Senior major gifts fundraiser jobs

The RSPB Philanthropy Team is looking for a dynamic Senior Philanthropy Manager to lead with the engagement and recruitment of new donors.

Senior Philanthropy Manager
Reference: JUL20256874  
Location: Flexible in England, with travel for meetings
Contract: Permanent  
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £44,315.00 - £47,312.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Holidays, Pension and Life Assurance

Introduction

This new role will work with our Senior Leaders as well as supporting the team to pursue opportunities generated through excellent relationship building across the organisation. With the ultimate goal of increasing philanthropic income for the RSPB, the role requires an experienced and successful major gifts fundraiser who will lead the development of new relationships to help steer the team towards achieving its ambitious goals.

An energetic and confident self-starter, they will lead on developing opportunities to engage with and raise funding from the contacts of our most senior colleagues and volunteers at the RSPB. They will also manage donor relationships and solicitation strategies to achieve the best outcome for the RSPB.

What's the role about?

You will lead an exciting new area of philanthropic fundraising at the RSPB, seeking significant gifts for our work from new supporters, with a key focus on our developing Land Fund product.

You will look after your own portfolio of donors and be responsible for fundraising information to advance plans and ensure prospect and donor records are accurate, incorporating any changes, new activities, updated plans, and new information in keeping with data protection and team procedures.

You will work closely with your team and wider organisation colleagues to implement solicitation strategies, to secure financial support either by direct solicitation, preparing a written proposal, or working with senior management to make a solicitation.

You will contribute to the planning of and participate actively in events (face to face and online) to build relationships with donors and prospects for future income and to demonstrate the impact of gifts already received.

You will arrange and attend meetings with individual donors at a variety of venues, including our reserves, working closely with area and reserve colleagues to deliver an excellent experience for our supporters.

You will build effective relationships both within the RSPB and external to it that will enhance its reputation and ultimately secure funding. This includes understanding donors’ wishes and aspirations and identifying links with approved priority projects with the aim of securing substantial gifts.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Intermediate levels of fundraising as demonstrated by work successes and recognised fundraising courses.
• Experience in how to research and cultivate a prospect. And understanding of how to write a cultivation strategy.
• Ability to write funding proposals, reports and updates, and prepare briefing documents in advance of meetings and events.
• Competent in the use of a CRM system (Salesforce), the Microsoft suite, other databases, research tools and methods.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members, and people and teams outside of our department.
• Good judgement when working with donors and ability to recognise potentially sensitive areas between prospects and the RSPB to ensure reputational values are maintained.
• Successful management and development of donor relationships leading to substantial support (6- and 7-figure gifts).
• Experience of planning and running high level/special events.
• Experience of line management and mentoring.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• High level presentation skills and experience.
• Previous experience in the conservation sector.
• Passion for nature and wildlife.

Additional Information:

• There is a need for the successful applicant to have frequent meetings in London - therefore you will need to be easily able to access London

Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 12th October 2025
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from w/c 20th October.  
Please note: We reserve the right to close the advert early if we get sufficient response, so please don't delay in applying.

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

No agencies please.

War Child’s mission is to reach, protect, educate, and stand up for the rights of every child living in conflict zones. They want a world that is safer for children to live in. At the moment, 1 in 5 children are living in or fleeing from conflict – that number is too high, and War Child wants to change it.

War Child is known for bold fundraising, innovative campaigns, and a culture of creativity. Their ambassadors, high-profile supporters, and superbly connected networks among investors and philanthropists give them a unique platform to engage influential donors. With a reputation for high-profile events and strong stewardship, they are now investing in a dedicated Head of Principal Giving to take this work to the next level.

Reporting into the Director of Philanthropy and Partner Engagement, you will build and lead a bold, high-impact strategy focused on cultivating deep, long-term partnerships with influential philanthropists. Working closely with senior leadership, you will be central to unlocking significant funding opportunities that align donor values with the lasting change we deliver for children living through conflict.

If you are motivated by the chance to unlock transformational support for children affected by war, this is a rare opportunity to establish and lead a new programme with the full backing of War Child’s leadership, networks, and global influence.

