Philanthropy jobs

At Ambitious about Autism, we're currently looking for a Head of Philanthropy to join our Fundraising team.

You'll lead, oversee and implement ambitious plans, as set out in the new fundraising strategy and enabling us to fully capitalise on the opportunities presented over the next few years, with a focus on the development of a major donor strategy, growing our profile and supporting a high-performing Philanthropy team. Alongside this you will personally manage a portfolio of high value solicitations, resulting in 6- and 7-figure gifts.

You'll evaluate each income stream and develop plans aligned with fundraising strategy, ensuring these translate into deliverable objectives. You'll play a key role in the development of fundraising appeals, including large scale proposals and approaches, as well as developing creative and compelling funding applications to engage new supporters.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience of planning and implementing successful major donor fundraising programmes
• Proven experience of securing high-value major gifts
• An understanding of trends and developments across the sector and demonstrable knowledge of best practice in major donors, trusts and foundations fundraising
• Experience of financial management of expenditure budgets including setting, accurate forecasting and achieving financial and non-financial targets

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

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

If you are ready to join a creative, fast-growing organisation dedicated to community-led educational equity, we encourage you to apply.

About EduSpots

EduSpots is a dynamic, community-driven UK and Ghana-registered charity that connects, trains, and equips volunteer community educators (known as ‘Catalysts’) to drive grassroots educational change. These efforts center around the creation and operation of community-led ‘Spots’—innovative education spaces benefiting learners of all ages.

Founded in 2016, EduSpots has grown to support 50 communities through 400 local Catalysts who play a central leadership role. We believe in a community-led model that can be adapted globally. Our Ghana-based team facilitates three leadership programmes—Ignite, Catalyse, and Inspire Mentoring—enabling Catalysts to run clubs focused on early-years education, digital literacy, STEM/environmental education, and gender equity, ultimately reaching over 15,000 learners each year.

EduSpots’ rapid growth has been recognized through accolades like the Tes International Award (2018) and the Big Give Supporters’ Choice Award (2022). We were recently a finalist for the 2023 Their World Scale-Up Innovation Prize, and our Founder was a finalist for the UNESCO-backed Varkey Foundation’s Global Teacher Prize. We are now expanding our model, supported by independent evaluation findings and prestigious accelerator programs, as we explore its global potential.

About the Role

EduSpots is seeking a Global Philanthropy Manager—an engaging, dynamic, and proven fundraising specialist who will play a key part in our next phase of growth. As we continue to expand, we need an individual with a track record of securing income from trusts and foundations, ideally at the 5- to 6-figure level (GBP), and the ability to cultivate new funding partnerships.

In the past two years, we have doubled our income and expanded our programmes significantly. We are now poised for further growth and need someone who understands the value of community-driven change. You will collaborate closely with our CEO, Ghana-based Heads of Programmes, and Head of Operations to develop funding proposals and nurture donor relationships at a strategic level.

Depending on experience and availability, this role may involve overseeing a small part-time fundraising team (including a Fundraising Manager, Trusts and Foundations Manager, and Communications Manager). In time, the position could evolve into a Head of Fundraising role.

If you are passionate about educational equity, thrive in a fast-paced yet supportive environment, and want to make a direct impact on community-led initiatives, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

1. Global Fundraising Strategy

   • Develop and execute an overarching fundraising strategy targeting medium-to-large, multi-year commitments from trusts, foundations, major donors, and (potentially) corporate partners.

   • Work closely with the CEO and leadership team to secure high-value partnerships.

2. Strategic Proposal Development

   • Collaborate with the CEO, Heads of Programmes, and Head of Operations to craft compelling organisational and programme-focused bids.

   • Contribute to EduSpots’ broader strategic development, aligning funding proposals with our organisational goals.

3. Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

   • Establish and maintain efficient donor identification, cultivation, and tracking systems.

   • Coordinate with the CEO and board members to leverage their networks for new funding opportunities.

   • Create bespoke stewardship plans that demonstrate the impact of donor support and build lasting relationships.

4. Communications and Networking

   • Work with the CEO and Communications Manager to develop a compelling case for support and accompanying engagement materials.

