Senior philanthropy and trusts manager jobs in Guildford, surrey

Reporting to, and working closely with, the Head of Fundraising and Engagement, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will shape and implement innovative strategies, driving growth in philanthropic giving, secure corporate partnerships and obtain critical funding. With a focus on cultivating mutually beneficial, long-term relationships, you’ll craft compelling proposals, develop tailored stewardship plans, and create sponsorship opportunities that inspire ongoing support.

You’ll lead the way in securing multi-year corporate partnerships and nurturing donor relationships to meet ambitious income targets. As a key player in the senior fundraising team, you’ll contribute to strategic planning, represent the charity at events, and champion new approaches to fundraising.

With our newly formed Development Board, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will identify and utilise key networks to grow our philanthropic supporter base across corporate and major donor income streams. With strong writing skills, this person will also craft tailored and compelling corporate proposals and trust and foundation applications.

Who are we looking for?

To support our vision and ensure the achievement of ambitious income targets to support children and families affected by neuroblastoma, we are looking for a strategic and results-driven high-value fundraiser to join our team.

We are particularly keen to speak with interested candidates who enjoy cultivating high-value relationships from scratch and stewarding five- and six-figure corporate partnerships, and/or major donor relationships.

Person specification:

• Demonstrable significant experience working in corporate fundraising (experience in major donor and trusts & foundations fundraising would also be of benefit).
• Strategic thinker with significant experience at a managerial level, developing strategic plans to grow and optimise high-value fundraising.
• A proven record of being results-driven and working to achieve income targets, KPIs and outcomes.
• Proven ability to proactively identify, cultivate and secure new corporate relationships, demonstrate strong new business development acumen and confidence opening new opportunities.

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

Location: Home-based within England with regular travel to London and elsewhere in the UK as required
First stage interviews: Thursday 26th February
Second stage interviews:  Wednesday 4th March

As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.

We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Spurgeons, who believe in creating brighter futures for children, young people, and families. As one of the UK's leading children's charities, firmly supported by Christian beliefs and values, Spurgeons helps vulnerable children and their families by delivering projects that support them and their communities to find long-lasting solutions to the challenges they face.

We are seeking a Senior Philanthropy Manager to secure transformational income through high-value giving strategies across major donors, legacies, trusts, foundations, and corporate partnerships. By building meaningful relationships and inspiring generosity, you'll create long-term partnerships that deliver life-changing support for children, young people, and families.

As a member of the fundraising management team contributing to shaping and delivering the overall Fundraising & Engagement strategy, you'll provide supportive line management to two direct reports. You'll develop and implement high-value donor giving strategies to drive sustainable year-on-year income growth, while building and nurturing meaningful relationships with high-value donors and managing your own portfolio with robust cultivation and stewardship plans.

Working with the Director of Fundraising & Engagement, you'll collaborate with senior leaders and trustees to identify new income opportunities. You'll implement and drive the Legacy and In-Memory strategy, oversee stewardship programmes for legacy pledgers, lead strategic pipeline development for Trusts and Foundations, and develop and deliver a Corporate Fundraising strategy. Conducting in-depth research and wealth screening, you'll identify and evaluate prospects while monitoring KPIs, budgets, and ROI against strategic plans.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience of line management and team leadership
• Proven experience of donor management, demonstrating the ability to build and steward high-value, income-generating relationships
• Demonstrable experience of achieving or exceeding income targets, delivering year-on-year net income growth
• Track record of developing, managing and growing high-value pipelines across major donors, trusts and foundations, legacies and corporate partners
• Proven success in major gift fundraising, including securing five or six figure gifts through face-to-face asks

By month 3, you'll have reviewed current high-value fundraising strategies and met key internal stakeholders including the Director of Fundraising, SLT, and Trustees. By month 6, you'll have launched refined Major Donor and Legacy strategies, developed a robust prospect pipeline, and initiated at least one new corporate partnership. By month 12, you'll have delivered a measurable increase in high-value income across all streams, embedded legacy messaging across all fundraising channels, and secured multi-year commitments from at least two major donors or trusts.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team that isn't just goal-driven, but fuelled by creativity, passion, and a love for bold ideas to drive positive change! You'll be part of a team that celebrates successes and believes in fostering a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to do their best work.

