Strategic fundraising manager jobs in London
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The Philanthropy Officer is an essential role within Amref UK's Supporter Engagement Team. It combines fundraising, supporter care, prospect research, event management and administration – with a focus on delivering our philanthropy strategy to increase unrestricted income. You will play a key role in supporting the team to raise income from small Trusts & Foundations, Mid-Level Donors and Legacy gifts, assisting the Philanthropy Manager with account management of existing donors as well as prospect research.
This role is about proactively building excellent relationships both in person and virtually, requiring confidence, a positive outlook, and the ability to work collaboratively. Previous experience in donor stewardship or relationship management is essential. You’ll be a fast learner with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, keen take on new challenges, excited about working in international development and invested in Amref’s mission. This is an exciting opportunity to gain experience in high-value fundraising, learning a range of skills from prospect researching, supporter stewardship to organising donor events.
Amref Health Africa is the largest Africa-based international health development organisation. We work to bring about lasting health change in Africa.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
One of London’s historic “Magnificent Seven” cemeteries, the Cemetery Park is now a Local Nature Reserve and a vital green space in the heart of the East End — where biodiversity, heritage and community come together.
Founded in 1990, the Friends are an award-winning charity dedicated to protecting and caring for this unique site. Now, we are looking for a values-driven, collaborative leader to help strengthen our organisation for the future.
About the role
This is a senior leadership position within a collaborative charity structure. You will:
– Work closely with the Board of Trustees on strategy and governance
– Lead on finance, fundraising and organisational sustainability
– Support and develop staff and volunteers
– Represent the charity externally
– Work in close partnership with our longstanding Cemetery Park Manager
Importantly, this is not a corporate CEO role. It is an opportunity to lead within a community-rooted, place-based charity where humility, partnership and emotional intelligence matter as much as strategy.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has senior experience in a charity or values-led organisation
- Understands governance and financial sustainability
- Can build trust with staff, volunteers and stakeholders
- Is excited by heritage, conservation and community
As a small charity, this role balances strategic thinking with hands-on involvement.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Major Giving Administrator
Reporting to: Major Giving Manager – Trusts & Foundations
Location of work: Home-based. There will be an in-person team meeting or away day at least once every other month. Expenses will be paid in line with our Travel and Expenses policy.
Contract type: Ideally full-time, 35 hours per week. 28 hours or compressed hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work
Contract Length: Permanent
Salary: Starting Salary £25,500
JOB PURPOSE
This new role offers an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of fundraising within a dynamic, purpose-driven organisation.
You will play a key role in helping to futureproof and sustainably grow Magic Breakfast’s income from trusts, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). This is a varied and rewarding role, with the opportunity for creativity with your own pool of funders.
You will be part of the Major Giving team, which secures income from trusts, foundations, and HNWIs. While your primary focus will be on trusts and foundations fundraising, you will also support the team’s work with HNWIs, adapting to the team’s needs as required.
With support from a friendly and experienced team, you will take ownership of a portfolio of trusts and foundations, managing relationships and securing donations typically ranging from £500 to £10,000. In supporting the team’s work with HNWIs, you will help to deliver outstanding donor care, nurture long-term relationships, and contribute to securing transformational gifts. Strong writing, communication, and research skills will be key to your success in this role.
You will join a creative and collaborative team that is passionate about tackling food insecurity and child poverty. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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With support, submit reports, deliver effective communications and maintain engaging relationships with your pool of existing funders.
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Collaborate with colleagues to provide your donors with key communications (e.g. organisational updates, invitations to events).
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Support with team-wide stewardship such as donor events, thank you videos and newsletters.
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Contribute to the achievement of our team income target of £3.46m in 2025/26, as well as securing funding for future years.
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Support the team to prepare, compile and submit high quality funding proposals and budgets to new funders in accordance with timetables and application criteria.
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Maximise existing tools and processes to identify, research and write applications and deliver relationship management with new, small funders, to expand the small trusts programme.
WHAT WE OFFER
At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.
Please see our website for more infromation
APPLICATION PROCCESS
Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team.
Shortlisting - 16th - 18th March
Interview 1 - 23rd or 26th March
Interview 2 - 30th or 31st March
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.