   • Actively represent EduSpots in relevant networks to increase our visibility among potential donors.

5. Donor Relationship Management

   • Oversee relationships with major donors, trusts, and foundations, including grant reporting and ongoing communications.

   • Manage donor databases and ensure accurate record-keeping.

6. Monitoring and Compliance

   • Track philanthropic trends to strengthen EduSpots’ fundraising effectiveness.

   • Ensure compliance with all relevant international fundraising regulations and ethical standards.

7. Team Leadership (Depending on Experience/Availability)

   • Potentially manage and mentor a small part-time fundraising team (Fundraising Manager, Trusts and Foundations Manager, Communications Manager), ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.

8. General Duties

   • Contribute to overall strategy development, annual business planning, and budgeting.

   • Carry out all administrative tasks related to the role accurately and efficiently.

   • Comply with all EduSpots’ policies and procedures.

   • Undertake other reasonable duties as required.

Skills, Experience, and Attributes

Essential

• Proven track record of income generation, ideally within education or international development.

• Extensive experience writing successful grant applications (5- to 6-figure GBP).

• Strong background in cultivating and managing relationships with trusts, foundations, and other grant-makers.

• Knowledge of a broad range of UK-based funders and some familiarity with international (European/US) funders.

• Understanding of programme development and management, ideally in an education context.

• Some experience in communications/marketing within an NGO setting.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong interpersonal abilities to engage diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to work autonomously in a remote role with minimal day-to-day supervision.

• Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, Google Drive, etc.).

• Deeply aligned with EduSpots’ values, including a commitment to community leadership, sustainable change, teamwork, play, passion, and care.

Desirable

• Experience managing a team and overseeing their performance.

• Familiarity with corporate partnerships, individual giving, and fundraising campaigns.

Application Process

If you are ready to join a creative, fast-growing organisation dedicated to community-led educational equity, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your CV and a brief covering letter highlighting your relevant experience and what excites you about this role.

We look forward to exploring how you can help EduSpots expand its impact in Ghana and potentially beyond, shaping a more inclusive and empowering future through education.

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!

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

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

The Bread and Butter Thing – Philanthropy Lead

Salary: £60-£70k per annum.

Contract: Permanent, flexible working considered.

Location: Office-based in Greater Manchester, with flexibility on how and when you work.

The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) - whose mobile food clubs give access to low cost weekly shops and affordable food to communities starved of money, food and resources - is seeking a passionate, strategic and proactive fundraising leader to join their dynamic team at a pivotal time in the charity’s growth.

The charity’s vision is to make life more affordable, to build strong communities and to reduce food waste. Since launching in 2016, The Bread and Butter Thing has grown rapidly – now reaching over 100,000 people through more than 140 community hubs across the North of England, with an annual income of circa £6 million. As well as tackling food poverty, the charity creates spaces that foster community connection, reduce social isolation, and improve general wellbeing.

This role will take a lead on growing and diversifying income from trusts, foundations, corporates, major donors and public sector sources, and will be responsible for championing a culture of partnership, building meaningful relationships and helping to amplify the organisation’s impact and story.

The Philanthropy Lead is central to TBBT’s ambitions to grow their geographical reach and raise their national profile to reach more communities, working to shape and deliver a high-value fundraising strategy, lead multi-sector funding bids, and work hand in hand with delivery teams, partners, and stakeholders. As the subject expert in fundraising, the post-holder will be hands-on in developing proposals and cases for support, managing key accounts, and working as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team to identify and progress opportunities.

The ideal candidate will have a proven record of building relationships and securing income from high-value sources, including trusts and foundations, corporates, major donors and public bodies. You will have experience of developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies with measurable outcomes. A strong understanding of the funding landscape for community development, poverty reduction, and/or food justice would be an advantage.

As well as having excellent communication skills you will be an outstanding relationship-builder, able to connect with funders, partners, communities, and colleagues. You will be a strategic thinker, comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Final you will be collaborative, proactive and passionate about tackling poverty, food insecurity, and inequality.

Joining an agile and fast-growing organisation with big ambitions and which is unafraid to do things differently, this is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership and directly shape the next phase of the charity’s development.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Tuesday 6th May, 9.00am.

