Philanthropy Manager (Major Gifts)

Location: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire Contract: Permanent, full-time, hybrid working (minimum 2 days in office)

About our client

Our client exists to give everybody within their community the best chance of surviving and recovering from an emergency. They are here for you and your loved ones — whoever you are, wherever and whenever you need them.

What they are looking for

Our client is seeking an exceptional major donor fundraising professional to lead and grow their high-value giving programme. This is a senior, strategic, and hands-on role focused on developing meaningful, long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and securing transformational income to support their lifesaving work.

Our client is committed to giving everyone in their community the best chance when the worst happens. Every day, they are called to life-threatening emergencies across their region. But they can’t do it without the generosity of their supporters – and that’s where you come in.

Your role

As the Senior Philanthropy Manager you will lead the major gifts programme, taking ownership of key initiatives including a Chair's giving circle and a dedicated philanthropy board. Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, you will shape strategy while personally driving significant income through strong relationships and compelling fundraising proposals.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and delivering significant income targets
• Personally securing five- and six-figure gifts through tailored cultivation, proposals, and stewardship
• Developing tailored cultivation and stewardship plans aligned to each supporter's interests and motivations
• Making complex, high-value funding asks, preparing compelling proposals and growing the Chair's giving circle and philanthropy board programmes
• Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including Trustees and the CEO
• Contributing to strategy, pipeline development, and identifying new funding opportunities
• Identifying new opportunities for restricted and unrestricted funding
• Ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations, GDPR, and internal policies
• Acting as an ambassador for the organisation and ensuring compliance with fundraising best practice

About You

You are an experienced major donor fundraiser with a proven track record of securing five and six figure high-value gifts and managing senior relationships. You are strategic yet hands-on, with excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.

They’re looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience in major donor or high-value fundraising with strong results
• Is confident engaging and influencing high-net-worth individuals and senior stakeholders
• Can balance strategic thinking with delivery of income targets
• Communicates effectively, both written and verbally, including proposal development
• Is proactive, organised, and able to manage competing priorities independently
• Brings a flexible and collaborative approach to work

Why Join Them?

You’ll be part of a dynamic, compassionate, and forward-thinking organisation. They’re proud of their culture – collaborative, inclusive, and committed to personal development. They care deeply about the wellbeing of their team and offer flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

A Place to Build a Future – Benefits

In return they offer a competitive salary and great staff benefits such as:

• 25 Days holiday / 267 Hours Holiday
• Hybrid Working (minimum 2 days in office)
• Holiday Trading
• Free annual Flu Vaccination
• Blue Light Card (Option to purchase)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Company Pension Scheme
• Simply Health – Medical cash back scheme
• Disability Confident Employer

Their Values

They live by their values every day:

• They care no matter what – for their patients, their families, and each other.
• They go above and beyond – in the care they provide and the work they do.
• They do the right thing – in how they act and the decisions they make.
• Together, they save lives.

Diversity and Inclusion

They’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities they serve. They welcome applications from all backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from candidates who feel underrepresented in the charity sector.

Safeguarding

They follow robust recruitment and safeguarding practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their staff, volunteers, and the people they support. Relevant checks (e.g. DBS) will be carried out where appropriate.

Vacancy Closing Date: Friday 25th September 2026

This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly.

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