This is a part time role, responsible for leading the fundraising efforts of Canaan Project.
Working closely with the Director, the Fundraising Lead will contribute to strategic funding development and planning, support ongoing fundraising and reporting activities, and assist in the development of relevant policies and processes.
If this sounds like the right role for you, please send us your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.
Application closing date: 25th February 2026 at 5pm
Interviews will potentially be scheduled for the week beginning Monday 4th March.
Please submit your CV and a Cover letter detailing your suitability for the role against the role description.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
We are seeking an ambitious, driven and visionary Head of Fundraising to lead our expanding team at a pivotal moment in our journey. As we launch our new three-year fundraising strategy, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a growing charity and play a leading role in delivering sustainable income that directly supports local children and families.
With the backing of an engaged Board of Trustees and a passionate, committed team, you will provide strategic leadership across all income streams. You will guide and inspire our small but high-performing fundraising team to grow and diversify income — strengthening individual giving through innovative donor acquisition and impactful campaigns, while also supporting the development of our corporate partnerships, community fundraising and events programmes. You will work remotely with travel around Herts & Bucks.
This is more than a management role. It is an opportunity to build, innovate and leave a lasting legacy. You will have the autonomy to test new ideas, drive performance and embed a culture of ambition and collaboration, ensuring fundraising excellence across the organisation.
Every day in this role brings variety, challenge and purpose. Most importantly, your leadership will directly enable hospice-at-home care, specialist play services and life-enhancing family days for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. Your work will make a tangible difference to families facing the most difficult of times — helping ensure they receive the care, joy and support they deserve.
Line Manager: Provisionally the Chairman of the board of trustees
Accountable to: Provisionally the Pepper Foundation board of trustees
Primary objectives: The Head of Fundraising manages a small, expanding team to deliver sustainable fundraising income. Hours: 30 – 37.5 hours per week with some flexibility on when hours are worked.
Salary: £46000-£50000 FTE Pro Rata (depending on experience).
Pension: We make a 5% contribution to your pension with a minimum of 3% from the employee based on salary paid. Benefits: Mileage allowance in accordance with HMRC guidelines, provision of laptop and mobile phone for performance of duties, reimbursement of work expenses and an Employee Assistance Programme.
Specialisms: The Head of Fundraising will specialise in increasing income through donor development and legacy fundraising whilst having a good, general understanding of community, corporate, events and challenge fundraising.
Office location: Your primary place of work will be at home, but significant time will be spent out and about meeting supporters and colleagues. Pepper has access to meeting facilities and a small operational base in Berkhamsted.
Area of operation: Fundraising will take place in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. There will be occasional visits and meetings outside this area.
Professional development: The Head of Fundraising will be encouraged to undertake training and professional development activities in line with their duties and career aspirations.
Management: The Head of Fundraising will manage and support:
• the fundraising team comprising a Fundraising Officer and Community Fundraiser
• the communications, marketing and PR agency
• our Database administrator (volunteer, part time)
• our Volunteer Co-ordinator (volunteer, part time)
Works with:
• the Head of Trusts and Foundations
• the Accounts Administrator (volunteer, part time)
Key relationships:
• Pepper supporters, patrons, companies, donors, contractors, suppliers and volunteers
• Pepper board of trustees
• Colleagues at our partner hospices
Key requirements:
• Work with trustees and colleagues to develop organisational and fundraising strategies, business plans and budgets.
• Work closely with the charity’s communications, marketing and PR agency to manage the charity’s online presence including website and social media platforms and extend the charity’s audience reach to generate support for fundraising campaigns and events.
• Work with the fundraising team to deliver events and initiatives and build relationships to raise funds for the charity
• Build fundraising campaigns to gain support through direct marketing
• Deliver agreed fundraising strategies, business plans and budgets
• Drive, monitor and report on the progress of the fundraising strategy and budget
• Ensure that the charity’s case for support is compelling, inspirational and effective
• Maximise, develop and retain records of financial contributions from all sources
• Raise public awareness to position the charity as one of the top three local charities
• Agree objectives, manage and motivate the team and provide the support needed to deliver their objectives including appropriate professional development and training
• Attend meetings and events to deliver promotional talks and presentations about the charity
• Use the charity’s Donorfy CRM database and other sources to mine and prospect for new donors and deliver a donor development programme
• Attend trustee meetings and prepare reports on all fundraising and marketing activities
• Manage the recruitment of new fundraising staff and volunteers
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
It’s an exciting time to join the Rugby Portobello Trust.
