Senior philanthropy fundraiser jobs
Job Purpose
This role sits at the heart of Operation Smile UK’s five-year strategy to deliver transformational growth across all income streams. As Retention Fundraising Lead, you will be instrumental in delivering on three of the four core strategic priorities:
1. Build Regular Giving – retain and maximise value from the regular giving base
2. Drive All Donors to Legacy – ensure donors experience best-in-class stewardship, increasing their loyalty to the charity with an objective of feeding into legacy and long-term giving goals.
3. Maximise Growth Through Digital Fundraising Integration – leading the expansion and optimisation of digital growth for all existing supporters.
The Retention Lead is responsible for delivering Operation Smile UK’s strategic individual giving retention and legacy marketing programme. This role is key to driving income growth from our existing donors from the point of recruitment, maximising value and minimising attrition from the regular giving pool and generating and retaining legacy actions and prospects.
You will lead on the strategy, planning, delivery and evaluation of retention campaigns, with full accountability for managing significant budgets, agency partnerships and performance metrics.
You will support the development of the Legacy strategy, be instrumental in planning legacy activity and delivering legacy marketing for the existing supporter base across all income streams and methods of support, from Partnerships, Volunteers and public fundraisers.
This is a senior, hands-on role suited to an experienced Individual giving fundraiser with strong commercial acumen and a data-driven mindset.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Campaign Leadership
- Develop and implement the retention strategy, aligned with income targets and supporter growth objectives.
- Lead on the planning and delivery of campaigns across cash, donor stewardship, legacy prospecting and stewardship, welcome, conversion, reactivation and upgrade appeals.
- Lead on strategic development of the cultivation journey to ensure Operation Smile maximise growth through digital channels.
- Monitor and report on campaign performance, providing insight-driven recommendations to optimise results.
- Drive testing and innovation to expand existing approaches and introduce new ones within acceptable risk and return parameters.
Budget Ownership & Performance Monitoring
- Take full responsibility for retention and legacy budget management, income forecasting and cost control.
- Set, monitor, and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting against ROI, value and response, retention and conversion metrics and long-term value across all supporter groups channels.
- Collaborate with the Senior Database Manager and the Director of Data and Technology to develop and maintain performance dashboards (e.g., Power BI) and support strategic data analysis, including both short term and long-term channel performance evaluation.
Line Management
- Provide day-to-day leadership and support to the Retention team, ensuring clarity of objectives, effective workload management, and professional development opportunities.
- Conduct regular 1:1s, annual appraisals, and performance reviews for direct reports, supporting their growth and accountability.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture, encouraging innovation, learning, and high standards of delivery.
- Provide strategic and operational direction to external agencies or freelancers working on retention projects.
Agency & Partner Management
- Manage day-to-day relationships with external fundraising and creative partners.
- Lead on the relationship with the external fulfilment agency working with multiple internal stakeholders to ensure an effective partnership is in place.
- Lead briefings, content sourcing, agent training, stakeholder approvals, and quality assurance processes.
- Negotiate contracts and hold suppliers accountable for delivery and performance.
Cross-Team and Market Integration
- Represent the retention and legacy programme in cross-functional planning meetings and contribute to a unified team culture focused on strategic delivery.
- Work closely with the Acquisition and Digital lead to deliver a seamless supporter journey from point of recruitment to donor communications.
- Work closely with the Philanthropy Manager to develop and manage the pipeline of HV/Major donors.
- Work closely with the Legacy administrator, Philanthropy Manager and Volunteer Manager to develop the legacy pipeline.
- Work closely to ensure all digital communications are aligned and support the retention strategy
- Act as a key liaison with colleagues across Operation Smile global markets, sharing insights and exploring opportunities to align strategy, co-develop creative, or pilot cross-market initiatives.
Compliance, Risk & Best Practice
- Ensure all campaigns meet legal, ethical and data protection requirements (e.g., GDPR, Fundraising Regulator).
- Act as a key contributor to organisational risk assessments relating to income performance and supplier performance.
- Keep up to date with sector trends, innovations and benchmarks to maintain best practice.
Person specification
Essential Experience
- Extensive experience (ideally 5+ years) in Individual Giving, Legacy or fundraising acquisition roles.
- Proven success delivering multi-channel (including digital) retention campaigns for both cash, legacy and regular giving donors with strong ROI.
- Experience managing external agencies and suppliers to high performance standards.
- Strong background in regular giving retention.
- Demonstrable experience managing and reporting on retention budgets.
Skills & Attributes
- Strategic thinker with excellent campaign planning and execution skills.
- Highly numerate and confident using data for decision-making and optimisation.
- Strong project and stakeholder management abilities.
- Proactive, self-starting approach with high levels of ownership and accountability.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to represent the organisation externally.
Desirable
- Understanding of retention and supporter journey optimisation.
- Familiarity with CRM, Dot digital and data system Donorfy.
- Experience with Power BI or other reporting tools.
First-round interviews are set for the week of 9th March 2026. We strongly encourage early applications.
Disability Confident Committed Employer
We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.
At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.
If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation.
We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Please provide clear evidence in your cover letter of your experience and achievements, including income performance results. We are particularly interested in your expertise in developing supporter journeys and delivering successful multichannel campaigns across both mail and digital platforms. Additionally, please demonstrate your commitment to the sector.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
**PLEASE NOTE: To apply for this vacancy, please ensure you firstly download a copy of our application form from the documents section below and complete it. Click the 'apply' button and fill out your personal details in the relevant sections. Once you have submitted these you will be asked if you would like to attach any documents. At this stage please submit the completed version of the application form.**
Job title: Prospect Research Officer (fixed term contract 12 months)
Salary: £31,500-£35,000
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: 12 months
Reports to:Prospect Research Manager
Key relationships: Partnerships and Philanthropy Team, SMT, UNHCR’s global due diligence team
Location: WeWork, 1 Mark Square, London EC2A 4EG (hybrid working policy operates)
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
United Kingdom for UNHCR is the United Nations Refugee Agency’s national charity partner for the United Kingdom. We generate public awareness of the plight of refugees and raise funds to help protect them through UNHCR’s humanitarian operations across the world.
Our supporters include UK private individuals, communities, corporate partners, trusts and foundations. The funds we raise help UNHCR deliver emergency relief such as shelter, medical care and basic supplies to people fleeing conflict and persecution, as well as healthcare, education and livelihoods opportunities for those who remain displaced over the long term.
