Senior trusts and major donor fundraiser jobs

About us

Greyhound Rescue Wales (GRW) is Wales’ leading charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming greyhounds and lurchers. Founded in 1993, we have spent more than three decades championing the welfare of sighthounds and working towards our vision: a Wales without greyhound racing, where every greyhound and lurcher has a home and receives the best possible care.

In April 2026, after 25 years of determined campaigning to improve welfare and regulation within the racing industry, legislation to ban greyhound racing in Wales was finally passed. This landmark achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter for GRW as we expand our reach and capacity across the UK to ensure every greyhound leaving the racing industry has a rescue space, medical support and rehabilitation on the journey towards their forever home.

To help us grow sustainably and strengthen our long‑term impact, we are now seeking to develop our fundraising team with the creation of a Head of Fundraising role. You will lead and work closely with the Trusts & Foundations Officer, Sponsorship & Individual Giving Officer and Community & Events Fundraiser to deliver an annual income target of £400K+.

Role

The Head of Fundraising is a senior leadership role with overall accountability for the strategic development, operational effectiveness and performance of all fundraising activity at Greyhound Rescue Wales (GRW).

The role will drive, lead and grow our fundraising strategy and has responsibility for developing diverse, sustainable income streams and building strong relationships with supporters, partners, and funders.

The role holds end‑to‑end accountability for income delivery across trusts and foundations, community and event fundraising, and sponsorship and individual giving.

The Head of Fundraising provides clear leadership to the fundraising team and has line management responsibility for:

• Trusts and Foundations Officer
• Community and Events Fundraising Officer
• Sponsorship & Individual Giving Officer

Please see attached the full job description and person specification

Job Advert: Philanthropy Manager

Contract: Full time, 12 month Fixed Term Contract

Salary: £40,517.92 - 47,377.25

Closing Date: 18th August 2026

Interviews will be held w/c: 1st September 2026

Centrepoint, the UK's leading youth homelessness charity, is looking for a Philanthropy Manager based in London to join our Fundraising Team.

About us

Centrepoint is the UK's leading youth homelessness charity. We help vulnerable young people by giving them the practical and emotional support they need to find a job and live independently. We provide homeless young people with accommodation, mental health support and life skills in order to get them back into education, training and employment. We want to end youth homelessness by 2037.

Together with our partners, we support over 16,000 young people each year.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join Centrepoint's ambitious and growing Philanthropy team at a pivotal time. Over recent years, our high value fundraising programme has delivered significant income growth, and we are now looking for an experienced fundraiser to help drive the next stage of our development.

As Philanthropy Manager, your primary focus will be on acquiring new major donors and building a strong pipeline of high-net-worth individuals capable of making transformational gifts. You'll identify, research and engage prospective supporters, developing meaningful relationships and compelling opportunities that inspire five and six-figure donations.

Working closely with the Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will help grow Centrepoint's major donor programme by securing new philanthropic income and developing long-term partnerships with supporters who share our ambition to end youth homelessness.

This is a highly externally-facing role, ideal for someone who enjoys networking, building relationships, making funding asks and creating opportunities that lead to major gifts. If you're motivated by securing new donors and generating impactful income, we'd love to hear from you.

What you will be doing

• Identify, research and engage high-net-worth individuals to build a strong pipeline of prospective major donors
• Develop and implement cultivation strategies that convert prospects into long-term philanthropic supporters
• Secure five and six-figure gifts from new and existing donors to achieve ambitious income targets
• Build and manage a portfolio of major donor prospects and supporters
• Develop compelling cases for support, tailored funding proposals and donor presentations
• Represent Centrepoint at networking events, cultivation events and donor meetings
• Work closely with service delivery colleagues to identify funding opportunities and communicate the impact of Centrepoint's work
• Collaborate with colleagues across Individual Giving, Trusts & Statutory, Corporate Partnerships and Events to identify and transition major donor prospects
• Maintain accurate prospect and donor records on Raiser's Edge and use data to inform fundraising activity
• Support the Senior Philanthropy Manager with pipeline management, forecasting, reporting and team planning
• Live Centrepoint's values, demonstrating Energy, Accountability, Focus, Integrity, Humility and Entrepreneurship

This role is offered on a hybrid basis, combining home working with a requirement to be in our London office (Aldgate East) for 5 days per fortnight.

What we're looking for

We are looking for a relationship-focused fundraiser with a strong track record of securing major gifts and generating new business.

You will have:

• Experience securing five-figure gifts, ideally from high-net-worth individuals
• Experience developing major donor pipelines and generating new business opportunities
• Knowledge and experience of the major donor fundraising cycle, from identification through to solicitation and stewardship
• Excellent relationship-building, networking and influencing skills
• Confidence in conducting face-to-face donor meetings and making funding asks
• Strong written communication skills, including experience producing high-quality funding proposals
• Excellent presentation and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Knowledge of fundraising compliance and best practice
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to Centrepoint's mission to end youth homelessness

Why join Centrepoint?

In return for your efforts, you'll receive a competitive salary, excellent training and development, and a host of staff benefits including:

• 25 days of annual leave per year, rising by one day per year to a maximum of 27 days
• Healthcare cash plan (covering a wide range of medical treatments including dental, optical and complementary therapies)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Income Protection
• Employer pension contributions of 5%
• Access to Cycle to Work loan scheme
• An interest-free travel loan

At Centrepoint we challenge the discrimination within society that contributes to youth homelessness, and we are just as committed to fairness and equality within Centrepoint itself. We are passionate about ensuring all of our colleagues are made to feel included in the work we do and that we value the rich diversity within the organisation.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, belief in any religion and none, gender identity, ethnic origin, class, sexuality, nationality, appearance, unrelated criminal activities, disability, responsibility for dependents, part-time or shift working status, HIV status, lived experience of homelessness or using young people's services, and any other characteristic protected by law.

Centrepoint's policy is to recruit, employ and promote people based on their suitability for the work to be performed, ensuring all applicants, employees and volunteers receive equal treatment.

Don't miss this opportunity to help secure transformational funding that will change the lives of young people experiencing homelessness. Click 'Apply' now!

Application deadline: Sunday 30th August 2026, 23:59.

Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 4th September 2026, with an additional interview date on Tuesday 8 September 2026 if required.

Job Summary

As our Corporate and Community Partnerships Fundraiser, you will build meaningful relationships with businesses, community organisations and local people across Bristol, generating sustainable income and long-term support through corporates, community fundraising and events.

You will secure long-term, mutually beneficial income from the corporate sector across a range of disciplines and formats, including long-term partnerships, Charity of the Year, cause-related marketing and sponsorship. You will develop and secure new partnerships with Bristol's businesses, while nurturing and account managing existing partnerships.

Alongside this, you will grow support within the local community by developing relationships with organisations such as clubs, schools and faith groups. You will also encourage individuals, groups and organisations to support Caring in Bristol through community fundraising initiatives and events.

You will be responsible for researching key prospective sectors, companies and organisations, sector activities and the business marketplace, to compile lists of key targets, as agreed with the Public Fundraising Manager.  You will develop and manage an ongoing pipeline of prospects, that have a clearly defined target outcome and value.

Key responsibilities

Corporate Partnerships

· Alongside the Public Fundraising Manager develop and manage Caring in Bristol’s approach to corporate fundraising, delivering the agreed targeted income 

· Manage a portfolio of existing corporate partners, providing exceptional supporter care and delivering successful partnerships

· Research, approach and develop new corporate partnership opportunities, managing a pipeline of corporate fundraising activity including charity of the year partnerships, staff fundraising payroll giving and business donations for example

· Provide written reports to corporate partners as required

· Develop new streams of income derived from businesses such as cause related marketing, sponsorship, and events

· Support in the development of an alternative ask such as pro bono support and skills-based volunteering

· Work closely with the Public Fundraising Manager and the Senior Communications Lead to maximise the effectiveness of engagement and stewardship in supporting the development of existing and prospective relationships

· Develop, write and present persuasive and innovative proposals in conjunction with colleagues

· Confidently present the key messages of Caring in Bristol when required, and encourage support via a variety of media including informal conversations, networking, presentations, written literature and website copy.

Community Organisations

· Alongside the Public Fundraising Manager, develop and manage Caring in Bristol’s approach to working with community organisations, delivering the targeted income

· Manage a portfolio of existing community partners, providing exceptional supporter care and delivering successful partnerships

· Research, approach and develop new community partnership opportunities, managing a pipeline of corporate fundraising activity

· Develop a clear and defined schools’ proposition to enable engagement, especially around the Christmas Appeal each year

· Develop an approach to working with faith-based organisations such as churches, congregations, fellowships and other faith-based groups

Administration

· Ensure the Donorfy database is kept up to date and accurate

· Manage and maintain core social media channels, working with project leads and frontline staff and the income generation team to ensure news and events are communicated effectively and regularly, and engaging with stakeholders online

· Manage and provide recognition both online and in print for supporters and partners where appropriate

Other Responsibilities

· From time to time, support other fundraising income streams and activities across the Fundraising Team, in line with the needs of the charity.

· Alongside your income generation colleagues, to take responsibility for ensuring our office environment is a healthy, positive and professional space to work

· To line manage volunteers as appropriate

· To follow organisational policies and procedures and observe the Code of Conduct

· To actively participate in and attend supervisions, annual appraisal processes and identified training

· Working alongside the Senior Communications Lead and Fundraising Assistant to organise the daily social media management, making sure there is consistent and creative content on each of our channels, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok, LinkedIn and YouTube

Personal Specification

We expect you to meet most of these criteria. However, we don’t expect you to meet every point and welcome applicants with transferrable skills and an ability to apply themselves in a new context.

Essential

· Proven experience securing fundraising income. Experience in corporate partnerships, community fundraising or events is preferred, although experience in other fundraising disciplines (such as trusts and foundations, major donors or individual giving) will also be considered.

· Excellent relationship and account management, networking and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire audiences and build and maintain strong partnerships.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write compelling fundraising proposals and deliver persuasive presentations.

· Ability to tailor your communications to a wide range of businesses, community organisations and individuals across a variety of formats and channels (phone, email, in person, public speaking, presentations, meetings).

· Ability to identify and develop creative fundraising opportunities that maximise income and supporter engagement.

· Strong research and prospecting skills, with the ability to identify and prioritise new opportunities.

· Good organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage a variety of tasks and workload and the ability to monitor opportunities arising.

· Excellent IT, numeracy and analytical skills.

Desirable

· Proven experience in a relevant business, not-for-profit, social enterprises/start-ups or charity setting with a proven track record of securing income or partnerships from corporates and/or community and events.

· Experience developing bespoke sponsorship, partnership or fundraising proposals and solutions for businesses and community groups.

· A solid understanding of modern fundraising techniques, including digital engagement and interaction.

· Experience and/or knowledge of CRM systems, preferably Donorfy.

· Knowledge of Fundraising Regulations and best practice, Data Protection and GDPR.

· Experience of managing a budget.

· Experience of working with volunteers.

Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager

The Harlequins Foundation | £45,000 | Twickenham Stoop | Full time, permanent

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Harlequins Foundation to recruit their new Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager.

The Harlequins Foundation is entering an exciting phase of growth and ambition. This newly created senior role offers the opportunity to shape and lead fundraising strategy for a well-respected sports charity that uses the power of rugby to improve lives, develop essential skills and create lasting social impact across communities.

About the charity

The Harlequins Foundation is the charitable arm of Harlequins Rugby Club, delivering programmes that help young people and communities develop the essential skills needed to thrive both on and off the pitch. Established in 2015, the Foundation works across three key areas: wellbeing, education and employability, and inclusion, creating opportunities that remove barriers and improve outcomes for people of all backgrounds

Leveraging warm connections and using our regular events and fixtures to engage potential donors, you'll work closely with the Foundation Director to develop our fundraising strategy, establish pipelines and targets, and deliver income growth from the ground up.

