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- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and build relationships with high-value donors to secure major gifts.
- Company: Join Kingston University, a leader in education and innovation with a supportive team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures and the university community through philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 45025 - 54030 £ per year.
Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working - minimum 2-3 days on campus)
Salary: £45,025 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Closing Date: midday Friday 16 January 2026
Interviews in person: TBC 28 or 29 Jan 2026
Help to shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at Kingston University. Kingston University is an incredible place to work. For over 125 years, we have been shaping student futures through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching. Our recent TEF Gold rating reflects our commitment to delivering outstanding education and research. Through our ambitious Town House Strategy, we are embedding a progressive new model of education and driving innovation through partnerships with businesses, communities, and organisations. The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team plays a vital role in delivering these ambitions. With a global alumni community of over 270,000, we foster meaningful relationships that drive philanthropic support, unlock partnerships, and enhance the University’s reputation and reach.
The Role: As Development Manager - Major Gifts, you will be a senior member of the DARE team, responsible for generating philanthropic income to meet ambitious annual targets. Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will:
- Manage a portfolio of high-value donors (individuals, trusts & foundations, corporates), personally soliciting gifts of £10,000.
- Support the pipeline of mid-level prospects and help develop ultra-high-net-worth individuals for transformative gifts.
- Deliver against KPIs and income targets, contributing to our goal of growing major giving from £450,000 annually to £1 million within three years.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and academic leaders, producing compelling proposals and leading donor engagement.
This is a dynamic, outward-facing role requiring excellent relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and a passion for the impact of fundraising in higher education.
About You: You will be an experienced and driven fundraiser with:
- A proven track record of securing and stewarding four-figure and above gifts.
- Strong influencing and communication skills, with confidence engaging high-profile individuals.
- Experience managing a varied portfolio and achieving ambitious KPIs.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to work across a complex organisation.
- Experience in higher education or the charity sector is desirable, but not essential.
Why Join Us?
- Hybrid working (minimum 2-3 days on campus).
- A supportive, ambitious team committed to innovation and impact.
- The opportunity to make a lasting difference to students and the University community.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Apply now and bring your expertise, passion, and authentic self to Kingston University.
Please share a copy of your profile or CV with Philippa at Charity People as the first step.
Benefits include:
- Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days (from entry at all levels), in addition to bank holidays.
- Three 'meeting free' weeks each year to create space for reflection and time to plan for the period ahead.
- Flexible working - we can consider and accommodate various work patterns.
- Family-friendly policies that support the needs of our employees.
- Exceptional professional development opportunities.
Key Details:
- Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working, 2-3 days/week on campus)
- Closing Date: midday on Friday 16 Jan
- Interview Date: in person provisionally 28 or 29 Jan
Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Development Manager - Major Gifts in Kingston upon Thames employer: KINGSTON UNIVERSITY
Contact Detail:
KINGSTON UNIVERSITY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager - Major Gifts in Kingston upon Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni or professionals in your field. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation thoroughly and come armed with questions that show you’re genuinely interested. Practice your pitch so you can confidently share your experience and how it aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which are key traits they’ll be looking for in a Development Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s a great way to show you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager - Major Gifts in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in fundraising and managing donor relationships, as well as any relevant achievements that align with our goals at Kingston University.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about philanthropy and how your skills can help us grow major giving. Be authentic and let your personality shine through – we want to get to know the real you!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples of how you've secured high-value gifts or met ambitious KPIs. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing your successes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference at Kingston University.
How to prepare for a job interview at KINGSTON UNIVERSITY
✨Know Your Donors
Before the interview, research Kingston University's major donors and their philanthropic interests. Understanding who they are and what drives their giving will help you demonstrate your ability to manage a portfolio of high-value donors effectively.
✨Showcase Your Successes
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising successes, especially those involving four-figure gifts or higher. Be ready to discuss how you secured these donations and the strategies you used to build relationships with donors.
✨Engage with the Team's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team's goals and the Town House Strategy. Showing that you understand and align with their vision will highlight your commitment to contributing to the university's ambitious targets.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Since this role involves soliciting significant gifts, practice your pitch for asking for donations. Tailor your approach to reflect the values and mission of Kingston University, ensuring you can communicate the impact of philanthropy on students and the community.
