Philanthropy Manager in City of London

Some social and environmental work can only be trusted when it is funded independently. We are supporting a philanthropically funded UK non-profit that is building a new way for people inside critical industries to contribute to change. Most social change work tries to influence industries from the outside. This organisation starts somewhere different: with credible people inside them. It creates confidential networks of experienced industry insiders. These are people close enough to understand where power sits, why better decisions stall and which structures, incentives and norms need to shift. Their insight is then used carefully to engage the people and institutions best placed to act: investors, policy makers, regulators, civil society leaders and journalists. This is not anti-industry work. It is not about attacking individual companies or asking people to disclose sensitive information. It is about creating a trusted route for people inside critical industries to help those industries change.

The model is gaining traction. Over the past two years, the organisation has moved from concept to live insider movements in critical industries. Its work has reached national media, opened senior conversations across business and industry, informed investor engagement, and been shared across parts of government and civil society. It is now entering its next phase: turning a model with real momentum into a lasting piece of civic infrastructure. That requires aligned philanthropy. The organisation does not take corporate, government or lobbyist funding. That independence is central to the trust it builds with insiders, partners and supporters. Philanthropy is therefore not just a source of income. It is part of the model’s legitimacy.

The organisation is now looking for an ambitious Philanthropy Manager to help build the donor research, pipeline discipline and fundraising rhythm behind this work. This is a development role for someone who wants to grow quickly in major donor and values-led philanthropy. You will work closely with the founder and a strategic philanthropy adviser, gaining direct exposure to major donor strategy, HNW prospecting and senior donor relationship-building. You will not be expected to arrive as the finished article. You will be expected to bring judgement, curiosity, organisation, discretion and the appetite to learn fast. You will support donor research, prospect mapping, pipeline tracking, briefing materials, proposals, stewardship and the day-to-day coordination that makes high-trust fundraising work. This is a role for someone who wants to be close to the strategy, trusted with meaningful responsibility, and mentored by an experienced philanthropy leader while helping build something from an early stage.

We are looking for someone with:

• At least 2 years’ experience in high-net-worth, major donor or individual philanthropy fundraising
• Ambition to grow into a stronger major donor and philanthropy professional
• Strong donor research and prospect mapping skills
• Clear, concise writing for donor and funder audiences
• Good judgement, discretion and attention to detail
• Confidence working with sensitive information
• Strong organisational skills and comfort managing pipeline detail
• The ability to support donor cultivation, stewardship and relationship management
• A serious interest in social and environmental progress

Experience with trusts, foundations, grant research, CRM systems, donor reporting or proposal writing would be useful, but the core requirement is experience supporting individual philanthropy or major donor fundraising, alongside enthusiasm for the model. This will suit someone bright, ambitious and thoughtful who wants to learn major donor philanthropy properly, work close to senior donor strategy and help build the practical fundraising infrastructure behind a young organisation with a distinctive model. It is unlikely to suit someone who wants a narrow research-only role, a fully defined fundraising machine, or a large established department with fixed processes already in place.

Key details:

• Working pattern: 3 to 4 days per week
• Salary: £38,000 FTE, pro rata
• Location: UK-based, remote working, with some London / in-person meetings
• Contract: Part-time, initial 12-month contract
• Mentorship: Strategic Philanthropy Adviser & Founder

The search is being supported by Philanthrope LLP, who will share the client’s identity with suitable candidates. Please apply via LinkedIn.