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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major donor programmes and build meaningful relationships to support animal welfare.
- Company: Join the RSPCA, a leading charity dedicated to animal kindness and respect.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a lasting impact for animals across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in securing major gifts and strong relationship management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45074 - 53028 £ per year.
A bit about us
Do you want to create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve kindness and respect. We work for the benefit of every animal – as well as pets, that includes farmed animals, wildlife, and animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a difference for every kind.
We're looking for an experienced Senior Philanthropy Manager to play a key role in growing our major donor programme, building meaningful relationships with supporters and helping them make a lasting impact for animals across the UK.
About the Role
This is a highly collaborative role responsible for driving income growth from a pipeline of qualified prospects, alongside managing and developing a portfolio of existing donors. You’ll lead on both stewardship and cultivation activity, ensuring every interaction reflects the very best of the RSPCA. You’ll also take ownership of Wilberforce 200, the RSPCA's first ever major donor giving club, shaping its future and creating compelling experiences that deepen supporter connection and inspire long-term giving. Alongside your personal portfolio, you’ll manage two Philanthropy Executives, supporting them to deliver an excellent supporter experience and strong operational support across the philanthropy programme.
What a day might look like for you:
- Meeting with one of our dedicated supporters to explore how they would like to grow their impact.
- Hosting a tour for donors at one of our incredible animal centres.
- Attending one of our amazing special events to meet your donors and create a deeper connection to the RSPCA.
- Developing and delivering a sector‑leading cultivation programme to develop relationships with prospective major donors.
- Developing inspirational stewardship journeys for existing supporters to deepen their relationship to the RSPCA.
- Developing plans to grow and evolve Wilberforce 200, recruiting new members and delivering brilliant stewardship for existing donors.
- Coaching your team to deliver an excellent supporter experience for existing major donors and charitable trusts alongside effective administration across the Philanthropy programme.
- Working alongside the Partnerships & Philanthropy Resource Hub to deliver special events, support effective prospect research, grow and manage the pipeline, and create compelling cases for support.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop and grow income from existing and prospective major donors (£5k–£50k).
- Lead the strategy and development of the Wilberforce 200 major donor giving club.
- Build and manage a personal portfolio of donors and prospects.
- Deliver high‑quality, personalised stewardship and cultivation activity.
- Line manage and support two Philanthropy Executives.
- Support principal giving and capital campaign activity alongside the Head of Philanthropy and Philanthropy Leads.
What will help you succeed in this role:
- You are a relationship‑led fundraiser who builds authentic relationships that create meaningful, long‑term partnerships with supporters.
- You are comfortable managing a mixed portfolio of stewardship and cultivation, and thrive in a role with a high level of autonomy and ownership.
- You bring a balance of strategic thinking and hands‑on delivery, and are confident supporting and developing others to achieve shared goals.
- You are keen to bring creativity and innovation to your philanthropy plans alongside a solid foundation of tried and tested fundraising tactics to maximise fundraising potential.
- You love animals and want to be part of a high performing philanthropy team.
Essential Experience:
- Proven experience of personally securing major gifts (£5k–£50k).
- Experience managing a mixed portfolio in which you can support effective stewardship and lead on the cultivation of prospective major donors.
- Strong relationship management and communication skills with experience developing stewardship and cultivation plans.
- Experience developing donor clubs or structured giving programmes (desirable).
- Experience of line management.
Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK – we are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA.
Senior Philanthropy Manager in Horsham employer: RSPCA
Contact Detail:
RSPCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Philanthropy Manager in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the philanthropy sector, attend events, and engage with potential donors. Building relationships is key, so don’t be shy about sharing your passion for animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! When you get the chance to meet donors or attend events, make sure you’re prepared to showcase the impact of their contributions. Bring stories, data, and a genuine enthusiasm for the cause!
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! Each donor is unique, so take the time to understand their interests and motivations. Craft personalised stewardship plans that resonate with them and highlight how they can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After meetings or events, send a quick thank-you note or an update on how their support is making an impact. Keeping the lines of communication open helps build lasting relationships.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Philanthropy Manager in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals: When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! We want to see how your values align with our mission at the RSPCA. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to animal welfare.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Senior Philanthropy Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing donor relationships and securing major gifts. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit 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 the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA
✨Know Your Cause
Before the interview, dive deep into the RSPCA's mission and values. Understand their work with different types of animals and be ready to discuss how your passion aligns with their goals. This will show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
As a Senior Philanthropy Manager, building relationships is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully cultivated donor relationships in the past. Highlight specific instances where your efforts led to significant contributions or partnerships.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about your strategic approach to fundraising. Think about how you would develop and grow the Wilberforce 200 major donor giving club. Be prepared to share innovative ideas that could enhance donor engagement and retention.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since you'll be managing two Philanthropy Executives, come equipped with examples of your leadership style. Discuss how you've supported team members in achieving their goals and how you plan to foster a collaborative environment within the philanthropy team.