior networks.
Reporting to the Director of Fundraising and managing two corporate fundraisers (South and North), you will:
Lead Corporate New Business
- Develop and deliver a strategy to secure long-term, high-value corporate partnerships
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of five- and six-figure prospects
- Create compelling, bespoke proposals, pitches and presentations
- Confidently deliver senior-level pitches to CSR leads, directors and boards
Maximise Relationship Value
- Provide excellent stewardship to high-value partners
- Work closely with the Director of Fundraising to engage major donors, trustees and influential supporters
- Spot opportunities to bridge corporate leaders into philanthropic giving
Collaborate and Innovate
- Work with Operations, Communications and Marketing to build impactful partnership propositions
- Shape co-branded campaigns, sponsorship opportunities, corporate volunteering and events
- Act as an ambassador for the charity at external and sector events
Lead and Develop Others
- Line manage and mentor the Senior Corporate Partnerships Officer (South) and Corporate Officer (North)
- Monitor performance, forecast income, and report against KPIs
- Use DonorFlex to maintain accurate, high-quality records
About you
We're looking for someone who brings a proven track record of securing new five and six-figure corporate partnerships, with the ability to craft high-quality proposals, pitch decks and presentations that win major support. You will be confident pitching to senior and influencialaudiences, and skilled at building strong, strategic relationships across both corporate and philanthropic stakeholders. You'll have experience engaging major donors or senior supporters, combined with the creative thinking needed to shape compelling partnership propositions. Alongside this, you will be highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits
The Sick Children's Trust offers a generous package including:
- £46,000 per annum
- 35-hour working week
- Hybrid working
- 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
- Wellbeing support (EAP, eyecare, flu jab, life assurance)
- Additional benefits post-probation (bonus day off, enhanced pension, PHI, Medicash, Digicare+, travel loan)
Interested in this incredible role?
For the full job pack and details on how to apply, please share your CV with Kevin who will be in touch with further information.
Closing date: Thursday 5th March
First stage interviews: W/C Monday 9th March
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. 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 do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
To enable Operation Smile’s global surgical activities, OSUK’s Partnerships Team works to maximise high-potential income channels such as corporate partnerships, major donors, community fundraisers and trusts and foundations.
We have created an exciting new position in our team for an ambitious and confident relationship fundraiser. Working as part of the Partnership Team, the Philanthropy Manager position will secure critical income from new and existing major donors through compelling, donor-centred approaches and excellent stewardship.
The position will build on existing relationships with individuals who make significant personal donations, aiming to grow their contributions, as well as making approaches to new prospects, working closely with the Director of Partnerships.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Philanthropy Development
- Ensure achievement of annual income target for philanthropy
- Develop and implement plans for a structured philanthropy programme, for both new and existing donors, aligning their giving with our strategic priorities
- Take primary responsibility for managing the current small pool of major donors, to grow and sustain their giving – strategic development of each relationship will be essential
- Develop and maintain a pipeline of new major donor prospects, creating propositions/proposals and making approaches, working with the Director of Partnerships
- Seek peer-to-peer introductions to new prospects, from existing donors, board members and other contacts
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting to donors and internal stakeholders
- Work with the Communications team to generate media presence and content to attract philanthropic interest from new prospects
- Represent Operation Smile UK in global philanthropy discussions, applying any global strategies to develop successful fundraising plans for the UK
- Lead on development and management of any philanthropy cultivation events
Additional Responsibilities
- Create and maintain annual philanthropy budget and business plan, including activities from current supporters and forecasting new business income
Additional Information
- 2 years’ experience in a philanthropy or business development role
- We promote flexible and hybrid working, with 2 days per week in our London office in Battersea (nearest stations Clapham Junction and Wandsworth Town). There will also be some UK travel for meetings, conferences and events.
- Some overseas travel required to visit projects and partner countries, a highlight of the role!
First-round interviews are set for the week of 2nd March 2026. We strongly encourage early applications.
Disability Confident Committed Employer
We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.
At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.
If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation.
We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
About Figurative
Figurative is a new organisation, and this is a brand new role. Our mission is to bring new funding capital to the cultural and creative sectors, and to deploy it in ways that optimise for social impact and for sector sustainability.
We bring together deep expertise through Arts & Culture Finance (formerly part of Nesta) and New Philanthropy for Arts & Culture to unlock new and innovative ways of funding and supporting the UK’s arts ecosystem.
Figurative manages three investment portfolios that have supported over 60 organisations and raised more than £30 million in investment capital over the last decade.
About this role
Culture and creativity are essential to human flourishing, yet the financial models supporting them are in need of a serious reimagining. Public subsidy is declining in real terms, traditional philanthropy can't fill the gap, and commercial investment often doesn't align with how cultural and creative sector organisations work best.
Figurative exists to create a third way: impact investment that brings new capital to culture and creativity, while respecting what makes the sector special. But scaling a genuinely new funding model requires more than good intentions - it needs robust infrastructure, diversified capital sources, and deep credibility with the organisations we exist to serve.
This is a unique opportunity to join Figurative in its infancy, and to take responsibility for growing Figurative from £30m to £100m+ over the next 3-5 years. Your work will directly enable cultural organisations to access capital they couldn't reach through traditional routes - capital that allows them to take creative risks, sustain their missions, and amplify their social impact without compromising their values.
You will be joining a dynamic, inclusive, collaborative team that is committed to learning on the job, and in the open. This involves testing out new ideas, and finding partners who are keen to explore innovative ways in which their money can be used to bring about their desired outcomes through the power of culture and creativity.
