At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead philanthropic initiatives and secure major investments to support survivors of domestic abuse.
- Company: Join Refuge, a pioneering organisation dedicated to ending domestic abuse.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping the future of philanthropy for a vital cause.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and strong networking skills.
The predicted salary is between 54897 - 54897 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Senior Philanthropy Manager to join our team in London; the scope of this job involves hybrid working - this role is external facing and the postholder will be required to attend meetings, events and networking opportunities in London and other locations as required.
Salary: £54,897.50 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5
At a pivotal moment in addressing domestic abuse, Refuge is entering a new strategic phase focused on building strength, independence and long-term impact. We are seeking a bold, visionary Senior Philanthropy Manager who will help drive a growth in philanthropic income and lead a new way of working with philanthropic supporters. This newly created, externally facing role offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of Refuge’s philanthropy—securing transformational six- and seven-figure investments, shaping a new offering for philanthropic funders and driving sustainable growth at scale.
You will design and lead a compelling core philanthropy offering, steward and grow a small portfolio of Refuge’s highest value supporters and build a dynamic pipeline of major donors and trusts and foundations. Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy, CEO, and Board, you will redefine how Refuge engages philanthropists—bringing clarity, confidence and ambition to how we partner with supporters to fuel survivor safety, resilience and long-term prevention.
This is a role for someone that thrives on building networks and has a strong track record of growing pipelines, including through working with existing supporters and senior volunteers. This is a standout opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to create and implement new avenues for philanthropic impact and drive significant income growth for Refuge’s work. The postholder will combine influence, creativity and purpose—playing a decisive role in strengthening an organisation survivors rely on, while helping to shape a defining philanthropic vision.
Closing date: 9.00am on 5 June 2026
Interview date: Stage one: 18 June 2026 (virtual) Stage two: AM, 25 June 2026 (in person at our Head Office, in Vauxhall, London)
Benefits: Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in the Job Information Pack.
Senior Philanthropy Manager employer: Refuge
Contact Detail:
Refuge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Philanthropy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend events and meet-ups related to philanthropy in London. We can’t stress enough how important it is to connect with people in the industry—these relationships can lead to opportunities you won’t find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Be bold in your approach! When reaching out to potential employers or connections, don’t be afraid to showcase your vision for philanthropy. We believe that sharing your ideas can set you apart from the crowd and show your passion for making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after meetings and events. A quick email thanking someone for their time can go a long way. We recommend keeping the conversation going by sharing relevant articles or insights that align with your discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference, so don’t hesitate to put yourself out there!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Philanthropy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Philanthropy Manager role. Highlight your experience in fundraising and building networks, as this is key for us at Refuge. Show how your skills align with our mission and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you've made rather than just listing tasks. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've driven income growth or engaged with major donors. We love seeing tangible results!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone bold and visionary, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for philanthropy and the cause. Share your motivations and what drives you to make a difference.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Refuge and our values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Refuge
✨Know Your Philanthropy
Before the interview, dive deep into Refuge's mission and recent initiatives. Understand their approach to philanthropy and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect on a deeper level.
✨Showcase Your Network
As a Senior Philanthropy Manager, your ability to build relationships is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully grown donor pipelines in the past. Highlight specific instances where your networking skills led to significant funding or partnerships.
✨Be Ready to Innovate
This role calls for creativity in engaging philanthropists. Think about new strategies or offerings you could propose during the interview. Presenting fresh ideas will demonstrate your proactive mindset and readiness to drive change.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Prepare for scenarios related to managing high-value supporters or overcoming challenges in fundraising. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.