Major Gifts Manager

Major Gifts Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Centrepoint

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to secure major gifts for affordable homes for young people.
  • Company: Centrepoint, dedicated to ending youth homelessness and supporting young people's futures.
  • Benefits: Generous annual leave, healthcare plans, private medical insurance, and pension contributions.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by helping young people transition to independent living.
  • Qualifications: Experience in securing significant donations and managing donor relationships.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Centrepoint works with young people aged 16–25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We provide accommodation, health support, and life skills to help young people move into education, training, and employment so they can build independent, sustainable futures. Together with our partners, we support over 15,000 young people each year and aim to end youth homelessness by 2037.

Centrepoint’s Independent Living Programme (ILP) is delivering 300 genuinely affordable homes across London and Greater Manchester for young people moving on from homelessness. With 50 homes already built and £23m secured, the Independent Living Capital Appeal is raising a further £27m to complete the programme.

The Independent Living Capital Appeal Manager will play a key role in delivering this ambitious programme. You will be responsible for helping to deliver the £27m appeal target by managing and growing a portfolio of high‑value donors and grant‑makers, securing five and six‑figure gifts, and developing a strong pipeline of new prospects. Working closely with the Head of Independent Living Appeal, you will lead the cultivation and solicitation of high‑value supporters while delivering an outstanding donor experience. You will also work closely with development and programme colleagues to align fundraising with live housing developments and future pipeline opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects, securing new and repeat five and six‑figure gifts
  • Identify, qualify and cultivate new prospects to strengthen the appeal pipeline
  • Develop and deliver tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies
  • Write compelling proposals, reports and donor communications
  • Deliver excellent stewardship, designing supporter journeys that connect donors to the impact of their support
  • Support senior leaders and volunteers in donor cultivation and solicitations
  • Collaborate across fundraising and programme teams to maximise opportunities for support
  • Line‑manage the Independent Living Appeal Officer, supporting their development and contribution to the appeal

About You

We are looking for a motivated, relationship‑focused fundraiser with a strong track record of securing significant philanthropic gifts. You will bring:

  • Experience securing five and six‑figure gifts from individuals, trusts, foundations or corporate partners
  • Proven ability to build and progress a pipeline of high‑value prospects
  • Strong experience managing and stewarding major donor relationships
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including developing persuasive proposals and reports
  • Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and donors
  • Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver targets
  • Ability to work collaboratively across teams and functions
  • Experience working on a capital appeal or major fundraising campaign
  • Experience working with senior volunteers in fundraising

Benefits

  • 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days
  • Healthcare cash plan (dental, optical, complementary therapies)
  • Private medical insurance
  • Income protection
  • Employer pension contributions of 5%
  • Cycle to Work and interest‑free travel loan schemes

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Centrepoint is committed to fairness, equality, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of homelessness or youth services.

Apply now to play a key role in delivering Centrepoint’s Independent Living Capital Appeal and creating hundreds of new homes for young people moving on from homelessness.

Major Gifts Manager employer: Centrepoint

Centrepoint is an exceptional employer dedicated to ending youth homelessness, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in London, the role of Major Gifts Manager provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying generous benefits such as 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and a commitment to equality and inclusion. Join us in creating sustainable futures for young people and be part of a passionate team making a real difference.
Centrepoint

Contact Detail:

Centrepoint Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Major Gifts Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to meet someone from Centrepoint or related organisations, be ready to talk about your experience and how it aligns with their mission. A confident, clear pitch can make a lasting impression.

✨Tip Number 3

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest opportunities listed there, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission at Centrepoint.

We think you need these skills to ace Major Gifts Manager

Fundraising
Donor Relationship Management
Proposal Writing
Communication Skills
Project Management
Pipeline Development
Stewardship
Collaboration
Organisational Skills
Engagement with Senior Stakeholders
Experience in Major Fundraising Campaigns
Ability to Manage Competing Priorities
Motivation and Relationship Focus

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Major Gifts Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.

Showcase Your Achievements: When writing about your past experiences, focus on specific achievements, especially those related to securing five and six-figure gifts. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles!

Craft Compelling Proposals: Since you'll be writing proposals and donor communications, demonstrate your writing skills in your application. Share examples of persuasive proposals you've created in the past to give us a taste of your style.

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.

How to prepare for a job interview at Centrepoint

✨Know Your Impact

Before the interview, dive deep into Centrepoint's mission and the Independent Living Programme. Understand how your role as a Major Gifts Manager will directly contribute to their goal of ending youth homelessness. Being able to articulate this connection will show your passion and commitment.

✨Showcase Your Success Stories

Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully secured five and six-figure gifts in the past. Highlight your strategies for donor cultivation and stewardship. This will demonstrate your experience and ability to manage high-value relationships effectively.

✨Tailor Your Communication Style

Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and persuasively. Consider how you would present a compelling proposal or report to a potential donor. Tailoring your communication style to resonate with different stakeholders can set you apart.

✨Collaborate and Connect

Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively across teams. Think of examples where you've successfully partnered with colleagues to maximise fundraising opportunities. This will show that you understand the importance of teamwork in achieving the appeal's ambitious targets.

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