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- Tasks: Lead major donor strategies and cultivate impactful relationships to support critically ill children.
- Company: Make-A-Wish UK grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
- Benefits: Enjoy agile working, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and create transformative moments for children in need.
- Qualifications: Proven success in securing high-value donations and excellent relationship management skills required.
- Other info: Diversity is key; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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This range is provided by Make-A-Wish UK. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Shaping the Future of Philanthropy at Make-A-Wish UK
The Philanthropy team at Make-A-Wish UK is in an exciting period of transformation as we work to realise our ambition of granting thousands more wishes for critically ill children across the UK. Philanthropy is a vital component of our fundraising efforts, and we’re now looking for a Senior Philanthropy Manager to help drive this next chapter.
You’ll join Julide Troedson, our Philanthropy Director, and an evolving, passionate team, playing a key role in building impactful relationships with major donors. If you’re a strategic, relationship-led fundraiser ready to make a real difference, this is your chance to help us create life-changing moments for the children who need them most.
Core Purpose:
The Senior Philanthropy Manager is a newly defined role within the philanthropy team, responsible for supporting the shaping and delivery of a long-term strategy to grow philanthropic income through major donors. This role will hold strategic oversight of our major gifts pipeline (donors giving five, six and seven figures+) lead high-impact cultivation initiatives, and work closely with the leadership team and senior volunteers to develop transformational giving opportunities. Supported by the Philanthropy Director, you will be instrumental in supporting the embedding a culture of philanthropy across the charity and developing innovative, donor-centric approaches that align with Make-A-Wish UK’s vision to reach every eligible child.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of a 5-year major donor strategy to drive long-term income growth for Make-A-Wish UK.
- Develop innovative funding models and donor journeys that inspire transformational giving.
- Personally manage a portfolio of high-net-worth donors, securing six and seven-figure gifts.
- Design and oversee tailored cultivation and stewardship plans, working closely with the SLT to enhance donor engagement.
- Mentor team members to strengthen fundraising capabilities and maximise donor relationships.
- Collaborate across departments to co-create compelling cases for support and impactful donor reporting.
- Champion a culture of philanthropy across the organisation, influencing internal stakeholders and aligning funding needs with donor interests.
- Stay ahead of sector trends, test new approaches to engage next-gen philanthropists, and represent Make-A-Wish UK at high-level events and networks.
To see the full job description please visit our website!
- Proven success in securing multiple six- or seven-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals, philanthropists, or family offices.
- Strategic planning experience, with a track record of creating and implementing successful, data-informed fundraising plans.
- Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, inspire and engage internal and external stakeholders at the most senior level.
- Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information in compelling ways tailored to different audiences.
- Experience of managing or actively contributing to a giving club or patron scheme, including developing engagement plans, stewardship strategies and donor upgrades.
- 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.
- Strong numeracy and analytical skills, with experience building financial proposals, income forecasts and donor investment cases.
At Make-A-Wish, we believe that agile working gives everyone an opportunity to have their own work pattern that suits their role and individual needs. We believe this is the most effective way to give our best to wish children and supporters, and as a result deliver our charitable mission in the most effective way; whilst ensuring we create a happy workplace.
The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Relevant level of DBS check will be required for this role. Employment is subject to positive references and proof of the right to work in the UK.
Make-A-Wish is also committed to attracting and recruiting diverse people as it’s vital that we strive towards ensuring that our trustees, employees, ambassadors and volunteers reflect the communities we seek to serve.
To apply for this role:
To apply for this role you must apply on our website and submit both your CV and Cover Letter, ensuring all questions below are answered in full.
General Questions
- Are you eligible to work in the UK?
- Will you require any reasonable adjustment during the selection stages?
- When are you available to start this role?
Assessed Questions
- Thinking about the context of the job description, how would you demonstrate our values of magic, inclusion and inspiration in a meaningful way in this role?
- Please tell us about your experience as it relates to the key responsibilities for the role.
- Evidence key philanthropic projects which you have instigated from start to finish.
- Evidence managing five, six and seven figure donor relationships.
Interviews
First Stage: 12th & 13th August 2025
Second Stage: 26th August 2025
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Non-profit Organizations and Philanthropic Fundraising Services
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Senior Philanthropy Manager employer: Make-A-Wish UK
Contact Detail:
Make-A-Wish UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Philanthropy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the philanthropy sector, especially those who have experience with major donor relationships. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet potential contacts and learn about best practices in fundraising.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Make-A-Wish UK's mission and values. Understanding their specific goals and how they align with your own philanthropic philosophy will help you articulate your passion and commitment during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative funding models and donor engagement strategies that you've successfully implemented in the past. Highlighting your strategic planning experience will demonstrate your capability to contribute to their long-term goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in philanthropy and fundraising. Being knowledgeable about new approaches to engage donors, especially next-gen philanthropists, will show your proactive attitude and readiness to drive change within the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Philanthropy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter is specifically tailored to the Senior Philanthropy Manager role. Highlight your experience in securing major gifts and your strategic planning skills, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, provide concrete examples of your past philanthropic projects. Detail how you managed relationships with high-net-worth donors and the outcomes of those engagements.
Demonstrate Alignment with Values: Reflect on how you can embody Make-A-Wish UK's values of magic, inclusion, and inspiration. Use specific examples from your career that illustrate how you've demonstrated these values in your work.
Answer All Questions Thoroughly: When responding to the assessed questions, ensure you answer each one fully. Provide detailed evidence of your experience related to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at Make-A-Wish UK
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a Senior Philanthropy Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to create and implement successful fundraising strategies. Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've developed long-term plans that have led to significant income growth.
✨Highlight Relationship Management Skills
This role requires excellent relationship management skills. Be ready to share stories about how you've built and maintained relationships with high-net-worth donors, including any successful six or seven-figure gifts you've secured.
✨Communicate Clearly and Compellingly
Outstanding communication is key in this position. Practice conveying complex information in a clear and engaging manner, tailoring your message to different audiences. Consider preparing a brief pitch about a past project that aligns with Make-A-Wish UK's mission.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Philanthropy
Make-A-Wish UK is looking for someone who is not just skilled but also passionate about philanthropy. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work with them specifically and how you can contribute to their mission of granting wishes for critically ill children.