Philanthropy Manager

Philanthropy Manager

Full-Time 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Secure vital funding through engaging relationships with major donors and community fundraisers.
  • Company: Join Operation Smile UK, a charity dedicated to transforming lives through surgery.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, travel opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making impactful changes in the lives of children worldwide.
  • Qualifications: 2 years in philanthropy or business development; strong relationship-building skills.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace, with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

To enable Operation Smile’s global surgical activities, OSUK’s Partnerships Team works to maximise high-potential income channels such as corporate partnerships, major donors, community fundraisers and trusts and foundations.

We have created an exciting new position in our team for an ambitious and confident relationship fundraiser. Working as part of the Partnership Team, the Philanthropy Manager position will secure critical income from new and existing major donors through compelling, donor-centred approaches and excellent stewardship. The position will build on existing relationships with individuals who make significant personal donations, aiming to grow their contributions, as well as making approaches to new prospects, working closely with the Director of Partnerships.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

  • Ensure achievement of annual income target for philanthropy.
  • Develop and implement plans for a structured philanthropy programme, for both new and existing donors, aligning their giving with our strategic priorities.
  • Take primary responsibility for managing the current small pool of major donors, to grow and sustain their giving – strategic development of each relationship will be essential.
  • Develop and maintain a pipeline of new major donor prospects, creating propositions/proposals and making approaches, working with the Director of Partnerships.
  • Seek peer-to-peer introductions to new prospects, from existing donors, board members and other contacts.
  • Ensure accurate and timely reporting to donors and internal stakeholders.
  • Work with the Communications team to generate media presence and content to attract philanthropic interest from new prospects.
  • Represent Operation Smile UK in global philanthropy discussions, applying any global strategies to develop successful fundraising plans for the UK.
  • Lead on development and management of any philanthropy cultivation events.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Create and maintain annual philanthropy budget and business plan, including activities from current supporters and forecasting new business income.

Additional Information

  • 2 years’ experience in a philanthropy or business development role.
  • We promote flexible and hybrid working, with 2 days per week in our London office in Battersea (nearest stations Clapham Junction and Wandsworth Town). There will also be some UK travel for meetings, conferences and events.
  • Some overseas travel required to visit projects and partner countries, a highlight of the role!

We strongly encourage early applications.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

We’re a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job. At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We’re dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone’s needs. We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation. We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Please click on the apply button to access and view the attached job description.

Philanthropy Manager employer: Operation Smile UK

Operation Smile UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive. With flexible and hybrid working arrangements, employees enjoy a balanced work-life dynamic while contributing to meaningful philanthropic efforts. The role of Philanthropy Manager not only offers opportunities for professional growth through strategic relationship building but also allows for travel to impactful projects, enhancing both personal and career development.
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Contact Detail:

Operation Smile UK Recruiting Team

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 online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to existing donors or board members for introductions. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for philanthropy shine through. Share stories about your previous experiences and how they align with the mission of Operation Smile UK. Remember, they want someone who’s genuinely excited about making a difference!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for those interviews! Research Operation Smile UK thoroughly and come armed with questions that show you’re invested in their work. Think about how you can contribute to their goals and be ready to discuss your ideas on growing donor relationships. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in philanthropy and relationship fundraising!

We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Manager

Relationship Fundraising
Donor-Centred Approaches
Stewardship
Income Target Achievement
Philanthropy Programme Development
Major Donor Management
Prospect Pipeline Development
Proposal Creation
Peer-to-Peer Networking
Accurate Reporting
Media Content Generation
Event Management
Budget Management
Business Development
Flexibility and Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Philanthropy Manager role. Highlight your experience in relationship fundraising and how it aligns with our mission at Operation Smile UK. We want to see how you can contribute to our goals!

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use specific examples of how you've secured funding or built relationships with major donors. This will help us see the impact you've made in your past positions.

Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for philanthropy and why you want to work with Operation Smile UK. We’re looking for someone who genuinely connects with our mission!

Apply Early!: We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, especially since first-round interviews are set for the week of 2nd March 2026. Applying early gives you a better chance to stand out and shows us your enthusiasm for the role. Head over to our website to submit your application!

How to prepare for a job interview at Operation Smile UK

✨Know Your Donors

Before the interview, research Operation Smile UK’s current major donors and their giving history. Understanding their motivations and previous contributions will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your commitment to building strong relationships.

✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success

Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising achievements. Highlight how you’ve successfully developed donor relationships and secured significant contributions. This will show your potential employer that you have the skills and experience needed for the Philanthropy Manager role.

✨Align with Strategic Priorities

Familiarise yourself with Operation Smile UK's strategic priorities and how philanthropy fits into their overall mission. Be ready to discuss how you can align donor contributions with these goals, showcasing your understanding of the organisation's vision.

✨Prepare Questions

Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the current challenges in donor engagement or how the team collaborates with other departments. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.

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