Major donor jobs

Employer: Kids

Location: Remote work with occasional travel to London for in-person meetings.

Salary: £42 - £44k per annum

Hours: 36 hours per week, with flexible hours to be discussed during the interview.

Closing Date: Friday 25th April 2025, 5pm.

About Us

Kids is on a transformative journey towards building a proactive, sustainable major donor fundraising program. We're looking for a passionate and driven Philanthropy and Relationships Lead to help us unlock new philanthropic opportunities, making a lasting impact on children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead a new major donor program, building a robust portfolio of high-value prospects and implementing strategic plans to inspire substantial financial support. With Kids’ refreshed brand, senior stakeholder commitment, and a wealth of insights from our 2024 Future of Major Donors project, you’ll have all the tools needed to make a real difference.

Your Role

As the Philanthropy and Relationships Lead, you will:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a measurable plan for philanthropic growth based on key insights from our recent major donor evaluation.
• Support the Director of Fundraising, Engagement, and Voice to foster a culture of philanthropy across the organisation.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and senior colleagues to drive donor cultivation activities, leveraging relationships to maximize engagement.

Relationship Building

• Cultivate and nurture existing donor relationships, aligning their interests with Kids’ impactful work.
• Actively network and maintain visibility within the community to attract new supporters.
• Collaborate with the Fundraising, Engagement, and Voice team to integrate efforts and demonstrate the impact of our services.

Prospecting and Outreach

• Develop and implement a structured approach to identifying new donor prospects, including mid-level and major donors.
• Work with the Events Manager to design and execute cultivation events, creating opportunities for meaningful engagement.
• Establish a mid-level giving strategy and maintain a dynamic caseload of potential donors.

Financial and Budget Management

• Set and achieve income targets, using our CRM (Donorfy) to track progress and manage the donor pipeline.
• Develop accurate financial projections and maintain a balanced approach between ambition and realism.

Tailored Communications

• Create compelling cases for support and personalized impact reports, showcasing how donations make a difference.
• Craft thoughtful, donor-centric communications that resonate with supporters’ motivations.

About You

We’re looking for a motivated relationship manager with:

• Proven success in building and sustaining high-value donor relationships, resulting in significant financial support.
• Demonstrable experience in pipeline management, including identifying prospects and generating new financial gifts.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Confidence in using CRM systems to efficiently manage relationships and forecast income.
• A strategic mindset with a proven ability to develop and deliver tailored cultivation plans.
• Genuine passion for supporting children and young people with SEND, with insight into the policy landscape affecting them.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders, including CEOs and trustees, to secure support.

Apply Now

Join us in making a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND. If you are a dynamic, driven professional with the passion to inspire and secure major gifts, we would love to hear from you!

Join Our Team!

Crohn’s and Colitis UK has an exciting opportunity for a Trusts & Philanthropy Officer to join our team. In this role you’ll play a key part in growing our income from charitable trusts and foundations,  whilst also cultivating relationships with our major donors to inspire long-term support and generate sustainable funding.  If this sounds like a good fit for your skills and experience, then we’d love to hear from you!  

About Us

We're the UK's leading charity for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

A diagnosis of Crohn’s or Colitis is life-changing. Over 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease many people have never heard of, and for which there is no known cure.

Crohn’s & Colitis UK funds research, provides award winning information and support and raises vital awareness by increasing the public’s understanding of the conditions, and what it means to live with debilitating symptoms. But we need to do more. We need to be a louder voice in the marketplace. Our ambitious plans for 2025 and beyond, will help to make a real difference to every supporter’s journey with us. If this excites you - join us!

Role Overview

Around 75% of your time will be devoted to securing funding from trusts and foundations. This includes researching, identifying new opportunities and crafting compelling, tailored funding applications. The remaining time will be dedicated to building and nurturing relationships with new, lapsed and existing major donors and developing creative and engaging stewardship plans to inspire and secure high value gifts.

About you

This is a great role for someone with previous experience of both Trust Fundraising and Major Donor Fundraising. You’ll have excellent communication skills to enable you to quickly build solid, strong relationships both face to face and over the telephone. Excellent writing skills are essential as well as good organisational skills and CRM experience. In these challenging times you’ll need to channel your creative skills to develop exciting stewardship plans.

