Senior corporate fundraising manager jobs

The Outward Bound Trust’s mission is to inspire young people to believe in themselves and achieve more than they ever thought possible. For over 80 years, we have been transforming lives through outdoor learning and adventure, helping young people from all backgrounds develop resilience, confidence, and leadership skills. Every year, we reach thousands of young people, working closely with schools, local authorities, and community groups to provide experiences that truly change lives.

We are a collaborative, forward-thinking charity that values creativity, inclusivity, and impact. Joining us means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of young people across the UK.

The Role
Reporting to the Head of Development (New Business & Philanthropy) and working closely with our Development Managers, the Development Executive will play a crucial role in generating new income opportunities for the Trust. You will research, identify, and qualify prospects across corporates, trusts and foundations, and high-net-worth individuals. Using tools such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Dynamics CRM, and wider sector insight, you’ll build a strong, insight-led pipeline of opportunities that support our mission.

This is an excellent opportunity if you are proactive, organised, and eager to grow your experience in business development or fundraising. You will see the direct impact of your work, helping to secure the resources that allow young people to thrive.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Researching and mapping new corporate, trust/foundation, and HNWI prospects aligned with our mission.

• Supporting Development Managers by qualifying leads and preparing briefing packs, proposals, and tailored pitch materials.

• Coordinating research, logistics, and follow-ups for meetings, events, and networking opportunities.

• Maintaining accurate, GDPR-compliant data in the CRM system, tracking all approaches, communications, and outcomes.

• Producing insights and reports to inform strategy and pipeline management.

• Collaborating with Marketing & Communications, Programme Delivery, and Evaluation & Impact teams to ensure proposals are compelling and supported by robust evidence.

• Contributing to the creation of innovative approaches to engage new partners and donors.

This Job Is For You If…

• You’re motivated by creating opportunities that make a real difference in young people’s lives.

• You have strong research and analytical skills and are confident in using digital tools for prospecting and data management.

• You enjoy building relationships and working collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• You are highly organised, able to manage multiple projects, and have an eye for detail.

• You are enthusiastic about learning and developing your career in business development or fundraising.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in fundraising, business development, or sales, particularly in the not-for-profit sector.

• Experience contributing to income targets and producing marketing or proposal materials.

• Knowledge of GDPR and data protection in fundraising.

What We Offer

• 24 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing by 1 day per year to a maximum of 30.

• Life Assurance: 3x salary, from day one, including Employee Assistance Helpline.

• Long-term disability insurance, health cash plan, and personal accident cover.

• Pension scheme with auto-enrolment after three months.

• 8 weeks’ sick pay at full salary in any 12 months.

• Staff bursaries, childcare vouchers, Berghaus uniform items, and discounts.

Deadline: Monday 5th January 2025
First Interviews: Wednesday 7th – Friday 9th January 2025
Second Interviews: Wednesday 14th January 2025

Are you a strategic, results-driven fundraiser ready to make a real impact?

Join the Orpheus Centre, a vibrant charity that transforms lives through the performing arts. We’re on an exciting journey, launching a £25m capital appeal to expand our facilities and grow our reach. To achieve this, we need an exceptional Deputy Head of Fundraising to help lead our income generation efforts and drive sustainable growth.

About the role

As Deputy Head of Fundraising, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering innovative fundraising strategies across multiple streams—corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, individual giving, and community fundraising. You’ll oversee donor acquisition and stewardship, inspire your team, and ensure we meet ambitious targets. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence the future of a charity that champions creativity, inclusion, and resilience.

Location: The Orpheus Centre, Surrey
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week (flexible working considered) / 52 weeks per year
Contract: Permanent

What you’ll do

• Lead revenue fundraising strategies and secure income through personal efforts.
• Manage and develop a talented fundraising team.
• Build strong relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Design compelling campaigns and optimise performance using data insights.
• Deputise for the Head of Income and Growth when required.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in managing multiple fundraising streams and meeting income targets.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of delivering results.
• Knowledge of fundraising compliance and best practices.