About the role

As Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager, you will play a pivotal role in building and growing key income streams, including Individual Giving, Major Donors, and Trusts & Foundations, while helping to shape the future of the Foundation's fundraising capability and supporter engagement strategy.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors and high-net-worth individuals
• Working closely with trustees to open up their networks
• Building the trusts and grants programme; prospecting, applications, and funder reporting
• Developing the Foundation's case for support and oversee how it's communicated across campaigns and channels
• Putting in place the data, systems and insight needed to run fundraising properly
• Sitting as a senior member of the Foundation team, with input into wider strategy

About you

We'd love to hear from you if you can demonstrate:

• Proven success in senior fundraising
• Experience across major donors, trusts and/or individual giving
• Excellent relationship-building skills
• Strategic thinking with strong delivery capability
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills
• A proactive, entrepreneurial approach and comfort working in evolving environments.
• Excellent storytelling skills and the ability to communicate impact effectively.

Why Join the Harlequins Foundation?

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a charity with a powerful platform, strong heritage and ambitious plans for growth. You will have the chance to build meaningful supporter relationships, create sustainable income streams and contribute directly to programmes that transform lives across communities.

The Foundation values innovation, inclusion, collaboration and impact, and is committed to creating opportunities for everyone to succeed.

If you're a strong relationship fundraiser with a passion for changing the outcomes of young peoples' lives, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed, and creating social value that has a positive impact on individuals as well as society, then this is the perfect next step for you.

How to Apply

Please send your up-to-date CV and a cover letter (1 page max.) addressing why you are interested in the role and how you fit the job description to Philippa at Charity People.

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, so please apply early to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Senior Fundraising & Engagement Manager

Salary: £45,000
Location: Twickenham, London (hybrid working: four days office-based, one day remote)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About Harlequins Foundation

Harlequins Foundation uses the power of sport to improve the lives of people across communities. Working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, the Foundation delivers programmes that promote physical wellbeing, mental health, education, inclusion and personal development. Through its work, the Foundation creates positive opportunities, tackles inequalities and helps people reach their full potential. 

As the Foundation continues to grow its reach and impact, this is an exciting opportunity to join at a pivotal stage and help shape the future of fundraising and supporter engagement.

About the Role

This is a senior fundraising leadership role with the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future sustainability of the Foundation. Reporting to the Head of Foundation, you will lead the development and delivery of an ambitious income generation and supporter engagement strategy, driving growth across Individual Giving, Major Donors and Trusts & Foundations. 

Many of these income streams are still developing, making this an ideal opportunity for an entrepreneurial fundraiser who enjoys building new opportunities, shaping strategy and delivering sustainable growth. You will play a key role in developing long-term supporter relationships, strengthening the Foundation's fundraising infrastructure and increasing engagement with donors, ambassadors and stakeholders.

This role would suit an accomplished relationship-builder who combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and is passionate about creating meaningful supporter experiences that drive long-term impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the Foundation's fundraising and engagement strategy. 
• Build and grow income streams across Individual Giving, Major Donors and Trusts & Foundations. 
• Develop fundraising pipelines, targets and performance frameworks to support sustainable income growth. 
• Cultivate, solicit and steward major donors and high-net-worth supporters. 
• Develop tailored engagement plans and exceptional supporter journeys to maximise donor retention and giving. 
• Lead and oversee trust and foundation fundraising, including funding applications, reporting and funder stewardship. 
• Provide strategic oversight of marketing and communications activity, ensuring alignment with fundraising objectives.
• Strengthen the Foundation's case for support and develop compelling fundraising communications and storytelling.
• Build and engage a network of ambassadors to expand awareness, advocacy and supporter engagement. 
• Use data, insight and technology to improve fundraising performance and supporter engagement. 
• Explore innovative approaches, including digital tools and AI, to enhance fundraising effectiveness. 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, trustees and external stakeholders to maximise fundraising opportunities. 

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior fundraising role with a track record of delivering income growth. 
• Strong experience in one or more of the following areas: Major Donors, Individual Giving, Trusts & Foundations or high-value fundraising.
• Experience developing or scaling fundraising functions within a growing organisation. 
• Excellent relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Strong understanding of supporter stewardship and fundraising best practice. 
• A strategic mindset with the ability to translate ambition into delivery. 
• Outstanding communication and storytelling skills. 
• Entrepreneurial, proactive and comfortable working in an evolving environment. 
• Data-driven with strong analytical and decision-making abilities.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

The Harlequinns Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital staus or pregnancy and maternity.

Salary: £47,000 - £49, 637
Contract: Fixed-term maternity cover - 6 months intially
Location: London – Hybrid working (1-2 days p/w in office)
Closing date: 28^th July 2026
Benefits: Excellent benefits package including flexible and hybrid working, generous annual leave, pension scheme and opportunities for professional development.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced trusts fundraiser to join Historic Royal Palaces as their Trusts Manager. This team is composed of incredibly talented fundraisers and you will have the opportunity to work on several seven-figure funders and line manage one person. Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships, you will play a pivotal role in securing significant income from trusts and foundations to support the charity's ambitious work caring for some of the UK's most iconic historic sites.
Managing a portfolio of UK, US and international trusts and foundations, you will identify and cultivate new prospects, develop compelling cases for support, and build meaningful  relationships with funders.
This role would suit a proactive, creative and relationship-focused fundraiser who enjoys translating complex projects into inspiring funding opportunities and is passionate about delivering outstanding donor experiences
To be successful as the Trusts Manager you will need:

• Strong experience of building relationships with Trusts and Foundations and a proven track record of securing major gifts, including six-figure grants.
• Outstanding relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively with donors, senior volunteers and colleagues across an organisation.
• Excellent written communication skills, with experience of developing compelling cases for support, funding applications and donor reports.

If you would like to discuss this role with us, please contact us and quote reference 3034AJ
Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency. We use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs. We are passionate about improving equality across the sector; you can read more about our commitment to diversity here: https://www.ashbyjenkinsrecruitment.co.uk/our-commitment-to-diversity/
We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you as the leading charity recruitment agency. If enough applications are received, the charity reserves the right to end the application period sooner.
 

Help build a future where our ocean and sea turtles thrive

The Olive Ridley Project is a UK-registered international conservation charity dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their habitats through rescue & conservation medicine, scientific research, education & community engagement.

Since our founding in 2013, we've grown into a leading voice for sea turtle conservation, delivering programmes across the Maldives, Kenya, Oman, Pakistan, and the Seychelles. We operate one of the largest sea turtle photo-identification databases in the Indian Ocean, provide specialist veterinary care to injured sea turtles at three clinical facilities in the Maldives, and work with governments, communities, and businesses to create lasting conservation impact.