For more information, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Location: Home based

Closing date: Sunday 8th February 2026

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by Tuesday 10th February 2026

1st round interviews with Spurgeons: w/c 16th February 2026

Final round interviews with Spurgeons: w/c 23rd February 2026

Salary: up to £45,000 dependent on experience

Location: Bray Lake, Maidenhead (flexible hours with some home working)

Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (part time hours will be considered)

It is a really exciting time to join Thames Hospice as we embark on a transformational new Major Gifts strategy to significantly grow our fundraising income. This role offers you the chance to play a central part in shaping our future while developing your career in a supportive and ambitious environment.

We are seeking an experienced Philanthropy Manager to lead the strategic and operational direction of our Major Gifts programme, securing significant one‑off and multi‑year gifts to support Thames Hospice. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in philanthropy fundraising, exceptional relationship‑building skills, and proven ability to identify and leverage opportunities to grow income.

You will use your expertise in cultivating and stewarding high‑net‑worth individuals to expand our donor portfolio, while managing and developing the Philanthropy Executive and driving the team’s strategy. Working closely with the Head of Major Gifts, you will lead the delivery of our philanthropy strategy, ensuring ambitious income targets are met. With outstanding communication and stewardship, you will deepen donor engagement and secure transformational, long‑term support that sustains our mission of delivering exceptional palliative care to the community.

Closing date: 26th January 2026

Interviews: week commening 2nd February 2026

Ataxia UK is in an exciting phase of expansion in its Fundraising activity, specifically regarding investment in a Philanthropy function with a dedicated member of staff. In the past, High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) have been managed reactively by the CEO and other Fundraising staff as opportunities have arisen. Ataxia UK (AUK) now wants to make a step change, in response to identified potential within the current fundraising landscape, towards strategic management of a pipeline of HNWI. As part of this, AUK is looking to engage a consultant on a fixed term contract, to work closely with the Senior Philanthropy Manager to undertake comprehensive research & scoping, in order to populate a HNWI pipeline for AUK. 

Please note, due to the large number of applications we receive, you will only be contacted should we wish to invite you to interview.

About The Role

Do you have experience of working in a high-value fundraising team with a track record of meeting and exceeding financial and KPI targets? Would you like to partner with senior stakeholders to help deliver meaningful impact on the lives of people affected by dementia?

 We are recruiting for a Fundraising Development Manager to join on a full-time basis, working 35 hours per week. This is a fixed-term, maternity cover contract for 12 months with an ideal start date in April 2026. This is a home-based role, though you will be required to occasionally travel into London (once a month maximum).

As Fundraising Development Manager, your role will be vital to the success of Alzheimer’s Society’s fundraising and engagement activities which are led and supported by our Development boards. You will play an important part in the delivery of our Insurance United Against Dementia (IUAD) campaign, a movement in partnership with senior level supporters from the insurance industry. This award-winning campaign has raise £12million to date and set a target to reach £20million by 2030 to fund projects that will accelerate progress towards beating dementia - while helping raise awareness of Alzheimer’s Society and increase understanding of the UK’s biggest killer.

You will be responsible for securing and maximising income from multiple channels, including our annual flagship industry fundraising event – Insurance Day for Dementia. You will support individual and team high value fundraising challenges, and lead communications activity with these influential supporters and their sector, utilising relationships with industry media and tools including LinkedIn.

To achieve success, you will manage relationships with insurance industry professionals at the highest levels. You will also support (where required) on activities through Sport United Against Dementia (SUAD), our comparable campaign led by some of the most senior figures in the world of sport. This may include developing tools for industry supporters and activities or supporting activation opportunities at exciting sporting events. Ultimately, this role will give you the chance to use your skills to deliver meaningful impact on the lives of people affected by dementia.