As Head of Principal Gifts, you will:

• Lead the development of a high-impact Principal Giving programme
• Build deep partnerships with philanthropists capable of making transformational gifts of £500k+
• Operate at the highest levels across War Child UK (WCUK) and our global alliance, engaging CEOs, trustees, ambassadors, and programme leaders to connect donor values with War Child’s most urgent priorities
• Shape major funding propositions rooted in WCUK’s ten-year strategy, inspiring exceptional support for their mission
• Benefit from strong internal backing, and new dedicated prospect research that will strengthen your pipeline and give you the insight to target opportunities with confidence
• Leverage existing pipelines of prospects and introductions, deepening relationships and converting warm networks into lasting partnerships
• Partner with the Heads of Philanthropy and Trusts & Foundations, programme directors, ambassadors, and trustees to deliver donor engagement at the highest level

Ideal skills and experience: 

• A strong track record of securing gifts of at least £500k from UHNWIs
• Sophisticated relationship management skills, with the confidence and credibility to operate alongside CEOs, trustees, programme directors, ambassadors, and family offices
• Experience shaping ambitious, values-driven cases for support and stewarding long-term philanthropic partnerships
• Strategic insight, entrepreneurial drive, and the ability to build a new programme from the ground up
• A collaborative approach, able to work closely with colleagues in philanthropy, trusts and foundations, and partnerships
• Strong advisory skills, able to support and guide fundraisers across the organisation on managing principal-level partnerships
• Well versed in developing and assessing different financial models to structure transformational giving opportunities
• Ideally, a broad understanding of international philanthropy and donor motivations, with the ability to connect global priorities to transformational giving opportunities.

Employee benefits

Benefits include: 

• Flexible working – War Child recognise the considerable benefits that flexible working can bring and are happy to discuss any possible flexible working options with employees from hiring. For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, an element of working from home, compressed hours
• Annual leave – 28 days per year (full-time), plus UK bank holidays
• Pension – all eligible employees automatically enrolled into a Group Personal Pension Plan with a 5% employer contribution, with minimum employee contribution on a salary sacrifice basis
• Health & wellbeing – employees may take advantage of a healthcare cash plan and a range of wellbeing initiatives and training. In addition, all employees have access to free, confidential one-to-one wellbeing consultations with trained counsellors.
• Learning & development – dedicated to the investment in learning and continuing professional development for all our employees
• Range of flexible benefits such a Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loans

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Philanthropy and Research Officer to work as part of our Fundraising Team.

Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.

The Fundraising team is a dynamic group of fundraisers who are passionately committed to raising money for our life-changing work in the mental health and mental illness space. We have a diverse portfolio of income streams spanning Events, Community, Individual Giving, Legacies, In-Memoriam, Philanthropy, Trusts & Grants, and Partnerships.

Trusts & Grants have a strong track record at Rethink Mental Illness and a growing portfolio of supporters at Mental Health UK. The team is well-positioned to develop innovative funding propositions that support the future ambitions of both charities, working to achieve both in-year cornerstone grants and long-term, transformational funding. As a newly established programme, Philanthropy demonstrates exciting potential for both Rethink and MHUK, with initiatives spanning major donor and mid-value engagement. Corporate Partnerships have launched several exciting partnerships across both charities and that portfolio and team continues to grow.

How you will make a difference

Reporting to the Prospect Research Manager, you will identify and qualify new prospects across Philanthropy, Trusts & Grants, and Corporate Partnerships. You will carry out in-depth research using a wide range of sources, manage due diligence processes and ensure accurate data is maintained on our CRM systems. You will also work closely with the Interim Head of Trusts and Philanthropy to steward donors and deliver exceptional supporter experiences.

To be successful in this role, you will be an inquisitive, proactive and data-driven fundraiser who enjoys uncovering insights through research and crafting compelling communications that make a meaningful difference to donors.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion 

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. 

We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation 

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. You can read more about our progress here. 

Z2K is a small but fearless anti-poverty charity. We combine frontline advice with bold influencing to tackle the systems that drive poverty - and we’re recruiting our first Major Donor & Corporate Lead.