As we enter an exciting new phase, we're looking for an experienced fundraiser to help strengthen and diversify our income so we can achieve even more.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious fundraiser who is ready to take the next step in their career.

You may already be working as a Senior Fundraising Manager, or perhaps you're an experienced Corporate Partnerships, Trusts or Major Donor fundraiser looking for your first broader fundraising leadership role.

Working closely with our CEO, you'll help deliver our fundraising strategy while remaining hands-on in securing income from corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and major donors. A particular focus will be developing our corporate partnerships programme and building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with businesses.

As our fundraising function continues to grow, you'll have genuine opportunities to shape our approach, influence strategic decisions, and expand your own responsibilities.

About you

We're looking for someone who is ambitious, proactive, and passionate about building meaningful relationships.

You'll bring:

• A successful track record of securing significant income through one or more fundraising disciplines.
• Experience developing corporate partnerships and/or securing funding from trusts, foundations, or major donors.
• Excellent relationship management, communication, and proposal writing skills.
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and supporters.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work independently in a fully remote team.
• A desire to develop professionally while making a meaningful contribution to an ambitious conservation charity.

Why join us?

This is a chance to play a key role in an ambitious international charity where your work will directly support the protection of threatened sea turtles and their ocean habitats.

You'll join a passionate, collaborative international team and have the opportunity to help shape the future of fundraising within a growing organisation.

We offer

• Salary up to £38,000 per annum depending on experience.
• Fully remote working within the UK.
• Flexible working arrangements, 37.5 hours per week.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Employer pension contribution.
• Opportunities for occasional UK and international travel.
• A supportive international team committed to making a lasting conservation impact.
• The opportunity to help protect threatened sea turtles and the marine ecosystems they depend on.

For full details about the role, responsibilities, benefits, and recruitment process, please read the Candidate Information Pack before applying.

This post is subject to a standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The Olive Ridley Project is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

ThinkForward is recruiting an Director of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships to help lead our team delivering our unique programme supporting young people into further education and employment. 

About the Role

Our Director of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships is a pivotal executive leadership role, that will transform income generation into a partnership-led growth engine for ThinkForward.

Purpose: To lead and embed a strategic partnership ecosystem that delivers sustainable, diversified income growth; access to commissioned and place-based funding; scalable delivery routes; and increased influence in policy
and practice. The post holder will personally originate, shape and close major funding and partnership opportunities with senior stakeholders.

Strategic Focus: Act as executive relationship lead for government, local authorities, commissioners and major stakeholders; increase access to public-sector funding, commissioning and multiyear partnership agreements; diversify income across statutory, corporate and trusts and foundations funding streams; turn system-level partnerships into delivery settings, national reach and more young people supported.

Why it Matters: The role enables ThinkForward to move from transactional partnerships to system-level influence and secure a share of £1bn+ public funding flows linked to youth outcomes.

What We're Looking For

Experience: Senior leadership in fundraising, partnerships or public-sector engagement; securing six- and seven-figure multi-year partnerships; Board-level influence across public, private and voluntary sectors.

Executive Capability: Exceptional relationship-building, commercial thinking and the ability to shape complex funding propositions in political, policy and commissioning environments.

Leadership: Able to lead high-performing teams, build pipeline and CRM discipline, and balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

Knowledge and Attributes: Understands public-sector commissioning, place-based funding and the charity funding landscape; outward-facing, entrepreneurial, values-driven, collaborative and systems-oriented.

Application Details

Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £75,000PA
Location: London/Hybrid

For more information about ThinkForward and the role you could play as our Director of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships, please download the attached job specification. 

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter (maximum two pages) either via Charityjob. Your covering letter should tell us why you're interested in the role and how your skills and experience match the person specification outlined in the job description.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Thames Valley Air Ambulance

The role: Philanthropy Manager (Major Gifts)

Location: We offer a well‑established hybrid working pattern, with at least two days each week spent at HQ to stay connected and collaborate.

Salary:  £38,900 - £43,561
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About us

Thames Valley Air Ambulance exists to give everybody within our community the best chance of surviving and recovering from an emergency. We are here for you and your loved ones. In Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. Whoever you are. Wherever and whenever you need us.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking an exceptional major donor fundraising professional to lead and grow our high-value giving programme. This is a senior, strategic, and hands-on role focused on developing meaningful, long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and securing transformational income to support our lifesaving work.

At Thames Valley Air Ambulance, we’re committed to giving everyone in our community the best chance when the worst happens. Every day, we’re called to life-threatening emergencies across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. But we can’t do it without the generosity of our supporters and that’s where you come in.

Your role

As the Philanthropy Manager you will lead our major gifts programme, taking ownership of key initiatives including our Chair’s Circle and Philanthropy Board. Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, you will shape strategy while personally driving significant income through strong relationships and compelling fundraising proposals

You’ll be responsible for:

• Managing a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and delivering significant income targets
• Personally securing five- and six-figure gifts through tailored cultivation, proposals, and stewardship
• Developing tailored cultivation and stewardship plans aligned to each supporter’s interests and motivations 
• Making complex, high-value funding asks, preparing compelling proposals and growing the Chair’s Circle and Philanthropy Board programmes
• Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including Trustees and the CEO
• Contributing to strategy, pipeline development, and identifying new funding opportunities
• Identifying new opportunities for restricted and unrestricted funding
• Ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations, GDPR, and internal policies
• Acting as an ambassador for Thames Valley Air Ambulance and ensuring compliance with fundraising best practice

About you

You are an experienced major donor fundraiser with a proven track record of securing five and six figure high-value gifts and managing senior relationships. You are strategic yet hands-on, with excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience in major donor or high-value fundraising with strong results
• Is confident engaging and influencing high-net-worth individuals and senior stakeholders
• Can balance strategic thinking with delivery of income targets
• Communicates effectively, both written and verbally, including proposal development
• Is proactive, organised, and able to manage competing priorities independently
• Brings a flexible and collaborative approach to work

Why join us?