Nobody chooses to be a refugee, but we can all play a part in their protection, and we want those who work with us to share our values and passion for the cause.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING
We strongly value diversity and recognise that it is critical to our success and the cause that we serve. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all who work with us and strongly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of being a refugee, asylum seeker, internally displaced person, or a stateless person. UK for UNHCR is proud to have Diversity & Inclusion Working Group. The Diversity & Inclusion Working Group is a group of colleagues focusing on tasks that drive action in the implementation of our D&I Approach. The group also works to create safe spaces that brings colleagues together for events, discussions and learning experiences that celebrate and support diversity and tackle barriers to inclusion.
JOB PURPOSE
UK for UNHCR (UK4U), the UN Refugee Agency's national charity partner, is looking for a Prospect Research Officer to join a small but high performing team with big ambitions. This role will play a key part in continuing to build our UHNWI, HNWI, Trust and Foundation and Corporate and pipelines, by working closely with the Prospect Research Manager, fundraising colleagues as well as UNHCR internationally.
This role reports to the Prospect Research Manager, who is responsible for developing and driving the prospect research strategy, due diligence and all high level, strategic prospect research. The post holder will help identify research, organise and evaluate a prospect’s financial capacity, ability to give, willingness to give, charitable interests, and connection to the organisation, operating within the organisation’s due diligence process. The role will support UK for UNHCR’s due diligence process by helping to renew due diligence on existing pipelines, to completing some new due diligence profiles on lower-level prospects through utilising key due diligence tools and platforms, working with the Prospect Research Manager and members of the Partnerships and Philanthropy team, SMT and UNHCR’s global due diligence team.
Passionate about the refugee cause and UNHCR’s contribution, you will have demonstrable experience of successfully identifying prospects as well as preparing and presenting in depth prospect briefs for across the high value fundraising pipeline from UHNW and HNW individuals, Trusts & Foundations and Corporates. You will be familiar with using a variety of information sources, of complying with GDPR and other regulations and working with a CRM database. Donor focussed and a problem solver, you will with have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be someone who enjoys working as part of a team.
We are interested in hearing from candidates with a range of professional experience: charity or private sector. If you think you have the relevant skills and crucially, the passion to support the refugee cause, please apply.
ROLE RESPONSIBLITIES
- Working with the Prospect Research Manager to support the overarching strategy for the prospect research function and to help deliver a strong and sustainable prospect pipeline.
- Prepare prospect research profiles for the Philanthropy and Partnerships Team, whether in preparation for individual meetings or for a range of events.
- Support the Prospect Research Manager’s work with the Director of Private Philanthropy to identify UHNWI prospects and their work with the Senior Philanthropy
- Advisor to identify prospective members of UK for UNHCR’s first advisory development board.
- Using a broad spectrum of sources, identify, research, organise and evaluate a prospect’s financial capacity, ability to give, willingness to give, charitable interests, and connection to the organisation. Support fundraising staff in prioritising prospects.
- Keep up to date on trends and new ways of working within Prospect research and due diligence.
- Work within UK4U’s due diligence policy and processes, supporting the Prospect Research Manager to maintain a system to enable the organisation to track due diligence carried out, ensuring compliance with all regulatory best practice standards.
- Produce in-depth, well-written reports on prospects based on a combination of data from the donor database, open access records and other markers of high-quality donors.
- Support the Prospect Research Manager to embed best practice use of the database within the team.
- Provide general support to fundraising staff and work on special projects when called for.
- Support Prospect Research Managers bi-yearly pipeline reviews to ensure pipelines remain dynamic and fit for purpose.
The above list is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to perform duties that are not detailed above.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND EXPERIENCE
Essential Experience
- Experience of profiling, network mapping, prospect qualification and other prospect research activities.
- Experience of working with colleagues in Individual Giving Teams and with major donor and corporate fundraisers to optimise use of a CRM database to identify potential prospects.
Essential Skills/Knowledge
- Ability to act proactively to identify new prospects
- Ability to juggle and prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Able to demonstrate flexibility, with a willingness to respond quickly, particularly at times of humanitarian crisis
- Ability to investigate, analyse, and synthesize large quantities of data into a user-friendly and concise format for the use by fundraisers and key volunteers (e.g. Trustees)
- Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations well
- Demonstrable strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to be discreet with valuable and personal donor details that are often confidential
- Ability to problem-solve effectively
- Ability to take a tactful and ethical approach to fundraising tasks
- Demonstrable understanding of GDPR and other regulatory compliance issues.
- Ability to work proficiently with CRM databases (knowledge of Salesforce helpful).
- Ability to work proficiently in Microsoft Office Suite.
Desirable Skills/Experience
- Demonstrable interest in or higher education on/or similar study on international development/humanitarian issues.
WHY JOIN UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR?
You will be part of a high performing agile team of talented people, all committed to build solidarity and raise funds for refugees and displaced people worldwide. You will be working in a flexible, supportive, and inclusive environment, where your work will be recognised and appraised.
What else?
Wellbeing
- 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays
- Employee Assistance programme providing 24/7 access to online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing.
- Access to 100s of perks with discounts on everyday purchases.
- Office wellness perks.
- Discount on gym memberships.
- Hybrid and Flexible Working.
- Staff socials.
Financial
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8%.
- Non-contributory group life assurance scheme
- Non-contributory Income protection scheme.
- One-off contribution towards homeworking set up.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
- Enhanced sick pay scheme.
Development
- Comprehensive training and continuing development opportunities.
- Individual training budget.
HOW TO APPLY
If you have the relevant skills and the passion to use them to support refugees, please apply by completing our application form which is available in the documents section.
Closing date: 2nd March 2026
Interview dates: First round interviews will be held online 10th-12th March. Second round interviews will be held w/c 16th March
If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation please contact us. We will make every effort to respond to your request for assistance as soon as possible.
United Kingdom for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is registered with the Charity Commission (England & Wales), charity no. 1183415. It is the UK national partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency.
We stand with refugees – will you join us?

