Reporting to: Head of Major Giving
Location of Work: Home based. The post holder will be expected to travel to meet donors, travel to away days and team meetings in London. The role may involve some irregular travel throughout England and Scotland. Expenses will be paid in line with our Travel and Expenses policy.
Contract Type: Ideally full-time, 35 hours per week, although 28 hours/compressed hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work
Contract Length: Permanent
Salary: £43,500
BACKGROUND
Magic Breakfast’s mission is to end child morning hunger in the UK now and for good. The latest research suggests that 2.7 million children are at risk of hunger, meaning one in five children don’t have enough to eat. When a child is too hungry to learn, they struggle to concentrate, absorb information, and manage their emotions, causing them to fall behind in their studies.
Magic Breakfast provides a nutritious breakfast to over 350,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target children most in need without barrier or stigma.
We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma. We are now at an exciting point in our journey as we launch Nourishing Futures, our long-term strategy, which capitalises on market changes and government commitments to scale our work, while redefining breakfast spaces not just as places to eat, but as places to thrive.
In response to a challenging funding landscape, and to seize on the opportunities ahead, we have recently brought together our Philanthropy and Trusts teams into a unified Major Giving function, enabling us to build deep, values-driven relationships with high-value supporters.
The Major Giving Lead – Individual Donors will play a pivotal role in this new function, leading all relationships with high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and ensuring exceptional donor care and engagement. Reporting to the Head of Major Giving, this role is a senior, strategic position crucial to driving the organisation’s fundraising growth and deliver against our mission.
JOB PURPOSE
The Major Giving Lead – Individual Donors is a senior, strategic role within Magic Breakfast’s unified Major Giving function, acting as the organisation’s expert on philanthropy. This role will lead and manage relationships with high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), ensuring exceptional donor care, long-term engagement, and the growth of transformational gifts.
Working closely with the Head of Major Giving, the Major Giving Lead will help develop and embed a cohesive Major Giving strategy, fostering strong synergies across the Major Giving team. In partnership with the other Major Giving Lead (Trust & Foundations) this role will create unified stewardship programmes, prospect development strategies, and engagement opportunities, ensuring a seamless and compelling experience for donors across all major giving streams. It will also work closely with the Business Development Manager (Scotland) to ensure effective ways of working across devolved nations and to unlock opportunities for HNWI in Scotland.
This is a high-impact, leadership-focused role for a proactive, strategic, and relationship-driven individual, capable of influencing key stakeholders, shaping organisational approaches to major giving, and driving the growth of Magic Breakfast’s mission to end child morning hunger across the UK.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership and team collaboration
-
Act as the senior lead and subject matter expert for HNWI relationships across the organisation.
-
Work closely with the Head of Major Giving and Major Giving Lead – Trust & Foundations to develop and embed a cohesive Major Giving strategy, fostering strong synergies between Major Individual Donors and Trusts, with a clear link to synergies in other teams.
-
Support the Head of Major Giving and Trust & other Major Giving Lead in mentoring and guiding other members of the Major Giving Team.
-
Provide leadership, insights and expertise across the wider organisation to support the delivery of our new organisational goals, including through contributions to the sub-goal working groups and other enabling strategies.
-
Collaborate within the fundraising, and across other, departments to deliver cross-organisational initiatives, events and campaigns, championing opportunities to unlock HNWI giving.
-
Scan the external environment for trends, insights, ideas and best practice that could benefit the Major Giving team and Magic Breakfast’s work, making recommendations for improvements and leading on opportunities as they arise.
-
Work in close partnership with the Business Development Manager (Scotland) to ensure joined-up approaches to HNWI opportunities in Scotland, sharing expertise, aligning stewardship, and enabling effective cross-team working.
-
Flex to provide support across the Major Giving team where necessary, responding and supporting shared team-wide objectives and any trust and foundations work if required.
Income generation, donor stewardship and prospect development
-
With support from the Head of Major Giving, deliver the 25/26 individual giving income target of c£800k by personally managing a portfolio of new and existing major donors and family foundations, with a focus on securing, renewing and uplifting gifts above £50k+ .
-
In partnership with other teams and departments, develop, test and roll out new data-driven approaches to target and reach new HNWI and other major giving audiences.
-
Work with our Prospect Researcher Manager to identify and execute opportunities to grow our prospect pool, including from across other teams, and to facilitate personal introductions and meetings with yourself or other Magic Breakfast employees/ volunteers – providing relevant briefings where appropriate.
