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- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to secure transformational gifts for the University of Manchester.
- Company: Join a prestigious university making a global impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic team environment, and career-defining opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of philanthropy and tackle world challenges with top donors.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in securing major gifts and inspiring high-level donors.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven team with a strong pipeline of prospects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are looking for our new Head of Principal Gifts to work with our highest level of donors, securing principal gifts in support of the University of Manchester's key priorities - gifts that are truly transformational and enable us to tackle some of the world's greatest challenges.
We're taking our big gift fundraising to the next level with the launch of a dedicated Principal Gifts programme, and we're looking for someone to play a key role in shaping that transformation, building deep, lasting relationships with top-level donors in the UK and internationally.
With our inspirational new strategy in place and our first-ever university-wide philanthropic campaign, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED, launched in November 2025, this is a pivotal moment for Manchester and for your career.
Reporting to the Deputy Director, Principal Gifts, you'll be joining a brilliant, values-driven team with a fantastic pipeline of prospects, strong existing relationships, and academics who are fully engaged in what we're building together.
Great things happen at The University of Manchester every day - from finding new treatments for cancer and discovering wonder materials like Nobel Prize-winning graphene, to providing life-changing scholarships and influencing government policy to help the world's poorest people. This is the work your fundraising will make possible.
If you're a major gifts or big gift fundraiser ready to make your mark at a world-renowned institution and take that next career-defining step, we'd love to hear from you.
- A seasoned fundraising leader with a proven ability to secure transformational six- and seven-figure gifts, inspiring confidence among high-capacity donors, senior stakeholders, and global philanthropic partners.
- Awareness of national and international philanthropic trends, bringing insight and credibility that elevates the University’s principal giving ambitions.
- A collaborative, values-driven leadership style that motivates others, nurtures confidence in principal giving, and contributes to a culture of ambition, inclusion, and continuous improvement aligned with the Manchester Mindset.
- Resilient, innovative, and impact-driven, with the adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving organisational context.
Head of Principal Gifts in Manchester employer: Case
Contact Detail:
Case Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Principal Gifts in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising world. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors or peers. Building relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you’re chatting with potential employers or donors, let your enthusiasm for the cause shine through. Share stories that highlight your commitment to transformational gifts and how they can make a real difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews! Research the University of Manchester’s key priorities and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Practice answering common questions and have a few thoughtful questions ready to show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact in the world of principal gifts fundraising.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Principal Gifts in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Principal Gifts role. Highlight your experience in securing transformational gifts and how it aligns with our mission at the University of Manchester.
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use concrete examples of how your fundraising efforts have led to significant outcomes, especially in relation to high-capacity donors and philanthropic trends.
Be Authentic: We want to get to know the real you! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for philanthropy and how it drives you to make a difference in the world.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of fundraising at the University of Manchester.
How to prepare for a job interview at Case
✨Know Your Donors
Before the interview, research the University of Manchester's current and past principal donors. Understand their motivations and interests, as well as any recent philanthropic trends. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your ability to build deep, lasting relationships with top-level donors.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've secured transformational gifts in the past. Highlight your strategies, the challenges you faced, and the impact of those gifts. This will showcase your proven ability to inspire confidence among high-capacity donors.
✨Align with the University’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with the University of Manchester's key priorities and the CHALLENGE ACCEPTED campaign. Be ready to discuss how your experience and vision align with their goals, and how you can contribute to their ambitious plans for the future.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Leadership
Demonstrate your collaborative, values-driven leadership style during the interview. Share examples of how you've motivated teams and nurtured a culture of ambition and inclusion. This will show that you can thrive in a fast-paced, evolving organisational context while contributing positively to the team.