In this pivotal role as Prospect Research Manager at Diabetes UK, you will lead on managing prospect research, pipeline development, and adhere to best practice across income streams with a clear strategy that focuses on sourcing prospective high value donors to fund key strategic ambitions. One in 15 of us is now living with diabetes. Together, we have the opportunity to change this for the next generation. We are looking for someone who is a strategic thinker, analytical, organised in their approach and who can demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail in their work. Join us and be part of something truly transformational as we change the narrative around diabetes and create a more inclusive world.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This charity is made up of an astounding group of professionals who believe that people's sight matters. They have ambitious growth plans to increase the investment they are able to make in life-changing eye health by supporting the work of Moorfields Eye Hospital and its academic partner UCL, and by funding innovative research, equipment, patient care and training through the delivery of innovative fundraising programmes. The team is looking to appoint a senior philanthropy manager, and Prospectus is leading the search.
Senior philanthropy manager
Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Permanent
Hybrid/London EC1
£61,011 - £71,180 per annum
This newly created role will line manage up to four philanthropy managers and lead key projects and income streams for the team, as well as developing senior relationships with key stakeholders across the charity, hospital and UCL. The senior philanthropy manager will manage a mixed portfolio of individual, trust and foundation and corporate prospects capable of making significant gifts at the six-figure and seven-figure level to secure philanthropic support towards priority projects. This role will be critical in supporting the head of philanthropy implement the strategy and the team achieving its exciting growth ambitions, and will play a key role in the charity's wider plans to embed a culture of philanthropy across the partnership.
The successful candidate will bring significant major gift fundraising experience, with a demonstrable track record of securing gifts at the six-figure level (£250k+), alongside a strong commitment to excellent stewardship and the ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders. You'll be an inspiring line manager and a collaborative, solutions-focused fundraiser, able to communicate complex medical projects clearly to non-specialist audiences and thrive in a fast-paced environment with overlapping deadlines. Experience of securing seven-figure gifts and/or fundraising in healthcare/medical research would be welcomed but is not essential.
How to apply:
At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Femke Vorstman at Prospectus.
If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.
In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply (your statement will need to answer three specific questions). We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.
First Give
First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.
Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.
The Route to a Million Campaign
This is an exciting time for First Give, as we seek to expand and diversify our fundraising streams into Corporate and HNWI. To support this, we are launching the Route to A Million campaign in March, aiming to raise an additional £1.5 million over the next 3 years on top of our forecast income. The campaign is supported by a newly recruited campaign board, and the new Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships will spearhead the work required to achieve this target.
Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships
We are seeking a dynamic, strategic and entrepreneurial Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships to supercharge First Give’s next phase of income growth. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our mission, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver a multi‑year fundraising strategy that fuels real, measurable impact for young people and society as a whole. First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, brings new ideas to the table and is comfortable leading a brand-new team.
As the senior leader for all income streams, you will own and drive our major donor programme; unlock new philanthropic partnerships; and build a talented team across other income streams to achieve ambitious goals. Working closely with the Director and our emerging Campaign Board, you will play critical role in growing our £1m+ annual income, deepening donor engagement and building the culture, systems and relationships that will propel First Give into its next phase of expansion.
This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional fundraiser who thrives in a values‑driven, high‑ambition environment and wants to make a lasting contribution to a fast‑growing education charity.
Contract: Full time (35 hours per week), Permanent
Salary: £60K (+£2K London weighting if applicable)
Location: This is a hybrid contract. The successful candidate will be expected to work from our London office or attend in-person meetings and host donors at school Final events as required. The remainder of the week can typically be worked remotely, with flexibility as required.
The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we. We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.
Please download the candidate pack for more details, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like a chat about the role or any reasonable adjustments we can make before applying: contact details provided in the candidate pack.
Creating opportunities where young people are inspired and empowered to give their time, money or skills to charities and causes that they care about


Team: Philanthropy & Partnerships
Location: Homebased with some travel for meetings & events
Work pattern: 21 hours per week over 3 days Monday to Friday, specific days can be discussed at interview
Salary: Up to £22,539.57 per annum (pro rata of £37,565.95)
Contract: Permanent
We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our enthusiastic employees, volunteers, and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.
Will you join us and make life better for cats?
Responsibilities of our Senior Corporate Partnerships Development Officer:
- The successful candidate will lead the development of new, long-term corporate partnerships, supporting the implementation of the corporate partnerships fundraising plan and increasing sustainable net income for Cats Protection.
- The Senior Corporate Partnerships Development Officer will be pivotal in driving new income for the charity, working as one with teams across the charity to identify new opportunities for potential corporate funding support.
About the Corporate Partnerships team:
- We sit within the Marketing & Income Generation directorate.
- The corporate partnerships team is split between new business and account management, made up of driven, passionate and dynamic corporate fundraisers
- We currently have a team of one full time Senior Corporate Partnerships Development Officer and a Corporate Partnerships Development Manager, in addition to a Lead Corporate Partnerships Manager who oversees the entire corporate partnerships team
- You will be managed by the Corporate Partnerships Development Manager, and you will work alongside another Senior Corporate Partnerships Officer to achieve a joint team target
What we are looking for in our Senior Corporate Partnerships Development Officer:
- Significant corporate partnership fundraising experience generating new business
- Extensive experience of developing strong relationships with supporters/ clients/colleagues
- Experience of presenting business proposals in person and via conference call
- Experience of managing commercial participators agreements, negotiating updates and changes where necessary
- Excellent networking skills
- Familiar with the CIOF codes of practice relating to corporate partnership fundraising
What we can offer you:
- range of health benefits
- 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
- Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing.
- and much more, which you can learn about
Interested? Here’s how to apply:
Application closing date: 24th February 2026
Virtual interview date: Week commencing 10th March 2026
Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.
If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience does not align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.
If successful, your recruitment journey will include:
1. Anonymised application form
2. Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams
3. Final stage virtual interview
Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Liberty is seeking an ambitious, values‑driven fundraiser to oversee and deliver our trust and foundation, legacy, and major giving fundraising. As the Fundraising Manager for Philanthropy, this role requires proven experience of building, sustaining and growing significant income from philanthropic sources.
Liberty is a small organisation, which punches above its weight. The Fundraising Manager will combine strong leadership with hands on day-to-day delivery. As a key member of the Management Team, the role will oversee a talented team comprising a Philanthropy Officer and two Grants Officers. You will combine strategic oversight with hands‑on delivery, shaping compelling funding propositions and building strong, lasting relationships with funders and supporters. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you will ensure our complex and multifaceted work is translated into inspirational cases for support that resonate with funders.