-
Support and collaborate with the Business Development Manager (Scotland) where shared funder relationships or new opportunities arise.
-
Develop and implement tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies for new and existing HNWIs, leveraging and building relationships within and across Magic Breakfast networks’ to support our fundraising objectives.
-
Support, and where required lead, on the delivery of cross-organisational projects including any major giving campaigns, collaborating closely with colleagues across the organisation, including Brand & Marketing, and other relevant teams, to project manage effectively and ensure activity is informed by insights and organisational expertise, and delivers against its KPIs with a strong return on investment.
-
Maintain a strong knowledge of the organisation strategy, business plan and opportunities for innovation and ‘value-add’, to identify and build accurate and inspiring giving propositions, wish lists and a persuasive case for support
-
Ensure exceptional relationship management and donor reporting, with high-quality donor care and stewardship techniques that speak to the motivations and interests of our donors, exploring ways to build our donor community – such as through giving circles.
-
Work with colleagues across the Major Giving and other income generation teams to design and deliver a calendar of bespoke engagement opportunities, events and experiences for donors and prospects, ensuring high-quality execution and timely reviews.
-
Champion innovation in donor journeys, engagement campaigns, and communications to maximize supporter impact and retention, ensuring everyone is aligned behind clear, measurable goals and delivers with purpose and consistency.
-
Work with the Head of Individual Giving and Engagement to establish a clear mid-level giving programme and to ensure opportunities and leads are recognised and developed where possible and that there is a high-level of stewardship.
Financial Processes, Reporting, and Due Diligence
-
Support the Head of Major Giving to conduct effective annual planning and budgeting, setting, measuring and reporting against agreed KPIs and utilising data and insights to inform decisions and future planning.
-
Support the Head of Major Giving to prepare phased budgets and reforecasts, identifying and recognising opportunities and risks to income in line with activity plans and progress.
-
Ensure all HNWI income and activity is reconciled and recorded on Magic Breakfast database systems (Salesforce) with relevant supporting documents, including gift aid and gift instruments in place.
-
Work with finance and performance and relevant business leads to manage programme budgets and restrictions.
-
As requested, provide regular reports and updates to the Head of Major Giving, Director of Fundraising & Development and other stakeholders as required.
General
-
Maintain strong communication and alignment with the Business Development Manager (Scotland), ensuring funder and donor activity is coordinated and opportunities are maximised across nations.
-
Ensure all donor due diligence is completed and compliant with ethical fundraising standards, GDPR and organisational policy.
-
Contribute to team meetings, sharing best practice and supporting team members where necessary
-
Help to maintain a positive working environment; keeping the vision of Magic Breakfast at the heart of everything we do
-
Uphold a culture that keeps children and young people at the heart and encourages openness, collaboration, bravery, compassion and a solutions-focussed approach
-
Work collaboratively across the organisation more widely to build good working relations across the organisation and provide ad-hoc support to other teams and members of staff
-
Adhere to all Magic Breakfast policies and procedures
-
Ensure that all activity is compliant with current legislation, GDPR and child safeguarding requirements (training provided)
-
Participate in occasional work-related events at external venues and perform support related activities, as required. Be willing to undertake occasional work outside of regular office hours and UK travel
-
Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge and Experience
-
Experience generating income and developing a sustainable pipeline of revenue from high-net-worth individuals.
-
Experience of working with high level volunteers and/or committees to deliver major fundraising targets.
-
Excellent and proven knowledge of major gift fundraising methodology including prospect research, managing databases for major account portfolio management, proposal preparation and the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors.
-
Proven track record of successfully identifying, securing and cultivating six and seven figure commitments from HNWI.
-
Experience of building, leading and contributing to effective teams and relationships to achieve a high level of performance.
-
Understanding of Magic Breakfast’s cause and the challenges faced by families and children with respect to morning hunger.
-
A good understanding of the fundraising and philanthropy landscape in which Magic Breakfast operates and the relevant fundraising and data legislation and best practice.
-
Experience of effectively and authentically incorporating the voices and views of people with lived experience in fundraising activities.
Skills and Abilities
-
Skilled and confident in soliciting major gifts, with a natural ability to ‘make the ask’.
-
High emotional intelligence and creativity to develop compelling campaigns, cases for support, and donor relationships.
