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- Tasks: Lead high-value fundraising efforts to support local healthcare projects and enhance patient experiences.
- Company: Join the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, making a real difference in your community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and access to extensive staff discounts and wellbeing services.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional development and a supportive, inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fundraising while building impactful relationships with donors and partners.
- Qualifications: Experience in securing significant gifts or grants and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 39959 - 48117 £ per year.
Royal Devon Hospitals Charity supports patients, families and staff across North, Mid and Eastern Devon by funding projects and enhancements that go beyond core NHS provision. This is an exciting opportunity to join Royal Devon Hospitals Charity as a Senior Grants and Major Donor Officer in a newly created role, playing a key part in developing and growing high‑value fundraising income.
The role offers the opportunity to lead Trusts and Foundations, Major Donor and philanthropic partnership activity, building strong relationships and securing significant gifts that directly benefit patients and services. It is a strategic and delivery‑focused position with a high degree of autonomy and the chance to make a lasting impact across a large and diverse region.
About the Role
Royal Devon Hospitals Charity supports patients, families and staff across North, Mid and Eastern Devon by funding projects, equipment and enhancements that go beyond core NHS provision. Through the generosity of our communities, supporters and partners, we help improve patient experience, invest in innovation and make a meaningful difference to local healthcare.
As our Senior Grants and Major Donor Officer, you will lead the development and delivery of high‑value fundraising across the charity. This is a newly created role, offering a unique opportunity to build and shape Trusts, Foundations and Major Donor fundraising from the ground up, establishing strong pipelines, relationships and processes to support long‑term income growth.
You will develop and manage a portfolio of funders and major donors, producing high‑quality, compelling funding applications and proposals that clearly articulate need, impact and value. Working closely with clinical, operational and finance colleagues, you will identify fundable projects, shape cases for support and ensure proposals are robust, deliverable and aligned to organisational priorities.
A key part of the role is building and stewarding long‑term relationships with funders, major donors and philanthropic partners, ensuring excellent communication, reporting and recognition. You will use data and insight to manage pipelines, monitor performance and drive continuous improvement across your income streams.
This is a hybrid role, with a base at either North Devon District Hospital or the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, and the flexibility to work from home. You will work across North, Mid and Eastern Devon, building relationships across the region and engaging with supporters and stakeholders as required.
Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will manage multiple funding opportunities and relationships, balancing immediate income generation with longer‑term partnership development. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with proven experience in securing significant gifts or grants, who is confident working independently and motivated by building a high‑value fundraising programme that delivers meaningful impact for patients and services.
Working Pattern
37.5 hours per week. Flexibility required due to occasional evening and weekend events; time off in lieu provided in line with Trust policy.
Inclusive Employer
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Benefits
- You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
- We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
- This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications.
- Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills.
- Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
- You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
- You will also have access to other benefits including: National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter.
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme.
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
Salary Band 6: £39,959 - £48,117 per annum pro rata
Frequency Annual
Contract Type Permanent
Closing Date 31 May, 2026
Senior Grants and Major Donor Officer in Exeter employer: Rdehospital
Contact Detail:
Rdehospital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Grants and Major Donor Officer in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who have experience with grants and major donors. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights or even referrals that could land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity thoroughly. Understand their mission, recent projects, and how they engage with donors. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your fundraising successes and how you plan to develop high-value income streams. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in building relationships and securing significant gifts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen on building those long-term relationships they value.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Grants and Major Donor Officer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Grants and Major Donor Officer. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in securing significant gifts and building relationships.
Showcase Your Impact: When writing your application, focus on the impact you've made in previous roles. We want to see how your contributions have benefited others, especially in fundraising or charitable contexts, as this is key for us at Royal Devon Hospitals Charity.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rdehospital
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, take some time to research the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity and understand their mission. Be ready to discuss how your previous experience in securing significant gifts or grants can directly benefit their projects and enhance patient care.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
This role is all about building strong relationships with funders and major donors. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed and maintained partnerships in the past. Highlight your communication strategies and how you ensure excellent stewardship.
✨Prepare Compelling Proposals
Since you'll be producing high-quality funding applications, practice articulating a clear case for support. Bring along examples of successful proposals you've written, focusing on how you identified needs and demonstrated impact.
✨Data-Driven Mindset
The role requires using data to manage pipelines and monitor performance. Brush up on how you've used data insights in your previous roles to drive fundraising success. Be prepared to discuss specific metrics and outcomes that showcase your ability to improve income streams.