Relationship and fundraising manager

Relationship and fundraising manager

Full-Time 39500 £ / year Home office (partial)
Kidney Research

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead fundraising events and build relationships to inspire supporters across the UK.
  • Company: Join Kidney Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to fighting kidney disease.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and more.
  • Other info: Be part of a vibrant team committed to innovation and improving kidney health.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career in a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in fundraising events and strong leadership skills are essential.

Location: Contracted to our Peterborough office with the flexibility for hybrid working.

Salary: £37,000 - £42,000 FTE depending on experience.

Full time: 37.5 hrs per week (would consider part time: minimum 30 hours).

Benefits: We want all our employees to feel valued and engaged and are committed to offering a positive working culture along with a good work-life balance. As well as ensuring we pay our employees fairly, we offer the following benefits:

  • Flexible working
  • Generous annual leave
  • Private Medical Insurance, including dental and optical
  • Pension Scheme
  • Sick Pay
  • Death in Service
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Bike Loan Scheme
  • Cycle2Work Scheme
  • Eyecare
  • Discount Portal

Closing date: Monday 22 June 2026.

Preliminary telephone interviews will be held week commencing 29 June 2026.

In-person interviews will be held on Tuesday 7 July 2026, at our Peterborough office.

No agencies please.

Be a part of an energetic and vibrant team who are driven by the desire to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease.

This is a brilliant opportunity to take a lead role within a growing and ambitious community and events team, delivering a diverse portfolio of fundraising activity that engages and inspires supporters across the UK.

You’ll take ownership of key events, shaping standout participant experiences, while working closely with the head of community and events to drive income, grow participation and build long-term relationships.

We’re looking for a confident, hands-on leader who thrives on making things happen. You’ll bring strong experience of delivering successful fundraising events, hitting recruitment and income targets, and the ability to motivate and develop others to do the same.

Just as importantly, you’ll be collaborative, driven and full of ideas — someone who’s motivated by making a real difference and who wants to be part of a team that is ambitious, supportive and always looking for better ways to grow and improve.

If you are interested in the position, please complete the online application form and submit together with your CV.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

About Kidney Research UK: Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease and for more than 60 years the research we fund has been making an impact. But kidney disease is increasing as are the factors contributing to it, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, making our work more essential than ever.

At Kidney Research UK we work with clinicians and scientists across the UK, funding and facilitating research into all areas of kidney disease. We collaborate with partners across the public, private and third sectors to prevent kidney disease and drive innovation to transform treatments. Over the last ten years we have invested more than £71 million into research. We lobby governments and decision makers to change policy and practice to ensure that the estimated 7.2 million people living with all stages of kidney disease in the UK have access to the most effective care and treatment, and to make kidney disease a priority.

Most importantly, we also work closely with patients, ensuring their voice is heard and is at the centre of everything we do, from deciding which research to invest in to how we plan our priorities and our work across the charity. Those patient contributions are vital, always helping us and our partners to understand what life is like with kidney disease, always ensuring we see the patient behind the treatment and always reminding us that behind every statistic and every number is a person — the patients and the carers who inspire our mission and push us forward to make a difference and change the future of kidney disease.

You may have experience in the following: Relationship Manager, Fundraising Manager, Community Fundraising Manager, Events Fundraising Manager, Charity Fundraising Manager, Partnerships Manager, Donor Relations Manager, Fundraising Lead, Events Manager (Fundraising), Community and Events Manager, Supporter Engagement Manager, Income Generation Manager, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Not for Profit, NFP, etc.

Relationship and fundraising manager employer: Kidney Research

At Kidney Research UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our Peterborough office provides a flexible hybrid working environment, generous benefits including private medical insurance and a robust pension scheme, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by kidney disease. Join our passionate team and be part of a mission-driven organisation that values collaboration, innovation, and the voices of patients at the heart of our work.

Kidney Research

Contact Details:

Kidney Research Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Relationship and fundraising manager

Tip Number 1

Get to know the organisation before your interview. Research Kidney Research UK, their mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

Tip Number 2

Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your past fundraising successes and how you've built relationships. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role.

Tip Number 3

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows you're proactive!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It’s a simple way to stand out from the crowd.

We think you need these skills to ace Relationship and fundraising manager

Fundraising Experience
Event Management
Relationship Building
Income Generation
Target Achievement
Team Leadership
Motivational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Relationship and Fundraising Manager. Highlight your relevant experience in fundraising events and relationship management, and don’t forget to showcase any achievements that demonstrate your ability to hit targets.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for kidney research and how your skills align with our mission. Be sure to mention specific examples of how you've successfully engaged supporters or led fundraising initiatives.

Show Your Collaborative Spirit:We love a team player! In your application, emphasise your collaborative experiences and how you’ve worked with others to achieve common goals. This will show us that you’re not just a lone wolf but someone who thrives in a vibrant team environment.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community and making a difference in the lives of those affected by kidney disease.

How to prepare for a job interview at Kidney Research

Know Your Cause

Before the interview, dive deep into Kidney Research UK's mission and values. Understand their work in kidney disease research and how your role as a Relationship and Fundraising Manager can contribute to that vision. This will show your genuine interest and commitment.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully delivered fundraising events or built strong relationships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.

Be Ready to Collaborate

Since the role requires working closely with the head of community and events, be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with teams in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and share ideas that have led to successful outcomes.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, ask questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current fundraising strategies or how they measure success in their events. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their goals.