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 environmental causes.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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 employer: Global Returns Project
Contact Detail:
Global Returns Project Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Philanthropy Officer
✨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 contacts on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for climate and nature! When you’re chatting with potential employers or networking, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share your thoughts on current environmental issues and how you can contribute to solutions. It’s all about making that personal connection!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitches! You’ll need to be fluent in different fundraising pitches, so take the time to rehearse them. Whether it’s the business case for advisers or the impact case for donors, being prepared will help you feel confident when it’s time to make those asks.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so don’t hesitate to submit it directly on our site. It shows you’re serious about joining our mission and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Philanthropy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: 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.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your skills and experiences. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect 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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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. Show them you’re not just passionate about philanthropy but also understand the unique challenges they face.
✨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 demonstrate your fluency and confidence.
✨Network Like a Pro
Since building relationships with wealth advisers is key, think of ways to showcase your networking skills. Bring examples of how you've successfully engaged high-net-worth individuals or wealth managers in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to convert introductions into committed support.
✨Show Your Passion for Climate and Nature
Make sure to convey your genuine passion for climate and nature during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that illustrate your commitment to environmental causes. This will resonate with the team and show that you’re not just looking for a job, but are truly invested in their mission.