Why join us?

• Be part of a passionate team that celebrates creativity and makes a tangible impact on people’s lives.
• Work on a high-profile capital appeal and exciting projects.
• A supportive, inclusive workplace where your ideas matter.
• Join us in making a lasting difference in the lives of young disabled people through the power of the arts.

Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references. This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

As part of our safer recruitment process and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, online searches may be undertaken as part of due diligence.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

In order to be considered you must be eligible to work in the UK.

The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a disability confident employer.

We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a disabled person is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be considered for interview.

 As a Disability Confident Employer, we are:

• Challenging attitudes towards disability
• Increasing understanding of disability
• Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
• Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration

No agencies please.

We are looking for an experienced, motivated fundraising professional to oversee corporate partnerships and individual giving, embedding the corporate and individual giving journey into all aspects of ERIC’s communications, and broadening the charity’s approach to donor stewardship to treat all service users and website visitors as future donors. You will also oversee all ERIC’s external and internal communications including our website, social media and PR.

As part of ERIC’s Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to strategic planning, policy and decision-making across the whole organisation. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for ERIC’s fundraising and communications team. You will play a pivotal role in maximising supporter-led fundraising income, ensuring every supporter has a positive experience and feels inspired to continue supporting ERIC.

As Head of Fundraising and Communications, and a Senior leadership team member you will be responsible for implementing ERIC’s overall strategy. Our primary strategic objective in this area is to build our corporate and individual donor base, and you will use user data, stewardship strategy, website user experience, social media, segmented email and online service design to deliver this.

You will work closely with the CEO and provide effective line-management for two staff, and you will work with contractors and freelancers who provide social media support, videography and web development services etc.

ERIC’s reputation is built on providing families and professionals with health information that is accurate, up-to-date, clearly written and accessible. You will work with our team of qualified and experienced staff to ensure that robust systems are in place for checking and approving all the health information that ERIC publishes.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, ERIC offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 25 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays per year), rising one day per year as a long service reward up to a max of 5 days.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to wellbeing resources
• 3% Employer Pension contribution
• Living Wage Accredited Employer

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital training programmes and other training as required by the role.

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Grants and Fundraiser Officer to help secure vital funding for Chelmsford Cathedral’s mission and outreach.

This role focuses on raising income from UK trusts, foundations, and statutory funders, ensuring sustainable support for our work.

As part of our team, you will:

• Research and identify potential funders and grant opportunities.
• Develop compelling proposals and applications that clearly communicate our needs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and stakeholders.
• Work closely with senior leadership and colleagues across departments to gather information and align funding strategies with our mission.

If you have excellent research, writing, and interpersonal skills, a creative approach to fundraising we’d love to hear from you.

We’re offering an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and creative individual to become part of our small but committed team. As we develop our new income strategy aimed at increasing and diversifying our fundraising, this is a pivotal moment to contribute to our growth and help us achieve our ambitious income targets.

In this varied and rewarding role, you will work across multiple areas of fundraising and event coordination to secure vital funds that enable the Trust to continue our impactful work.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual, who is passionate about our work and enjoys building relationships. Working closely with the fundraising team, senior volunteers, and colleagues in the wider team, you will take a leading role to deliver engaging fundraising events, activities and campaigns and expand the Trust’s portfolio of events, challenges and initiatives.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, a strong team player and have excellent organisational and communication skills. You will be a strategic thinker, have a willing attitude and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.

This is a full time permanent role with a minimum of 3 days a week in our Central London office, offering increasing annual leave entitlement based on length of service, as well as office closure between Christmas and New Year. Plus two days for Rosh Hashanah and one day for Yom Kippur should they fall on weekdays.

Key responsibilities

Events

· Oversee, coordinate and deliver our calendar of fundraising events including logistics and administration.

· Help organise our annual Appeal Dinner, the Trust’s flagship fundraising event, overseeing all administration, liaising with internal and external stakeholders and oversee adverts in Appeal Dinner brochure.