In this role you will need:

• Previous evidenced experience of securing donations from Trusts and Foundations, and Major Giving Fundraising experience
• Experience of producing outstanding, high quality, imaginative and compelling applications and reports
• Experience in prospecting for new business opportunities via multiple research channels

Please see our Recruitment Pack for details of our full Job Description and Person Specification.

Our Location

We are based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, so we are easily accessible by road and rail. In this role, there is plenty of scope for working from home,  although there will be occasions when you will need to attend face-to-face meetings with, donors, your team, our partner agencies, or several team away-days each year. In addition, the charity meets four times annually at its office in Hatfield (or a location in London) for its ‘All Staff Together’ days, at which attendance is mandatory.

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing one day per year up to 30 days
• Pension scheme
• Flexible working options
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing programme
• Interest free loan for season tickets
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking and secure bike locks
• Training and development financial support and/or study leave
• Performance review and development scheme

We’re proud to be partnering with one of the UK's most established and well-known charity brands to recruit passionate Major Gifts and Trusts specialists into their Strategic Relationships & Philanthropy team.

These roles offer the chance to shape transformational giving at one of the UK’s most impactful charities, helping create a world without barriers for blind and partially sighted people. Whether your experience lies in major donor fundraising or trusts and foundations, they offer a collaborative environment where you’ll be supported to build long-term partnerships, secure significant income, and drive meaningful change.

Both roles contribute to a team income target of over £2m, with strong internal support and the freedom to develop creative approaches to engaging funders.

Philanthropy Manager – Major Gifts

You’ll lead on managing and developing a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, philanthropists, and senior volunteers, securing both single and multi-year gifts in excess of £10,000. Through strategic relationship-building and compelling stewardship, you’ll deepen donor engagement and help shape the future of major giving.

Key responsibilities include:

• Cultivating and stewarding a portfolio of HNWIs and major donor prospects

• Creating tailored proposals and presentations that align with donor interests

• Working cross-organisationally to uncover funding opportunities and build cases for support

• Representing the charity at events and in donor meetings to drive engagement and build trust

This role would suit a confident relationship-builder with excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, as well as the creativity to identify new prospects and opportunities.

Philanthropy Manager – Trusts

You’ll take ownership of a portfolio of national and regional trusts and foundations, writing compelling proposals and reports that secure grants of £25,000+. In this role, you’ll also line-manage a Philanthropy Officer, helping grow income from smaller trusts and stewarding long-term support for the charity's work.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and growing a pipeline of charitable trusts and foundations

• Drafting persuasive, tailored proposals and delivering timely, accurate reporting

• Building and nurturing long-term relationships with funders through creative stewardship

• Line managing and mentoring a Philanthropy Officer to support team income growth

This role would suit someone with excellent written communication, a strategic mindset, and a passion for translating programme work into inspiring funding opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

Essential for both roles:

• Proven success securing five- and six-figure gifts from either major donors or trusts

• Exceptional communication skills—whether writing proposals or engaging funders in person

• Experience developing tailored, compelling cases for support based on funder priorities

• Ability to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to uncover fundable work

• Strong organisational skills with the initiative to manage a busy portfolio independently

• A collaborative, proactive mindset and a genuine passion for the mission

Desirable:

• Experience line-managing or mentoring others (for the Trusts role)

• Familiarity with CRM systems and donor reporting tools

• Experience representing an organisation externally at events or donor meetings

To be considered for this position please apply with your CV as soon as possible, regrettably please note we may not be able to reply to each and every application.

We are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practises that ensure equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and will happily make reasonable adjustments to always ensure a fair process.

Objective

To increase fundraised income for BRACE and dementia research through major donors and high-value supporters, both cultivating existing supporters to increase their support and networking to develop new major donors.

Role

As our Major Donor & Philanthropy Fundraiser, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive major giving programme to increase revenue from high-value supporters. This is a new and exciting opportunity to establish and grow this income stream for BRACE, requiring proven experience in securing major gifts.

