Prospect development manager jobs

Home based with regular travel across the UK and Ireland

About us

Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue.

This is an exciting role which has been created specifically to deliver an ambitious legacy events programme. Initially a fixed-term temporary role with scope to continue. Legacy fundraising is undergoing a transformation at the RNLI. Legacies account for over two thirds of the RNLI’s annual income today and will continue to be a vital fundraising stream for many years to come. In this role you’ll be responsible for supporting and delivering a range of regionally based legacy events, engaging with cold audiences across the UK and Ireland, potentially stewarding a limited number of existing high-level pledgers and developing and nurturing relationships with regionally based colleagues.

Some of the benefits

• 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Health and dental cash plan

Your role

As a Legacy Engagement Manager in the Legacy Team, you will be focused on:

• Developing and delivering a world-class stewardship programme, with personalised experiences for existing and new high-level pledgers in your area.
• Developing and leading on a programme of tailored events to suit pledgers and prospects at varying stages of their legacy journey.
• Collaborating with regionally based colleagues to deliver legacy training to community teams and develop a legacy volunteer network.
• Working with the wider Legacy team supporting integrated plans to embed our Legacy and In Memory Giving messaging throughout our community networks.

About you

You’ll be comfortable nurturing long-term relationships and exceeding customer expectations. Working collaboratively with colleagues in other disciplines, you’ll create a network of legacy advocates. To be considered for this role you’ll need to have:

• Experience in planning, managing and delivering events and exhibitions.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of event management principles, event resources and best practice.
• Demonstrable experience in relationship management.
• Excellent skills in communicating in person, on phone/video or in writing to a range of audiences.
• Excellent and effective relationship management with internal stakeholders to ensure that plans are integrated with RNLI activity across multiple departments.
• Ability to work in an organised and structured manner balancing your time appropriately to meet short term and longer-term goals.
• Capability to travel to meet donors and ability to work on your own or collaboratively within a larger team.
• A valid driving licence.

If you have a passion for relationship management and are looking to be part of a successful and growing team with ambitions to grow further, this could be the role for you. Please apply via the button shown.

Closing date: 4 January 2026.

Interview date: w/c 19 January 2026 (via Teams).

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

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

The charity is rapidly scaling up, recently doubling its annual support to £6 million. Degrees has partnered with leading climate change funders and research partners including the Quadrature Climate Foundation, Open Philanthropy, Crankstart, Navigation Fund, Outlier Projects, LAD Climate Fund and UK Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). Transparency of funding is essential to our work. We do not accept support from anonymous donors or funding from the fossil fuel industry. Fundraising for the organisation has been led by the Founder and CEO, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief of Staff, and the Chair of the Trustees with the support of an experienced Senior Philanthropy Advisor.

We now seek a full-time team member to build on this base. Reporting to the COO, and working closely with senior staff and the Chair, the Development Manager will support high‑performing fundraising that secures multi‑year, diversified funding. He / she will also introduce robust processes for pipeline management and donor stewardship and manage the complete donor lifecycle (from identification to cultivation to solicitation and stewardship) of a portfolio of top prospects. The post holder will receive initial onboarding support from the Senior Philanthropy Advisor. As fundraising grows, the team may expand in the future.

Initial priorities include expansion beyond the current donor pool, with a strong push to identify and engage new funders, and putting in place the systems (CRM, reporting cadence, key performance indicators) to support growth at scale.

As this is a new role, responsibilities are expected to evolve but some key items will include: 

Strategy & planning 

• Work with the CEO, Chief of Staff, COO, Senior Philanthropy Advisor, programme staff and the Chair of the Trustees to help develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organisational objectives;

Pipeline development & new opportunities 

• Manage the fundraising pipeline, guiding the ongoing fundraising activities of senior staff and the Chair;
• Research and identify new funding opportunities from trusts and foundations, government funders, and multilateral donors in the development and climate sectors on an ongoing basis;
• Reach out to networks of donor advisors and established relationships for referrals;
• Initiate and manage contact with funding opportunities; 

Grant writing 

• Draft and coordinate the preparation and submission of grant proposals;

Donor stewardship & reporting

• Maintain excellent relations with existing funders by keeping them informed on charity and sector updates, inviting them to events, and ensuring the delivery of annual reports and notices;
• Ensure and manage ongoing formal grant reporting on behalf of the organisation;

Events & engagement 

• Often working with partners, plan and deliver fundraising events for existing and potential funders, particularly in the UK and US;
• Manage invitation lists, track attendance and ensure bespoke follow–up to attendees;
• Assist in the design of events that will inspire and engage funders while involving Southern experts in the Degrees research community;
• Coordinate all fundraising outreach and related programming for the Degrees Global Forum (a conference to be held in 2027); 

Processes, systems & administration

• Create and implement structured processes across the entire fundraising and donor lifecycle;
• Develop and track KPIs, providing regular reports to senior staff and the Trustees;
• Be responsible for fundraising data, contacts and administrative records.