· Liaise with companies to arrange corporate events with Holocaust survivor speakers and develop relationships with existing and new companies to increase income in this area.

· Oversee and work with Young HET supporters to motivate them to fundraise for the Trust

· Work with other colleagues to market events through targeted messaging.

· Develop ideas for new fundraising campaigns, initiatives and events to grow income and cultivate new donors.

Community Fundraising

· Support fundraising campaigns including the coordination of appeals, newsletters and mailouts.

· Establish a programme of fundraising challenges (such as marathons and sporting events) to generate income and supporter engagement, building key relationships.

· Work with our Education and Outreach teams to oversee engagement and support from schools, synagogues and other institutions.

· Lead on digital fundraising campaigns and prepare content for social media.

General

· To manage the acknowledgment and thanking of donations and help to ensure the database is maintained.

· Work collaboratively with the Fundraising team on current and future fundraising strategy and activities, to shape fundraising priorities.

· Comply with relevant legislation with regards to data protection including General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.

· As part of a small team, to contribute to other areas of the Trust’s work as required.

Follow the link to our website to find out more!

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.

Salary: £46,104 – £51,176
Location: Remote with regular travel to Downton and London
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Legacy & In Memory Manager to join our Commercial Directorate at Help for Heroes. This pivotal role will shape and maximise one of our most important income streams, ensuring we can continue delivering life-changing support for the Armed Forces community.

Legacy and In Memory income contributes over half of all fundraised income, making this a strategically significant role with the opportunity to drive meaningful and lasting impact. If you are an experienced, collaborative and strategic leader with expertise in legacy fundraising, legacy administration and/or in memory giving, this could be your perfect next step.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Mass Fundraising, you will lead the development, delivery and continuous improvement of our Gifts in Wills and In Memory programmes. You’ll shape strategies that drive sustainable income growth, ensure operational excellence, and deliver exceptional stewardship for supporters, families and executors.

You will oversee all aspects of legacy marketing, legacy administration and in-memory giving, ensuring compliance, accuracy and sensitivity in this specialist area. You will also provide clear reporting and forecasting to track performance and identify future income opportunities. Working collaboratively across the charity, you’ll embed best practice, enhance supporter journeys and maximise long-term income opportunities.

As a senior leader, you will guide and develop a skilled team of five, championing a culture of collaboration, learning and data-led decision-making.

About You

You’ll be a strategic, compassionate and resourceful leader with a strong background in legacy fundraising, legacy administration and/or in memory giving. You’ll bring both technical expertise and emotional intelligence — able to oversee sensitive stewardship activity, manage complex matters confidently and influence stakeholders at all levels.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Significant experience in legacy fundraising, legacy administration and/or in memory giving
• Strong understanding of legacy marketing, supporter journeys and charity-side legacy processes
• Demonstrable team management or leadership experience
• Experience overseeing sensitive, high-quality stewardship to supporters and families
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong analytical and data-led decision-making capability
• Confidence in managing budgets, forecasting income and reporting on performance
• A values-driven, empathetic approach and commitment to delivering excellence

Due to the specialist nature of this role, we can only consider applicants with relevant experience in legacy fundraising, legacy administration or in memory giving, as well as demonstrable leadership or team management experience.

About the Team

Our Mass Fundraising team sits within the Commercial Directorate and is responsible for building strong, trusted relationships with supporters across the UK. Legacy & In Memory giving is a cornerstone of this work, enabling us to deliver our LiveWell Strategy and ensure every member of the Armed Forces Community can live well after service.

You’ll join a passionate, expert and purpose-driven team who champion innovation, empathy and excellence in everything they do.

In return we can offer you:

• Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion.
• 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service — plus your birthday off to celebrate!
• Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year.
• Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade.
• 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.
• A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member.
• Discounts on our branded clothing, including a free Help for Heroes hoody when you complete your induction.

Closing date: 9th January 2026

Please note: We may close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of strong applications.