Key Tasks:

Major Donor Fundraising

• Develop and implement a strategic plan to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward high net worth individuals.

• Build and maintain a strong portfolio of potential funding sources through thorough prospect research.​

• Manage a diverse portfolio of existing and new major donors, delivering excellent relationship management to meet ambitious individual fundraising targets.​

• Build, manage, and maintain a full and consistent pipeline of prospects, ensuring timely progression through each stage from identification to stewardship.​

• Conduct frequent and regular contact with donors and prospects by phone, video, and in-person meetings, utilizing the Head of Fundraising and CEO for potential new and existing high net stakeholders.​

• Develop compelling, tailored proposals and funding applications to secure significant donations.​

• Create and implement bespoke stewardship plans to ensure long-term support.​

• Represent BRACE at networking events to build relationships with potential high-value supporters.​

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all major donor activity in our database.​

Strategy & Planning

• Work closely with the Head of Fundraising to develop and implement a major donor fundraising strategy.​

• Monitor performance against budget targets and analyze data to support future budgeting.​

• Contribute to the overall fundraising strategy of the charity.​

• Stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in major donor fundraising.​

General Responsibilities

• Be an active and supportive member of the BRACE team, supporting colleagues across the organization to support the charity’s wider organizational goals and objectives.​

• Gain and maintain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the charity's work, priorities, and future plans.​

• Assist the CEO, Head of Fundraising, and other colleagues with charity-wide development initiatives.​

• Attend meetings and events as required both during and outside normal office hours, including the annual Let’s Talk Dementia.​

• Carry out any other duties compatible with this post as directed by the Head of Fundraising.

Candidate requirements

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience in major donor fundraising or equivalent high-value relationship
  management
• Proven track record of securing large and repeat donations from individuals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with good copywriting and proofreading ability
• Experience in creative proposal writing and the ability to demonstrate clear outcomes and impact
• Confident and persuasive presentation skills
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with high-net worth individuals
• Experience in developing and implementing stewardship plans for major donors
• Strong research skills with experience in identifying quality new business leads
• Proven ability to form good working relations, both internally and externally with people at all levels
• Innovative and keen to find solutions to problems
• Strong interpersonal skill set with the ability to be persuasive
• Excellent IT literacy
• Excellent planning, time management, and organisational skills
• Willingness to work flexibly in order to adapt to the needs of supporters and the charity
• Able to work unsupervised and independently from home and on the road

Desirable:

• Excellent ability to motivate, inspire, and influence people
• A self-starter with entrepreneurial spirit
• Experience in launching or growing a major donor program
• Understanding of the medical research funding landscape
• Experience using Raiser's Edge to manage donor relationships
• Empathy with the cause that BRACE represents (knowledge of dementia and research is not essential, as information and informal training will be provided)

Are you a passionate and strategic fundraiser with a proven track record in securing major gifts? Do you have the leadership skills to drive income growth from major donors and trusts? If so, we want to hear from you!

About the Role

We are working with a leading and ambitious charity punching far above their weight. They are seeking a Major Donor and Trusts Manager to lead and grow a portfolio of high-value donors, trusts, and foundations. In this key role, you will develop and implement a philanthropy strategy that strengthens relationships, delivers significant income, and supports vital services.

Key Responsibilities:

· Develop and implement a strategic philanthropy plan to drive income growth.

· Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, trusts, and statutory bodies.

· Lead and inspire a team of three experienced fundraisers.

· Create compelling cases for support and impact reports in collaboration with other teams

· Organise and engage donors through exclusive events.

· Ensure best practices in donor stewardship and fundraising compliance.

About You:

· Proven track record in securing five- and six-figure gifts from major donors and trusts.

· Strong relationship management, negotiation, and networking skills.

· Experience in managing and coaching a team to achieve ambitious targets.

· Ability to create persuasive proposals and fundraising communications.

· Data-driven approach with experience using CRM systems.

· Passionate about making a real impact in the charity sector.

Why Join?

· A chance to make a tangible difference through high-value fundraising.

· Supportive and dynamic team culture.

· Flexible working arrangements.

· Opportunities for professional development and growth.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and play a pivotal role in delivering life-changing support, we’d love to hear from you!