You’ll lead on building and delivering our strategy for major donors and corporates, cultivating long-term partnerships rooted in shared values. Working closely with our Chief Executive, senior leadership team and trustees on major donor and corporate fundraising, and with our Communications Lead on fundraising communications and campaigns, you’ll shape compelling approaches to inspire support. You’ll also line manage our Fundraising Officer (grant funding & events), helping diversify Z2K’s income to change lives and challenge injustice. This is a hands-on role with plenty of scope to shape your approach. You’ll lead on identifying new prospects, crafting compelling proposals, and making the case for support to a wide range of external audiences. 

You’re a strategic relationship-builder who thrives on finding and forging connections that deliver lasting impact. You bring a track record of securing income from major donors and corporates, whether in the charity sector as through a business development function in the private sector. You know that successful fundraising starts with research, curiosity, and consistent cultivation. You’re confident identifying new prospects, opening doors, and developing tailored approaches that speak to both hearts and minds.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, values-led team, and your work will directly contribute to our ability to improve lives and push for systemic change.

You will benefit from 31 days annual leave + bank holidays, enhanced sick and parental leave, matched pension up to 5%, income protection, life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Programme.

Oxford is excited to invite applications for a newly created role that will lead fundraising for its School of Geography and the Environment (SoGE). The Head of Development will be a key member of the Social Sciences Development team within Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE), who will work closely with SoGE and DAE leadership to establish a small Geography team, and to develop a fundraising strategy that serves the School’s goals and grows its philanthropic support.

SoGE is one of the foremost geography and environment university departments in the world, internationally recognised for the quality of its research and teaching. Geography at the University of Oxford is a large, vibrant and intellectually diverse community comprising the core academic department of the School of Geography and the Environment, its three research centres: the Environmental Change Institute (ECI), the Transport Studies Unit (TSU) and the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment (SSEE) and several geographers based elsewhere in the wider university.

This is a special opportunity to work collaboratively with academic colleagues who craft robust, imaginative and forward-looking answers to pressing questions about the environment, technology, geopolitics and socio-economic change.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced major gifts fundraiser who is looking to grow their career in Higher Education through a senior role combining significant fundraising with management of a small team. You will be a collaborative fundraiser with expertise in major gifts and a strong track record of securing complex philanthropic support. Thriving in a fast-paced environment, you will be a strategic thinker and a skilled operator—communicative, adaptable, and adept at building strong, lasting relationships. Your ability to establish credibility and foster trust across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to your success, as will be a knowledge of and passion for issues relating to the School’s work, and that of the Social Sciences more broadly. Experience in Higher Education or the charitable sector, as well as of managing staff, is desirable.  Above all, you will share Oxford’s mission and be driven to create meaningful impact through strategic philanthropic partnerships.

What We Offer 

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as: 

· 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service. 

· One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave. 

· A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle. 

· An excellent contributory pension scheme. 

· Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans. 

· Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs. 

Sponsorship and Right To Work

This role may meet the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa. 

Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship. 

 Application Process 

To apply, please upload: 

· A covering letter/supporting statement 

· Your CV 

· The details of two referees 

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 26 September 2025 

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 8 October 2025 and will be held in person in central Oxford.

The University of Oxford Development and Alumni Engagement Office is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences, and reflects the community that we serve. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

WCCM seeks to appoint an experienced, creative, and highly motivated Grant and Major Donor Fundraising Manager to lead fundraising and grant management across a global organisation dedicated to the teaching of Christian Meditation. Working to the Executive Director, you will interact with our decentralised finance, marketing and communications staff and volunteers.  Together, you will nurture Major Donor relationships and create and manage appropriate donor stewardship schemes and rationalise our income streams. You’ll ensure grant reporting and management is kept on track whilst developing targeted proposals for new funding from sympathetic donors in the arena of Trusts and foundations.  You will work to support both our teaching and resourcing of meditation and the running of our retreat centre in Bonnevaux, near Poitiers in France. An excellent writer with excellent financial and budgeting skills, you will be adept at pulling together relevant, succinct and compelling information for our donor reports and bids. You’ll work with communications staff to develop impactful donor communications which enhance our accountability and inspire renewed major donations.  You will have a demonstrable track record in winning grants as well as in the stewardship of major donors.  Occasional trips to France. Interest in Christian Meditation/Spirituality an advantage.