At Thames Valley Air Ambulance, you’ll be part of a dynamic, compassionate, and forward-thinking organisation. We’re proud of our culture, collaborative, inclusive, and committed to personal development. We care deeply about the wellbeing of our team and offer flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

If this role sounds like it’s for you, we would love you to apply!

In return we offer a competitive salary and great staff benefits such as.

• 25 Days holiday / 267 Hours Holiday
• Hybrid Working (minimum 2 days in office)
• Holiday Trading
• Free annual Flu Vaccination
• Blue Light Card (Option to purchase)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Company Pension Scheme
• Simply Health – Medical cash back scheme
• Disability Confident Employer

Our values

We live by our values every day:

• We care no matter what – for our patients, their families, and each other.
• We go above and beyond– in the care we provide and the work we do.
• We do the right thing – in how we act and the decisions we make.
• Together we are TVAA – because together, we save lives.

Diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from candidates who feel underrepresented in the charity sector.

Safeguarding

We follow robust recruitment and safeguarding practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, and the people we support. Relevant checks (e.g. DBS) will be carried out where appropriate.

How to apply

To apply, please complete our online application form and tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity and how your experience aligns with the role. You must have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to offer sponsorship.

Vacancy Closing Date:  Friday 7th August 2026

This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly

Interviews will be held: w/c 17th August 2026

TVAA is a Disability Confident employer. We are committed to discussing and implementing adjustments to support you during your application process and beyond.

About Overcoming MS:

Every five minutes, someone, somewhere in the world is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). For many, those words are followed by fear, uncertainty and unanswered questions. Too often, people leave appointments without knowing how nutrition, exercise, stress management and other evidence-based lifestyle changes can play an important role alongside medical treatment.

Overcoming MS is the leading global charity dedicated to helping everyone with MS live well. We turn the best available evidence into practical support people can use every day. Together with our global community and healthcare professionals, we're working to make healthy lifestyle support part of everyday MS care.

We're entering an exciting new chapter. Over the next three years, we're investing in growing philanthropy to diversify income, build long-term sustainability and reach more people living with MS than ever before. This newly created role will play a pivotal part in making that ambition a reality.

Job summary:
As our Philanthropy Manager, you'll lead our trusts and foundations fundraising while building meaningful relationships with major donors who share our vision. Working closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications, CEO and Trustees, you'll help build and grow our philanthropy programme, securing significant gifts and developing long-term partnerships that enable more people living with MS to access trusted information, evidence-based lifestyle guidance and a supportive community.

This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious fundraiser who enjoys building something new. You'll have the freedom to shape a growing philanthropy programme, develop new opportunities and play a central role in delivering our fundraising strategy.

About you

You're an experienced relationship fundraiser with a successful track record in trusts and foundations and/or major donor fundraising.

You'll bring:

• A proven track record of securing significant five-figure gifts and grants, with experience developing or securing six-figure funding opportunities.
• Excellent proposal and bid writing skills.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management experience.
• Confidence working with philanthropists, senior decision-makers and trustees.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with delivering ambitious income targets.
• Excellent communication, organisation and influencing skills.

Most importantly, you'll share our belief that everyone living with MS deserves access to trusted information, practical support and hope for the future.

Key responsibilities and duties:
The role comprises of the following key areas of responsibility:

Trusts and Foundations

• Lead and develop our trusts and foundations fundraising programme.
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective charitable trusts and foundations.
• Research and identify new funding opportunities aligned to Overcoming MS' strategic priorities.
• Develop compelling funding applications, reports and proposals.
• Deliver excellent stewardship and timely reporting to existing funders.

Major Donors

• Develop and manage relationships with existing and prospective major donors.
• Work with the Director of Fundraising & Communications, CEO and Trustees to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospective philanthropists.
• Develop tailored cultivation and stewardship plans aligned to supporters' interests and motivations.
• Prepare personalised proposals, presentations and impact reports.
• Secure significant five-figure gifts while developing and progressing opportunities capable of generating transformational six-figure support.

Philanthropy development

• Research and identify opportunities to grow both restricted and unrestricted income.
• Develop compelling cases for support that communicate the impact and ambition of Overcoming MS.
• Collaborate with colleagues across fundraising, communications and services to translate our evidence, insight and organisational priorities into inspiring funding propositions.
• Contribute to philanthropy strategy, pipeline development, income forecasting and long-term fundraising growth.
• Maintain accurate fundraising records, prospect pipelines and reporting through our CRM system.
• Support donor cultivation events and opportunities to deepen supporter engagement.

Compliance and representation

• Act as an ambassador for Overcoming MS, building relationships that increase awareness and support for our work.
• Ensure fundraising activity complies with the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice, GDPR and organisational policies.
• Keep up to date with fundraising best practice and sector developments.

Person Specification

We're looking for someone who is excited by the opportunity to build, grow and shape a philanthropy programme that will help more people live well with MS.

Essential

• Proven experience securing significant five-figure gifts and grants from trusts and foundations and/or major donors, with experience developing or securing six-figure funding opportunities.
• An excellent track record of developing successful funding applications, compelling proposals and persuasive cases for support.
• Experience identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding high-value supporters.
• Outstanding written communication skills, with the ability to translate evidence and impact into compelling fundraising propositions.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with confidence engaging philanthropists, trustees and senior stakeholders.
• Experience managing fundraising pipelines and using CRM systems.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• A commitment to the mission and values of Overcoming MS.

Desirable

• Experience working within a health, disability or medical charity.
• Experience working with volunteer leaders, ambassadors or Boards.
• Experience using Dynamics 365 or a similar CRM system.
• An understanding of multiple sclerosis or an interest in evidence-based lifestyle approaches to long-term health.

This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties may evolve over time, and the post-holder may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks consistent with the level of the role. 

Why join us?

You'll join an ambitious, evidence-led charity with a global reach, where you'll have the opportunity to shape a growing philanthropy programme from the ground up.

We offer:

• Fully remote working within the UK.
• 28 days annual leave (FTE - pro rata for part-time) plus a day off for your birthday and bank holidays. 
• 5% pension scheme. 
• Genuine flexibility around how your 22.5 hours are worked across the week.
• Employee Assistance Programme. 
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• The opportunity to work closely with the CEO, Trustees and senior colleagues to build a sustainable philanthropy programme.
• The chance to make a lasting difference for people living with MS.