About Ataxia UK

Ataxia is the umbrella term for a group of neurological conditions and Ataxia UK is the UK’s leading ataxia support and research charity. Ataxia UK collaborates with the global ataxia community through our Research team, and we are on the board of the international non-profit association, Euro-ataxia. Our Services team focuses on helping everyone affected by ataxia in the UK to live their best life. We have a Helpline and Advocacy service providing information, advice, and 1-2-1 support to help people access their rights; whilst the InControl Community Engagement service provides activities, engagement and volunteering opportunities to bring the ataxia community together and reduce feelings of isolation. 

About the Role  

You will be joining at an exciting time for Ataxia UK as we celebrate our 60th anniversary year.

This brand-new role is an important part of our new strategy to sustainably grow our unrestricted income. Working closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications and the wider team, the Senior Philanthropy Manager will lead the work to build a pipeline of major donors and family trusts and foundations.

You will be responsible for developing an excellent stewardship programme which nurtures income-generating relationships with Ataxia UK’s major donors. You will initially work with a fixed-term Philanthropy Consultant to lead the development of a researched and actionable pipeline of prospective new donors, and you will then work to successfully engage this pipeline. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a brand-new function as a senior member of an experienced team of fundraisers.

Ataxia UK operates a hybrid- working policy, with part time staff working 3 or 4 days a week expected to work from our offices in Highgate a minimum of 1 day a week. The role will require some occasional travel within the UK and, more rarely, internationally.

About you

The right candidate will be a natural relationship builder with a proven track record of securing high value, long term partnerships with major donors; personally securing 5 and 6-figure gifts.

You will use excellent communication skills to write compelling and tailored cases for support. As a key member of the Fundraising & Communications department, you will bring creativity, insight and experience to the team, and you will be a confident ambassador and representative internally and externally.

As an experienced major donor fundraiser, you will be comfortable and confident engaging with High-Net-Worth Individuals and their offices, celebrities, politicians and c-suite professionals. You will have the flexibility to join events and or meet donors and prospective donors at locations around the UK. As an ambassador of our brand, you will have the skills and experience to ensure you positively represent the interests of the ataxia community, and you will be someone who shares our commitment to supporting those affected by ataxia.

Benefits of working for us.

• 25 days annual leave pro rata (rising to 30 with a length of service)
• Access to a free Employee Assistance Programme & Employee Hotline
• Flexible hybrid working
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity and co-parental leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Accredited Living Wage Employer

Please see full Job Description for further details including Person Specifications

We are looking for Philanthropy Manager for an incredible childrens health charity to be responsible for proactively leading the cultivation and stewardship of potential and existing Major Donors, Trusts, and statutory bodies.

This is a Surrey based role, four days in the office and after probation the opportunity to work from home once a week. 

The Charity
A passionate childrens health charity, dedicated to providing practical and emotional support to children and families in times of need.

You would be joining a highly respected organisation, who prioritise a supportive and inclusive working culture. They have been repeatedly named as one of the top non-profit organisations to work for, and offer fantastic benefits, including flexible working, a minimum of 25 days holiday, along with a range of professional development opportunities as well as much more!

The Role
Drive the growth of a portfolio of existing supporters and new prospects, giving at the five and six-figure gift level.

Lead on maintaining relationships with key Major Donors, Trusts and Statutory bodies, through exemplary stewardship.

Work closely with the Events Manager to engage donors through a programme of special events

Manage, coach and support three direct reports.

The Candidate
Track record of securing five or six figure funding from Major Donors, Trusts and statutory sources to achieve challenging income targets.

Previous experience delivering a prospect research programme and effective prospect management.

Previously lead funder-relationship management, through exemplary stewardship

Line management experience to build a collaborative and high performing team

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful, but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

Job Title: Philanthropy Manager

Salary: £40,000 - £42,000

Responsible to:  Head of Fundraising, Ruth Strauss Foundation

Accountable to:Board of the Ruth Strauss Foundation

Hours per week:Monday-Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm

Location:  Hybrid: minimum 2 days a week in London office

Job Purpose:

The Ruth Strauss Foundation has ambitious plans for growth over the next 5-10 years and this new role will be pivotal in driving forward our philanthropic growth. This role will lead the development of our major donor programme, building a portfolio of major donors to become part of a lifelong family of RSF donors. The primary focus will be the acquisition of new major donors while maintaining the retention of existing donors. Developing cases of support and impact reports, this role will create bespoke, tailored communications to major donors based on their needs and motivations to support.