Philanthropy Manager

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

Position: Philanthropy Manager

Salary: £40,000

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

Hours: Full time

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 10am, Wednesday 7 January 2026

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

About the Role

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

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

Key responsibilities include:

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

About You

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

Essential skills and experience:

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

Personal qualities:

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

About the Organisation

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

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

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

Senior Development Manager (Philanthropy & Partnerships

Contract Type This is a full time (37.5 hours per week) permanent role, however we welcome applications for flexible working

Salary: £40,814

About Us

Norwich Theatre is one of the leading arts organisations in the UK and the largest in the East of England, encompassing the historic Theatre Royal, the creative hub Stage Two, and the intimate mid-scale Playhouse. We present, produce and co-create a vibrant programme of live performance and creative engagement activities to entertain, enrich and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and we work with national and international partners to ensure we bring the very best theatre to our region.

We are an independent not-for-profit charity with no regular public funding, and rely on a share of ticket sales, one-off grants, fundraising/membership schemes and other commercial activities to deliver the work we do both on stage and in communities.

About the role

The Senior Manager (Philanthropy & Partnerships) will provide strategic management for Norwich Theatre’s high-value income generation, spearheading the development, expansion and stewardship of corporate partnerships, corporate membership, major donor relationships, legacy giving and other transformational fundraising programmes.

This pivotal role will shape and deliver organisational strategies that secure substantial philanthropic and partnership income, cultivate senior-level relationships, and ensure long-term financial sustainability in alignment with Norwich Theatre’s vision and strategic priorities.

About you

You will have proven experience in managing stakeholder and supporter relationships, together with a track record of cultivating and stewarding high-value supporters, clients or partners.

An excellent negotiator, with strong planning and prioritisation skills, you will be highly collaborative, people focussed and proactive.

We offer

A good salary, 25 days holiday, plus public holidays, plus your birthday off, together with an inclusive culture focussed on wellbeing and happiness. We have a commitment to personal and professional development, discounts on a range of on food, drink and theatre tickets and access to My Discounts, employee discount scheme, offering savings on retail, gyms, travel, utilities and more.

Can you inspire and be inspired? Can you deliver great customer service? Are you looking for a chance to shine? We have fantastic opportunities for progression and development and the Freedom to nurture ideas and flair within a Framework of support to develop you.

At Barnardo's we believe in children, the funds we raise in store support the most vulnerable children and young people in the UK and now's your chance to play your part in this vital work. As well as maximising sales and profit in store you'll also ensure the very highest standards of presentation and customer services – your aim will be to make your store the best in town, for customers to visit and for your colleagues to work in.

You're an experienced people manager; you are creative and resourceful and can use this to generate customer, donor and colleague loyalty. You'll need to be well organised with great communication skills to lead your team of colleagues in store to maximise sales and profit and meet your stores targets.

In return you will work for one of the UK's largest charity retailers with benefits, including full training and development package, promotion prospects, pension and benefits.

Generating the money we need to make children's lives better is a truly fulfilling role so if you'd like to use your talent to make a positive difference then we would love to hear from you!

The full Job description and Person profile is available below. Please read this before applying to ensure that the job matches your skills and experience.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document (if applicable). This should be done with an understanding of the context of the role described.

* As part of Barnardo's ongoing commitment to safeguarding, our retail recruitment process requires that successful candidates are asked to consent to a Basic criminal records check.

Interview Date: Where an interview date has been given in the advert, this will be the only date available. Please check this before proceeding with your application.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

This is an opportunity to join the Individual Giving team, which raises money to support the National Theatre from individuals through tiered levels of membership (£84 - £12,000), appeals, one-off donations and legacies.

