Senior Philanthropy Officer in London

Senior Philanthropy Officer in London

London Full-Time 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead major-gift fundraising and build relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing charity dedicated to impactful climate solutions.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, 20 days annual leave, and a vibrant office in London.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving significant philanthropic change.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in climate change while developing your fundraising skills.
  • Qualifications: 3-6 years of frontline fundraising experience and passion for the environment.

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

Who we are: Hope is here. The Global Returns Project (GRP) is a UK charity unlocking new philanthropy to deliver urgent solutions for our planet. We are a fast-moving nonprofit that makes donations to high-impact nature and climate charities simple – and we don’t take any fees. We’ve already mobilised over £3 million for top environmental solutions and are working to unlock at least £30 million annually by the end of the decade. We are growing quickly: Last year's annual fundraising was 275% higher than the previous year.

The problem: Charities protecting our planet can turn the tide on climate change and nature loss. They have the skills, strategies and networks to deliver fast and global impact. But less than 2% of philanthropy goes to climate mitigation.

Our solution: In the UK alone, around £2 trillion sits with “HNW” individuals – those holding between £100k and £30 million. Yet traditional philanthropy largely overlooks them. We’re unlocking this funding by offering trusted, pro bono advice and a simple, portfolio approach to giving. Our expertise in UK wealth advice offers a unique path to scalability and systems-change.

What we are looking for: We’re looking for a confident, capable fundraiser to play a key role in major-gift fundraising – helping to secure transformational support from high-net-worth individuals. You’ll manage your own portfolio of prospects and donors, contributing across the full fundraising cycle: prospecting, cultivation, making direct asks, closing and stewardship. Alongside this, you’ll support the development of relationships with wealth advisers to generate referral leads, while also prospecting independently for major gifts.

The ideal candidate will be excited to build networks of wealth managers, private-client teams and other advisers to HNWIs, and to convert adviser introductions into committed support. You’ll complement this with proactive outreach to identify and engage new major donors beyond existing referral channels.

To succeed, you’ll develop strong fluency across three distinct fundraising pitches: a business case for advisers; an impact case to persuade donors to support our portfolio charities; and a systems-change case to win backing for GRP’s operating costs (salaries, office costs, etc) to keep the charity running fee-free. You’ll be comfortable making direct asks for funding, ideally with experience of securing significant gifts or multi-year commitments. You’ll be hands-on in day-to-day fundraising activity and able to manage multiple relationships and priorities effectively. You’ll thrive in a small, fast-moving team—taking initiative, being collaborative, and contributing to shared goals. Crucially, you’ll care deeply about climate and nature.

Experience required: Strong experience in frontline fundraising (as a guide, likely 3-6 years).

Location: Centrally located, light and airy office on Regent Street, London. Estimated two days per week in the office.

Benefits: 20 days’ annual leave (pro-rata), plus statutory bank holidays (pro-rata). Occasional 1–2 days’ additional paid leave over Christmas period. Flexible working.

Reports to: CEO

Preferred start date: Monday 29th June 2026. Applications reviewed on rolling basis.

Senior Philanthropy Officer in London employer: Global Returns Project

The Global Returns Project is an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a tangible impact on climate change and nature conservation. With a vibrant office located in the heart of London, we offer a collaborative work culture that encourages initiative and innovation, alongside flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to be part of a rapidly growing charity that is transforming philanthropy for the betterment of our planet.
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Contact Detail:

Global Returns Project Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Philanthropy Officer in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the philanthropy space. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential donors or advisers. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your pitch! Whether it’s for a business case or an impact case, being able to communicate clearly and confidently is key. We should rehearse our pitches until they feel second nature, so we can impress during interviews and networking opportunities.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion for climate and nature! When we’re genuinely excited about the cause, it shines through in conversations. Let’s share our thoughts on current environmental issues and how philanthropy can make a difference – it’ll resonate with potential employers.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we can tailor our applications to highlight our relevant experience and skills, making us stand out in the crowd.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Philanthropy Officer in London

Fundraising Skills
Relationship Management
Prospecting
Major Gift Solicitation
Networking
Communication Skills
Strategic Thinking
Collaboration
Initiative
Fluency in Fundraising Pitches
Stewardship
Experience with High-Net-Worth Individuals
Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments
Passion for Climate and Nature

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Philanthropy: When writing your application, let your passion for climate and nature shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about the cause and are excited to contribute to our mission at the Global Returns Project.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant fundraising experience in your application. We’re looking for someone with a strong background in frontline fundraising, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role of Senior Philanthropy Officer.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for us.

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 the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised as we review applications on a rolling basis.

How to prepare for a job interview at Global Returns Project

✨Know Your Impact

Before the interview, dive deep into the Global Returns Project's mission and its impact on climate change. Be ready to discuss how your fundraising experience can directly contribute to their goals, especially in securing major gifts from high-net-worth individuals.

✨Master the Three Pitches

Familiarise yourself with the three distinct fundraising pitches mentioned in the job description: the business case for advisers, the impact case for donors, and the systems-change case for GRP’s operating costs. Prepare examples from your past experiences that align with these pitches to showcase your fluency.

✨Network Like a Pro

Since building relationships with wealth advisers is key, think of ways you can demonstrate your networking skills. Bring examples of how you've successfully engaged with HNWIs or wealth managers in the past, and be prepared to discuss your strategies for expanding those networks.

✨Show Your Passion

Make sure to convey your genuine passion for climate and nature during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to environmental causes, as this will resonate well with the charity's mission and values.

Senior Philanthropy Officer in London
Global Returns Project
Location: London

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