How to apply 

Please click on the ‘apply now’ button and send your CV and a covering letter.

In your covering letter, please let us know: 

• Your motivation for applying for the role.
• Your notice period. 
• Your current location.

Application timeline:

• Closing date: 9am on Thursday 13th August. 
• First round interviews: Tuesday 18th August online via Microsoft Teams.
• Second round interviews: TBC.

Please respond ASAP, as we will start screening candidates as soon as we receive applications. 

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

We want Overcoming MS to be a welcoming, inclusive and supportive place to work, where people feel valued and able to thrive. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities, particularly those currently underrepresented in the charity sector.

We know that people sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement listed. If this role feels like a good fit for you, we’d still encourage you to apply.

If you need reasonable adjustments or information in a different format during the recruitment process, please contact us.

The Talent Set are delighted to partner with a brilliant charity in their search for a newly created Senior Philanthropy Manager role.

Already generating 7-figures annually from HNWIs and trusts and foundations, the team has built a strong foundation and is now ready for the next phase of its growth. Taking a relationship-first approach, they are focused on building meaningful, long-term partnerships that deliver lasting impact and transformational support.

As Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will lead a blended portfolio of HNWIs and trusts and foundations, stewarding some of the charity's most significant relationships while developing new six and seven-figure opportunities. Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy, you'll have the chance to influence strategy, develop innovative funding propositions and help drive the continued growth of the programme.

This role would suit an ambitious and entrepreneurial fundraiser who is excited by the prospect of genuine ownership, enjoys leading from the front and is motivated by the opportunity to make a significant contribution to both the organisation's mission and the future success of its philanthropy programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Head of Philanthropy to develop and deliver a 3-year philanthropy strategy focused on continued income growth
• Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors, trusts and foundations building lasting relationships that deliver sustainable support
• Design thoughtful and engaging stewardship plans that inspire donors and strengthen long-term engagement
• Collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to create compelling proposals, impact reports and bespoke donor communications
• Undertake strategic prospect research to build a strong pipeline of opportunities and confidently lead cultivation and solicitation activity
• Spearhead the development of an exciting new philanthropic proposition with the potential to unlock increased unrestricted and flexible funding

Person Specification

• Experience in a philanthropy role with a relationship-first approach to major donors and/or trusts/foundations at the 6-figure+ level
• Demonstrable experience of successfully managing the full donor cycle, from prospect research and pipeline development, to cultivation, solicitation and long-term stewardship
• A natural relationship-builder, with excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Creativity, curiosity and commercial awareness, with a genuine passion for delivering outstanding donor experiences
• A self-starter who enjoys taking ownership, spotting opportunities and helping to shape the future of a growing programme

What’s on Offer

Salary: c. £55,000

Hybrid, London – 2 days a week

Full-time, permanent (open to a 0.8 working pattern or compressed hours)

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity

The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Senior Partnerships Officer

Do you have experience of successfully developing new major donor/client relationships or corporate partnerships, either in a charity or business environment? Are you confident in asking for and securing gifts or financial commitments?

If you do and have outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, then apply today and join a nature restoration charity, whose mission is to restore beavers to regenerate our landscapes.

Position: Senior Partnerships Officer

Location: Remote, resident in mainland Britain

Hours: Part-time; 3 days per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £29,403 per annum, pro rata

Closing Date: 9.00 am on Monday 24th August. We reserve the right to interview candidates and close the ad ahead of the closing date, should a strong candidate be identified.

Interview Date: Online interviews will be held on Monday 14th September. You will be asked to give a short presentation to the interview panel and may also be given a task to undertake prior to or during the interview.

About the Role

The Senior Partnerships Officer (SPO) will work closely with the Chief Executive (CEO) and Fundraising Lead (FL) to ensure the charity has sufficient funding to achieve its mission. This primarily involves developing new donor relationships and partnerships to grow fundraising income streams. The fundraising strategy focuses on high-value grants, gifts and partnerships. We recognise that the lines between major donors, corporate partners and family foundations are often blurred. Therefore, the charity have chosen not to silo work in this way and instead have created a new role focused on developing new relationships across all these income streams. The focus of the role is on ‘winning new business’ and will suit an entrepreneurial candidate with experience in business development, and/or building new corporate or philanthropic partnerships. 

Key areas of responsibility include:

• New business development - acquiring prospective donors and partners
• Solicit gifts
• Relationship management & stewardship
• Be part of the Beaver Trust fundraising team

About You

You will be entrepreneurial and a self-starter, driven to build a network of meaningful relationships with prospective donors and supporters. Able to work independently and make decisions with little supervision.

You will have:

• Excellent prospect research skills, and an understanding of the motivations of donors and how to use this insight to create persuasive propositions and deliver compelling pitches.
• Experience of successfully developing new major donor/client relationships or corporate partnerships, either in a charity or business environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and be able to interact confidently and persuasively in a range of settings with existing and prospective major donors and partners.
• Experience of representing an organisation’s interests and advocating for them.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to move donors, supporters and partner organisations along a donor journey, from initial contact and relationship building to soliciting a donation and ongoing stewardship.
• Knowledge of all relevant fundraising, data protection and other regulations.
• Resilience and be a problem solver, able to withstand negative reactions and find solutions.
• The ability to think strategically and translate ambitions into actionable plans and delivery.
• Highly competent IT skills, preferably Google Workplace, and high standards for visual content.

All shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Tuesday 1st September 2026. If you have not heard from us by this date, please accept our thanks for applying and assume that you were not shortlisted on this occasion.

About the Organisation

Join a nature restoration charity, restoring beavers to regenerate our landscapes. Our client’s team is small with a diverse skillset and extensive experience in beaver ecology and restoration, human-wildlife coexistence, and policy. They provide practical solutions to help people to co-exist with beavers and influence legislation in Scotland, Wales and at Westminster that rebuilds ecosystems, improves river health, and strengthens climate resilience in a time of ecological and climate crisis.