Job title: Deputy Director of Global Development, Asia
Salary: circa £80,000 to £90,000
Location: Hybrid/South Kensington and White City (with travel to other Imperial campuses/meetings as required).

This role is based at Imperial’s White City campus. This role is a hybrid role, and the post holder will normally be expected to work 60% of their time onsite or out on university business.

Imperial College London seeks an accomplished and strategic development professional for the position of Deputy Director of Global Development, Asia – a key position as we prepare to launch our first university-wide fundraising and alumni engagement campaign.

Imperial is one of the world’s great universities, ranked second globally and first in the UK and Europe. Our excellence in research and education is matched by our commitment to solving global challenges - from climate resilience and global health to transformative technologies and sustainable innovation.

As a member of the Principal Gifts and Global team, you will lead our development efforts across Asia and also oversee fundraising in the Middle East and Africa. Working closely with colleagues in Advancement and in partnership with senior academic and university leadership, you will shape and deliver the College’s philanthropic strategy in these regions. The role will be central to cultivating major philanthropic relationships, supporting regional engagement for Imperial’s President and senior representatives, and contributing to the wider success of our global campaign.

Reporting to the Director of Development: Principal Gifts and Global and working closely with senior leadership across the university and the Advancement Division, you will lead a high-performing team focused on principal gifts and international development. You will also serve as the strategic lead for Asia, while overseeing development efforts in the Middle East and Africa.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead our engagement with high-net-worth individuals and stakeholders across these regions, connecting them to Imperial’s world-leading research and innovation ecosystem.

This position is an opportunity for an experienced fundraiser with international vision, deep cultural awareness, and a strong record of securing significant gifts. The role will require diplomacy, strategic insight, and the ability to operate effectively within a complex global institution. Experience working across Asia and fluency in one or more Asian languages would be advantageous.

If you share our belief in the transformative potential of STEMB and are inspired by the chance to help deliver lasting global impact through education and research, we encourage you to consider this unique opportunity.

This is one of three exceptional opportunities to join our dynamic team. As we continue to expand our international presence, we are recruiting for the following key leadership roles:

• Director of Development: Principal Gifts & Global
• Deputy of Global Development, North America

Each of these roles offers a unique opportunity to shape our strategic direction and build impactful partnerships.

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.

Further Information

Imperial College is partnering with Constellate Global Talent on this search.

No agencies please.

Job title: Deputy Director of Global Development, North America

Salary: circa £80,000 to £90,000

Location: Hybrid/South Kensington and White City (with travel to other Imperial campuses/meetings as required).

We are recruiting the exciting position of Deputy Director of Global Development, North America. This is an opportunity to drive Imperial’s ambitious fundraising efforts in North America as we embark on our first comprehensive campaign.

Imperial is a world-leading university, ranked 2nd in the world and 1st in the UK and Europe. Our research performance is unparalleled in Europe; real-world impact is in our DNA.  From climate science to AI, medicine to sustainable engineering, our research and teaching are shaping the future and addressing some of the world’s most urgent challenges.

Our placing in the rankings is a by-product of our work to nurture an environment where our staff and students are valued and can thrive. Imperial is focused on offering the best possible education, conducting high-quality research and innovating to make the world a better place.

This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a moment of extraordinary momentum. Reporting to the Director of Development: Principal Gifts and Global, you will lead fundraising efforts for North America. You will be responsible for achieving ambitious campaign goals, working closely with senior colleagues across Advancement, and engaging with the President and other senior leaders to support Imperial’s international presence and profile in the region.

You will have strong track record in securing major gifts and engaging high-level donors with the ability to navigate complex institutional relationships with professionalism and diplomacy. The role requires regular travel to North America.

If you are inspired by the chance to help deliver lasting global impact through education and research leading positive change and believe in the power of STEMB to shape a better world, we would love to hear from you.

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.

This is one of three exceptional opportunities to join our dynamic team. As we continue to expand our international presence, we are recruiting for the following roles:

• Director of Development: Principal Gifts & Global
• Deputy of Global Development, Asia

Each of these roles offers a unique opportunity to shape our strategic direction and build impactful partnerships.

Further Information

Imperial College is partnering with Constellate Global Talent on this search.

No agencies please.