This is a critical role in a vital organisation. Success will see the maintenance and development of a diverse range of income generation streams, and Liberty being better able to achieve its mission of challenging injustice, defending freedom and campaigning to make sure everyone in the UK is treated fairly.
You will have a strong commitment to Liberty’s anti-oppression values and strategy.
Liberty fully embraces flexible working and is committed to employee development. We aim to encourage people from all backgrounds to work with us and are particularly interested in hearing from people from minority backgrounds and all socio-economic sections of society. Liberty supports hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week in the Westminster office.
The deadline for applications is 9am Monday 2 March 2026
Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
Please be aware that we do not accept CVs for this role. All applicants must complete the application form to apply.
First round interviews will be held online on Tuesday 17th March
Second round interview will be held in person on Tuesday 24th March
For more information and details on how to apply, please visit our website.
Liberty challenge injustice, defend freedom and campaign to make sure everyone in the UK is treated fairly.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Description
Job Title: Fundraiser - Volunteer Board Fundraising
Directorate: Engagement & Fundraising (Philanthropy & Partnerships)
Team/Department: Volunteer Board Fundraising (Supporter Led Fundraising)
Location: Wales (home based or hybrid)
Salary: £31,171 - £36,631 dependent on experience
Date last amended: January 2026
Context and Background
The NSPCC relies on voluntary income for the majority of its work to keep children safe,
prevent abuse and ensure every child has a voice. To secure long -term sustainability, the
charity has reshaped how it engages supporters through the Engagement and Fun draising
Directorate. Within this, the Philanthropy and Partnerships Department brings together
high -value audiences and supporter -led income. The Volunteer Board Fundraising team
leads income generation through regional and national volunteer boards , volunteer -led
fundraising initiatives and delivery of special events through our high value event
committees . These activities play a vital role in maximising sustainable income, engaging
senior volunteers, and supporting long -term supporter relationships.
The volunteer boards are made up of influential and successful senior stakeholders who feel
passionately about the NSPCC and volunteer their time to help the NSPCC generate income
and awareness. They employ a range of fundraising techniques to reach their goals focus being to use their networks and influence to secure income generating opportunities
via events, corporate partnerships and major gifts from individuals.
– their
This role will support , and lead the growth and development of, the s uccessful Wales
Fundraising Board which has been established for over 25 year s, initially as the NSPCC Full
Stop Appeal Board for Wales. The board has helped to lead and organise balls and dinners ,
overseas fundraising challenges and a variety of events in Wales and the rest of the UK. The
board’s ‘Building Brighter Futures’ appeal secured funding to build the NSPCC’s d edicated
Wales hub in Cardiff , Diane Engelhardt House , opened in 2010. The key focus of the current
board is to support the raising of over £1m annually from a range of supporter audiences
and promote the NSPCC across Wales by organising events (both fundraising and
engagement), establishing new contacts - primarily high net worth individuals and corporate
partners - and supporting the delivery of NSPCC services including recruitment of
volunteers and supporting access to NSPCC services.The team works closely with colleagues in Philanthropy and Partnerships (corporate
partnerships , major gifts, trusts and statutory ), Public Engagement (marketing, brand,
digital), and Fundraising Operations (data, compliance, finance, procurement) to ensure
volunteer fundraising is integrated into supporter journeys, delivers excellent experiences,
and achieves strong ROI.
The role of the Fundraiser is to cultivate and steward key relationships and deliver special
projects across the volunteer board and their network to deliver against annual income
plans .
Job purpose
• To contribute towards the delivery of sustainable income through the Wales
Fundraising Board
• To contribute towards the delivery of annual income and engagement plans,
ensuring volunteer activity is high -quality, compliant, and supporter -centric
• Build and manage relationships with senior volunteers and board members,
maximising long -term support and value
• Provide operational support and management of volunteer partnerships & projects
Key relationships - Internal
• Member of the Volunteer Board Fundraising team
• Reports to a Fundraising Manager, Volunteer Board Fundraising
• Works with colleagues across Philanthropy & Partnerships, including Corporate
Partnerships, Major Gifts , Trusts and Statutory and Supporter Relationship
Fundraising.
• Member of the Wales Leadership Group, supporting the Assistant Director for
Wales and other Wales -based colleague s and teams.
• Collaborates with Public Engagement (marketing, brand, digital) to support
volunteer fundraising campaigns and engagement
• Works with Fundraising Operations (data, compliance, finance, procurement) to
ensure processes are efficient and compliant
Key relationships - External
• Volunteer board chair, members and regional ambassadors including Wales
Fundraising Board members and senior advocates
• NSPCC’s Trustee for Wales
• Senior supporters and networks (individuals and organisations ) engaged through
volunteer -led activity
• Agencies, venues and suppliers supporting volunteer fundraising
• External peers and networks within the volunteer fundraising secto rMain duties and responsibilities
Contributing to Volunteer Partnerships Strategy and Income
• Contribute to the delivery of the Volunteer Partnerships annual business plan to
maximise net income and long -term value through the volunteer boards
• Support the Wales Fundraising Board and their networks , ensuring their fundraising
and engagement delivers sustainable income and long -term value
• Lead on delivery of specific fundraising projects .
• Support a portfolio of fundraising and stewardship events led by the Wales
Fundraising Board to engage with new and existing supporters both in and outside
of Wales.
• Contribute to KPIs for income, supporter experience and ROI, addressing risks and
identifying opportunities for growth
• Lead on the delivery of business cases for new volunteer -led initiatives by the Wales
Fundraising Board
Managing Volunteer Relationships
• Steward senior volunteers and board members, ensuring they feel supported,
inspired and connected to the NSPCC’s mission
• Provide tools, resources and guidance to volunteers to support their fundraising
and advocacy
• C arry out research through a range of sources, to contribute to proposals, donor
strategies and fundraising communications.
• Develop and create engaging materials for external audiences
• Ensure compliance with NSPCC policies, fundraising regulations and best practice
in all volunteer -led activity
Collaboration and Centre of Excellence
• Act as a centre of expertise for volunteer -led fundraising across the NSPCC
• Collaborate with colleagues across Engagement & Fundraising to embed volunteer
fundraising within wider supporter journeys and campaigns
Budgeting , Finance and Evaluation
• Contribute to the budgets for volunteer fundraising activity, whilst supporting the
Fundraising Manager to accurately monitor income and expenditure
• With the support of the Fundraising Manager , ensure accurate data capture and
reporting
• To provide financial administrative assistance to budget holders, including
processing invoices, placing orders, undertaking financial analysis, cash handling
and banking in line with NSPCC policies and procedures.Responsibilities for all Staff within the Income Generation
directorate
• To update databases and supporter information systems as directed, in line with
Data Protection legislation and NSPCC policy and procedures.
