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- Tasks: Build relationships with high-net-worth individuals and drive fundraising initiatives.
- Company: Join Make-A-Wish UK and make a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 26 days leave, and paid volunteering days.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating magical moments for children in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in philanthropy and strong relationship management skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Reading, Hybrid (twice a month to Reading office)
Hours: Full time
Salary: £41,344 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Campaign Closes: 10th April 2026
Interviews: First stage interviews, WC 20th April. Second Stage interviews WC 27th April.
On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible.
Core Purpose
The Philanthropy Manager will play a critical role in Make-A-Wish UK’s growing Philanthropy team. You will be responsible for building meaningful relationships with high-net-worth individuals and Trusts and Foundations, increasing income, engagement and stewardship, with a focus on developing new relationships with funders. You will also drive key growth through leadership of the Small Trust Mailing and Philanthropy Mid-Value Programmes, utilising insights and best practice to implement new strategies and streamline ways of working.
Job requirements
Essential Criteria
- Experience in working within a Philanthropy Team, with proven success in securing multiple five figure gifts from both high-net-worth individuals and Trusts and Foundations
- Strong experience cultivating cold and/or new prospects and converting them into five figure + donors
- Experience conducting targeted prospect research, identifying new funders against a set criteria or proposition
- Demonstrable track record of creating and implementing successful, data-informed plans resulting in increased income
- Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, inspire and engage both internal and external stakeholders at a wide range of levels
- Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information in compelling ways tailored to different audiences
- Highly organised and demonstrated ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines within a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in using CRM systems (preferably Salesforce) to manage pipelines, analyse data, and generate reports
- Knowledge of UK fundraising regulation, ethics and trends affecting high-net-worth individuals and Trusts and Foundations fundraising
- Strong attention to detail, numeracy and analytical skills, with experience building financial proposals, income forecasts and donor investment cases
Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience running high-value mailing programmes
- Track-record of securing both restricted and unrestricted income
- Previous experience recruiting and managing giving club members
- Experience of working collaboratively with a Prospect Research function, sharing responsibilities and communicating effectively
- Experience working in a rapidly growing team, managing organisational expectations and flexibly capitalising on emerging opportunities
Job responsibilities
Relationship Management, Stewardship and New Business
- Personally build and manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and Trust and Foundation prospects and donors, giving between £10,000-£50,000.
- Lead personalised and effective cultivation, asks, engagement and stewardship for your portfolio.
- Contribute to the development of compelling and attractive propositions to increase giving and/or recruit new high value supporters.
- Work effectively with internal and external influencers to engage supporters and create magical moments, bringing them closer to Make-A-Wish UK’s work.
- Manage donor agreements and grant terms and conditions, ensuring compliance and best practice.
- Work collaboratively with the Prospect Development Lead to identify new prospective funders, as well as conducting your own prospect research in line with agreed key priorities, sectors or themes.
- Ensure data is accurate and up to date on our CRM to support effective pipeline management and draw insights.
Strategy, Planning and Delivery of Mid-Level Programmes
- Build on the design and implementation of a new personalised Philanthropy Mid-Value programme for supporters giving £1-£10K, with the aims of securing, retaining and growing support.
- Lead on enhancing the existing Small Trusts Mailing programme, effectively implementing streamlined processes to increase ROI.
- Collaborate with the Philanthropy Team, and other teams where needed, to forecast income, set targets, and manage your pipeline budget.
- Work closely with the Prospect Development Lead to draw insights, and implement these across the mid-value programmes.
- Continuously review programme success and efficiency, reporting on progress, identifying successes and learnings, as well as progress against KPIs and income targets.
Collaboration & Influence
- Champion a philanthropic mindset across Make-A-Wish UK, acting as an ambassador for the power and value of Major Donor and Trusts and Foundations fundraising.
- Work closely with other teams, including Finance, wishgranting, Insight and Innovation, and Brand Communications and Engagement, to build budgets, report on impact and cultivate, engage, ask and steward your portfolio.
- Act as an ambassador for Make-A-Wish UK at external events, such as high-level fundraising networks, sector forums and conferences.
Job benefits
- 26 days annual leave with the option to buy/sell annual leave (pro rata for part time)
- Paid Birthday leave
- Flexible & Hybrid working arrangements
- Salary exchange pension scheme
- Paid volunteering days
- Pirkx subscription - Access to wellbeing support, GP appointments, training and events, retail discount platform, and much more!
- Cycle to work initiative
Philanthropy Manager in Reading employer: Make-A-Wish® UK
Contact Detail:
Make-A-Wish® UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Philanthropy Manager in Reading
✨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. Building relationships is key to landing that Philanthropy Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your successes! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share specific examples of how you've secured five-figure gifts or built strong relationships with donors. Numbers speak volumes, so let your achievements shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Do your homework! Research the organisation and its mission thoroughly. Understand their current fundraising strategies and think about how you can contribute. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application as soon as possible. The earlier you apply, the better your chances are of standing out before the competition heats up. Don’t wait until the last minute!
We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Philanthropy Manager role. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page and you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in securing funding or building relationships. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you've hit targets or increased income, shout about it!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your communication is easy to follow. Remember, we want to see your personality shine through too!
Apply Early!: We might close the vacancy early if we get a lot of applications, so don’t wait until the last minute. Get your application in as soon as you can through our website to ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Make-A-Wish® UK
✨Know Your Philanthropy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in philanthropy, especially around high-net-worth individuals and Trusts and Foundations. Being able to discuss current issues and demonstrate your knowledge will show that you're genuinely interested and informed.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and managed relationships with donors or stakeholders in the past. Use specific stories that highlight your ability to engage and inspire others, as this is crucial for the Philanthropy Manager role.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves creating data-informed plans, be ready to discuss how you've used data in previous roles to drive fundraising success. Bring examples of how you've analysed donor behaviour or created financial proposals that led to increased income.
✨Practice Your Communication
Outstanding communication skills are a must! Practice conveying complex information in a clear and compelling way. You might even want to prepare a short pitch about a fundraising idea or strategy to demonstrate your communication prowess during the interview.