The Philharmonia Orchestra is seeking an organised, analytical and proactive Development Research and Operations Manager (DROM) to support the growth in fundraising activity of a busy and ambitious orchestra. The post-holder will deliver high-quality philanthropic research, pipeline and CRM management, the creation of donor briefings for individual, corporate and trust supporters, and horizon scanning for new and future opportunities. 

As the department’s research and CRM lead, the DROM will generate prospect research on those suggested by senior volunteers (Board, Development Board etc.) and those identified in our database, Tessitura. They will support fundraisers across giving streams to create engagement and cultivation plans, and act as the pipeline management champion for the team. The DROM will support fundraisers to ensure activity and contacts is logged consistently, working closely with the Head of Development to monitor KPIs, track and record income and maintain accurate donor and donation records. 

This position is central to ensuring that frontline fundraisers can focus on income generation, supported by robust operational processes, accurate data, and high-quality research. 

This role reports to the Head of Development and will work closely with the Senior Development Manager (Philanthropy) and Director of Development. The work of the Development team is actively supported by the Philharmonia’s Development Board. 

Key Responsibilities 

Research and Pipeline Development:

• Identify, qualify and research prospective major supporters, including individuals, corporates and trusts

• Prepare tailored profiles and high-quality briefings to staff and senior volunteers for meetings and events

• Maintain and refine the prospect pipeline, ensuring clear pipeline management stages and next actions for prospects

• Conduct due diligence research as required for donor engagement

• Implement improvements to pipeline management process 

• Track sector trends and philanthropic activity to inform prospecting and cultivation

CRM, Data and Insights:

• Be the Tessitura CRM and financial process (such as Direct Debits and Gift Aid) lead for the Development team, maintaining accurate, timely, and GDPR-compliant records

• Develop and implement systems, workflows and reporting tools to support a data-led fundraising approach such as in membership acquisition

• Produce regular income and pipeline reports that support departmental planning and forecasting

• Generate guest lists and attendee profiles for events

Department Operations:

• Support the Head of Development with the timely production of proposals, reports and other donor communications

• Work with the Learning and Engagement department to identify and promote opportunities that support fundraising, such as project visits, project pipeline and evaluations. 

• With colleagues, ensure the smooth scheduling and preparation for donor meetings and project visits

• Support the Head of Development and Director of Development in preparation of materials for Board, Development Board and other strategic meetings.

• Reporting and Administration:

• Support the Head of Development in regular moves management and revenue reporting across the department

• Create and maintain updated gift processing workflows including invoices, bank transfers, reconciliation and reporting

• Ensure the highest standard of data capture, financial processes and record-keeping, consistent with GDPR and best practice

• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records and fulfilment of donors’ accreditation and recognition requirements

• Represent the Philharmonia at events and externally when required

• Support the work of the Department and other duties reasonably required by the Philharmonia

Skills and Qualifications

Essential:

• Understanding of different fundraising income streams and the donor cultivation cycle

• Experience of philanthropic prospect research and data analysis

• High levels of organisational skills and attention to detail

• Understanding and experience of using a CRM database (Tessitura is an advantage)

• Understanding of fundraising and data protection regulation (including HMRC Guidelines, Gift Aid, GDPR and the Fundraising Regulator)

• Experience in handling financial and transactional data, and producing financial reports

• Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities

• High-level of IT literacy, including the Microsoft 365 suite.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)

• Interest in and appreciation of the arts

Desirable:

• Experience in a similar role within a fundraising team from the arts and cultural sector

• Knowledge of the Philharmonia and its work; understanding the opportunities and challenges in the orchestral sector – including as this relates to funding opportunities

• Experience in major fundraising campaigns

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Philanthropy Manager to work as part of our Fundraising Team.

Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.

The Fundraising team is a dynamic group of fundraisers who are passionately committed to raising money for our life-changing work in the mental health and mental illness space. We have a diverse portfolio of income streams spanning Events, Community, Individual Giving, Legacies, In-Memoriam, Philanthropy, Trusts & Grants, and Partnerships.

