Compassion in World Farming International is a global movement transforming the future of food and farming. Inspire transformational giving and build lasting partnerships that help end factory farming.
Philanthropy Manager (Major Donors)
Role type: Full time; Permanent
Location: Godalming, Surrey, UK (Hybrid working pattern: two days in the office, currently Tuesdays and Thursdays - flexibilty considered). The office is located close to Godalming station, with direct trains from/to London Waterloo in approximately 45 minutes.
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (depending upon skills and experience)
About the role
Philanthropy has a vital role to play in ending factory farming. As Philanthropy Manager (Major Donors) at Compassion, you will build relationships with high-net-worth individuals across the UK and Europe, inspiring and securing significant philanthropic investments in our work. At a pivotal moment for animal welfare, climate and food systems, you will help donors turn their ambitions into impact and empower transformative change for farmed animals worldwide.
As our Philanthropy Manager (Major Donors), you’ll be responsible for:
- Build lasting donor relationships - Manage and strengthen a varied portfolio of existing donors giving £10,000+, providing thoughtful, tailored stewardship that inspires continued and increased support.
- Grow our major donor community - Identify, cultivate and solicit high-net-worth individuals, philanthropists and family foundations across the UK, with scope to expand into European markets.
- Secure significant gifts - Develop meaningful engagement opportunities and compelling approaches that secure major and multi-year donations for Compassion’s work.
- Create persuasive donor communications - Write inspiring funding proposals, cases for support, impact reports and project budgets that bring complex programmes to life in clear, engaging language.
- Drive performance and growth - Work towards ambitious personal and team income targets, using KPIs, pipeline insight and accurate forecasting to identify priorities and opportunities.
- Collaborate across Compassion - Partner with Philanthropy, Prospect Research, Programmes and Finance colleagues, while maintaining accurate Salesforce records and working in line with GDPR and ethical fundraising standards.
About you
To succeed as our Philanthropy Manager (Major Donors), you’ll be an accomplished relationship-led fundraiser who understands how to move prospects from identification and cultivation through to solicitation and long-term stewardship. You’ll combine strategic thinking with a practical, entrepreneurial approach, bringing energy, curiosity and sound judgement to every donor relationship.
Skills and experience you’ll need to have to succeed in this role:
- Proven experience of fundraising from high-net-worth individuals and successfully soliciting personal gifts of £10,000 or more.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and know how to build trust, understand donor motivations and create rewarding long-term partnerships.
- Able to write and speak with clarity and impact, using information effectively to make a compelling case and present complex ideas appropriately to different audiences.
- Strategic mindset, where you spot and seize opportunities, bring fresh ideas and combine strategic thinking with the drive to turn plans into action.
- Comfortable working to targets and KPIs, managing budgets and priorities, and maintaining excellent attention to detail across a busy portfolio.
- Able to work well independently and as part of a team, inspire energy and commitment, and can communicate genuine enthusiasm for Compassion’s mission.
- Confident with systems user, with good Microsoft Office skills and understand your responsibilities under GDPR and the Code of Fundraising Practice. Experience of Salesforce, fundraising events, an animal welfare NGO, or another European language would be advantageous.
If you don’t meet every requirement but believe you could thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.
Why join us
This is an opportunity to turn ambitious philanthropy into lasting impact, helping secure the resources needed to transform food and farming for animals, people and the planet.
We offer a supportive, flexible workplace with a strong focus on wellbeing and development, including:
- 25 days annual leave +
Philanthropy Manager (Major Donors) in Godalming employer: Compassion in World Farming International (CIWF)
Compassion in World Farming is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment in Godalming, Surrey, just a short train ride from London. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave, health support, and ongoing development opportunities, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact in global animal welfare. Join us in shaping a compassionate future while enjoying a collaborative culture that values diversity and personal growth.
Contact Details:
Compassion in World Farming International (CIWF) Recruitment Team