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.

As our Head of Philanthropy, you’ll lead and grow our major donor programme, securing six- and seven-figure gifts that fuel transformational change.

What you’ll do:

• Develop and deliver an ambitious philanthropy strategy, driving sustainable income growth.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and networks of high-net-worth individuals.
• Position Practical Action as a thought leader in international development philanthropy, leveraging trends such as impact-based philanthropy and trust-based giving.
• Create high quality donor experiences, from exclusive events to field visits that showcase our life-changing work.

This is a rare opportunity to shape philanthropy at Practical Action and create lasting change. If you’re ready to take major donor fundraising to the next level, we’d love to hear from you!

What you’ll bring:

• A proven track record of securing high-value gifts from major donors, trusts, and foundations.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to engage and inspire high-net-worth individuals.
• Strategic thinking with a flair for identifying and unlocking new funding opportunities.
• Passion for international development and a talent for powerful storytelling.

Accountabilities:

Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement an ambitious philanthropy strategy that delivers significant income growth from high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and foundations.

Team Leadership: Lead and develop a small team, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring fundraising excellence.

Collaboration & Leadership: Work closely with senior stakeholders, including Trustees, the CEO, and global teams, to leverage influence and deepen donor engagement.

Innovation & Future-Proofing: Identify and implement innovative fundraising approaches, including digital philanthropy, giving circles, and social investment models.

Data & Insights: Use CRM and donor analytics to inform strategy, measure impact, and drive data-led decision-making.

Portfolio Development: Expand and diversify our philanthropic network, including engaging global high-net-worth individuals, diaspora philanthropy, and Donor Advised Funds (DAFs).

Major Gift Fundraising: Build and steward a pipeline of major donors, personally cultivating and soliciting six and seven-figure gifts to drive sustainable long-term support.

Engagement & Stewardship: Develop bespoke donor experiences, including high-profile events, personalised communications, and opportunities to see Practical Action’s work firsthand.

Global relationships: Working with country and regional offices, the International Directorate, the Impact & Influence Directorate and Finance, developing processes and proactively working to unblock issues crucial to successful philanthropic growth.

Skills Development: Champion and facilitates the development of skills and capacity among fundraising staff globally in support of the philanthropy strategy.

PERSON PROFILE

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• We’re looking for an experienced philanthropy professional with a passion for international development and a strong track record of securing major gifts. You will bring:
• Proven expertise in major donor fundraising, with a track record of securing six and seven-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals and foundations.
• Strategic vision and leadership, with the ability to develop and implement successful multi-year philanthropy strategies.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, able to engage and inspire senior donors, Trustees, and high-profile stakeholders.
• Creative and entrepreneurial mindset, with experience exploring innovative fundraising models such as impact philanthropy, digital philanthropy, and DAFs.
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the ability to craft compelling cases for support.
• Experience in leading and developing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of ambition, innovation, and collaboration.
• Knowledge of international development and the motivations of philanthropic donors in this space.
• A proactive, results-driven approach, with strong financial acumen and the ability to manage budgets, pipelines, and income targets.
• Cultural Sensitivity with experience of remote working, working with people from diverse backgrounds and working with multiple teams.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English required. Competence or fluency in Spanish, French and/or Arabic, desirable.
• Alignment with our work and commitment to development principles.

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.

The organisation:

We are delighted to be partnering with a pioneering charity, The Circle, which brings global feminists together to fight for the safety and equality of marginalised and vulnerable women around the world. Founded by singer-songwriter and activist, Annie Lennox and other leading women, The Circle is a space for creative ideas, connections and the opportunity to make change. From small beginnings in 2008, they have grown into an independent network of women and allies from all walks of life who are bonded by the desire to live in a world where women and girls have equal rights and equal opportunities.