Are you an exceptional fundraiser who excels at cultivating high-value relationships and securing transformational gifts? Do you enjoy working with senior volunteers and philanthropists who are deeply committed to changing children’s lives?

Step into a pivotal role within one of the UK’s leading philanthropy teams as you lead our flagship Tick Tock Club appeal — inspiring major donors and volunteers to drive extraordinary impact for seriously ill children.

Salary

The salary for this position is £52,526 per annum and we operate a hybrid working policy of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office. 

In line with our EDI strategy and Total Reward policy, we calculate our salaries based on benchmarking data across the charity sector. To ensure fairness for existing staff and new joiners, we do not offer salaries above the advertised rate.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a personal fundraising target of £1.5m+, securing six- and seven-figure gifts and multi-year commitments from high-net-worth individuals and charitable trusts.
• Lead the £20m Tick Tock Club appeal, shaping strategy and driving one of GOSH Charity’s flagship philanthropic initiatives.
• Recruit, inspire and collaborate with senior volunteers, campaign boards and influential supporters to accelerate high-value fundraising.
• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, using insight-led approaches to build long-term engagement and maximise impact.
• Oversee campaign events, communications and tailored proposals, ensuring activity aligns with income targets and delivers an exceptional supporter experience.
• Provide motivating line management to a small team, fostering professional development, wellbeing and high performance.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A strong track record of securing six- and seven-figure philanthropic gifts.
• Experience partnering with senior volunteers and campaign boards on major fundraising initiatives.
• Strategic leadership skills with the ability to galvanise a team around ambitious goals.
• Exceptional relationship-building, influencing and presentation abilities.
• A creative, solutions-focused mindset with resilience under pressure.

Please refer to the full job description below for more information.

About the team
 

You’ll join our sector-leading Philanthropy team — recognised as one of the most high-performing and respected in the charity sector. We partner with some of the most generous and committed philanthropists in the UK and beyond to transform the lives of seriously ill children.

Our talented and supportive team of 20+ works closely with colleagues across fundraising, clinical, and research teams to create inspiring, high-impact opportunities for supporters. In partnership with senior volunteers and committees, we drive landmark campaigns including the £300 million Build It. Beat It. appeal and the Tick Tock Club, with exciting plans for a major new research-focused campaign on the horizon.

Harris Hill Charity Recruitment are delighted to be working with the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) on this exciting new Fundraising Manager role.

About the EACR

The EACR is an international scientific membership organisation supporting cancer researchers through conferences, funding schemes and community-building. Following a recent consultancy review, the organisation is now ready to appoint its first dedicated Fundraising Manager to establish and grow its income-generation activity.

The Role

This brand-new position will lead trusts, foundations and corporate fundraising. Reporting to the CEO and sitting on the Management Team, you will:

• Build the first fundraising strategy, pipeline and targets
• Develop compelling proposals and cases for support
• Cultivate relationships with trusts, foundations and corporate partners
• Work closely with scientific, communications and membership colleagues
• Provide strategic oversight of fundraising plans, reporting and forecasting

The organisation understands that fundraising takes time: no major income is expected until 2027, and there is a healthy financial buffer, giving you space to develop a sustainable programme.

About You

We’re seeking a generalist fundraiser with strong trusts experience and confidence in corporate partnerships. You’ll be strategic, proactive, collaborative and comfortable shaping a new function from the ground up.

How to Apply

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief.

£43,000 – £50,000 | 0.8–1.0 FTE | 18-month Fixed Term Contract
Hybrid: A minimum of once per week in the Nottingham office (Wednesdays)

Closing date: 9am, Wednesday 7th January 2026
Interviews: w/c 12th and 19th January 2026

Join Isabel Hospice as our new Senior Philanthropy Manager and play a leading role in shaping the future of our high-value fundraising.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to lead and inspire our Philanthropy Team, driving income from corporate partners, charitable trusts and foundations, and major donors.