The Patrons Manager will be responsible for a portfolio of donors and prospects - identifying, soliciting and stewarding annual gifts from £1,000 and above. They will retain and increase support at these levels through a year-round programme of engagement and excellent relationship management.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• Previous experience in a fundraising capacity, and a proven track record of securing gifts of £1,000 or more from individuals
• Experience building relationships with supporters
• Experience of event administration and organisation
• Confident, articulate and persuasive both in person and in writing, including experience of writing copy
• Experience of line management and/or management of a project team.
• Strong organisational skills, with an ability to manage and prioritise a busy workload, meeting deadlines and with attention to detail

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Thursday 8th January at 12 noon

Development Officer - Major Gifts
Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working - minimum 2-3 days on campus)
Salary: £39,407 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Closing Date: Mon 26 Jan 2026
Interviews in person: 9 February 2026

Help to shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at Kingston University.

Kingston University is an incredible place to work. For over 125 years, we've been shaping student futures through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching. Our recent TEF Gold rating reflects our commitment to delivering outstanding education and research. Through our ambitious Town House Strategy, we're embedding a progressive new model of education and driving innovation through partnerships with businesses, communities, and organisations.

The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team plays a vital role in delivering these ambitions. With a global alumni community of over 270,000, we foster meaningful relationships that drive philanthropic support, unlock partnerships, and enhance the University's reputation and reach.

About the role

We are now seeking a Development Officer - Major Gifts, you will be a key member of the DARE team, responsible for generating philanthropic income and supporting the pipeline for transformational gifts. This is a dynamic, relationship-driven role and we're looking for someone who thrives on creativity and can spot potential and transform it into meaningful opportunities.

Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will:

* Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, personally soliciting gifts at the four- and five-figure level.
* Support the cultivation of ultra-high-net-worth prospects for transformative gifts.
* Deliver against KPIs and income targets, contributing to our ambitious fundraising growth strategy.
* Assist with compelling proposals, donor engagement activities, and major gift events.
* Work collaboratively across the University to embed philanthropy and alumni engagement into Kingston's culture.

About You

An ambitious, curious and motivated fundraiser with:

* Demonstrable experience in development or fundraising, ideally in higher education or charity.
* Excellent communication skills.
* A proven track record of securing and stewarding donations.
* Strong influencing and relationship-building skills, with confidence engaging donors.
* Excellent organisational and project management abilities.
* A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for Kingston's mission.
* Passion for the impact they can have through fundraising in the higher education sector

What We Offer

* A dynamic, ambitious team environment
* Hybrid working with a strong sense of campus community
* Opportunities to make a real impact on student success and the University's future

Benefits include:

* Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days (from entry at all levels), in addition to bank holidays
* Three 'meeting free' weeks each year to create space for reflection and time to plan for the period ahead
* Flexible working - we can consider and accommodate various work patterns
* Family-friendly policies that support the needs of our employees
* Exceptional professional development opportunities

Key Details

- Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working, 2-3 days/week on campus)
- Closing Date: Mon 26 Jan 2026
- Interview Date: Monday 9 Feb 2026

How to apply?

The application process is CV and Supporting Statement. In the first instance, please send your up-to-date CV to Philippa at Charity People for further details about next steps.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

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.

The Talent Set are delighted to be working with a fantastic children’s charity to recruit their Corporate New Business Lead.

The charity offers a flexible working environment, with hybrid working, and an expectation to work from their Surrey office 4 days per week, with one day working from home.

Reporting to the Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager, you will be responsible for proactively generating significant income from five and six figure corporate partnerships by managing the new business pipeline, identifying new opportunities, building relationships and networking with key stakeholders and producing compelling applications and creative partnership proposals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead corporate new business development to drive the growth of corporate partnerships
• Research and identify new business
• Identify key decision makers and use strong consultative and negotiation skills to articulate the benefits of a partnership
• Make effective and targeted new business calls, including warm and self-generated leads
• Effectively network
• Work closely with colleagues to develop and present, inspiring, high quality new business proposals, pitches and presentations as well as respond to incoming proposals from potential corporate supporters
• Project manage our quarterly webinar series and a series of regional networking events to build relationships and engage key stakeholders.
• Monitor CSR/Corporate Responsibility issues in the media, fundraising trends and keep up to date with professional fundraising associations and media regarding fundraising tools and skills development

Person Specification:

• Experience of working in a corporate fundraising position or highly demonstrable, transferable skills from the corporate sector.
• Highly proactive approach to researching and initiating new business opportunities
• Proven experience of prospect management
• Proven experience of winning new business
• Proven experience of bid writing, presenting and cultivating key stakeholders
• Clear and creative written communicator
• Confident oral communicator; face to face and over the telephone

What’s on Offer
Salary: Up to £34,000

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours
Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Fundraising Manager – Corporates and Trusts

£42,000 pro rata

Hybrid (office based in London Bridge)

Full or Part Time – Minimum 3 days a week up to 5 (flexible)

Bringing hope and help to the homeless.