Benefits include:

• 25 days holiday, plus Christmas day through to New Year’s Day paid, plus 6 days of floating holidays.
• Flexible approach to hours of work.
• Travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses will be met by the trust in
• Pension contribution of 3% of your total pay each month
• One-off contributions toward the cost of an ergonomic office chair and toward purchases of essential devices (laptop, mouse and smartphone)
• Monthly home working allowance, plus an annual contribution toward the maintenance and/or replacement of the essential devices.

We are committed to inclusive recruitment and are happy to make reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in the environmental sector, including people of colour, disabled people, those from low-income backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities and all other protected characteristics

You may have experience in roles including Major Donor, Major Gifts, Corporate Partnerships, Major Donor Fundraiser, Major Gifts Fundraiser, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser, Corporate Partnerships Lead, Senior Corporate Partnerships Officer.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

ABOUT THE JOB

This is a Home-based role, with occasional travel to London and within our operating areas of Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Slough, Milton Keynes and Luton as required.

To make a full application, please send your CV & one side of A4 covering letter letting us know why you are interested in this position and provide information on any relevant experience that may assist your application. 

For the full job description & recruitment pack, please visit our website.

PURPOSE OF ROLE

Major donors and philanthropists are currently responsible for over a quarter of Caudwell Youth’s annual income – due in part to the generosity of the networks of our founder, John Caudwell.

As Caudwell Youth enters its fourth year, we are seeking a Senior Philanthropy and Corporate Partnerships manager to help us expand beyond our strong founder-led base into a sustainable major donor and corporate supporter portfolio.

Proactive and commercially-minded, you will be confident driving and developing all stages of the major donor and corporate supporter stewardship process. Confidence in engaging in new business research, prospecting, initial meetings and pitches is a must, as you will be responsible for growing our small pipeline of supporters and warm prospects into a long-term income stream.

This is essential to Caudwell Youth’s future sustainability, with corporate partnerships and major donor income currently making up 30% of Caudwell Youth’s annual fundraising income (forecast to be around £450,000 this year).

Our ambition is to increase this revenue stream by around 50% to over £800,000 by 2030, in order to support more at-risk young people from across the UK, as set out in our recently launched strategy, Going National.

This is a role for a self-starter who is excited to drive high value growth and be a key part of Caudwell Youth’s upward trajectory, working within a small but dynamic fundraising team. It offers significant opportunity to shape and lead this area of fundraising as it grows.

You will be an experienced fundraiser with a proven track record of securing major gifts of four, five and six figure gifts, familiarity with managing corporate partnerships and evidence of growing and developing new pipelines and revenue streams.

You will own a significant portion of this income stream, with responsibility for securing new high-value relationships and growing existing supporters.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Operating at a senior level within the fundraising team, this role will take the lead across Caudwell Youth’s philanthropic and corporate giving.

Working closely with the Fundraising Director to drive income growth and strategic development, your key duties will include:

MAJOR DONORS & PHILANTHROPISTS

You will manage a mixed portfolio of existing supporters and warm prospects, while building a pipeline of new high-value opportunities. To do this, you will:

• Take personal responsibility for securing, retaining and growing high-value (four, five and six figure) gifts and philanthropic partnerships, by engaging in detailed prospect research and building contacts with high-net-worth individuals and their intermediaries to create a pipeline of new opportunities.
• Provide a high-quality supporter stewardship experience to Caudwell Youth’s existing major donors and philanthropists and warm prospects, tailoring this to their wishes to create a unique journey for each donor which seeks to deepen their engagement with the charity. This may include:
• Personalised reporting
• Bespoke communications
• Face-to-face meetings and events
• Unique ways to be consulted on and engage with our work
• Opportunities to be recognised.
• Lead on the continued growth, development and stewardship of Caudwell Youth’s Oracles fundraising board in order to maximise its annual revenue.
• Support John Caudwell’s Charity Pioneer with the stewardship of existing and potential Life Changers Circle donors, including through hosting cultivation and network events.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS AND FUNDRAISING

• Develop our corporate support pipeline, seeking to strengthen connections with existing corporate donors. This will include developing partnerships typically in the £10,000 - £100,000+ range through CSR, fundraising and sponsorship opportunities which align with Caudwell Youth’s values.
• Work with major donors and philanthropists, colleagues across the charity, volunteers and other stakeholders and contacts to proactively identify new corporate fundraising opportunities for Caudwell Youth.
• Work on Charity of the Year applications, pitches and proposals in conjunction with the Senior Leadership Team and representatives from volunteering and operations as required.
• Act as an account manager and first point of contact for corporate supporters of Caudwell Youth, coming up with tailored programmes of supporter engagement to maximise their fundraising, increase connection with our cause and engage them in strategic multi-year support partnerships.
• Supported by our Supporter Engagement Coordinator, encourage our corporate donors, major donors and philanthropists to meaningfully engage with our challenge fundraising programme.
• Review our existing Torchrunners model as a means of engaging corporate supporters as a group.

ACROSS THE FUNDRAISING TEAM

• Promote other ways to support Caudwell Youth, including gifts in wills, payroll giving, help in kind, challenge fundraising, charity-wide appeals and campaigns, events and digital content to your network of major donors, philanthropists and corporate supporters as appropriate.
• Work in partnership with the Grants and Impact Lead to develop applications and reporting for family philanthropic trusts where required.
• Work effectively as part of the fundraising team, together seeking ways to enhance and strengthen each others’ activities and diversify our revenue streams as required, including in relation to systems, policies, supporter engagement communications and fundraising events.
• Attend team meetings, personal work reviews and relevant meetings proactively and as a contributor.
• Deputise for your line manager as required in their absence, with support from the rest of the SLT.