-
Strong analytical and constructive thinking, with the ability to problem-solve, adapt, and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
-
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with confidence presenting to a variety of audiences.
-
Ability to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, both internal and external.
-
Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
-
Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality outputs.
-
A collaborative team player with the ability to work both independently and across teams, proactively engaging colleagues.
-
Skilled in identifying, escalating, and managing risk effectively.
-
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced level) and other Microsoft Office products; ease with IT packages such as Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
-
Experience using fundraising databases (ideally Salesforce) as well as other systems, such as asana, to support performance management and reporting.
-
Ability to keep accurate and up-to-date records, adapting processes where needed to meet organisational requirements.
-
Understanding of Health and Safety and other regulations as they apply to events.
WHAT WE OFFER
At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to thrive. For more information, please visit our recruitment pack via our webiste.
APPLICATION PROCCESS
Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, HR @ magicbreakfast. com
Shortlisting - w/c 6th April
Interview 1 - 20th and 22nd April
Interview 2 - 27th April
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.
- Travel required: 15 days / year (approx.)
- Location: Home-based in either UK, Germany or Spain.
We are seeking a Researcher to support the activities of the Patient Evidence Department of Myeloma Patients Europe (MPE).
Please send your CV and cover letter at recruitment @mpeurope. org. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, Germany or Spain. Applications without a cover letter will be rejected.
The following tasks and core responsibilities are non-exhaustive and subject to change depending on needs of the organisation.
Job Purpose
The Researcher will support the Patient Evidence department in generating, analysing and communicating patient-centred evidence to inform clinical, regulatory, industry, academic and policy decision-making, and to fuel progress across MPE programmes and activities. The role involves working with qualitative and quantitative data, supporting research projects and contributing to evidence-based outputs that amplify patients’ experiences and needs. The Patient Evidence department conducts our own patient-focussed research and collaborates on external projects with patient and medical organisations, universities, clinical teams, industry partners and regulatory bodies.
Main Duties and responsibilities
Perform the following duties in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Head of Patient Research:
- Independently design research projects and develop research protocols aligned with MPE’s research strategy, including surveys, interviews and literature reviews.
- Support the development of proposals to secure public and private funding to support research activities.
- Independently conduct assigned research tasks in accordance with project deliverables and timelines.
- Conduct and analyse qualitative (interviews, focus groups) and quantitative research (surveys).
- Conduct desk research (systematic and non-systematic literature reviews) on topics such as patient experiences, health systems and psychosocial impacts of myeloma.
- Maintain accurate records of participant data, safeguarding the confidentiality of participants and patient data, as necessary.
- Write up research results and prepare visualisations of data for different audiences (including for patients, clinicians, academic journals).
- Disseminate research results including presentations at international and national conferences, internal and external meetings and workshops. Represent MPE at internal/external meetings when needed.
- Collaborate with communications colleagues to design strategies to disseminate our research to wider audiences.
- Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop recruitment and involvement strategies to enhance participation from underserved groups and from different parts of Europe.
- Engage with patients, families, clinicians, patient organisations and other stakeholders involved in MPE patient evidence projects and other myeloma research.
- Provide administrative and organisational support for the Research Advisory Committee.
- Contribute to our member research support training programme including delivering workshops and training events on research design and methodology.
Other responsibilities
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of Patient evidence.
- Critically appraise and provide advice to the wider MPE team on research and evidence requests.
- Build good relations with members, internal and external stakeholders (including doctors, researchers and medical representatives within companies).
- Respond to external patient organisations’ requests on research and evidence topics.
- Attend scientific congresses and meetings and stay abreast of important developments related to myeloma patient evidence.
- Develop content for MPE website, social media and other communications.
- Participate in advisory boards for the pharmaceutical industry.
- Engage with training and continuing professional development.
Essential criteria
- An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (such as psychology, social sciences, health policy, health and social care, public health or related fields)
- Master’s degree in a relevant subject (MRes Health Research, MPH, or health-related subject MSc with substantive research component)
- A minimum of 3 years experience conducting applied health research
- Knowledge and experience of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies including surveys, focus groups and interviews applied to health-related research
- Strong skills in qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods analysis.
- Understanding of principles of Good Clinical Practice in research.
- Proficient at Office suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint (or equivalent), and specialist quantitative/qualitative analysis software (e.g. SPSS/R, or Atlas/Nvivo).