Robes is a small but mighty charity tackling homelessness across Southwark and Lambeth. Working with over 600 volunteers, churches and community partners, we deliver life-changing services to vulnerable people on the streets.

In winter, we run emergency night shelters. Year-round, our Wednesday Club offers hot meals, showers and support. We provide up to six months of floating support to help guests secure sustainable accommodation and find employment or training.

We've generated around £1.9 million from private sector funding over seven years – evidence of genuine impact and donor confidence. Now we're entering an exciting growth phase. In 2027, we celebrate our 20th anniversary, presenting an incredible opportunity to expand our reach and attract new supporters.

Why Join

You'll work with a warm, values-driven team committed to tackling homelessness. Your fundraising directly enables us to provide shelter and hope to vulnerable people. This isn't a bureaucracy – you'll have real influence on strategy and growth. You'll build meaningful relationships with trusts, foundations, corporate partners and major donors, and you'll see the impact – meet someone who came off the streets, found employment, rebuilt their life. That's what you'll enable.

Our 20th anniversary in 2027 creates perfect momentum for campaign fundraising and corporate engagement. The Board is invested in growth. There's a genuine appetite for fundraising excellence and strategic expansion. You're joining at exactly the right moment.

About You

You're an experienced Fundraiser with a track record securing grants and managing relationships with trusts, foundations and major donors. You're strategic and thorough – you understand relationship-building, can write compelling applications, and articulate impact clearly.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A proven success in corporate and charitable trust fundraising, with a strong understanding of funder and donor expectations and a track record of effectively meeting them.
• Experience managing fundraising pipelines and meeting income targets.
• Strong relationship-building and stewardship skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the confidence to engage and build relationships with stakeholders and partners at the highest level.
• A keen eye for detail and ability to analyse complex data and research findings to extrapolate key messages to craft compelling cases for support or to communicate the impact of interventions.
• The ability to present complex information in the most appropriate format tailored to the specific audience.

The Role

You'll lead fundraising strategy across multiple income streams, focusing on trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships and major donors. You'll manage the full fundraising cycle from research and relationship-building through stewardship.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you’ll execute our new fundraising strategy, support our growth plans, research funding opportunities, write strong grant applications, manage a pipeline of major donor prospects, plan our 20th anniversary campaign, and provide quarterly progress reports.

With three days a week focused on foundation and corporate partnerships work, a full-time role would typically include one day on legacy work and one day on community events.

You bring at least three years' fundraising experience, ideally in a charity setting. You're skilled at grant writing, relationship management and strategic planning. You have excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills. You're proactive, flexible and genuinely motivated by mission.

What We Offer

Competitive salary plus 25 days holiday, pension contributions and flexible working. You'll be part of a warm team with direct access to leadership and real influence over strategy. You'll work for an organisation with proven impact as well as:

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bi-monthly team reflective practice
• 2 volunteer days annually (pro-rata)
• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata), increasing annually up to 30 days
• An additional day of paid leave for your birthday
• Maximum of an additional day a year paid leave if moving house
• Full salary if on jury service

If you're passionate about tackling homelessness and using your skills to create real change, we'd love to hear from you.

Please the full job description on the application page to learn more about the role and key selection criteria.

Apply now with CV and a Covering Letter addressing the key selection criteria.

Deadlines

Applications close midnight on Monday, 12th of January.

First round interviews will be held on Friday, 16th of January.

Development Officer Vacancy

We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive fundraiser to develop and maintain strong relationships with donors and partners, while providing high-level administrative and communications support to the department. The post-holder will play a key role in contributing to securing funding for all aspects of the School’s work.

This is a full-time, year-round position, reporting to the Head of Development & Communications (however, if part-time hours would better suit you, we will consider applicants who can commit to working a minimum of three days a week).