Key Responsibilities
The Development Director will:
- lead our efforts to raise money into our own parent charity, from primarily new sources;
- support the CEO and investment team to raise investment capital (which may take the form of repayable grants) into our investment funds;
- lead our efforts to support organisations in the sector to raise philanthropic giving as a source of income for themselves, particularly focused around place (including the development of our existing Arts Council funded place-based philanthropy networks) and social impact (including our Big Give Arts for Impact match funding campaign);
- develop and implement our place-based strategy, which will aim to demonstrate the power of blended finance.
The Development Director will be a member of the senior leadership team and report directly to the CEO, working closely on strategy and communicating strategic priorities and progress to existing and potential grant funders (into Figurative) and investors (into our funds); whilst providing philanthropic expertise to cultural organisations and partners to optimise social impact and sector sustainability.
In this role, the successful candidate will have to be/demonstrate:
- Strategic infrastructure builder: Proven track record designing and implementing fundraising/investor relations systems and processes in growth-stage organisations - not just using existing ones.
- Financial literacy: Comfortable with impact investment concepts, fund structures, and articulating risk/return/impact trade-offs to sophisticated investors. You can speak credibly to family offices and institutional investors, not just traditional arts funders.
- Cross-sector translator: Ability to articulate culture's value to investors whose primary focus is climate, social impact, or economic development. Fluency in making the case for why culture matters to non-arts audiences. Ability to build and manage partnerships across philanthropy, commercial creative industries, and the public sector, navigating complex stakeholder environments with diplomacy and credibility.
- Cultural sector credibility: Deep understanding of how arts organisations operate, their funding challenges, and why they might be sceptical of intermediaries. Genuine commitment to supporting sector sustainability, not extracting from it.
- Proposition development: Ability to craft compelling narratives for complex funding models. You can explain why impact investment in culture is different from traditional philanthropy and why it complements (rather than competes with) existing funding.
- Scale-up mentality: Comfortable moving from £30m to £100m+ - you understand what infrastructure and processes are needed at different stages of growth.
Core Skills
Essential:
- Strategic Philanthropic Fundraising: Demonstrated ability to design and execute philanthropic fundraising strategies aligned to mission-driven objectives, including multi-year funding pipelines and donor portfolios
- Major Donor and High Net Worth Engagement: Proven experience cultivating and stewarding relationships with, and securing gifts from high net worth individuals, family offices, and trusts and foundations, and confidence engaging sophisticated donors around arts and the creative industries.
- Foundations and Institutional Giving: Strong capability in identifying, soliciting, and managing relationships with foundations, philanthropic trusts, and institutional funders in the UK and internationally.
- Cultural and Creative Philanthropy Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of arts and cultural fundraising ecosystems, including experience working with artists, cultural organisations, and creative industry stakeholders, to aid in the development and delivery of place-based philanthropic initiatives.
- Relationship Management and Stewardship: Advanced relationship management skills, including donor stewardship, reporting, and long-term engagement, ensuring trust, transparency, and repeat support
- Proposal Writing and Funding Submissions: Strong written communication skills, with a track record of producing high-quality funding proposals, pitches, grant applications, and tailored donor materials
- Stakeholder Engagement and Representation: Confidence representing the organisation externally at events, briefings, and convenings, including presenting to boards, donors, and advisory groups.
- Data-informed Fundraising and CRM Use: Competence in using CRM systems and fundraising data to track prospects, manage pipelines, and inform strategy, with attention to compliance and good governance
- Project Management and Delivery Strong organisational and project management skills, enabling delivery of fundraising campaigns, events, and reporting requirements on time and to a high standard.
- Judgement, Discretion and Ethical Practice: High level of professional judgement, discretion, and integrity when handling sensitive donor information, complex funding arrangements, and reputational considerations
- Leadership and Team Management: Proven ability to lead and develop teams, work effectively with Boards and senior stakeholders, and collaborate within the wider organisational structures. Experienced in managing direct reports, aligning team delivery with organisational priorities and maintaining strong internal relationships.
Desirable:
- Experience in impact investing, social finance, or blended finance - ideally in a growth/scale-up phas
- Existing relationships with family offices, climate investors, or foundations exploring innovative funding models
- Understanding of place-based funding partnerships and multi-stakeholder models
- Track record of investor diversification - successfully broadening an organisation's funding base
What We Offer
- Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 FTE, depending on experience
- Location: Hybrid working arrangement based at Somerset House in central London, with flexibility and some travel within the UK.
- Reports to: CEO
- Hours: 3 days/ week (0.6 FTE)
- Location: Hybrid working arrangement based at Somerset House in central London, with flexibility and some travel within the UK.
- Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + ability to buy additional holiday
- Pension (Employer Contribution 8% + a further 4% where the employee contributes 4%
- Life Assurance
- Post probation - Private health and dental insurance
Making an Application
To apply for this role, please submit your application below before midnight Sunday 22nd February 2026. Please include a one-page cover letter covering the following questions
- What are the main challenges you think Figurative will have to navigate within this phase of development
- What are the most important messages to convey to existing and potential stakeholders about Figurative’s mission and motivations?
First interviews will be held virtually on Wednesday 4th March 2026.
Second interviews will be held in person in our London offices on Thursday 12th March 2026.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those who are underrepresented in the investment sector to apply.
Please note that we actively screen for AI-generated applications. We are looking for authentic, personal responses that reflect your own experiences and motivations.
I look forward to hearing from you
Francesa Sanderson
CEO
We want to see a thriving, inspiring cultural and creative sector generating far-reaching social and economic impact.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.