As a newly established programme, Philanthropy demonstrates exciting potential for both Rethink and MHUK, with initiatives spanning major donor and mid-value engagement. Trusts & Grants have a strong track record at Rethink Mental Illness and a growing portfolio of supporters at Mental Health UK. The team is well-positioned to develop innovative funding propositions that support the future ambitions of both charities, working to achieve both in-year cornerstone grants and long-term, transformational funding. Corporate Partnerships have launched several exciting partnerships across both charities and the portfolio and team continues to grow.

How you will make a difference

Are you an excellent relationship manager looking for a new and exciting challenge? We are looking for an ambitious individual, who is passionate about making a difference to the lives of people affected by mental illness to join our small, growing Philanthropy team.

Philanthropy is developing income stream for Rethink Mental Illness and Mental Health UK. This role will support the Interim Head Trusts and Philanthropy to lay the foundations for the future of high value giving for both charities, helping carve out relationships and ideas that form the basis of our transformational giving. It’s an exciting opportunity for an experienced relationship builder who is inspired by the prospect of building a high impact philanthropy programme.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion 

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. 

We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation 

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. You can read more about our progress here. 

You will be joining us at a time that holds the greatest potential for fundraising in our history, following the launch of the UK Government’s Delivery Plan for ME and initial findings of the DecodeME genetics study (co-led by Action for ME) in Summer 2025. 

Building on our charity’s already established level of support from major donors, you will provide exceptional relationship management to existing donors alongside growing our network of high value supporters.

Working closely with the CEO, alongside managing a portfolio of donors and prospects ensuring excellent stewardship, you will support our Breakthrough-ME Group (a group of high net worth and highly networked individuals). There is an established level of support from major donors at Action for ME so this is a role that will require exceptional relationship management to retain our current valued supporters while growing this crucial area of fundraising. 

This would be an ideal role for an experienced philanthropy professional seeking to work for a small but ambitious charity, helping us to achieve our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME – better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.

Key duties

Major Donor Fundraising

• Successfully develop and implement the philanthropy strategy to secure and maximise funds from high value individuals for Action for ME achieving annual income of £250k+

• Set plans and budgets which will deliver income through major gift fundraising and philanthropic giving through family trusts and foundations, including quarterly forecasting.

• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors at the £5k to £100k level, to develop and maintain strong and long-standing partnerships

• Work closely with the Director of Fundraising and Development and other colleagues to ensure that plans and activities for fundraising from high value individuals are integrated into the overall fundraising strategy and plan for significant growth.

• Be responsible for our Breakthrough-ME Group with high quality proposition development.  Contribution to Group fundraising activities with a specific focus on ensuring their networks support pipeline growth for future fundraising.

• Lead the delivery of our biennial fundraising gala dinner, maximising income and new opportunities from attendees.

• Develop engaging and inspiring opportunities to steward and cultivate support creating a calendar of activities including events, presentations, approaches, networking and meetings.

• Utilise the CRM database (Raisers Edge) to provide the data required to strategise your approach to philanthropy, monitor progress and provide a high-quality donor experience.

• Ensure utilisation of insight & data, producing management information data to inform planning and strategy development.

• With the Director of Fundraising & Development, create inspiring cases for support and resulting propositions with clear budgets and outcomes.

• Create adequate systems and processes to support the major donor programme.

• Undertake and manage research into prospects and major donors, preparing for approaches and presentations and briefing senior leadership and trustees for donor meetings and events.

• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, a wide range of staff and volunteers from trustee level down.

• Provide regular feedback and internal reporting to line management.

• Work with other fundraisers to ensure that all fundraising opportunities and leads are followed up – particularly in corporate, community and trust fundraising.

• Work with Trustees, the Chief Executive and members of the Leadership Team to develop relationships with major donors.

• Self-administrate including managing your own diary and meetings, keeping accurate and up to date records of activity

• Occasional travel to London, Bristol & events

Other duties

• To positively promote the work and activities of Action for M.E. at all times.

• To contribute to the team’s overall, ongoing and annual planning and budgeting.

• To undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Director of Fundraising and Development, Chief Executive or any other senior Action for ME management.

• Act as an advocate for the Charity and its work.

• To work in accordance with Action for ME’s values of collaboration, equity and empathy.