We are a vibrant, place-based community charity supporting children and young people in North Kensington. As we expand our reach and deepen our impact, we are investing in the next phase of our fundraising growth, and we’re looking for an ambitious, strategic fundraising leader to help drive that forward.
As Head of Supporter Engagement, you will lead our income-generating strategy across special events, challenge events, individual giving (one-off and regular) and major donors. You’ll shape how we tell our story, deepen supporter relationships and grow unrestricted income to ensure our long-term sustainability.
This is a senior leadership role with real breadth. You will:
- Lead and grow income across multiple fundraising streams
- Develop and steward major donor relationships
- Oversee high-quality, income-generating events
- Drive multi-channel supporter communications
- Analyse performance data and report against KPIs
- Manage and develop a small, committed team
We’re looking for someone who:
✔ Has a strong track record of achieving and growing fundraising income
✔ Has delivered successful income-generating events
✔ Is confident managing donor relationships, including major donors
✔ Can translate organisational strategy into income growth plans
✔ Is comfortable holding targets and being accountable for performance
✔ Brings energy, creativity and leadership to a small but ambitious organisation
You’ll be joining a charity with a loyal supporter base of 3,000+, a strong fundraising history and a passionate leadership team. This is a hands-on role that's strategic in outlook, operational in delivery and deeply connected to the community we serve.
If you’re motivated by the opportunity to shape growth, lead from the front and make a tangible difference in the lives of children and young people, we’d love to hear from you.
We work alongside PEOPLE to improve lives and communities, to unlock POTENTIAL and open up new POSSIBILITIES
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Money and Mental Health has a trusted reputation and a strong track record of impact. We’re ready to take our fundraising to the next level, and we’re looking for an ambitious and talented Senior Fundraising Officer to help us grow our income, develop our fundraising culture and strengthen our relationships with funders.
The primary aim of this role is to help Money and Mental Health secure the income it needs to deliver its mission and further strengthen the charity’s financial footing for the future. This is a crucial role in our new Fundraising team, and the successful candidate will work across all elements of our income generation activities - from grant-writing to donor stewardship and pipeline development.
The role will have a particular focus on securing funding from Trusts and Foundations, but there will also be ample opportunities to engage corporate partners and other prospective funders.
The successful candidates will have the chance to bring their ideas in terms of identifying new routes to funding for the organisation and shaping our income generation activities.
Key responsibilities:
Funding bids and proposals
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Draft and develop effective and impactful fundraising bids and proposals to secure both grant income and corporate sponsorship
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Project manage the process of developing funding proposals - including completing funding checklists, coordinating the team on relevant deadlines and booking in time for sign off from relevant colleagues.
Relationship management
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Play a key role in donor stewardship alongside Head of Fundraising and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), including grant makers, corporates and individual donors
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Support SLT in identifying - and building relationships with - relevant individuals within prospective funder organisations - including coordinating meetings.
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Ensure we stay on top of our grant requirements, including drafting grant reports and coordinating other team members to fulfil those requirements
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Work with External Affairs team to create excellent supporter journeys for online donors.
Pipeline development
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Work with Head of Fundraising to undertake research into new fundraising prospects and to develop a strong funder pipeline
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Stay on top of new developments in the charity sector and wider funding landscape
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Make recommendations to Head of Fundraising on new funders we should engage with or seek to build relationships with
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Maintain accurate pipeline data and prospect records, ensuring regular updates
Planning, strategy and vision
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Contribute to the delivery of our income generation strategy - including meeting relevant targets set out in the strategy.
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Support the team with advance planning on funding bids, project managing complex cross-team processes, matrix-managing small project teams and ensuring all key milestones are met
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Proactively suggest ideas for ways of improving our processes and ways of working to better support our income generation targets or better deliver our work.
