At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative philanthropy initiatives and engage high-net-worth individuals to drive transformational change.
- Company: WaterAid is a global charity focused on providing clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days holiday, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave among other perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the world while working in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with high-net-worth individuals and strong project management skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working model allows flexibility; applications close on 11th August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 52000 £ per year.
Job Description
Senior Manager for Philanthropy Products
Contract type: Permanent, Full Time – 35 hours per week
Location: London, United Kingdom
UK hybrid working – a minimum of 40 % of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel).
60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.
Salary: £48,867 – £54,654 per year with excellent benefits.
Change starts with water. Change starts with you.
Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.
About WaterAid
We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.
About the team
Part of the Fundraising and Communications Directorate, this role reports directly to the Strategic Partnerships Director and works closely with philanthropy teams across the federation (particularly those in the UK and US), with programmes colleagues across the UK and Nepal and with the UK Communications department, to deliver first class donor engagement.
About the role
As our Senior Manager for Philanthropy Products, you will engage and inspire philanthropists through a new high-value proposition. This proposition will create transformational change whilst also delivering sector leading stewardship, piloting new channels and formats for reporting and engagement.
In this role, you will:
- Lead this initiative – driving progress, ensuring global coordination and overseeing the global funding pipeline.
- Develop innovative, sector leading communications for donors and prospects
- Represent the proposition externally
- Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.
Requirements
To be successful, you will need:
- Experience working with high-net-worth individuals and creating tailored, impactful content.
- Proven ability to develop innovative stewardship and reporting products.
- Skilled at influencing senior stakeholders and driving collaboration across teams.
- Strong project management skills with a focus on delivery and results.
Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:
- Experience engaging ultra-high net worth individuals, particularly in the UK and US.
- Experience developing and managing digital donor reporting tools, such as private portals.
- Understanding of international development issues.
- Experience working in large, complex international organisations.
Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on Monday 11th of August 2025.
– First round interviews will be held online on the 19th and 20th of August 2025.
– Second Round interviews will be held in person at WaterAid offices in Canary Wharf on the 3rd of September 2025.
How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening question and upload your CV and cover letter.
Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?
At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.
Pre‑employment screening
To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Benefits
- 36 days’ holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
- Option to buy an extra 5 days’ annual leave
- Employer pension contribution up to 10 %
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Season ticket loan
- Free annual eye tests
- ‘Give as you Earn’ charitable giving scheme
- Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity)
- Sabbaticals
- One paid volunteer day each year
Our Global Commitment:
Our people promise
We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.
Safeguarding
We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).
Together, we’ll change the world through water.
Join us and be part of the change!
Senior Manager for Philanthropy Products employer: WaterAid
Contact Detail:
WaterAid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager for Philanthropy Products
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the philanthropy sector, especially those who have experience working with high-net-worth individuals. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in donor engagement.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with WaterAid's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to equity, inclusion, and safeguarding will help you align your discussions and demonstrate your passion for their cause during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative stewardship and reporting products you've developed in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to engage and inspire donors effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current landscape of international development issues, particularly those related to water and sanitation. This knowledge will not only enhance your conversations but also show your commitment to making a difference in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager for Philanthropy Products
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience working with high-net-worth individuals and showcases your ability to create tailored, impactful content. Use specific examples that demonstrate your project management skills and collaboration across teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for WaterAid's mission and how your background aligns with the role. Highlight your experience in developing innovative stewardship and reporting products, and mention any familiarity with digital donor reporting tools.
Showcase Your Understanding of Philanthropy: Demonstrate your knowledge of philanthropy and international development issues in your application. Discuss how you can contribute to WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and safeguarding, and provide examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the pre-screening questions and upload all required documents as specified. Double-check your application for accuracy and completeness before submitting it through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at WaterAid
✨Understand WaterAid's Mission
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of WaterAid's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in providing clean water and sanitation, as this will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience with High-Net-Worth Individuals
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged high-net-worth individuals. Highlight how you tailored your communication and stewardship strategies to meet their unique needs, as this is crucial for the Senior Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Innovative Thinking
Be ready to discuss innovative ideas for donor engagement and reporting. Think about how you can leverage new channels and formats to enhance donor experience, as this aligns with the expectations for developing sector-leading communications.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Since the role involves influencing senior stakeholders and driving collaboration, prepare to discuss situations where you've successfully worked across teams. Emphasise your project management skills and how you ensured delivery and results in those scenarios.