Fitzwilliam College is a special welcoming community with a long history of being different, from its founding in the 1860s as a non-collegiate institution for students who could not afford to be affiliated with a Cambridge college through to its movement into becoming a college rooted in the 1960s modernist designs of Denys Lasdun. Fitz combines a drive for academic excellence and enquiry with a proven commitment to widening access to a Cambridge education.  The College is located on a large seven-acre site within 10 minutes’ cycle ride of all the major faculties and departments of the University.

Fitz is looking to appoint an outstanding individual as Development Director. A senior figure within the College, the post-holder will oversee the delivery of the £40 million FutureFitz campaign in conjunction with the Master, the Bursar, and the Governing Body. They will lead on fundraising for the campaign, developing new and deepening existing donor relationships, and will manage a team of five development staff. Fitz is looking for a strategic fundraiser who is open to thinking creatively about development. They will embody the College’s ambitious, collaborative and pragmatic ethos, and will be an active and engaged member of the community.

The ideal candidate will be an outstanding major gifts fundraiser, with campaign experience and a significant track record of fundraising at a senior level. They will demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience of cultivating long-term relationships with donors, and a proven ability to oversee, shape and motivate a team of engaged staff. They will ideally have experience engaging comparable alumni donors. They should be committed to the College’s values and aims.

The Development Director will be elected a Fellow of the College, reflecting the seniority of the post and the importance of the role.

For further details on the role, please visit the website via the apply button.

Fitzwilliam College values diversity and is committed to equal opportunities.  The College is committed to helping people grow and develop; to that end we actively welcome diversity in personal and professional backgrounds and aim to ensure the postholder will have access to excellent opportunities to continue to grow and progress in their professional tenure at the College.

Philanthropy Manager, Caterham School

Generous annual leave & pension | TOIL | Excellent benefits including fee remission

At Caterham, we are driving education forward in the UK - and philanthropy is central to making that vision a reality. Our school stands at the forefront of educational innovation, blending academic excellence with cutting-edge technology and a unique curriculum. As a provider of life-changing bursaries and a leader in pioneering partnerships, we’re not just transforming our own pupils’ futures, but influencing education outcomes for children across the region, too. Our approach has made us the destination of choice for families seeking a truly forward-thinking education, and we are on a trajectory that is ready to be taken to the next level.

The support we receive from our community makes a tangible and lasting difference to our pupils and beyond. We have set ambitious philanthropic goals, including a target of £7 million by 2030, and we are already gaining strong momentum. As Philanthropy Manager, you will be at the heart of this effort - leading on the cultivation and stewardship of high-value relationships with individuals and organisations.

You’ll work closely with the Development Director, as well as the Senior Leadership Team and a network of engaged volunteers, to inspire generosity and build meaningful, long-term connections. You will have the opportunity to contribute at a strategic level while also seeing the direct results of your work - whether through a bursary pupil’s success story or the opening of a new learning space funded by donors you’ve helped inspire.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic, collaborative, and relationship-driven fundraiser to shape and drive a major gifts programme within a highly supportive and forward-thinking environment. Whether you come from an educational background or another area of the charitable sector, we’re looking for someone who is genuinely passionate about connecting people with purpose - and who sees the potential of philanthropy to change lives.

Caterham is a very special place to work. We are proud of our history but even more excited about our future. If that excites you too, we warmly encourage you to apply.

For a confidential conversation about this exceptional opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. 

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process.

 The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and all applicants will be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media accounts, as part of their application.

 Caterham School is committed to applying its equality, diversity and inclusion policy at all stages of recruitment and selection and to ensuring that our employees are always treated fairly and equally in every part of school life. 

CLOSING DATE for applications is 09:00 on Monday, 22nd September 2025.

Salary                          £38,000 - £40,000 per annum - subject to skills and experience 

Hours of work             37.5 hours a week over five days

Base                            Hybrid working for the foreseeable future, with attendance in the office

                                      two days a week, including one day being a Thursday at our central office:

                                          · Pears Building, Pond Street, London, NW3 2PP

                                     Other office days may be worked from our other sites at:

                                         · Barnet Hospital, Wellhouse Lane, Barnet, EN5 3DJ

                                         · Chase Farm Hospital, 127 The Ridgeway, Enfield, EN2 8JL

The role

The philanthropy manager will report to the senior philanthropy manager.