You’ll combine strategic vision with hands-on relationship management, developing long-term, meaningful relationships that help ensure every person in eastern Hertfordshire receives the compassionate end-of-life care they deserve.

Working closely with senior leaders, trustees, and colleagues across the hospice, you’ll lead by example: crafting compelling proposals, inspiring engagement, and ensuring every donor feels valued and connected to the impact of their support.

About you

You’ll be a confident, emotionally intelligent leader with a proven track record of securing significant income and building trusted partnerships. You’ll bring creativity, warmth, and the ability to motivate others, both your team and your supporters.

You’ll also have:

• Experience leading high-performing fundraising teams and delivering ambitious income targets
• Excellent relationship management and influencing skills at a senior level
• Strong strategic and organisational ability, with a collaborative mindset
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• A deep commitment to the mission and values of Isabel Hospice
• A driving licence and own car

What we offer

• A supportive, values-led environment where your work truly matters
• The opportunity to shape and grow high-value fundraising at a respected local charity
• The chance to make a tangible difference to local families when they need it most

Benefits

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension and life assurance schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme for health and wellbeing support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health Service Discounts
• Refer a friend bonus

We reserve the right to close this job earlier if sufficient applications are received, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check. 

You’ll be responsible for forging meaningful partnerships with local businesses, hosting engaging events that inspire generosity, and nurturing long-term relationships with corporate sponsors. This role requires someone who can express gratitude, maintain strong relationships, and show supporters the real impact of their contributions.

You will be part of our vibrant Business & Events team — a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same

Fundraising Manager - Bids and Trusts (Part-Time, Remote
Organisation: Gilgal Birmingham
Hours: 3 days per week (22.5 hours)
Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 FTE (pro rata £21,000 – £24,000 depending on experience)
Our Location: Birmingham 
Closing Date: Monday 15th December

Gilgal Birmingham is a specialist domestic abuse charity providing refuge accommodation and community-based support for women and children at risk of, or experiencing, domestic abuse. We offer emergency refuge spaces and a growing range of outreach services that help women rebuild their lives, access safety, and move towards independence.

We are seeking a Fundraising Manager - Bids and Trusts to secure and manage the funding that enables this vital work. This is a key strategic role leading our grants, trusts, statutory funding and corporate income pipeline, working closely with the CEO and Senior Management Team. You will be responsible for prospect research, high-quality bid writing, reporting, and building strong relationships with funders and partners. This role is ideal for a self-starter who can manage the full fundraising lifecycle and contribute to the growth of a life-changing service.

This is a part-time, remote position, but hybrid working in our Birmingham office is also an option.

Key Responsibilities
Strategy and Planning

• Work with the CEO to implement Gilgal’s Fundraising and Income Generation Strategy.

• Develop and maintain a pipeline of funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, statutory bodies, and corporate partners.

• Prepare a rolling income generation plan with timelines and bid targets.

• Support the CEO in identifying opportunities for partnership bids and collaborative tenders.

Grants and Trusts

• Research and identify suitable funding opportunities aligned with Gilgal’s priorities.

• Develop strong, evidence-based funding proposals with clear outcomes and robust budgets.

• Coordinate with service leads and finance staff to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Manage the full bid lifecycle, from identification through to submission, monitoring, and evaluation.

• Maintain a funding tracker with deadlines, progress updates, and reporting requirements.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, trusts, commissioners, and partners.

• Provide ongoing updates to funders to strengthen long-term partnerships.

• Attend relevant meetings, events, and briefings.

Reporting and Monitoring

• Produce clear, impact-focused reports for funders and stakeholders.

• Work with colleagues to collect and analyse outcomes data to inform bids and reporting.

• Review successful and unsuccessful bids to identify trends and improve future applications.

• Support the CEO and Finance Director in aligning budgets with funder requirements.

• Contribute to regular Funding Overview Reports and Income Generation Plans for the Board.

Corporate and Individual Fundraising Support

• Support the CEO in developing relationships with corporate partners and donors.