• To actively participate in regular department and team meetings, contributing to
strategy, discussions and decisions which will be beneficial to the Directorate and
wider NSPCC activities.
• To adhere to all the NSPCC’s standards, policies and procedures.
• To evidence an understanding of and commitment to the NSPCC’s values and
behaviours.
• To maintain an awareness of and comply with data protection regulations and
internal data protection policies.
• To be responsible for personal learning and development, to support the learning
and development of others and the whole organisation.
• To work in a manner that facilitates and encourages inclusion.
• To be proactive in identifying ways to improve personal and team performance
• To maintain an awareness of own and others’ Health and Safety and comply with the
NSPCC’s Health and Safety policy and procedures
• To take personal responsibility for keeping up to date with NSPCC work to
end cruelty to children, including securing updates on project and service developm
ents and general NSPCC news
• A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people
Person specification
1. Experience of building effective relationships through face to face interactions with
existing and new high -level individuals and/or organisations, leading to securing
fundraising income via long -term partnerships.
2. Commercially minded; ability to apply commercial knowledge and understanding to
fundraising partnerships ensuring that NSPCC activity has a competitive edge in
the market place. NSPCC fundraising activity must be appealing and commercially
viable.
3. Exceptional project management skills; ability to see a project through from start to
finish, reaching a desired income target. Must have meticulous planning skills and
show great attention to detail. Must be self -motivated and highly proactive.
4. Target driven with proven financial management and reporting skills, including
accurate budgeting and contingency planning. A track record of achieving financial
and departmental objectives.5. Knowledge of corporate social responsibility and individual philanthropic
motivations and current trends in high value and corporate fundraising across the
UK.
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to deliver fundraising pitches,
ideas and project updates to a range of audiences in a clear, inspiring and confident
way.
7. Able to work harmoniously with internal colleagues across teams to achieve joint
objectives. Working collaboratively; demonstrating an understanding of other
team’s goals and priorities. Able to negotiate successfully with others to achieve a
desired outco me.
8. Ability to organise and plan own work, juggle competing demands, manage projects
and establish clear timelines and priorities in order to meet agreed objectives.
9. Proven ability to demonstrate initiative and creativity.
10. Experience of provided.
a fundraising CRM package is desirable but not essential; training
The ability to engage this role .
in communications using the Welsh language is also desirable in
Safer Recruitment
As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes
safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk.
Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and
thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and
about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and adults.
our
The recruitment and selection of our people will be conducted in a professional, timely
and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and
relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance .Our principles:
• Always seek to recruit the best candidate for the role based on merit including their
skills, experience, motivation and competencies. Our robust recruitment and
selection process should ensure the identification of the person best suited to the
role and th e organisation .
• C ommitted to diversity and equality of opportunity and will interview all applicants
(internal and external) who self -declare at application as having a disability and who
meet the minimum requirements in the person specification of the vacancy they are
app lying for.
• We will make reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process in
order to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start working or
volunteering their time with us.
• Any current member of staff or volunteer who wishes to apply for vacancies and is
suitably qualified will be considered and addressed fairly and objectively based on
their merit.
• As an organisation committed to safeguarding, we will ensure all under 18’s joining
the organisation will have ongoing risk assessments to ensure their role and
activities are safe and appropriate.
• All documentation relating to candidates will be treated confidentially in accordance
with the GDPR legislation.
Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)
Salary£49,321.55 per annum
LocationLondon/Hybrid
Weekly Hours35
The Vacancy
Job Title: Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)
Location: London/Hybrid
Salary: £49,321.55 per annum
Weekly Hours: 35
Reference: YMC1095733
We seek a strategic and relationship-driven Philanthropy fundraising professional with a passion for making a difference to young people’s lives. If you thrive on securing transformational gifts and building meaningful connections with high-value donors, then YMCA England & Wales has an incredible opportunity for you to shape and lead our Major Giving programme as our new Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving).
About YMCA England & Wales
YMCA England & Wales supports 83 local YMCAs, advocating for vulnerable young people by providing essential building blocks for a better life—like a safe home, guidance, friendship, and employment skills. We are committed to ensuring fairness and opportunity for all, and through our collective voice, we influence national policy and media to improve the lives of young people across the country.
Fundraising at YMCA England & Wales has three pillars:
- Fundraising for distribution through initiatives such as our RoomSponsor programme and national partnerships
- Fundraise to support YMCAs and fund our policy, campaign and research work, which changes the lives of young people
- Help YMCAs fundraise themselves by providing assets, propositions, and advice for local fundraisers.
The Role
As Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving), you will lead the development and implementation of an ambitious new Major Giving strategy to secure and maximise funds from high-net-worth individuals. Your focus will be on nurturing relationships with existing donors while identifying and engaging new prospects, driving initiatives including Giving Circles and Development Boards.
You will work closely with senior leadership, Trustees, and key stakeholders to craft compelling cases for support, aligning with YMCA’s ambitious new housing strategy and broader organisational goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors, developing tailored engagement strategies to inspire long-term support.
- Plan and execute donor stewardship activities, including bespoke events, face-to-face meetings, and personalised communications.
- Work with senior leadership and Trustees to build strong relationships with philanthropists and high-value supporters.
- Develop and deliver compelling proposals, impact reports, and updates to donors.
- Identify and research prospective major donors, developing strategies to engage them effectively.
- Implement YMCA’s ambitious Major Giving Strategy which projects an ever more important focus for this area.
- Oversee the Major Giving income and expenditure budget, providing accurate forecasts and performance reports.
- Collaborate with colleagues across fundraising teams to align strategies and maximise income opportunities.
- Ensure robust data management within the CRM database, adhering to GDPR and best practices.
- Work cross-functionally to develop new fundraising products and giving opportunities, ensuring high-value philanthropy is embedded across the organisation.
About You
We are looking for a highly motivated, strategic, and personable fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing major gifts. You will be confident in building relationships with high-net-worth individuals and passionate about delivering exceptional donor experiences.