The position involves developing a supporter-centric philanthropic journey which will drive an excellent supporter experience and ensures our major donors enter into a lifelong relationship with RSF. Networking and representing RSF at events will be essential in representing the foundation externally, including leading on hosting major donor events for the charity.

Key relationships:

• Head of Fundraising
• Commercial Sales Lead
• Head of Partnerships
• Head of Mission Services
• Fundraising Advisory Group
• RSF major donors
• External Donor Advised Funds

Key responsibilities:

• Lead on the development of the major donor strategy to generate growth in income and donor numbers
• Manage a portfolio of donors, owning a personal income target, focusing on securing five and six figure gifts and multi-year pledge.
• Deliver RSFs Philanthropy programme, ensuring the programme meets budgeted income and spend
• Lead on major donor acquisition, pipeline development and pitches
• Identify and develop a stewardship matrix for major donors
• Create cases for support aligned with our strategic objectives which gives potential and existing major donors the opportunity to engage with and support RSF in ways that align with their motivation
• Produce impact reports and stewardship materials to inspire prospects
• Develop bespoke supporter journeys for major donors, working with donor advised fund organisations where required.
• Organise and host major donor cultivation and stewardship events
• Utilise audience analysis and sector trends to direct strategy and shape the programme, maximising on opportunities.

Key activities:

• Produce a 3 year programme strategy for Major Donor fundraising, contributing to the ambitious growth strategy for RSF
• Develop cases for support for each of the pillars of RSF’s work
• Work closely with the Mission Services team to produce impact reports to inspire and increase connection with RSF
• Identify matched funders for RSF events and secure pledges of support for this
• Work with the Commercial Sales Lead to steward existing philanthropists and secure new opportunities for engagement and income.
• Produce a pipeline of potential major donors and KPIs to monitor performance of the programme
• Set up donor cultivation meetings with new prospects to pitch RSF and gain future major donors for the charity
• Develop bespoke stewardship and donor cultivation events across the year, leading on the project management and event delivery
• Develop a philanthropic supporter journey which aligns with the overall onward supporter journey for RSF fundraisers, focused on creating a lifelong commitment to the RSF family.
• Introduce new fundraising and marketing collateral to support the strategic growth of the philanthropy programme
• Establish business rules for recording major donor data on Salesforce to ensure that future analysis of the programme is robust and reliable
• Work closely with Donor Advise Fund organisations to grow major donor networks and maximise opportunities for RSF
• Attend networking events and activities to drive new audiences and donors to RSF
• Budget management and delivery metric analysis, ensuring a robust contingency planning process is in place.
• Ensure all philanthropic fundraising activities are compliant with fundraising code of conduct, GDPR and other relevant processes/policies
• Conduct regular sector wide and competitor research to stay ahead of trends and maximise opportunities for RSF

Expertise required

• Exceptional experience of developing and managing a major donor programme, managing high value relationships
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills including budget management, project management and prioritisation
• Excellent relationship management across stakeholders of multiple levels and organisations – utilising interpersonal skills to influence, persuade and negotiate
• Experience of developing plans and budgets, and reporting against financial targets and key performance indicators
• Experience working with CRM systems and project planning tools
• Excellent communication skills – able to utilise data analysis to produce compelling proposals and impact reports, understanding supporter motivations, engaging audiences to generate fundraising growth
• Strong team player and project leadership, ensuring clear and regular communication with the RSF team and stakeholders as appropriate
• Strong relationship management across stakeholders of multiple levels and organisations.
• Innovative thinker who has experience of building successful fundraising campaigns from scratch
• A willingness to adapt and be flexible. There are often new projects, changing priorities, and new processes that you will need to embrace
• Ability to keep calm under pressure and maintain a clear head
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to undertake travel, including overnight stays where necessary

Personal Attributes

• Creative, results-driven, and proactive in approach
• Excellent multi-tasker
• Strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders

How to apply:

We are committed to being an inclusive workforce that fully represents many different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints. We welcome applications that help us in our mission to be a place where you can be yourself and thrive.