About you:
We’re seeking someone who is ambitious, driven and emotionally intelligent. We need a relationship-builder and a clear and concise communicator, ready to step into an exciting new role and help build a fundraising function which leaves a lasting legacy.
Essential qualities
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A proven track record of securing five-figure grants or income from trusts, foundations and/or corporate partners.
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A demonstrable track record of writing impactful and effective funding proposals, and leading the end-to-end process of applying for grants and reporting on those received
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Strong copywriting skills, and the ability to articulate the impact from donations
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Excellent project management skills
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Solid relationship management skills, with the ability to lead donor stewardship and develop excellent working relationships with key teams internally
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A genuine commitment to the organisation’s mission, as well as to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing a busy to-do list
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Ability and desire to be hands-on and get stuck in
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Excellent attention to detail, record-keeping and commitment to high standards.
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Basic understanding of fundraising regulations, including Fundraising Code of Practice, and how they apply to your work
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Experience of working towards personal income targets and managing individual KPIs.
Desirable qualities
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Experience using relevant trusts and foundation and CRM databases
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Experience of developing and managing a pipeline of funding opportunities, and advising colleagues on where to prioritise our resources
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Experience of fundraising for a small charity, think tank or a research charity
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Experience of working with project budgets.
We are an independent charity, committed to breaking the link between financial difficulty and mental health problems.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a passionate, values-driven fundraiser looking for a career-defining opportunity? Join WSUP at a pivotal moment as we grow our impact and strengthen our fundraising in line with our ambition to prevent and end homelessness in our community.
Click Apply, download our Recruitment Pack and find out about WSUP's strategic priorities.
This Fundraising Lead role (Maternity Cover) is central to our strategy - designed to secure sustainable income through community engagement, partnerships, and bold, values-aligned funding. You’ll lead the development and delivery of an ambitious fundraising strategy that aims to grow income to £400,000+ per year - supporting both WSUP’s immediate needs and long-term growth. This will include a blend of bid writing, challenge events, and community-led fundraising, working closely with volunteers, partners, and local supporters to build strong relationships and unlock sustainable income.
Your work will help expand our trauma-informed services, embed lived experience across the organisation, and ensure we respond to rising demand with dignity and care- while building a local solidarity economy based on mutual support and community-led solutions.
We’re looking for a creative and strategic thinker with excellent relationship-building skills and a commitment to equity and inclusion. You’ll be working closely with our leadership team and wider network of partners and volunteers, shaping a fundraising programme that reflects WSUP’s grassroots ethos and the powerful stories at the heart of our work.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a trusted local charity - and to play a vital role in building a healthier, more just Greenwich for all.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & income generation
· Trusts & grants: Research, write, and submit compelling funding applications to trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies to secure new and repeat funding.
· Corporate & individual giving: Work alongside Service Delivery Manager and Deputy Service Manager to develop relationships with corporate sponsors and individual donors, creating engagement opportunities.
· Donor stewardship: Manage and nurture relationships with funders, ensuring timely reporting and impact updates.
· Donor stewardship: Provide timely and effective follow-up communications with supporters, ensuring they feel valued and engaged.
· Fundraising strategy: Support the development and implementation of WSUP’s fundraising strategy, identifying new opportunities for income growth.
· Event fundraising: Assist in planning and delivering fundraising events to engage supporters and raise unrestricted funds
· Financial oversight: Work with the CEO to develop fundraising budgets and ensure accurate income tracking.
· Financial oversight: Process cash and cheque donations for Community & Events income, including ensuring this income is processed and recorded accurately on our database which may include batch uploads.
· Campaigns & appeals: Develop and implement online fundraising campaigns, such as Winter Appeal or emergency appeals.
· Storytelling & impact reporting: Work with Communication Lead to share real-life stories that showcase WSUP’s work.
Person Specification
Essential skills & experience
· Fundraising knowledge: Understanding of trust, foundation, and corporate fundraising, with proven experience of writing successful grant applications.
· Communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and reports.
· Relationship management: Ability to build relationships with funders, donors, and stakeholders at various levels.
· Organisational skills: Ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
· IT proficiency: Strong skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), databases, AI tools and social media scheduling tools.