In this newly established role, the post-holder will:

• Support the generation of the School’s philanthropic revenue from both existing and new sources, with a focus on Trusts and Foundations and smaller gifts (<£500), primarily for:

  • Student scholarships and bursaries
  • Capital projects
  • Academic and creative initiatives

• Work with the Head of Development & Communications to manage a portfolio of Trusts and Foundations, helping to retain existing support through:

  • Timely and effective donor communications
  • Meetings, reporting, and stewardship

• Take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the ‘Friends of Rambert School’ scheme, including:

  • Maintaining a database of renewals
  • Coordinating engagement opportunities

• Use research and communication skills to:

  • Identify new fundraising prospects in the UK and abroad
  • Assist in preparing compelling proposals and applications to secure support for the School and its students

Role outline and purpose

The Development Manager – Trusts & Foundations is responsible for delivering new relationships with a wide spectrum of Trusts and Foundations to grow our portfolio of high value funding partners. Responsible for developing compelling propositions and applications that drive transformational funding for our strategic programmes of work, maximising income generation, though prospecting, cultivating and securing funding to deliver against our strategic objectives and ambitious income targets.

This role is part of the Together with Trussell programme, the goal of which is to build stronger connections with our supporters, partners and donors in order to increase funding, campaigning, and other forms of support for our work. As a member of an enabling programme, this role is focused on the successful delivery of the Together with Trussell programme outcomes, which underpin and enable the outcomes of our 5 external programmes - together contributing to the fulfilment of our long term vision of a UK without the need for food banks.

Role responsibilities

· Work with the Programme Funding team to deliver our income generation strategy, meeting income targets based on long term financial forecasts, by proactively developing new opportunities, propositions and relationships with a wide variety of Trusts and Foundations – including corporate foundations, family trusts and institutional trusts.

· Proactively identify, develop and nurture relationships with potential funders to maximise fundraising potential.

· Work alongside the High Value Partnerships team to ensure new funders are onboarded and handed over to account management and supporting with compelling propositions to uplift and retain their support.

· Provide line management support to the Development Officer – Trusts.

· Collaborate with our marketing and content teams to ensure we can communicate the impact of our high value supporters on our mission.

Person Specification

Technical skills and minimum knowledge:

· High value fundraising experience, preferably including raising funds from Trusts and Foundations, delivering strategic partnerships, or applicable commercial background.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to analyse data and budgets and use CRM software.

· Ability to establish credibility quickly with a range of stakeholders, with the influencing and clear communication skills.

· Able to manage multiple projects and relationships, communicate priorities and identify and resolve conflict.

Behaviours and competencies:

· Exemplify Trussell values and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive behaviour and leadership.

· Able to think strategically to identify synergies, linking programmatic activity with funder motivations.

· Comfortable working in a fast paced, high performing and highly relational organisation, combining problem solving with collaborative interpersonal skills.

· A confident communicator and presenter, diplomatic, effective at building rapport, and able to approach challenges with positivity and high energy.

Key Stakeholders

· Head of Programme Funding and team

· Partnership Development Team

· Potential Partners and Funders

· Programme Teams

Are you a creative relationship builder with a passion for building impactful partnerships and leading high-performing teams? Earth Trust is seeking a dynamic Senior Philanthropy & Corporate Partnerships Manager to cover maternity leave and play a pivotal role in driving fundraising growth through major gifts and corporate partnerships.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine strategic vision with hands-on relationship management. You’ll lead a talented fundraising team, secure five- and six-figure gifts, and develop mutually beneficial corporate partnerships that help nature and people thrive together.

What you’ll do

• Lead and grow high-value corporate partnerships and major donor relationships.
• Craft compelling proposals and pitches that inspire 5-6 figure gifts and multi-year partnerships.
• Lead a high performing fundraising team.
• Collaborate across departments and represent fundraising at senior leadership level.
• Set and monitor targets, budgets, and performance metrics.

What we’re looking for

• A persuasive communicator and relationship builder with proven success in securing multi-year, high value partnerships.
• Strong understanding of corporate social responsibility and partnership development.
• Experience leading fundraising teams and managing budgets.

This role is a maternity cover role, so there is flexibility on the start date. The current postholder is due to be on maternity leave from mid-April 2026 until the start of February 2027.