Please share your CV and covering letter.

Interviews will be planned as applications come in. The application process may close early.

If you have any queries on this role, please contact us.

We take your privacy very seriously and promise to keep your details safe. Check our Applicant Privacy Policy to find out more.

About the Ruth Strauss Foundation

In early 2018, Ruth Strauss, the wife of Sir Andrew Strauss the former England cricket captain, was diagnosed with an incurable lung cancer that affects non-smokers. Ruth died on December 29th 2018; she was 46 years old and mother to two children, then aged 10 and 13.

In her memory, Sir Andrew has launched The Ruth Strauss Foundation to:

• Provide professional emotional support for families when a child is facing the death of a parent
• Facilitate collaboration and influence research in the fight against non-smoking lung cancers

If you are looking for a new challenge in a friendly, caring and ambitious charity, then Head of Charity at Oxford Health Charity (OHC) may be the role for you.

We are seeking a dynamic leader who will drive the strategic leadership and delivery of all OHC functions and lead Volunteering Services across the Trust. A key focus will be leading on major gift fundraising and major donor relations through an ambitious and sustainable fundraising strategy. 

You'll lead our charity team, overseeing all operations and ensuring delivery of strategic and operational plans. Your financial oversight will ensure resources are managed effectively, and you will be responsible for producing the charity’s Annual Report and Accounts, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Leading on major gifts fundraising, building relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations, and corporate partners, you’ll develop a strong pipeline of major donors securing gifts of £5,000 and above while promoting legacy giving and corporate partnerships. 

We are seeking an experienced charity leader with a strong background in fundraising, a proven track record in securing high-value gifts and developing donor relationships. Strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and experience managing complex budgets are essential.

If you’re ready to lead with purpose and compassion and make a lasting difference to our patients, staff and community, we would love to hear from you!   

Main duties of the job
This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible impact by securing philanthropic support to enhance patient care and staff wellbeing. Main duties of this role include: 

• Develop and implement a charity strategy for OHC and other relevant supporting strategies in collaboration with the Board 
• With the Executive Director of Corporate Affairs, provide vision and leadership for the charity setting the overall vision and strategic direction, ensuring alignment with its mission and values
• Take ownership and lead on major gifts fundraising including solicitation and stewardship plans to establish a portfolio of major donors and prospects to include High Net Worth Individuals, Trusts & Foundations and corporates. A specific focus is on securing donations in excess of £5,000 from major donors by initiating, promoting legacy giving and developing long term relationships between supporters, prospective supporters and Oxford Health Trust/Charity
• Ensure appropriate governance is in place for reporting to the Charity Committee and the Charity Board on the charity’s activities.
• Lead, manage and support the Charity Team, empowering them to develop and deliver to the highest level.
• Developing and implementing volunteer roles across the organisation in line with the Volunteer Strategy and organisational strategy and ensuring that appropriate systems and processes are in place for the management of volunteers.

Major Donor and Trusts Manager 

Up to £45,000 per annum + benefits (inc 25 days holiday days annual leave and pension)

Leatherhead, Surrey (some flexible working options available)

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint an experienced Philanthropy Manager to proactively lead the cultivation and stewardship of potential and existing major donors, trusts and statutory bodies, with a particular focus on driving significant income growth.

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising and Engagement, the Philanthropy Manager will drive the growth of a portfolio of existing supporters and new prospects giving at the five and six figure gift level, with a particular focus on generating major gifts from new donors. The postholder will think strategically to develop inspiring fundraising cases of support, and impact reporting working closely with Care service colleagues, the finance team and the wider fundraising and engagement team.

This role has line management responsibility for three experienced fundraisers who manage their own portfolios of Major Donors, Trusts, and Foundations.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced and enthusiastic Philanthropy Manager – with a track record of achieving challenging income targets and effective prospect management. Applications will be particularly welcome from those with a background in a children’s charity or SME with ownership of strategic planning.