Interviews for this role have been provisionally scheduled to take place via MS Teams on Friday 13th and Monday 16th February.

About you

Joining us, you will have experience of working in a high-value fundraising team or equivalent environment, with a track record of meeting and exceeding financial and KPI targets. You’ll have experience of successfully overseeing projects or managing events from start to finish.
Crucially, you’ll have proven experience of managing and forming trusted relationships with senior stakeholders. You’ll be able to use your communication skills and your experience of writing external communications to gain support through written proposals and in face-to-face meetings.

What you’ll focus on:

- Leading on relationships with key IUAD Board members – senior leaders from the Insurance industry - to maximise events and communications opportunities, to maintain and maximise supporter motivation and engagement.
- Leading IUAD events and communications working groups / workstreams, successfully influencing, negotiating with, and aiding board members to achieve success.
- Building and maintaining effective and productive relationships with staff and volunteers at all levels, to maximise opportunities and income for the Society.
- Playing a key role in the strategy, planning, delivery and growth of our annual industry fundraising day, the Insurance Day for Dementia - from marketing to stewardship, helping the event to continue growth toward a £500,000 annual target.
- Project managing our involvement in industry awards and conferences, or other third-party fundraising events.
- Providing first class stewardship and recognition to all supporters.
- Working closely with Development Boards Lead and Senior Philanthropy Manager, developing and delivering compelling campaign messages and case for support for IUAD and other Development Boards as required.

Contract:  12-month fixed-term contract

Salary:  £60,000 per annum 

Location: Home-based with regular travel 

Closing date:  Wednesday 28 January 2026 

Interview date:  4 & 5 February 2026 

Blue Cross is seeking an experienced and ambitious Head of Philanthropy to lead and make an active contribution to our High Value Fundraising project, a key initiative designed to grow our future income. This 12-month fixed-term role will focus on delivering high-impact fundraising activity while managing and inspiring a talented Philanthropy team. 

More about the role

You will support in the delivery of the 2026 Philanthropy plan across trusts, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals, with a particular focus on the High Value Fundraising project. Leading high-value fundraising activity, you will manage your own portfolio, create income pipelines, develop key performance indicators, and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to maximise philanthropic support. You will ensure the charity’s Case for Support remains current and compelling and deliver high-standard donor reporting. 

This is a home-based role with a contracted base site. Travel to your base site is considered normal commuting, while travel to other Blue Cross locations or partner sites will be reimbursed. 

About you

You are a credible senior leader with a strong track record in philanthropy fundraising, capable of translating strategic priorities into tangible outcomes. Motivated by ambitious goals, you thrive on building relationships, inspiring teams, and influencing at the highest level. You are resilient, creative, and aligned with Blue Cross’s values of compassion, courage, and inclusion. 

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• Extensive experience developing strategies that increase income from major donors and institutional funders, including personally securing five- and ideally six-figure donations 
• Proven experience of meeting and exceeding ambitious income growth targets 
• Experience of building and managing funder relationships 
• Strong financial monitoring, target setting, and reporting skills 
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to analyse and present data tailored for different audiences 
• Highly developed influencing and negotiation skills 
• Track record of leading, managing, and inspiring a team, encouraging innovation and improving ways of working 
• Experience working at senior organisational levels and managing relationships with Directors, CEOs, and Boards 
• The ability to demonstrate, understand, and apply Blue Cross’s values 

Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• Experience of fundraising for significant capital projects 
• Knowledge of CRM systems and data management 

How to apply  

Click Apply to submit your application. Please note that applications may close early if we receive a high volume, so we encourage early submission. 

World Veterinary Service – Major Donor Manager
Location: Remote or hybrid, with monthly meetings at Dorset office and regular travel for meetings with donors.
Salary: £40,000-£45,000 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

Worldwide Veterinary Service – which helps animals in places where no one else can - is seeking a passionate, proactive and relationships-driven Major Donor Manager to support the growth of their major giving programme.

Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) champions animal welfare around the world, sending vets where they are needed most, providing expert veterinary training in hard-to-reach places, and shipping urgent aid supplies worldwide. Last year they treated over 103,000 animals, trained over 2,800 vets and vaccinated over 1.2 m dogs against rabies.

Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, this role offers an exciting and unique opportunity to shape a vital income stream from the ground up - identifying, cultivating, and stewarding high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who are motivated by global animal welfare. You will be responsible for developing and delivering a major donor strategy to grow the pipeline of prospective HNWIs and building compelling cultivation and stewardship journeys, including bespoke proposals, events and communications. You will also manage a portfolio of warm and cold prospects with the aim of generating five- and six-figure gifts over time.

The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator - someone who thrives on building authentic partnerships and translating complex global work into powerful donor propositions.  You’ll be excited by the task of growing something new and ready to work collaboratively as part of a small but ambitious philanthropy team. While the primary focus is on major donors, the post-holder will also provide support across other philanthropic income streams - particularly corporate partnerships and trusts and foundations - contributing to ambitious fundraising goals. Finally, candidates for this role must be adaptable and comfortable working with ambiguity and the dynamic, fast-moving environment of this growing charity.

This is an ideal role for an experienced fundraising professional who is ready for their next challenge and wants to make lasting improvements to the lives of animals around the world.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 26 January.

World Veterinary Service – Corporate Partnerships Manager
Location: Remote or hybrid, with monthly meetings at Dorset office and regular travel for meetings with donors.
Salary: £40,000-£45,000 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

Worldwide Veterinary Service – which helps animals in places where no one else can - is seeking an experienced Corporate Partnerships Manager to support the growth of their corporate fundraising programme.

Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) champions animal welfare around the world, sending vets where they are needed most, providing expert veterinary training in hard-to-reach places, and shipping urgent aid supplies worldwide. Last year they treated over 103,000 animals, trained over 2,800 vets and vaccinated over 1.2 m dogs against rabies.

Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, the Corporate Partnerships Manager will lead on the development and delivery of the charity’s corporate fundraising strategy, shaping a high-potential income stream to create impactful partnerships with businesses that align with WVS’s mission and values. The role will be responsible for identifying, research and approaching prospective corporate partners to build a strong new business pipeline and managing and nurturing existing corporate relationships to ensure long-term engagement and growth. The post holder will also work with partners to deliver engaging employee and customer campaigns, sponsorships and strategic alliances.

The ideal candidate will be a natural networker, commercially savvy, and motivated by making a positive impact through business partnerships. You’ll have experience building mutually beneficial corporate relationships and will thrive on identifying shared value opportunities. While the primary focus is on corporate partnerships, the post-holder will also provide support across other philanthropic income streams - particularly major donors and trusts and foundations - contributing to ambitious fundraising goals. Finally, candidates for this role must be adaptable and comfortable working with ambiguity and the dynamic, fast-moving environment of this growing charity.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced fundraising professional who wants to make lasting improvements to the lives of animals around the world.

About the Trust 

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you? 

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year. 

Join Our Team: Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships 

We’re excited to welcome a new strategic leader to shape and deliver transformational income growth and strategic partnerships for the Trust.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Working Hours & Location 

This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. This is a home-based role, requiring regular travel to meetings with donors, events and to our main hubs for collaborative meetings and team activities.

Role Overview 

In this pivotal role, you will lead the refinement and delivery of the Trust’s high value giving strategy, building and sustaining relationships with philanthropists, statutory funders, trusts and foundations, and corporates. You’ll inspire, lead, and manage a diverse team to achieve ambitious income targets and strengthen strategic partnerships that support the Trust’s vision. You will actively demonstrate desired behaviours - enthusiastically engaging with external partners, taking initiative to strengthen the team, and fostering a culture within the Trust that supports high level giving. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Implement and refine the Fundraising Strategy to deliver significant and sustainable income growth and impact.
• Lead, inspire and develop a diverse team, fostering a culture of delivery, collaboration, accountability, and innovation. 
• Personally lead on cultivating and stewarding transformational relationships with corporates, trusts, foundations, high-net-worth donors and some statutory sources while empowering your team to build profitable, multi-year relationships, a robust pipeline and secured income.
• Prepare, monitor, and deliver the annual business plan and income budget (currently £5m with significant growth planned).
• Represent the Trust externally at a senior level and maintain awareness of sector trends.
• Maintain best practice in fundraising compliance, risk management, and reporting, maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
• Embed diversity, inclusion, and safety responsibilities in all activities.

