Location: In line with contracts of employment all roles at Make-A-Wish are Reading based, however we operate a Hybrid working model and employees need to be comfortable travelling to Make-A Wish Reading hub at least once a week at their own expense. This role will also require regular travel to donor meetings, events and stakeholder engagements.
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £49,045
Campaign Closes: 12pm, Wednesday 21st October 2026
Interviews: 1st Stage: week commencing 26th October 2026
2nd Stage: week commencing 2nd November 2026
On occasion, we may close a vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible, as we will be shortlisting on a rolling basis.
Core Purpose:
The Senior Philanthropy Manager is a key role within Make-A-Wish UK’s Philanthropy and Special Events team, responsible for supporting the shaping and delivery of a long-term philanthropic income through both major donors and trusts and foundations. This role will hold strategic oversight of our trusts and foundations pipeline, driving income growth through five, six and seven-figure gifts, as well as manage a number of high-value major donors. The Senior Philanthropy Manager will lead the design and execution of bespoke cultivation and stewardship plans, creating bespoke propositions and delivering a best-in-class donor experience that aligns with Make-A-Wish UK’s vision to grant a wish for every eligible child. Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, the Senior Philanthropy Manager will provide line management to the Philanthropy Manager and work collaboratively with the wider Philanthropy and Special Events team to support prospecting, cultivation and stewardship. This role will play a crucial part in building collaborative and effective work practices across the organisation and help to embed a culture of philanthropy, both within the team and across the charity.
To be successful in this role you will need:
Essential Criteria
- Proven success in securing multiple six or seven-figure gifts from trusts, foundations, statutory bodies, high-net-worth individuals or family offices, with a strong track record of meeting targets
- Demonstrable success in increasing income from major donors, trusts and foundations and/or high-value fundraising
- Experience managing complex multi-stakeholder relationships and influencing decision makers
- Demonstrated experience of developing effective propositions and compelling cases for support, and making significant funding asks
- Experience of managing complex prospect pipelines, identifying and qualifying new prospects and prioritising approaches
- Experience using CRM systems and fundraising data to support performance
- Strong financial planning, budgeting and forecasting capability
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working collaboratively in a high-value fundraising function
- Experience of line-management and/or supporting learning and development of junior colleagues
- Experience developing transformational funding propositions and/or securing transformational funding
- Experience working with senior volunteers, trustees, ambassadors or influential supporters
- Experience working with high-profile donor committees, giving clubs, patron programmes or volunteer leadership groups
- Experience collaborating with service delivery teams to translate strategy and operational plans into funder-facing cases for support
Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into practical delivery
- Strong relationship manager, with the confidence to manage donor relationships effectively and autonomously
- Outstanding stewardship skills, with an eye for detail and want to bring Make-A-Wish UK to life for donors
- Confident decision-maker, comfortable operating in complex and evolving environments
- Highly organised with excellent planning and prioritisation skills
- Analytical and insight-driven, using evidence to inform decisions
- Passionate about philanthropy, relationship fundraising and supporter experience
- Committed to Make-A-Wish UK's values of being Magical, Inclusive and Inspiring
Senior Philanthropy Manager employer: Make-A-Wish® UK
Make-A-Wish is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, where every team member plays a vital role in creating magical experiences for children and families. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, employees are empowered to thrive both in their roles and as part of the wider community. Located in Reading, our team enjoys a collaborative environment that values diversity and encourages active participation in meaningful initiatives, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