· A poised, confident and convincing communicator – you have strong negotiation, presentation and networking skills and the ability to quickly connect with and motivate others

· A helpful and supportive team member – you work collaboratively and stimulate others into action

· A goal-orientated and analytical problem solver – you respond quickly to varied activities and are able to adapt quickly to change, whilst focusing on the bigger picture.

· A high level of attention to detail and accuracy – you work at a fast pace handling details whilst maintaining accuracy.

· Confident use of MSOffice and extensive experience of Excel – you have strong attention to detail, are comfortable working with data, and produce high quality accurate work.

What we offer:

We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, this includes:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Time off in lieu

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Pension scheme (we will contribute 5% of your salary and you will contribute at least 3%)

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and half day Christmas shopping

· A recommend a friend recruitment referral bonus

If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us please visit our website.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter to us via the link.

Interview dates: Interview dates to be confirmed

Your covering letter should highlight why your application should be considered above others, and clearly state how your experience matches the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification.

Interviews will take place at our Head Office in Leatherhead or virtually via Microsoft Teams. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are a Best Companies One-Star rated organisation.

Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)

Salary£48,354.46 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)

Location: London/Hybrid

Salary: £48,354.46 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, particularly those from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, who are currently under-represented throughout YMCA England & Wales. 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.

We have some big fundraising plans, and as we look towards a major appeal later this year, we are growing our fundraising team. Our Philanthropy Fundraiser will focus on corporate, major donor and regular givers, ensuring we maintain great relationships with all these groups, as well as bringing new supporters on board. While we are fortunate to have a strong base of support, we know there is huge potential for developing our support, particularly in Telford and Mid Wales.

Working as part of a small but highly effective fundraising team, the successful candidate will be motivated to work towards challenging income targets, confident in pitching and presenting, and committed to making a real difference to lives affected by cancer in our community. 

If you have great communication skills, an appetite for fundraising and/or business development, and want to work in a dynamic team doing genuinely impactful work, we would love to hear from you.

We’re delighted to be partnering with one of the UKs best established and well-known charity brands to recruit a strategic and driven Philanthropy Lead.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of a high-value portfolio, working with a broad range of major donors, trusts and foundations, senior volunteers, and influential stakeholders. You’ll play a vital role in delivering significant income through thoughtful, tailored engagement and stewardship strategies that inspire transformational, multi-year giving.

The role will focus on growing and diversifying their network of major supporters—delivering six- and seven-figure gifts through proactive relationship management, strategic donor engagement, and collaborative internal working. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, Trustees, and external partners to enhance the philanthropic impact and build long-term partnerships that align donor ambitions with the organisation’s goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects, including HNWIs, trusts and foundations, and senior figures such as Ambassadors, Trustees, and the President
• Identify and cultivate new supporters through targeted prospecting, research, events, and networks
• Develop and deliver an engaging stewardship and cultivation programme to foster lasting relationships and secure long-term, transformational gifts
• Collaborate with internal colleagues to shape compelling, tailored cases for support that reflect donor motivations and strategic priorities
• Build strong cross-organisational relationships to ensure cohesive, donor-centred experiences
• Champion a data-informed approach to donor management using CRM and internal systems to track pipeline activity and support reporting
• Represent the philanthropy function across the organisation, championing best practice and ensuring high-value fundraising is embedded and supported
• Ensure compliance with fundraising legislation and maintain the highest standards of ethical fundraising

Key Skills and Experience

Essential

• Significant experience managing major donor and/or trust relationships at six- and seven-figure levels
• Strong track record of securing high-value gifts and meeting or exceeding income targets
• Expertise in developing compelling, high-quality fundraising proposals tailored to donor needs
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders
• A strategic, creative thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset and solution-focused approach
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a sharp eye for detail
• Highly organised, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Confident using CRM systems to manage pipelines, analyse data, and support donor stewardship

Desirable

• Experience working with senior volunteers or philanthropic advisers to increase income and influence
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach with the ability to align across departments
• Financially literate and able to interpret complex impact or income data to inform donor discussions

To be considered for this position please apply with your CV as soon as possible, regrettably please note we may not be able to reply to each and every application.