You will have:
- Significant experience in major donor fundraising, with a track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts.
- Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to engage and influence high-value supporters.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to create compelling cases for support.
- Budget management and forecasting experience, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
- Experience working with senior stakeholders, including Trustees and senior leadership teams.
- Knowledge of philanthropy trends, donor motivations, and fundraising best practices.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of an ambitious and growing fundraising team, with the opportunity to shape and lead YMCA’s major donor programme.
- Work for a charity that makes a real difference in the lives of young people and communities across England & Wales.
- Enjoy a collaborative and supportive work environment, where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
- Competitive salary and benefits package, with opportunities for professional development.
If you are passionate about philanthropy and have the skills and experience to drive major donor fundraising at YMCA England & Wales, we would love to hear from you!
To apply: please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role
Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.
YMCA is the world's oldest and largest youth charity. Collectively, we support 402,501 young people across 708 communities in England and Wales.


Funders In Good was founded to support Muslim donors in the UK who want to achieve strategic, long-term impact but lack the capacity, connections, or expertise to give effectively. We provide tailored financial grants and strategic support to social ventures serving Islam and Muslims, helping them scale, strengthen systems, and increase long-term impact. Our focus is on ventures and leaders contributing to a society where commitment to God flourishes.
Since 2021, we have grown from nine seed funders to over 130 members in our invitation-only Funder Network. Members contribute financially and through skills, receive quarterly progress reports, access events, and connect with other funders. This network is part of our wider community, which includes our team and the ventures we back.
As Funder Development Manager, you will shape this network by developing a compelling value proposition, building acquisition pipelines, nurturing funders, and curating engagement programs that deepen alignment with our mission. Success relies on both fundraising expertise and emotional intelligence: you will build trust with a diverse range of donors and philanthropists, navigating conversations about values, faith, impact, and community with warmth and confidence.
This senior, outward-facing role carries responsibility for income generation, stewardship, and relationship-building.
Please read the JD to find out more, application deadline is midnight 8th March 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Director of Philanthropy
We are seeking a Director of Philanthropy to join Nekton in a pivotal leadership role at a critical moment of organisational growth. You will lead and deliver a global philanthropic fundraising strategy for a pioneering marine science and conservation institute focused on rapidly accelerating the scientific exploration and protection of the ocean.
Position: Director of Philanthropy
Location: Hybrid (Onsite attendance in Oxford or London 2 days a week, with international travel)
Salary: £80,000+
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Closing Date: 23 February 2026
About the Role
The Director of Philanthropy is a pivotal, high-impact role responsible for co-defining, executing, and managing Nekton's global fundraising strategy, with a notable focus on securing major philanthropic gifts from high-net-worth individuals and foundations.
You will be the engine that drives the financial success of our ambitious scientific and conservation programmes, translating Nekton's vision to explore and protect the ocean into compelling cases for support.
Key areas of responsibility include:
· Strategy & Leadership
· Donor Relations & Management
· Collaboration & Communication
Why This Role Matters
This is a rare opportunity to shape and deliver one of the most ambitious philanthropic agendas in marine science today. As Director of Philanthropy, you will help unlock the resources required to explore the last great frontier on Earth, influence global ocean policy, and leave a lasting legacy for the planet.
If you are motivated by big ideas, long term impact, and the power of philanthropy to drive systemic change, this role offers both scale and purpose.
About You
This role demands an entrepreneurial, strategic, and highly hands on fundraiser with a proven track record of securing very significant gifts. You will be equally comfortable shaping strategy at Board level and personally leading high value donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
We are looking for someone with experience of:
· Securing significant six and seven-figure philanthropic gifts in a high-profile international organisation.
· Extensive network and demonstrable success in cultivating relationships with global philanthropic foundations, family offices and high-net-worth individuals.
· Articulating complex scientific and conservation initiatives into inspiring donor narratives and stand-out grant applications.
You will be able to undertake international travel to meet with prospects and attend events.
If you have a passion for ocean science, exploration, and conservation, and a deep commitment to Nekton’s mission, then apply today!
About Nekton
Nekton is a pioneering marine science and conservation institute, a charitable foundation committed to rapidly accelerating the scientific exploration and protection of the ocean. Our global programmes combine cutting-edge scientific discovery, inspiring public engagement, and catalysing policy impact.
This role is central to driving the financial ambition of our initiatives, including:
· Ocean Census (Primary Focus): A UN-endorsed, global collaboration to discover ocean life
· First Descent: Expedition-based deep ocean exploration and conservation
· Ocean Rising: Connecting culture and the ocean
· YACHTS for Science: Scientists to sea - matching private vessels with marine research.
· New 5-Year Global Voyage: A major, sustained expedition to explore and protect the ocean globally.
Other roles you may have experience of could include Fundraising, Philanthropy, Fundraiser, Director of Fundraising, Director of Philanthropy, Head of Fundraising, Head of Philanthropy, Major Gifts, Major Donor.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
We’re working with a large, well-established national charity that is investing significantly in its philanthropy programme and is now looking to appoint an experienced Philanthropy Manager to join a growing and ambitious income generation team.
Salary: £45,000 – £48,000
Location: London / Hybrid
Contract: Permanent, full time (flexible working considered)
This is a senior, relationship-led role, suited to an established major donor fundraiser who enjoys managing high-value relationships while also supporting and developing others.
Key highlights of the role
- Ownership of a high-value major donor portfolio, securing consistent five- and six-figure gifts
- Line management responsibility for a Philanthropy Officer, with a strong focus on coaching, development and performance
- Close working with senior leadership and influential volunteers to open networks and progress strategic relationships
- Significant autonomy to shape cultivation, solicitation and stewardship approaches
- Opportunity to contribute to long-term philanthropy strategy and pipeline growth
- Strong internal collaboration with fundraising operations, events and wider income teams
This role will suit someone with proven experience of securing major gifts, confidence making face-to-face asks, and the ability to balance hands-on fundraising with effective people management.
This is a rolling recruitment process, with the hiring manager reviewing CVs as they are received. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Please email Hannah at
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
We are seeking an experienced relationship driven Fundraiser to take ownership of a strategic role with real influence. You’ll own the philanthropy and major gifts portfolio — identifying, cultivating and stewarding high-net-worth individuals, high-value corporate partners and trusts & foundations — and shape a compelling case for support that unlocks multi-year funding and strategic partnerships.