· Financial literacy: Ability to create fundraising budgets and financial reports.
· Compliance: Knowledge of fundraising legislation, including Gift Aid and GDPR compliance.
Desirable skills & experience
· Experience in a small charity setting, ideally within the homelessness or health-related sector, understanding the challenges and opportunities of grassroots fundraising.
· Experience organising donor engagement events or corporate sponsorship opportunities.
· Proven ability to use videos and infographics to enhance fundraising campaigns.
· Social media: Experience using social media for fundraising and engagement, with an understanding of digital marketing principles.
· Experience with volunteer management or coordinating fundraising volunteers.
Personal attributes
· Passionate about social justice and WSUP’s mission to support people in crisis.
· Self-motivated and able to work independently, with a proactive and creative approach.
· Adaptable and willing to take on a variety of tasks in a small but dynamic team.
· Resilient and resourceful, with a problem-solving mindset.
· Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment where flexibility is key.
What we offer
· The opportunity to make a real impact in a grassroots charity supporting local communities.
· Flexible working arrangements (remote work possible).
· Professional development and training opportunities.
· A supportive and inclusive team culture, with a strong emphasis on lived experience and trauma-informed practice.
Our ambition is to prevent and ultimately end homelessness within our local community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.


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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
INTERIM FUNDRAISING MANANGER
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Interim Fundraising Manager to use their knowledge and experience to cultivate new fundraising relationships, build a corporate partnerships pipeline from the ground up, and significantly increase individual giving and major donor income, whilst developing an engaging and effective supporter programme.
Benefits of working for Doorstep Library:
- Location: Hybrid (2 days in the Victoria office, 3 days remote), flexible working
- Hours: Full time – 35 hours (excluding lunch break), 6 month contract with potential to extend
- 25 days per annum, plus bank holidays and 3 days mandatory Christmas leave pro rata
- 6% pension Contributions
- Employee assistance programme
- Employee discount programme (BenefitHub)
- Salary sacrifice scheme
Doorstep Library is a community-focused literacy charity dedicated to bringing the gift of books and the joy of reading into the homes of families across London. With one in four 11-year-olds leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, the charity introduces young children (aged 0-11 years) to the pleasure and benefits of reading.
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:
- Proven Fundraising Experience: Essential knowledge/experience of raising income via various fundraising methods with a particular focus on corporate fundraising and individual giving.
- Relationship Building Skills: Ability to establish and nurture new partnerships whilst developing effective stewardship and supporter engagement programme.
- Strategic Input: Enthusiasm to work closely with the CEO to develop income streams and implement fundraising strategies.
- Team Management Experience: Effective leadership with the ability to develop and mentor a small team.
- Team Player Mentality: A strong understanding of working within a small charity, demonstrating adaptability and a willingness to assist with tasks beyond the immediate job description.
Experience in children's charities, literacy, or education organisations would be highly beneficial.
Capitalising on the current "National Year of Reading" this is an excellent opportunity to join a highly supportive and collaborative organisation that makes a tangible difference in children's lives. You will be instrumental in shaping the future fundraising landscape of The Doorstep Library, contributing to a vital cause in a rewarding environment.
For more information, please contact Louise Portnall, Recruitment Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer
Closing date: 10 March 2026
Applications are being reviewed by Charisma on a rolling basis, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
About Young Roots
At Young Roots, we want to see a compassionate and welcoming society for young refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. We work alongside young people seeking safety in the UK, building trusted relationships, providing practical and emotional support and promoting young people’s rights and power.
Our youth clubs and casework are transformative for young refugees, allowing young people who have fled danger, had traumatic journeys and who are often here alone, to find community and connection, have a space to be a young person and access support in addressing a whole range of practical challenges they face. We also draw on our evidence from working every day with young refugees and asylum seekers to call for change to the laws and policies which are harming young people.
About the role
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of an influential charity at a pivotal point in its development.
Young Roots has a strong track record of impact, trusted relationships with funders, and is a respected voice in work with young refugees. We are now ready to significantly increase our visibility and influence — and this role is central to making that happen.
