At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead individual giving and legacy programmes to support those facing homelessness and poverty.
- Company: Porchlight, a charity dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Hybrid working policy, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help create sustainable relationships with donors.
- Qualifications: Minimum three years in project management or fundraising, with strong analytical skills.
About the role:
Porchlight is dedicated to supporting people facing homelessness, poor mental health, and poverty. Our donors are at the heart of everything we do, and we are looking for a strategic and visionary Supporter Development Manager to lead our individual giving and legacy programmes at a pivotal moment for the charity. While you will be based at our Canterbury office (with a required attendance of every Tuesday to collaborate with the team), you will also benefit from our hybrid working policy.
You will lead on understanding our audiences and developing compelling donor journeys that build long-term, sustainable relationships. You will provide essential leadership, overseeing the individual giving budget and KPIs while line-managing the Senior Individual Giving Officer and Data Co-ordinator to ensure the highest standards of donor care. You will also play a vital role in planning and delivering bold, multi-channel campaigns that generate essential income, grow our donor base and bring our cause to life.
Working closely with the wider Fundraising and Communications teams, you will act as a spokesperson for our mission, turning data-driven insights into impactful action. Whether you are designing a new fundraising product, overseeing campaign performance reports, or ensuring our database management meets the highest regulatory standards, your work will directly empower our supporters to help us change lives.
The role requires:
- Managerial and Fundraising Expertise: You have a minimum of three years’ experience in a project management or direct line-management role, with a proven track record of meeting financial targets and KPIs.
- Administrative and Analytical Excellence: You are confident using digital tools (Word, Excel, Outlook) and CRM systems like Raiser’s Edge to manage complex data, track campaign activity, and ensure compliance with GDPR and Gift Aid regulations.
- Strategically-Minded and Creative: You have a strong understanding of donor journeys, digital marketing channels, and how to create products and messages that inspire long-term loyalty.
- Organised and Adaptable: You excel at managing multiple projects simultaneously and are willing to work flexibly, including occasional unsocial hours, to support fundraising initiatives and events.
- Impact Reporting: Using the Raiser’s Edge database to track progress against KPIs, manage donor data hygiene, and ensure every supporter is thanked personally.
Role details:
- Working pattern: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with some flexibility required.
- Location type: On-site / hybrid working.
- Contract type: Permanent, 37.5 hours per week.
- Interview date: 8th June 2026.
Supporter Development Manager employer: Porchlight
Porchlight is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those facing homelessness and poverty. With a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation, employees benefit from a hybrid working policy and opportunities for professional growth. Joining our Canterbury team means being part of a passionate community committed to creating sustainable donor relationships and driving positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supporter Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Porchlight and its mission inside out. When you walk into that interview, show us you’re passionate about supporting people facing homelessness and poverty. We want to see how your values align with ours!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some killer questions for us! This shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and helps you figure out if we’re the right fit for you too. Think about what you want to know about our donor journeys or fundraising strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills. We love hearing about your past experiences, especially how you’ve tackled challenges in fundraising or project management. Make it relatable and show us the impact you’ve made!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in reminding us of your enthusiasm and professionalism. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Supporter Development Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Supporter Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our mission and values at Porchlight. Understanding what drives us will help you tailor your application to show how you can contribute to our cause.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your managerial and fundraising expertise. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you've met financial targets and KPIs, as this is key for the Supporter Development Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for supporting people facing homelessness and how your strategic mindset can help us build long-term relationships with our donors. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Porchlight
✨Know Your Cause
Before the interview, dive deep into Porchlight's mission and values. Understand the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and how the charity addresses these issues. This knowledge will help you connect your experience to their goals and show genuine passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your managerial and fundraising expertise. Be ready to discuss how you've met financial targets and KPIs, and how your strategic thinking has led to successful campaigns. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Familiarise with Digital Tools
Since the role requires confidence in using digital tools and CRM systems like Raiser’s Edge, brush up on your skills with these platforms. If you have experience with similar systems, be prepared to discuss how you used them to manage data and track campaign performance effectively.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so think of insightful questions to ask about the team dynamics, upcoming campaigns, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