They are seeking an Interim Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships to join them for a 5 month maternity contract, driving income and donor engagement via major donors, corporates and special events and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a key member of SLT, reporting to the CEO and working closely with associated peers to deliver and achieve the organisational strategy
• Lead The Circle’s major gift fundraising, with a focus on HNWI, philanthropy advisors, corporate partnerships and trusts & foundations
• Build a sustainable pipeline of income
• Drive new business activity - identifying opportunities for partnership/support from a variety of high value sources
• Develop new cases for support, building on existing propositions such as A Living Wage for Garment Workers and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls report.
• Identify opportunities for special events/initiatives which could also act as cultivation events for new supporters or one-off large scale fundraisers with high ROI.

Skills and Qualifications:

• An experienced and results driven fundraiser with a major donor background
• Demonstrable expertise in securing five-figure donations from HNWIs/corporate partners/T&F (six-figure experience desirable) and understanding of appeals and events.
• A strategic, creative doer who strikes the balance between leadership, tactics and being hands-on as required
• Self-motivated with demonstrable ability to take the initiative and drive activity – The Circle is a small organisation, and the team work remotely
• Knowledge of partnership agreements and due diligence processes
• A background in international development and/or women’s rights is desirable
• Events/special initiatives expertise desirable

What's on offer:

This role is offering a day rate of £217 - £237 per day PAYE + holiday pay for this 5 month contract. This is a hybrid role with travel into London twice a month. This is a fast moving role and applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

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 adjustments to always ensure a fair process.

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.

PHILANTHROPY MANAGER

£40,000 to £45,000 per annum, dependent on experience

37.5 hours per week

Dulwich College is committed to cultivating a vibrant educational environment driven by our core values of purpose, kindness and joy. We provide exceptional teaching, scholarship, and learning both inside and outside the classroom, nurturing an inspiring and dynamic atmosphere for our community. As a world-renowned boys' school, we educate 1,700 pupils aged 7 to 18, alongside a co-educational kindergarten and infants’ school, DUCKS, with 230 young learners. With a dedicated team of over 600 staff, we are proud of our beautiful and historic 70-acre campus in south London, where every individual is encouraged to thrive.

We are looking for a talented and driven Philanthropy Manager to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will build meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the College to secure transformative support. Working alongside Director of Development and the Head of Philanthropy, you will play an essential part in shaping the future of philanthropy at Dulwich College.

If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team that is shaping the future of education through philanthropy, we would love to hear from you.

Further information can be found in the candidate pack.

Closing date:  Monday 21 April 2025

Interview date: week commencing Monday 5 May 2025

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This is the responsibility of the whole College community.  We all remain vigilant about safeguarding at the College and we never think that child abuse could not happen here or to our pupils.  A DBS Disclosure is required to Enhanced level. The DBS Code of Practice and the Standard and Enhanced DBS Privacy Policy can be found on our website. Charity 1150064

About the role:

On the back of continued growth due to successful fundraising performance over the last 5 years, we are ready to take the next step in our fundraising strategy and launch a Philanthropy Giving programme. You will bring expertise and skills in this field to support the fundraising team and build on the already strong stewardship and engagement we have with key individuals.

An experienced fundraiser or business development professional, you will relish the opportunity to own and launch the strategy and implement a long-term engagement plan to strengthen High Value relationships that will deliver a new and sustainable income stream.

The role is new and on an initial fixed term contract of 12 months but with the potential to make the role permanent if the strategy succeeds.

Salary: £35,000-£40,000 per annum 0.8 FTE

About you:

You're likely to be a seasoned philanthropy professional, ideally with a track record securing gifts.

You will be comfortable in working closely with a Senior Leadership team and Board.

With an understanding of philanthropy and what makes major donors tick, you will also have the appetite and aptitude to develop new relationships from scratch.

The role will be a good mix of stewarding existing relationships and building brand-new ones. Therefore, you will need to be comfortable and confident researching and developing new contacts, harnessing the potential of existing networks and working closely with the wider organisation.

A key part to the role will be to deliver engagement activities, therefore event planning and project management skills are important.

About Us: Railway Children is an International children's charity working in India, Tanzania and the UK. Our mission is to safeguard children at risk of being lost to the streets by empowering families, communities and partners to create lasting change, ensuring every child can reach their full potential.

Why Join Us? At Railway Children, as well as helping some of the world’s most vulnerable children and young people, you will join a dedicated and supportive team, offering flexible working environment and a culture we are really proud of.