As Head of Fundraising and Communications, you will bring together fundraising, communications and impact to tell a powerful, credible story about Young Roots’ work and to unlock new, high-value funding. You will work closely with the CEO and trustees to position the organisation strategically, grow our profile, and build relationships with major donors and other senior partners.
This is a role for someone who enjoys both setting direction and making things happen. You will personally lead high-value fundraising and strategic communications, while enabling and supporting a skilled team to deliver across trusts, individual giving, engagement and impact reporting. As a member of the Leadership Group, you will help shape organisational strategy, culture and long-term sustainability.
If you’re excited by building influence, diversifying income, and using communications and evidence to drive change for young refugees, this role offers scope, autonomy and purpose in equal measure.
About you
You will bring senior experience in fundraising and/or communications within a charity or mission-driven organisation, with a strong track record of raising profile, engagement or income. You’ll be a strategic thinker who is comfortable being hands-on, credible with senior stakeholders, and motivated by working for social justice.
We’re particularly interested in people who bring:
- Experience leading fundraising and/or communications teams
- A strong understanding of high-value fundraising (e.g. major donors)
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to tailor messages for different audiences
- Experience managing people, budgets and complex priorities
- A commitment to equity, empowering young people and safeguarding
Why join Young Roots
- A senior role with real influence in a respected, impactful organisation
- The opportunity to shape income, profile and strategy at a key stage of growth
- A collaborative leadership team and values-led culture
- Flexible, hybrid working
To Apply:
To apply, please submit your CV alongside a personal statement by the closing date outlining how you would be a great fit for the role.
Your personal statement should be no more than 800 words, answering the following questions:
- What is your motivation for working with Young Roots? (100 words)
- What is your motivation for applying for this role specifically? (200 words)
- What skills and experience would you bring that will enable you to be successful in this role? Please ensure you refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and provide examples to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. (500 words)
Please submit your application via Charity Jobs.
No agencies, please.
Closing date: 10th March
Interview date: 17th March
Young Roots recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who can face disadvantage in employment, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. As an organisation that supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, we particularly welcome applications from people within these communities. We offer a guaranteed interview for those with lived experience of the asylum system and those with disabilities, where they meet the essential elements of the person specification. If aspects of the application process create barriers to you applying and you’d like any adjustment to the process or you’d like an informal discussion or advice on your application, please get in touch. We would also like to alert you to the existence of organisations which support people from under-represented groups to access employment, who can advise you on applying for this role. For example, Scope, Young Women’s Trust and Experts by Experience.
Young Roots is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. We take this duty very seriously.
Our work is underpinned by policies and procedures which promote safe working practices. We have a framework of training and supervision which everyone is expected to comply with and systems for monitoring, quality assurance and gaining service user feedback. On joining you will be expected to be part of this approach to safeguard our service users.
Working alongside young people seeking safety - building trust, providing practical and emotional support, and promoting their rights and power.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Salary: £39,860 - £44,952
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Location: Hybrid – 2 days per week Crawley
Closing date: 11th February
Benefits: Generous pension, enhanced annual leave, discounts inc. blue light card, cycle to work scheme
We have a great opportunity for an Individual Giving Fundraising Manager, working for a well respected hospice providing expert end-of-life care and support to the local community, reporting to the Head of Public Fundraising. With new strategic investment committed to growing their fundraising programme, this is an exciting moment to join and shape a thriving Individual Giving function.
In this role, you will lead a busy and passionate team of five to deliver a varied and ambitious programme across regular giving, appeals, legacy marketing and the mid-value programme. With a focus on both short term income and long term supporter value, you will drive innovation—testing new digital methods, improving donor journeys and deepening supporter connections. This is the ideal opportunity for someone looking to step into a key leadership role, develop their strategic experience and contribute to life changing work for patients and families.
To be successful as the Individual Giving Fundraising Manager you will need:
- A strong track record in Individual Giving, with experience across multiple income streams such regular giving and appeals.
- Experience managing or leading fundraising campaigns, with the ability to deliver insight led donor journeys and improve lifetime value.
- Excellent team leadership skills with experience motivating, supporting and developing colleagues.
If you would like to discuss this role with us please contact Emma and quote the reference 2866EI.
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.
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 reserve the right to end the application period sooner.