We are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practises that ensure equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and will happily make reasonable adjustments to always ensure a fair process.

Role purpose

To diversify, develop and deliver fundraising initiatives with a focus on major donors and legacies, securing significant funding for the Trust that will enable delivery of our new 2030 strategy of more space for nature, with more people on nature’s side. 

1. Main Responsibilities

1.1 Devise and deliver annual plans, together with associated budgets, in line with strategic objectives

1.2 Monitor and report on fundraising targets and budget

1.3 Line management of the Fundraising Officer

2. Major Donors

2.1 Growing the scale of donations – both the number of donors and the value of donations by managing an impactful major donor programme for the Trust 

2.2 Use the Trust’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software to manage and grow a pipeline of prospects including high value donors, major donors and potential legators 

2.3 Develop and manage a portfolio of high value donors and prospects to include working closely with appropriate colleagues on research, cultivation, ask and stewardship, including planning and delivery of inspiring events

2.4 Work with the CEO, Senior Management Team and Trustees to appropriately involve them in planning and managing relationships with major donors 

2.5 Develop a stewardship programme, developing meaningful relationships with donors and potential donors, involving them in our work and ensure they feel valued and part of the Trust.

2.6 Manage the Patrons Circle, providing a fantastic experience for WWT Patrons, including delivering engaging events and maintaining regular communication

2.7 Ensure appeal donors receive relevant stewardship communications, including holding specific events and activities

3. Legacies

3.1 Support the development of the Trust's legacy strategy, leading to an increase in number of pledges and value pledged

3.2 Identify and recruit new legacy pledgers including but not exclusively from WWT members and supporters, ensuring a legacy pipeline

3.3 Steward known legacy pledgers to maximize and retain their loyalty to WWT and to maximize their lifetime giving, including their support for current appeals.

3.4 Ensure ongoing engagement with all legators and enquirers by upgrading and conversion through the legacy cycle: enquirer, considerer, intender, pledger 

3.5 Create and run a series of events to engage potential and existing legators and legacy professionals

3.6 Liaise with departments across the Trust in relation to legacy campaigns 

3.7 Work closely with the marketing team to ensure effective communication about legacy giving with members, supporters and pledgers/legators 

3.8 Use the CRM’s legacy module to manage relationships with pledgers and legators

4. General Fundraising

4.1 Support the Trust's new Project Oversights Board, ensuring projects align with the strategy, are fully developed, and help secure appropriate funding

4.2 Input into funding bids

4.3 Support Trust fundraising appeals 

4.5 Work closely with the marketing team to update and improve third party fundraising materials, online material and guidance to enable supporters to fundraise for us independently 

4.6 Ensure that the Trust is up to date and compliant with legislation, regulators and GDPR requirements in relation to fundraising

4.7 Stay up to date with current best practice in fundraising techniques and track any upcoming trends 

4.8 Work with the Membership Services Manager and Membership Development Officer to ensure data is recorded on the CRM accurately and effectively to enable required analysis, tracking, reporting, segmentation and future targeting

5. General Responsibilities

5.1 Promote the work, mission and vision of the Trust at all times.

5.2 Work across teams to develop and implement activity plans across the 2030 strategy business plan.

5.3 Use every opportunity commensurate with other duties to contribute to the Trust’s membership recruitment, fundraising and engagement of people. 

5.4 Ensure a high level of customer service in all dealings with the public.

5.5 Ensure continuous development of skills and knowledge required for the post, undergoing training and performance review as required by the Trust.

5.6 Work within all the policies and procedures of the Trust, ensuring own compliance with the 5.7 Trust’s health and safety policies and procedures and that of any resources for whom you are responsible. 

5.8 Work at all times within the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy and to promote equal opportunities.

Comply with all legal and contractual obligations concerning the responsibilities of your post.

5.9 Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post, as requested by the Chief Executive.

For more information please refer to the full job description which is available to download below

Benefits

Generous pension scheme Generous holidays Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Death in Service benefit Flexible working WWT Membership Continuous Training & Development opportunities On-site parking