ACROSS CAUDWELL YOUTH AND EXTERNALLY

• Work with Caudwell Youth’s operations and volunteering teams to create bespoke and sustainable opportunities for major donors, philanthropists and corporate supporters to engage in our work, while ensuring the needs of the at-risk young people that we support are always put first.
• Collaborate with our communications team to develop compelling copy and content which promotes our corporate fundraising offering and major donor support as required.
• Develop strong collaborative working with the wider teams to maximise income generation, and promote good communication and shared focus

ADMINISTRATION

• Use our CRM database, Beacon, to ensure all activity is properly captured, manage your pipelines, forecast income, track trends and data.
• Provide timely reports internally on performance, informing budget setting and subsequent reforecasts as required

GENERAL

• Behave and communicate in a way that is courteous and professional at all times, including representing the charity professionally to anyone you come into contact with and role modelling appropriate behaviour to colleagues.
• Express and promote equal opportunities and encourage inclusion and involvement.
• Ensure your work is aligned with the vision, mission and values of the charity.
• Ensure your work involves and reflects our young people’s views and voices where appropriate.
• Undertake and identify training as required and take a positive approach to personal development.
• Fulfil the duties and responsibilities of an employee as regards to Health and Safety at Work, including own safety and self-management.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks deemed necessary as required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ON APPOINTMENT, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE:

• Significant professional knowledge and experience in your specialist area
• The ability to take on substantial responsibility quickly
• Critical and detailed understanding of the specialty.

IN YOUR ROLE YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO:

• Solve complex problems creatively
• Make judgements requiring analysis and interpretation
• Carry out duties with significant strategic influence
• Lead and line-manage others
• Deputise for your line manager, including handling serious issues, where required.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• In-depth understanding of major donor and philanthropy fundraising, including a demonstrable track record of managing a portfolio of high value supporters and securing and managing four, five and six-figure gifts.
• Knowledge of corporate fundraising and partnership development, including experience developing and managing corporate partnerships worth £10,000 and upwards.
• Ability to identify, qualify and cultivate high value prospects, with evidence of strong commercial awareness to spot opportunities, grow fundraising income and build new pipelines.
• Understanding of impact-led fundraising and how to communicate charitable outcomes effectively to supporters.
• Exceptional networking and relationship-building skills, with experience developing long-term fundraising plans and tailored donor engagement journeys.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presentations, proposals, pitches, reports and stewardship materials.

ESSENTIAL PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Self-motivated, proactive and comfortable with a high degree of autonomy.
• Entrepreneurial and commercially minded, with good business sense.
• Results-driven, with the ability to translate strategic ideas into tangible action.
• Confident and persuasive when working with senior stakeholders and major donors.
• Resilient and persistent when pursuing new opportunities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Possess a passion for making a positive impact on young people's lives.

About the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

For over 50 years, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Kenya. Founded on the extraordinary work of Dame Daphne Sheldrick, we are best known for our orphaned elephant rescue and rehabilitation programme – the most successful of its kind in the world. Our work has grown to encompass anti-poaching, habitat protection, community conservation and long-term field programmes across East Africa.

We have a global community of passionate supporters, a powerful brand, and a cause that genuinely moves people. Our UK charity facilitates the global elephant adoption programme, leads on UK fundraising, and connects supporters everywhere with the animals and landscapes they love.

The Opportunity

This is a new and significant appointment for SWT UK. We are looking for a Director of Development to develop and lead our UK fundraising strategy – taking ownership of income generation across all streams, donor communications and supporter stewardship, and managing a team of three talented fundraising professionals.

Our individual supporter base is large globally – growing in UK – loyal and deeply engaged: many give through our elephant adoption programme, which connects them directly with named animals in our care. We are now ready to build on this engaged supporter base and develop it into a structured individual giving programme – with mid-level giving pathways, major donor cultivation, systematic stewardship and deeper philanthropic relationships. That is the central challenge and opportunity of this role.

We also have active corporate and trust relationships, a legacy programme in development, and real potential to grow income from European and international funders. The Director of Development will take ownership of all of this – hands on and strategic in equal measure.

What You Will Do

• Develop and implement a new UK fundraising strategy, establishing clear priorities, income targets and programmes that will drive growth through to 2030 and beyond
• Develop and implement a UK individual giving programme – building on our adoption base to create structured giving journeys, mid-level and major donor cultivation, and meaningful stewardship
• Manage the UK fundraising budget, set and monitor income targets across all streams, and report regularly to the Executive Director on performance and ROI
• Take day-to-day ownership of corporate and trust relationships, writing reports, proposals and partner communications
• Build a major donor programme from the ground up, identifying and cultivating high-value individual prospects
• Develop legacy marketing activity, working alongside our existing legacy administrator and Freewill partnership
• Manage and inspire a team of three: Communications and Fundraising Manager, Retail Manager and Supporter Care Officer, and Fundraising Support Officer
• Oversee the donor database (Donorfy), ensuring data quality and insight-driven decision making
• Explore opportunities to grow income from European and international donors
• Contribute to the global income picture, including through improved donor stewardship and deeper supporter engagement
• Support the growth of SWT's profile and visibility in the UK through press opportunities, social media, and other channels.

About You

We are looking for a fundraiser who loves the craft – someone who is energised by building relationships, writing a compelling proposal, developing a giving programme from scratch, and ensuring every supporter feels genuinely valued. This is a hands-on role as much as a leadership one, and the right person will be comfortable doing both.

• Proven track record in fundraising, with demonstrable success securing income from individuals, trusts or corporates – including five-figure gifts and above
• Experience developing individual giving programmes, including mid-level or major donor cultivation
• A hands-on practitioner – comfortable writing proposals, reports and donor communications yourself
• Experience managing a small fundraising team with warmth, clarity and accountability
• Strong relationship management and stewardship skills
• Experience working with a donor CRM and using data to inform fundraising decisions
• Comfortable in a building role – excited by developing programmes that don't yet exist
• Experience managing fundraising budgets and producing income forecasts and performance reports.
• Genuine passion for wildlife conservation – this role is for someone who cares about the cause
• Committed to in-person working – we believe day-to-day presence and collaboration produces better outcomes for our donors and our team, and ask for a minimum of three days per week at our Billingshurst office

Why Join Us

• A mission that genuinely matters – 50 years of life-changing conservation work and a cause that moves people around the world
• A large, loyal and warm supporter base with significant untapped potential
• Real scope to build something – this is a new role with genuine influence from day one
• A small, close-knit team with shared purpose and a genuine commitment to each other's wellbeing
• Direct line to the Executive Director and member of senior leadership team
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (33 days total)
• Salary exchange pension with 5% employer contribution
• Salary of £55,000 – £60,000 depending on experience

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages – telling us why you are interested in this role and how your experience meets the person specification – by 16th August 2026.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may appoint before the closing date, so early application is encouraged.

All applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom. We are unable to sponsor visa applications for this role.