• Contribute to wider fundraising initiatives as needed.

Other Responsibilities

• Uphold confidentiality and data protection in line with Gilgal’s policies and the Data Protection Act.

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.

• Contribute to organisational planning, evaluation, and policy development.

• Support a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Undertake other duties reasonably requested by the CEO.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven track record in trusts and grants fundraising at a senior level.

• Experience in bid writing and grant management within the charity or public sector.

• Strong understanding of trust, foundation, and statutory funding landscapes.

• Excellent written communication and persuasive writing skills.

• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.

• Financial literacy and ability to prepare project budgets.

• A collaborative, flexible, and motivated approach to work.

Desirable

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising or similar.

• Experience using CRM or fundraising databases.

• Experience in the domestic abuse, housing, or social care sectors.

• Experience with corporate fundraising or CSR partnerships.

• Knowledge of impact measurement and theory of change.

• Knowledge of funders in Birmingham/West Midlands and/or with an interest in domestic abuse.

Due to the nature of our work, this post is open to women only and is covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9, Equality Act 2010). All appointments are subject to references and a DBS check.

evelopment 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.

About the role

This new Lead role sits within the Design Council Programmes Team led by the Chief Design Officer and has responsibility for leading the development and embedding of our funding strategy. Coordinating income generation of ~£2m per year including securing £250k of philanthropic (T&Fs, corporates, other sources) funding in the first year, the role also has the objective of growing overall revenue but in line with the refreshed Design Council business and funding model to ensure it remains strategically aligned and sustainable.​

Reporting to the Head of Programmes with a dotted line to the Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for oversight of the overall revenue pipeline, working across the organisation to have full line of sight of funding opportunities and partnerships and ensure a consistent approach to how we generate revenue. ​​

You will drive an effective stakeholder engagement plan, working closely with the Communications team to ensure campaigns and events help build and maintain a strong network of funder relationships and strengthening our profile as a charity. ​

The scope covers directly securing philanthropic/corporate partner funding as well as supporting wider commercial income generation and also ensuring they are all anchored in our Theory of Change and enable long term income growth.​

Our core programmes of work support delivery of our Theory of Change encompassing Skills, Capability, Innovation and Research. We are looking to create and grow funding partnerships through a variety of activities including events, learning and training and world leading research, and the Fundraising and Partnerships Lead will play a critical role in developing funding relationships, securing them, both directly and also supporting the wider team.

Key Responsibilties 

 1. New Funding Generation and Planning​

• Lead the identification of new revenue opportunities across the range of Design Council propositions with the objective of growing total revenue base, in line with the Design Council funding strategy and business model​

• Overall accountability for converting philanthropic (T&Fs, corporate sponsorship etc) opportunities into secured new partnership funding and supporting on conversion of funding partnerships for other commercial (paid project) work​

• Working closely with Chief Design Office, Head of Programmes and in particularly the Programme Leads to ensure each area of work (Skills, Capability, Innovation and Research) has an appropriate funding plan including a roadmap for future development​

• Support Programme Leads, Head of Communications and CDO in identifying opportunities to commercialise core propositions and other DC assets in line with our Design for Planet ethos and market-making approach​

• Overall owner of marketing and other funding collateral to support Programme Leads in growing revenue from their respective propositions as well as new promotion of Design Council for potential new funders and other partners, and working with the Communications team to develop and maintain it​​

2. Partner Cultivation and Stewardship​

• Personally build and maintain relationships with existing partners ensuring consistent engagement and communication ​

• Identify, research, and qualify potential philanthropic and corporate funding partner prospects​

• Develop and implement partner stewardship plans including communication approach and in person engagement, including long term relationships that can secure multi-year significant levels of funding as well as growing it over time​

• Seek out, regularly attend and drive external events and meetings to build personal relationships and extend partner network​​

3. Grant and Commercial Proposal Development & Bid Writing​

• Support Programme Leads in researching and identifying potential grant and commercial opportunities from foundations and other private or public organisations​