In this new role you will close significant gifts, steward long-term relationships and see the measurable difference your work makes to patients and families.
This role is for you if:
- You’re motivated by securing high-value support and building long-term philanthropic relationships.
- You enjoy high-touch, strategic stewardship and personalised donor engagement.
- You’re confident working with senior leaders, trustees and external stakeholders in fundraising asks.
- You want to design and deliver a major-gifts strategy that shapes organisational growth.
- You seek a role where commercial awareness, relationship-building and impact reporting matter.
What you’ll be doing:
- Developing and owning a 3–5 year philanthropy and major gifts strategy aligned to our priorities and targets.
- Identifying, qualifying and cultivating major donor prospects, corporate partners and foundation opportunities.
- Delivering a stewardship programme for legacy giving.
- Preparing bespoke proposals, briefing materials and stewardship plans for high-value supporters.
- Leading solicitation and negotiation of major gifts, multi-year pledges and corporate partnership agreements.
- Working with a trusts & foundations fundraiser on applications, reporting and relationships to maximise grant income.
- Working with CEO/Board to involve senior leadership in cultivation and asks; coordinating donor visits and stewardship events.
- Maintaining CRM pipeline, forecasting, compliance with donor agreements and reporting on performance.
What we’re looking for:
- 3+ years’ experience with a proven track record in major gifts, philanthropy or senior fundraising.
- Exceptional relationship-building, presentation and negotiation skills with senior stakeholders.
- Experience writing successful trust/foundation proposals and managing grant relationships.
- Strong strategic thinking, pipeline management and financial forecasting abilities.
- Excellent written skills for proposals, reports and personalised stewardship communications.
- Discreet, professional approach to donor confidentiality and ethical fundraising practice.
Why join us?
- Influence service delivery directly by securing funding that expands and sustains Hospice care.
- Lead a strategic, high-profile fundraising area with visibility to senior leaders and trustees.
- Opportunity to build and shape a major-gifts programme and leave a lasting legacy.
- Flexible working and the chance to build meaningful relationships across our community and partner network.
Location: Hexham, hybrid working will be considered.
Hours: Full-time, with some weekend and out of hours working
Reports to: Head of Income Generation
Closing date: 9 March
Interviews: 16 March
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the role
We are looking for an excellent and experienced relationship fundraiser, who excels at identifying and building inspiring and genuine connections with high net-worth individual donors, who have the capacity to give six- and seven- figure gifts.
This role requires a motivated, creative and confident individual, who thrives on getting out and about and meeting with supporters. The role will help shape the Business Development and Philanthropy Team’s plans to deliver outstanding donor engagement and stewardship so that our donors are inspired and proud to support us and enjoy their philanthropic giving experience. This role will make a vital contribution to delivering a step change in our philanthropic income growth to support Practical Action’s strategic ambition and mission.
About you
We are seeking a motivated, creative and confident individual, who thrives on getting out and about and meeting with supporters. You will have at least 5 years’ experience of securing gifts from high net-worth individuals making gifts privately or through family trusts, donor advised funds and corporations.
Accountabilities
- Lead the process of identifying and cultivating individual donor prospects (UK and international) capable of giving six- and seven- figure gifts, fully understanding their funding preferences, criteria and fit with Practical Action.
- Steward a portfolio of loyal and high-quality donors, giving five and six figure annual gifts and ensure our donors receive exceptional stewardship, feel valued for their support and become advocates of Practical Action to their friends, family and networks.
- Work with autonomy and represent Practical Action at one-to-one meetings and networking events with high net-worth individuals.
- Work with senior colleagues and the Board of Trustees to identify prospects, build relationships and secure gifts from high net-worth individuals.
- Distil complex information and messaging into powerful, emotive and high-quality tailored communications (including pitches, cases for support, bespoke proposals and donor reports) that demonstrate impact and inspire giving by individual donors and family trusts.
Person Specification
To be successful in the role, the ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:
- Significant fundraising experience (5 years+) of securing gifts from high net-worth individuals making gifts privately, or through family trusts, donor advised funds and corporations.
- Excellent knowledge about philanthropy sector developments, trends and key philanthropic organisations and networks in the UK and internationally.
- A strong and proven track record of building new prospect pipelines and of managing a portfolio of donors, including demonstrable experience of securing six- and seven-figure gifts.
- An experienced and confident networker with a proven ability to build and maintain a diverse group of contacts, at all levels, both internally and externally, and represent Practical Action to inspire, secure commitment and support.
- Knowledge of data protection principles, legal requirements, and ethical fundraising practice is essential.
Skills, Abilities and Competencies:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to summarise and distil complex issues in an inspiring way.
- Ability and confidence to influence and manage successful internal relationships including writing reports and donor meeting briefings for senior colleagues.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment, ensuring our donors receive excellent stewardship throughout their relationship with Practical Action.
- Strong project management skills to lead approaches backed up by an appropriate level of research and analysis.
- Enthusiasm and willingness to trial, learn and adapt — whether building on existing major giving experience or trialling new ideas and approaches to reach new donors audiences, for example next generation or diaspora giving.
- You will contribute to a culture of kindness, collaboration, rigour and accountability.
- Effective and positive team-player with a strong preference for collaboration
- Strong administrative, time-management, IT and numeracy skills.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Why join us?
The opportunity to work for an organisation that is making a positive difference to the lives of people worldwide, a friendly and supportive culture, and working with values-driven and highly engaged colleagues are just some of the reasons we think Practical Action is a great place to work.
This role will be based in the UK.
The successful applicant must have the pre-existing right to both live and work in the UK. The successful candidate will be expected to attend the Rugby office on regular occasions.
Additional information
Practical Action believes that having a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture based on respect will enable us to be an effective organisation. We seek to create an inclusive workplace in which people are accepted as individuals, regardless of their differences and where they feel their contribution is valued. Practical Action is an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications from under-represented groups.
We stay committed to cultivating an inclusive and diverse working environment and believe that people from different backgrounds or cultures give us different perspectives, and the more perspectives we have, the more successful we will be. By building a culture where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued we give everyone working with us the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Practical Action is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults and as such candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal checks and terrorist financing.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 1st March 2026. Please note that should we recruit a suitable candidate before the closing date, we will close applications earlier than the specified date.
