Senior Philanthropy Manager in London
Birkbeck Sport Business Centre London About the role
We are seeking an experienced and ambitious Senior Philanthropy Manager to join the Development and Alumni team. The role involves building relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals, trusts and foundations, and corporate partners to secure transformational support for one of the UK’s leading institutions for lifelong learning.
Responsibilities
- Working closely with senior leaders, academics and volunteers to deliver Birkbeck’s philanthropic ambitions.
- Advancing opportunities for students and research.
- Managing a portfolio of around 100 prospects and donors.
- Identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors.
- Creating tailored engagement strategies.
- Crafting compelling cases for support that inspire investment in Birkbeck’s priorities.
Experience and Skills
- Experience as a Major Gifts manager, Major Donor fund‑raiser, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Trusts and Foundations Manager, Alumni and Development Manager, Campaign Fundraiser or similar.
- Strong track record of securing significant gifts ranging from £50,000 to £1m+.
- Entrepreneurial relationship builder with ambition, creativity and credibility.
Salary & Benefits
- Salary £51,713 rising to £60,858 per annum, Grade 8 on the College’s London Pay Scale, with a consolidated London Weighting Allowance.
- Benefits include a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, generous HE‑sector benefits and a central location in Bloomsbury, Euston, London.
Contract
- Permanent, open‑ended contract; full‑time (35 hours per week).
- Hybrid with two days on site and/or prospect and donor meetings.
Application
- Closing date: 12 August 2026. Submit CV and statement through the online system.
- For enquiries, contact Abbie Carr, Director of Development and Alumni.
We welcome applicants from all communities. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holds a bronze Athena SWAN award, and operates Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.
Your tasks
Build relationships with high-net-worth individuals and secure transformational support for lifelong learning.
Your profile
Experience in major gifts or corporate partnerships with a strong track record.
What's also included
Competitive salary, flexible working, 31 days leave, and generous HE-sector perks.
Tech stack & ways of working
Senior Philanthropy Manager in London employer: Birkbeck Sport Business Centre
Birkbeck Sport Business Centre is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and success of its staff and students alike. With a supportive work culture, generous benefits including 31 days of paid leave and flexible working arrangements, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in Greater London, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the academic journey of students while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant environment.
View Birkbeck Sport Business Centre profile
Your perspectives
Make a real impact by advancing opportunities for students and research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Birkbeck Sport Business Centre.
Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Birkbeck Sport Business Centre.
Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Birkbeck Sport Business Centre.
Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Birkbeck Sport Business Centre. Apply directly through us to stand out!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause
In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Birkbeck Sport Business Centre. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience
When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role
For a full-time role like Senior Philanthropy Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birkbeck Sport Business Centre
Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Birkbeck Sport Business Centre. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
Locations
- London