• Lead engagement with potential funders in terms of submission of new proposals for all partner-funded work and support Programme Leads to ensure consistency and coherence for our paid project work​

• Support and sometimes lead writing compelling grant proposals and commercial bids, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals. ​

• Lead or support others on tactics to ensure bids are successfully converted

4. Event Planning and Execution​

• Assist Senior Events Manager with organizing fundraising events and other events designed to support future revenue growth through funding partners​

• Regularly scan the external environment for relevant external events Design Council should be attending​

• Ensure appropriate marketing collateral is developed and maintained to support and promote Design Council events aimed at fundraising​

• Be a key DC representative at events, maximising the potential of income opportunities and raising the profile of the organisation and its objectives​​

5. Data Management and Reporting​

• Overall process owner for managing the pipeline of partnership opportunities across both revenue-generating prospects and non-revenue generating prospects​

• Overall custodian of the funding pipeline including holding Programme Managers to account to ensure accurate maintenance of CRM records ​

• Working closely with COO and Head of Finance & Operations to ensure accurate and timely reporting and effective internal meetings to track status of the funding pipeline​

• Support Programme Managers in researching funding trends and market changes​​

6. Line Manager for Partnerships Programme Manager​

• Provide quality line management guidance and support to the Partnerships Programme Manager, ensuring clear and motivating goals and regularly and meaningful feedback​

• Support the Partnerships Programme Manager in their learning and development, with regular reviews of their Individual Development Plan and career aspirations​

• Be a source of learning and guidance for the wider Programmes Team in terms of fundraising and partnership development

Who we're looking for 

We are looking for a driven, self-motivated and hands-on individual, with a track record of securing funding from a range of sources and growing revenue in a national not-for-profit or commercial organisation. ​

You will be ambitious for Design Council’s aspiration of reaching £8m revenue by 2031 and be able to demonstrate commercial acumen and experience of developing revenue generation strategies and converting opportunities into secured income. ​

You will also know that fundraising  is challenging and competitive, so you will be resilient and experienced in building the relationships that can secures six-figure+ multi-year income. Therefore you need to be brilliant at building external networks, joining the dots and seeing opportunities to connect people and ideas for the benefit of organisational strategy. ​

You must also be excellent at building and nurturing relationships, with a wide range of external stakeholders, and also effectively collaborate internally across the organisation.​

You are a natural salesperson, able to identify opportunities and have compelling conversations that lead to partnerships and revenue.​

This is a growing role with lots of moving parts, so we’re looking for a someone who is flexible and adaptable, who proactively identifies challenges and opportunities.​

You are passionate about our Design for Planet and Green Design Skills missions and demonstrate an ability to think strategically as well as commercially and work collaboratively.

Skills & Experience

• At least 5 years’ experience fundraising / revenue generation in a commercial or not-for-profit sector organisation
• Experience working with high-net-worth individuals or foundations
• Ability to create fundraising strategies and help execute them
• Grant / bid writing experience for both grants and commercial tenders
• Ideally have an existing network of potential funders / partners, and confident in use of events and marketing to drive interest and engagement
• Experience of funding agreements and commercial contracts
• Have line management experience and a passion for developing people
• Ideally have experience of government funding and other public bodies

You will also be

• A confident and excellent communicator
• A natural in external engagements and new environments and with new people
• Willing and able to attend regular external events (London and elsewhere in the UK)
• Empathetic, pragmatic and adaptable, with a solutions-mindset
• Proactive, hands on and willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in
• Cognisant of the importance of accurate data, effective processes and knowledge of working with CRMs
• Confident working at different levels within an organisation
• Willing and able to take a risk-based approach to making decisions
• Curious and open to new ideas and ways of working
• A team player and natural collaborator but also comfortable working on your own
• Resilient and comfortable with navigating through change
• Aware of some of the rewards and challenges of working in the not-for-profit sector
• Passionate about Design for Planet​ and the power of design