Interviews: It is anticipated that first round online interviews will take place week of 9th March and final interviews will take place in person at our Rugby office week commencing 16th March 2026.
If you do not hear from us within five weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.
HOW TO APPLY
If you want to work for a charity with significant people ambitions, then we would like to hear from you. For more information, please visit our careers page. To apply please submit a copy of your CV (A MAXIMIUM OF 2 PAGES) and send us a supporting statement that includes the answers to the following question:
1.Why are you an excellent candidate for the Philanthropy Executive role at Practical Action, please provide examples from your career to evidence your answer?
Our vision is for a world that works better for everyone. We believe where there’s action, there’s hope.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about bringing art to everyone? Do you believe in the power of digital to engage people with the arts? We’re looking for an enthusiastic Philanthropy Manager to join our friendly and dedicated team.
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries, particularly individuals who experience physical, mental or social barriers to accessing the arts.
About Art UK
Art UK is an art education charity and the online home for every public collection of art in the United Kingdom. It is making the UK’s national collection of art accessible to everyone online – for enjoyment, learning and research. Art UK brings together art from almost 3,500 British institutions in one of the UK's largest ever arts partnerships and showcases this art to a global audience of 5.5m users per annum. Approaching 60% of this audience is overseas.
Art UK provides significant support to museums and galleries in the UK, by providing them with a shared digital platform to showcase their art collections, reach new audiences, and generate income. Most of these collections would not be able to show their art online without Art UK. The Art UK platform is rich in story content, learning resources for teachers and students, and public engagement opportunities. A shared e-commerce infrastructure helps collections generate much needed commercial income.
About You
As the Philanthropy Manager, you will be a confident and persuasive communicator, comfortable engaging with supporters and stakeholders at all levels. You will have a solid knowledge of philanthropic giving and a deep appreciation of the value of high-quality donor stewardship. Highly organised and detail-focused, you will enjoy working with data and be skilled at producing compelling content both on and offline. You will bring initiative, creativity and the ability to work independently, while also being a collaborative team player.
The Philanthropy Manager is a new donor-facing role, which will focus on expanding and strengthening a major donor portfolio to increase five and six figure income from individual donors and family trusts for Art UK. You will lead on managing and growing Art UK’s philanthropic giving programme, which includes the Patrons and supporter events programme and our major donor activity. Working within an ambitious team, you will have the support of a freelance Prospect Researcher to identify new prospects, and the Development Manager and CRM Officer to develop donor journeys and relationship management systems. You will report to the Head of Development, work closely with the CEO and Chair of the Philanthropy Board, and collaborate with colleagues across the organisation.
You will actively promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of your work, reflecting your commitment to our organisational values and contributing to a positive workplace culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain a robust prospect pipeline through identification, research, cultivation and relationship-building to secure five-figure gifts and long-term support
- Manage a portfolio of mid-level individual donors, converting one-off supporters into deeper donor relationships
- Manage and grow Art UK’s mid-level regular giving programme, strengthening donor relationships through face-to face meetings, events and personalised communication
- Develop donor development strategies, using CRM to analysis and identify higher gift prospects from existing donor pool and maximise giving potential
- Lead on major gifts for annual Big Give campaigns, identifying and securing keystone pledge donors, and leveraging networks to reach giving targets
- Create and implement, effectively and in a timely manner, development plans for each donor to retain and upgrade donors and document all activities in CRM Beacon
- Prepare and personalise correspondence and fundraising materials, including donor stewardship and reports, funding proposals and acknowledgement letters as appropriate
- Work closely with the Marketing team and other colleagues to showcase Art UK’s work and enhance donor engagement
- Organise and deliver events for major donors and prospects (with support from the Development team), including attending events where appropriate
- Support management of the American Friends of Art UK (launching 2026), including donor stewarding and events programming
- Support senior leadership and board members in the preparation and delivery of high-quality donor pitches to secure new philanthropic gifts
- Monitor progress against targets and maintain accurate reporting, including updates to Art UK’s Board of Trustees and the Philanthropy Board
- Ensure pledges and donations are processed efficiently and that donors are thanked promptly and personally
- Work closely with all members of the Development team to ensure prospecting and cultivation activity is aligned and complementary
- Ensure all philanthropic fundraising activity is conducted in line with legal, regulatory and ethical best practice e.g. GDPR and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Code of Practice
Necessary Skills
- Essential: Experience managing a pipeline of philanthropic supporter prospects, including researching and devising bespoke cultivation plans
- Essential: Proven experience as a major donor fundraiser with a track record of securing five-figure gifts.
- Essential: Proven experience creating, implementing and evaluating philanthropic fundraising strategies
- Essential: Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify and shape innovative partnership opportunities
- Essential: Outstanding relationship-building and networking skills, including digital engagement
- Essential: In-depth understanding of the philanthropic fundraising environment
- Essential: First-class written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage with a wide range of stakeholders
- Essential: Experience analysing and using supporter data to inform campaigns
- Essential: Strong copywriting, proofing and editing skills
- Essential: Experience using CRM databases with a high level of accuracy
- Essential: Thorough knowledge of fundraising best practice and legislation
- Essential: Self-motivated, reliable and exceptionally organized
- Desirable: Experience planning and managing fundraising events
- Desirable: Experience in donor acquisition through online giving platforms, direct marketing by email and social media campaigns
- Desirable: Active interest in the visual arts and awareness of UK art collections
- Desirable: Experience working with a diverse range of audiences
- Desirable: Experience working on projects with a broad range of partners
- Desirable: Experience of US fundraising and philanthropic giving
Contract terms
- Full-time
- Permanent contract
- Salary £38,000 per annum
- Three-month probationary period
- One-month termination clause
- Work from home, within 2-hour travel time to central London (once monthly travel to London for evening events and meetings required)
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus regional Bank Holidays
- Paid Christmas closure period (Christmas Day to New Year’s Day)
- Flexible working hours
- Workplace pension scheme
- Training and development opportunities
- Mental health and wellbeing support
- Above statutory paid sick leave
- Enhanced paid parental leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Monthly wellbeing hour
- Trained Mental Health First Aider’s
- Regular staff socials, both virtual and in-person
- Eye tests paid for up to £35, glasses subsidised up to £30
Art UK is a charity – the online home for the UK's public art collections
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.