MK Community Foundation is a leading local charity that connects people who care with causes that matter. Through our grant-making, philanthropy, and property programmes we support a wide range of voluntary and community groups across Milton Keynes, tackling inequality and helping the city thrive. Every year we distribute vital funding to projects that change lives, strengthen communities, and make Milton Keynes a fairer place for everyone. 

Are you looking to build a career in philanthropy and fundraising? Whether you have formal charity experience or have shown your commitment through volunteering and community involvement, this could be the opportunity for you. 

MK Community Foundation is seeking a proactive and relationship-led fundraiser to join the team as Philanthropy Manager to drive major donor and legacy giving in Milton Keynes.

• A proven track record of securing major gifts and managing high-value donor relationships. 

• Experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies, prospecting plans, proposal writing and project management. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly at senior levels. 

• Strong understanding of fundraising compliance, tax-efficient giving, and donor stewardship best practices. 

• Credibility and gravitas to engage confidently with senior stakeholders and donors. 

• Strong relationship-building, networking, and influencing skills. 

In this role, you will: 

• Lead and develop relationships with individual donors, including major donors and those interested in legacy giving. 

• Contribute to the development and delivery of our individual philanthropy strategy. 

• Support our grant-making programmes by assessing applications, presenting recommendations, and monitoring funded projects. 

• Identify and develop new opportunities for philanthropic income and donor engagement. 

• Work closely with colleagues, fundholders, and community partners to maximise impact in Milton Keynes. 

We are looking for someone who: 

• Has experience in major donor fundraising, legacy giving, or relationship-led income generation. 

• Is a confident and credible communicator, able to build trust with donors, fundholders, and community partners. 

• Is organised, proactive, and analytical, with strong attention to detail. 

• Has a genuine passion for making a positive difference in Milton Keynes. 

This role offers the chance to play a key part in shaping the future of individual philanthropy at the Foundation, while directly contributing to projects that change lives across our community. 

Development Manager - Major Gifts

Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working - minimum 2-3 days on campus)
Salary: £45,025 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Closing Date: midday Friday 16 January 2026
Interviews in person: TBC 28 or 29 Jan 2026

Help to shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at Kingston University.

Kingston University is an incredible place to work. For over 125 years, we've been shaping student futures through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching. Our recent TEF Gold rating reflects our commitment to delivering outstanding education and research. Through our ambitious Town House Strategy, we're embedding a progressive new model of education and driving innovation through partnerships with businesses, communities, and organisations.

The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team plays a vital role in delivering these ambitions. With a global alumni community of over 270,000, we foster meaningful relationships that drive philanthropic support, unlock partnerships, and enhance the University's reputation and reach.

The Role

As Development Manager - Major Gifts, you will be a senior member of the DARE team, responsible for generating philanthropic income to meet ambitious annual targets. Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will:

• Manage a portfolio of high-value donors (individuals, trusts & foundations, corporates), personally soliciting gifts of £10,000+.
• Support the pipeline of mid-level prospects and help develop ultra-high-net-worth individuals for transformative gifts.
• Deliver against KPIs and income targets, contributing to our goal of growing major giving from £450,000 annually to £1 million within three years.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and academic leaders, producing compelling proposals and leading donor engagement.

This is a dynamic, outward-facing role requiring excellent relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and a passion for the impact of fundraising in higher education.

About You

You will be an experienced and driven fundraiser with:

• A proven track record of securing and stewarding four-figure and above gifts.
• Strong influencing and communication skills, with confidence engaging high-profile individuals.
• Experience managing a varied portfolio and achieving ambitious KPIs.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work across a complex organisation.

Experience in higher education or the charity sector is desirable, but not essential.

Why Join Us?

• Hybrid working (minimum 2-3 days on campus).
• A supportive, ambitious team committed to innovation and impact.
• The opportunity to make a lasting difference to students and the University community.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Apply now and bring your expertise, passion, and authentic self to Kingston University.
Please share a copy of your profile or CV with Philippa at Charity People as the first step.

Benefits include:

* Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days (from entry at all levels), in addition to bank holidays

* Three 'meeting free' weeks each year to create space for reflection and time to plan for the period ahead

* Flexible working - we can consider and accommodate various work patterns

* Family-friendly policies that support the needs of our employees

* Exceptional professional development opportunities

Key Details
- Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working, 2-3 days/week on campus)
- Closing Date: midday on Friday 16 Jan
- Interview Date: in person provisionally 28 or 29 Jan

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.