- Ability to work from home in a virtual setting with a team spread across Europe.
- Strong listening, communication and presentation skills.
- Rigorous work methods and high attention to detail.
- Demonstrated excellence in writing, proofreading, and editing in English.
Desirable criteria
- A PhD in a related field
- Project management experience
- Experience in cross-national research
- Experience in working with patients, researchers, doctors and representatives from the pharmaceutical industry desirable
- Experience in systematic or non-systematic literature review
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Familiarity with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and patient experience data
- Knowledge/expertise of cancer patient experience research
- Knowledge of drug development process and clinical trials
- Knowledge and experience of ethical review procedures
- Fluency in additional European languages
Personal attributes
- Organised, with excellent project management and time management skills.
- Ability to lead and work independently on assigned tasks and take appropriate initiative.
- A motivated and self-aware team player, who can work independently or collaboratively with equal success.
- Ability to explain complex scientific terms and knowledge into lay language.
We offer:
- Opportunity to contribute to impactful, patient-centred work at a European level.
- An exciting position in the emerging field of evidence-based patient advocacy, working together with key patient advocacy leaders across Europe.
- Permanent position with flexible hours giving the opportunity to progress and to integrate in a dynamic, friendly and multi-cultural team working from different European cities.
About MPE
Myeloma Patients Europe (MPE) is a pan-European organisation representing 57 myeloma and amyloidosis patient groups from over 35 European countries. It is registered as an international non-profit organisation under Belgian Law. A Board mainly composed of patients and caregivers is elected by the membership to oversee the strategy and governance of the organisation. A team of 14 staff members runs remotely the day-to-day operations, programmes and services within 4 divisions: Access and Policy, Medical Education and Scientific Engagement, Patient Evidence and Member and Patient Community Programmes.
MPE’s vision is a world where every person affected by myeloma has access to the knowledge, diagnostics, treatment and care they need to have the best possible outcomes and quality of life.
Our mission is to drive advocacy by empowering the myeloma community through research, education and collaboration.
Read more about our strategic goals for 2025-2030 here: w ww.mpeurope.or g/about-mpe/our-goals/
About the Patient Evidence department
The MPE Patient Evidence department was established in 2020 to generate evidence to better understand and articulate patients’ perspectives, influence decision-makers and use evidence as a driving force for progress across our strategic goals. The team is led by Dr Eilidh Duncan and our goal is to lead the development of robust patient evidence to improve experiences, outcomes and access for myeloma patients and their families. We achieve this by spearheading novel patient research initiatives that address gaps in the evidence and ensure the meaningful inclusion of patient perspectives in research design, conduct and interpretation. We use the evidence we generate internally to fuel progress across all MPE programmes and activities and externally by decision-makers including those in clinical, regulatory, industry, academic and policy settings.
The deadline for applications is 1 May 2026 and all applications will be reviewed immediately afterwards. Our hiring team will schedule interviews with successful candidates to take place in the following weeks. We will be in touch following the review period regarding next steps.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to us at our recruitment email address.
Together for Short Lives is looking for a driven and creative Business Development Manager to develop and secure high‑value corporate partnerships that will help transform the lives of seriously ill children and their families. You’ll lead our business development strategy, build a strong pipeline of opportunities, and develop lasting relationships with prospective and existing supporters.
If you’re collaborative, tenacious and passionate about making a real impact in children’s palliative care, we’d love to hear from you.
Full‑time 1 year FTC | Hybrid (UK‑wide with travel to our Bristol Office) | £42,000
Purpose of role
The Business Development Manager will lead our efforts to secure high-profile, high-value partnerships with corporate organisations that will generate vital income for children's palliative care. Securing new partnerships and growing our income requires exceptional collaboration skills; a driven, tenacious and resourceful nature; innovation and creativity; and a passionate determination to make a difference to the lives of children and families across the UK.
The main objectives are as follows:
- Secure new corporate partnerships raising funds to support Together for Short Lives’ direct work, and our National Fundraising Scheme (raising funds on behalf of the UK’s children’s hospices).
- Develop and deliver a business development strategy, including prospect research, managing a robust pipeline of opportunities, and developing a diverse range of business development products.
- Manage and develop relationships with a portfolio of individual contacts and organisations, including prospective and existing supporters.
We exist to ensure every seriously ill child and their family gets the high-quality children’s palliative and end of life care


