At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships with high-net-worth individuals and manage major donor portfolios.
- Company: Join Newcastle University, a leader in philanthropy and alumni engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and health benefits.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by securing funding for students and research.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in relationship management preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 38784 € per year.
Salary: £36,636 to £38,784 with progression to £46,049 per annum.
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Closing Date: 31 May 2026
The Role
Newcastle University Advancement is the driving force behind philanthropy and alumni engagement across the University. We build lifelong relationships with alumni and supporters, create opportunities for students, and inspire philanthropic investment. Rising financial pressures mean that more students need support to access and succeed at university, while accelerating global change is increasing demand for innovation, skills and research with real-world impact. Our alumni and supporters play a vital role in ensuring our success. We fundraise for Our Students, Our Research and Our Communities.
About the role
As Philanthropy Manager, you will develop and manage relationships with high-net-worth individuals and business leaders. You will manage your own portfolio of major donors, contributing across the full fundraising cycle, from qualification to closing and stewardship. Working closely with senior academics and University leaders, you will help shape compelling philanthropic opportunities aligned to Newcastle’s strategic priorities and research strengths to secure significant philanthropic income.
About you
You will enjoy developing long-term relationships and bring emotional intelligence and the confidence to engage credibly with a wide range of people and perspectives. You will be a strong communicator with the ability to think creatively and to craft compelling proposals and cases for support. Experience in fundraising is welcome, but we are equally interested in candidates from other relationship-management roles, who can demonstrate the ability to influence, build networks and manage high-value relationships.
How to apply
To apply please upload your CV and cover letter, evidencing how your skills and experiences align to the person specification as outlined within the job description. For an informal chat about the role please contact Alexa Charlton, Head of Individual Major Giving.
Key Accountabilities
- To deliver against a strategy for Major Giving philanthropy, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donations.
- To secure philanthropic support of 5-figures and above, through building relationships with individual donors and prospects, both in the UK and internationally.
- To prepare and personally present compelling funding proposals aligned to university priorities.
- To foster relationships with key internal stakeholders to advance relationships with donors and supporters.
- To work in collaboration with the donor relations team, to ensure that all donors are kept informed of the impact of their donation to improve donor retention and increase giving over time.
- To support the delivery of an innovative engagement and events programme with donors and prospects, representing the University at events, briefings and key meetings where needed.
- To work towards a 7-figure financial target and contribute to NU Advancement’s income goals.
- To diligently record interactions on Advancement’s CRM system (Raiser’s Edge) to enable accurate reporting and analytics on team and personal activity.
- To remain up to date with developments in fundraising and be aware of UK GDPR, The Fundraising Code of Practice and other policies, covering alumni engagement and fundraising.
- To assist with the development of the major giving fundraising programme and work with the Head of Individual Major Giving to further donor engagement across the organisation.
The Person
- A successful track record in major giving fundraising or a similar public-facing relationship management role.
- Experience of working towards, and meeting or exceeding income targets.
- A demonstrable ability to build internal relationships and use senior stakeholders to help progress major donor relationships.
- Excellent and demonstrable verbal communication skills with the ability to build trust with high-net-worth individuals.
- Particularly outstanding written skills, with the ability to absorb detailed information from a wide variety of sources and produce compelling proposals tailored to a high value audience.
- Experience working with a CRM system, alumni database or equivalent.
- Understanding of the importance and impact of universities and a desire to grow support for the sector.
Qualifications
- Educated to degree level or relevant professional experience in a similar sector.
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose background and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Philanthropy Manager employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits including a substantial holiday package, pension schemes, and health initiatives, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The role of Philanthropy Manager provides a unique opportunity to engage with high-net-worth individuals while contributing to meaningful philanthropic efforts that directly impact students and research at the university.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Philanthropy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the philanthropy space. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni or professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your passion for philanthropy shine through. Share your ideas and experiences, and make sure they see how you can bring value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its philanthropic goals. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking events, send a quick thank-you note. It’s a great way to keep the conversation going and remind them of your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it shows you’re professional and considerate!
We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Philanthropy Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in relationship management and fundraising, and don’t forget to showcase your communication skills – they’re key for this position!
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills:Since you'll be crafting compelling proposals, use your application to demonstrate your storytelling abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders or secured funding in the past. We love a good narrative!
Be Authentic and Personable:We want to see the real you! Use a friendly tone in your application to reflect your emotional intelligence and ability to build relationships. This will help us get a sense of how you might connect with our donors and supporters.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Newcastle University's mission and values. Understand their philanthropic goals and how they align with your experience. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their objectives.
✨Build Relationships
As a Philanthropy Manager, relationship-building is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed high-value relationships in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to engaging with diverse stakeholders and how you can leverage those skills at Newcastle University.
✨Craft Compelling Proposals
Since you'll be preparing funding proposals, practice articulating your ideas clearly and persuasively. Think of a few compelling stories or case studies that showcase your ability to create impactful proposals tailored to high-net-worth individuals.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for philanthropy and higher education during the interview. Share why you believe in the importance of supporting students and research, and how your personal values align with Newcastle University's mission. A genuine passion can set you apart!
