Senior major donor fundraiser jobs

Are you a passionate partnership professional, with experience of leading successful corporate partnerships teams?
From funding key projects to providing free dog treats, our corporate partners enable us to help dogs and their owners and share our message with more audiences. We’re looking for a Deputy Head of Corporate Partnerships, who will take the lead on nurturing these important relationships.

What does this role do?
As Deputy Head of Corporate Partnerships, you’ll:

• primarily focus on managing existing accounts, deepening these relationships and ensuring they remain mutually beneficial,
• lead, coach and mentor our corporate partnerships team, enabling account managers to retain and grow our portfolio, and thrive in their roles,
• be entrepreneurial and innovative, with a knack for identifying opportunities to grow our income,
• work closely with our corporate development team, who identify and cultivate new partnerships, to ensure all partnerships move seamlessly between teams,
• alongside the Head of Corporate Partnerships, build and implement an ambitious, long-term strategy for portfolio growth.

Could this be you?
To be successful in this role, you’ll need some solid account management experience, specifically managing relationships with high-value accounts, ideally in the charity sector. You’ll be an experienced manager, who can lead, coach and develop a team to hone their skills. You’ll be an excellent communicator, who is comfortable working alongside senior stakeholders internally and externally. Above all, you’ll have a commitment to Dogs Trust and the work we do.

Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for week commencing 17th November 2025. 

About Dogs Trust
We love dogs. That’s why we do whatever we can to make sure every four-legged friend gets the love they deserve. We’ll never put a healthy dog down, so our work is focused on helping dogs in need, supporting owners every step of the walk, and creating a better world for dogs in the future. It’s what we’ve been doing since 1891 and how we’ve grown to become the UK’s leading dog charity, helping 12,000 loyal friends find their forever homes every year.

To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.

Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.

As we prepare to launch an ambitious £150 million philanthropic campaign, we are seeking a strategic and driven Prospect Development Manager to lead the delivery of insight-driven prospect management across the Philanthropy and Partnerships Directorate.

You will play a critical role in creating a steady pipeline of new potential supporters for the fundraising teams, as well as helping shape the data and analytics strategy that will measure the impact of our campaign.

You will ensure that business-as-usual activity—such as briefing materials, due diligence, fundraiser portfolio reviews, prospect research, and insight—is delivered to a high standard, with the understanding that over the course of the campaign, these activities will be undertaken primarily in service of the campaign itself, rather than in addition to it

This role is ideal for someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and is passionate about understanding and engaging supporters who make transformational change possible.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

Strategy and Planning

· Develop and implement the prospect development strategy to support the successful delivery of a new High Value campaign and long-term income growth.

· Work closely with senior stakeholders to ensure alignment between, BAU, campaign goals and supporter engagement strategies.

· Lead on campaign data reporting, impact measurement, and forecasting to inform decision-making across the Philanthropy and Corporate Partnerships teams.

· Ensure the team are maximising the power of AI within Prospect Development.

· Own the campaign Gift Table and utilise it as a key management tool.

· Lead on the strategic planning, income pipeline modelling, and campaign progress reporting.

· Proactively identify, assess, and manage operational and strategic risks within the team, implementing appropriate mitigation strategies and ensuring compliance with organisational policies and relevant regulations.

Prospect Management and Research

· Lead the identification, qualification, and tracking of new major donor and partner prospects across individual, corporate, and foundation giving.

· Design processes to engage volunteers and donors in identifying their key contacts who might be strong major prospects

· Lead on the design and delivery of regular portfolio reviews for relationship managers, using data and insight to optimise pipelines.

· Produce and manage the delivery of high-quality biographies, briefings, and due diligence for meetings and events.

· Work collaboratively with fundraisers to proactively identify new opportunities and ensure prospects are moved through the pipeline efficiently.

· Work with our Research team on potential and current Research Partners, allowing us to be strategic across all of our high value audiences.

· Maintain and continuously improve prospect tracking systems and data quality.

Campaign Insight and Impact

· Design and oversee reporting mechanisms that track the performance and progress of the campaign.

· Provide regular insight and trend analysis to campaign leadership and fundraising teams.

· Use data and supporter intelligence to shape cultivation and solicitation strategies.

Team Management

· Manage and develop a small, high-performing team (currently two direct reports), setting clear goals, providing coaching, and supporting professional development.

· Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and supporter-centric thinking.

· Ensure a consistent and high-quality service is provided to fundraisers and stakeholders across the organisation.

What we are looking for:

· Proven experience in prospect development, prospect research, or fundraising insight in a philanthropic or partnership-focused environment.

· Strong understanding of Philanthropy and Corporate Partnerships Fundraising.

· Proficient in using CRM systems and prospect research tools.

· Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insight.

· Excellent written communication skills with the ability to produce briefings and profiles to a high standard.

· Outstanding organisational skills and attention to detail.

· Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative and stakeholder-focused approach.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work to deadlines.

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £44,000 per annum, plus benefits.

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 16th November 2025, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.

We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK

Prospect Research Manager
Location: Head Office, Regents Park, London NW1 – Hybrid
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part-Time, 2 or 3 days per week or hours spread flexibly over 5 days
Salary: £36,750 - £43,050 per annum FTE, pro rated for 15 – 21.5 hours per week

• £14,700 - £17,220 for 15 hours per week
• £21,045 - £24,682 for 21.5 hours per week

Purpose of the role

At ZSL, we are working to restore wildlife and create a world where nature thrives. To achieve this bold vision, we rely on the support of an engaged and growing community of philanthropists who share our passion for protecting the natural world. The Prospect Research Manager will be instrumental in identifying and unlocking the potential of these supporters.

This strategic role sits at the heart of our Development team, building and maintaining a data-led pipeline of high-impact donors to advance ZSL’s conservation science, fieldwork, and education. By leading on prospect research, philanthropic analysis, and network mapping, the postholder will help ensure ZSL’s fundraising efforts are focused, proactive, and aligned with our organisational priorities.

The Prospect Research Manager will play a key role in overseeing best practices in prospecting across the team. From crafting research tools to spotting new funding opportunities, this role will directly support the success of ZSL’s fundraising programmes and, ultimately, our mission to save wildlife around the world.

This is a part-time role, with the option of working either 2 days (15 hours) or 3 days (21.5 hours) per week which can be spread flexibly over 5 days. We see a real benefit in face to face collaboration and staff work from our London offices regularly.  We understand that flexibility is important and for this research-based role we are happy to discuss working location on a case-by-case basis with candidates.

The full-time equivalent (FTE) salary for this role is £36,750-£43,050, which equates to a pro-rata salary of:

• £14,700-£17,220 for 15 hours per week
• £21,045-£24,682 for 21.5 hours per week

Key responsibilities: 

• Prospect Research & Pipeline Development: Conduct high-quality, targeted prospect research to identify and support new fundraising opportunities across ZSL’s priority income streams: institutional fundraising, individual giving, and corporate partnerships.
• Strategic Prospect Development: Collaborate with the leadership team to shape and implement a robust prospect development strategy that aligns with ZSL’s organisational goals and long-term fundraising ambitions.
• Insightful Donor Intelligence: Create detailed research briefings, biographies, and insight reports to support donor cultivation, stewardship, and strategic engagement planning.
• Tools, Processes & Compliance: Support the continuous improvement of prospect management tools and systems, ensuring data accuracy, regulatory compliance, and adherence to relevant codes of practice.

About You

• Experience in wealth screening, capacity assessment and affinity analysis to provide propensity scoring.
• Knowledge of data protection regulations and how it applies to prospect research and development (e.g. GDPR and the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice).
• Experience of successfully implementing a prospect development strategy to support increasing and diversifying income.
• Proven experience in identifying and conducting detailed research on high-net-worth individuals, trusts and corporates for the higher education / charity sector.
• Evidenced track record of supporting fundraisers with insights in fundraising to achieve six or seven figure donations.
• Experience of using databases within fundraising for prospect management and reporting and making appropriate data management recommendations (Tessitura would be an advantage).
• Knowledge of the principles of philanthropic analysis, relationship mapping and connections, and what makes a good fundraising prospect.
• Demonstrable ability to engage, share expertise, and appropriately challenge senior stakeholders, including CEO with strong interpersonal skills and discretion.

About Us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. 

What do we offer? 

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include: 

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct 
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you 
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays 
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme 
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops 
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle 
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work 
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages 

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group. 

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

Closing Date: Friday 7th November 2025
NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

No agencies please.