About You 

As an accomplished fundraising leader with a proven track record of delivering high-value income and building strategic partnerships, you thrive in complex stakeholder environments and bring a blend of vision, resilience, and hands-on expertise. You’ll be confident influencing at Board level, adept at navigating ambiguity, and passionate about making a lasting impact.

Skills & Qualifications 

• Proven experience in leading a team – skilled at building, inspiring, and motivating teams to achieve fundraising goals.
• Comprehensive expertise in major donor fundraising, corporate partnerships, and trust and foundation giving, alongside a working knowledge of statutory giving. 
• Demonstrated expertise in high-value fundraising and partnership development, with a proven ability to create, cultivate and steward long-term relationships while influencing internal stakeholders to secure and sustain transformational support.
• Proven success in securing transformational gifts and multi-year partnerships.
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills, able to influence inside and outside the organisation.
• A proven ability to develop and write persuasive and successful funding applications and partnership proposals for major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporates.
• Exceptional communication and networking skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Experience managing significant budgets and delivering income growth.
• Knowledge of fundraising compliance and sector trends.  
• A collaborative and innovative approach, able to lead and motivate a diverse team while working cross-functionally.
• Personal resilience and adaptability, with the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

What We Offer 

We offer an annual salary of £78,000, plus £520 cash car allowance per month. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: 

Our values

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Chelsea or Sutton (with 1 day a week working from home)

About Us

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money to save the lives of people with cancer, everywhere. We ensure our nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. Join our ambitious and supportive Individual Giving Team and help us deliver our most ambitious fundraising strategy yet.

What You’ll Be Doing

As our Individual Giving Assistant – Supporter Retention & Development, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our fundraising campaigns and projects, helping to retain and maximise the lifetime value of our supporters. You’ll be one of the first points of contact for our donors, providing exceptional supporter care and ensuring every supporter feels valued. Your day-to-day will include:

• Responding to supporter enquiries by phone and email, ensuring all queries are handled efficiently and with care
• Thanking donors and personalising communications to build strong relationships
• Accurately recording and processing donations, including “in memory” gifts, and updating supporter records on our database
• Supporting the delivery of fundraising campaigns, including creating timing plans, checking data, and monitoring stock levels
• Managing invoices and supporting the team with administrative tasks
• Working with colleagues and volunteers to deliver the best possible supporter experience

What We’re Looking For

You’ll be an enthusiastic team player with:

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• The ability to prioritise, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines
• A proactive, flexible approach and willingness to support the team as needed
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (experience with customer databases is desirable)
• Commitment to providing outstanding supporter care and working in a supporter-focused environment

Previous experience in customer or supporter service, office administration, or the charity sector is desirable but not essential – full training will be provided.

Why Join Us?

We’re a values-driven charity committed to saving lives by funding world-leading research, treatment, and care at The Royal Marsden. You’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious, and kind team, with plenty of opportunities for learning and development.

What we offer:

• 27 days annual leave (rising with length of service), plus UK bank holidays
• Up to 6% employer pension contributions (increasing with service)
• Enhanced maternity and adoption pay
• Life insurance and employee assistance programme
• Flexible and hybrid working options (work from home one day a week)
• Access to subsidised staff restaurants, wellbeing initiatives, and more
• Bright, modern offices in Chelsea and Sutton, with excellent transport links

Inclusion Matters

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and walks of life.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.

How to apply:
Please submit your application as soon as possible, as we may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.