We are seeking a creative and driven philanthropy manager to join our team on a permanent basis. Working alongside members of the wider team, you will help deliver the best possible experience to some of the charity’s most committed donors through a mixture of bespoke events, personalised communications, and recognition opportunities across our hospital sites.

Specifically, this role will lead the team’s efforts in securing four and five-figure gifts and stewarding donors with a gold-standard experience that ensures continued support for the Royal Free Charity.

You will play an important role within our philanthropy & capital campaign team, helping to build relationships, and increase income, in a pivotal year for the charity. The role will offer significant scope for development, giving you the opportunity to grow your relationship-building, communication, and project management skills in a supportive, ambitious, and high-performing team.

The team

Our dynamic fundraising department generated £4.5m through donations in 2023/24, and we are now preparing for an ambitious multi-million-pound campaign in support of a ground-breaking cancer centre on the site of the Royal Free Hospital.

We pride ourselves on being a supporter focused and agile function, working at the heart of the charity to deliver impact for patients and staff across our hospitals.

Responsible for attracting and retaining donors, and delivering an outstanding supporter experience, the fundraising department comprises two teams which work closely together to achieve our shared objectives:

· Our philanthropy & campaigns team builds relationships with individual philanthropists, trusts, foundations, corporate organisations and intermediaries, giving or facilitating donations of £10,000 or more to the charity each year. They lead major appeal activity for the charity, currently focused on our forthcoming cancer campaign, and special events to support these activities.

· Our public fundraising team harnesses the support and energy of individuals and groups, helping them to give back in the way that works for them. This includes committed giving, in memory support, gifts in wills, and fundraising events and challenges.

· Our database and supporter care colleagues underpin and support the entire department.

Organisation

The Royal Free Charity stands at the threshold of its most important period of development.

Our vision is for everyone served by the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (RFL) to have access to world-leading healthcare, delivered by a thriving workforce, and driven by medical research that has a global impact. We support the 17,000 staff of the RFL and their two million patients across Barnet, Chase Farm, North Mid and Royal Free hospitals and more than 30 NHS services.

Through the services we provide, and the programmes and equipment we fund, we make a profound and immediate difference to patients’ experiences of care.

The recruitment process

To apply for this post please send  your:

• CV (please include your last employer and dates of employment)
•  Cover letter addressing how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification,

Please note, that applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered for this role.

Closing date for application: Monday 29 September 2025, 9 am

First stage interview date: Wednesday 15 October 2025

Second stage interview date: Wednesday 22 October 2025

Please kindly note that we may close the job advert before the closing date if we receive a large volume of applications.

• You must be eligible to work in the UK

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may require during the recruitment process. 

As an equal opportunities’ employer, the Royal Free Charity is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Royal Free Charity and act in line with our values of dedication, innovation, partnership, energy and respect.

Benefits:

Core benefits

· 25 days of paid holiday, plus three-day office closure rest period between Christmas and New Year, and UK bank holidays. This increases to 30 days leave after five completed years of continuous employment (all leave is pro rata for part time employees).

· A contributory pension scheme, where we match your 4% contribution towards your pension. If you choose to increase your payments into your pension scheme, we’ll match your contribution up to 9%.

· A sick pay package that offers one month’s full pay and one month’s half pay in any 12-month period if you’ve been with us for less than two years. This rises to two months’ full pay and two months’ half pay in any 12-month period after two years of continuous employment.

· Occupational maternity pay and paternity pay packages that provide more generous support than statutory pay alone.

· A flexible working policy to support our employees’ work/life balance.

Support for your financial wellbeing

As a member of the Royal Free family, you’ll be entitled to benefit from:

· Expert financial advice from our financial partner, the London Credit Union

· Savings on purchases with the Blue Light Card

· Our Death in Service benefit

Support for your health and wellbeing

· Subsidised gym, pool and classes at our Rec Club in Hampstead

· Secure bicycle parking and shower facilities at our Hampstead site

· Fortnightly guided meditation

· Free massage therapy from our complementary therapy team

· Menopause peer support group

· Employee Assistance Programme offering 24-hour access to free confidential advice and support on work and personal issues.