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 opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to coach and lead a team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for animals while developing your career in philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Experience in philanthropy and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45074 - 53028 £ per year.
Salary: £45,074 to £53,028
Location type: Hybrid worker
Location: South East/London Hub
Vacancy type: Permanent
Closing Date: 25 May 2026
Hours per week: 35
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.
Contract: Permanent
Working Hours: 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Hybrid role: You will work from home and from either the Horsham office or London Hub once a week and will be required to travel regularly across the UK, in order to attend events and meetings.
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
Senior Philanthropy Manager employer: RSPCA
Contact Detail:
RSPCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Philanthropy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the philanthropy sector, attend events, and connect with potential supporters. Building relationships is key, so don’t be shy about introducing yourself and sharing your passion for animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or donors, highlight your past successes in managing donor relationships and driving income growth. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've made a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Research organisations like the RSPCA and reach out directly to express your interest in their work. A personal touch can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in our mission. Make sure to tailor your application to reflect your passion for animal welfare and your skills in philanthropy management.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Philanthropy Manager
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 CV and cover letter for the Senior Philanthropy Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing donor relationships and driving income growth. 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 why you’d be a great fit for the team.
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 on our end!
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 and commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your success in managing donor relationships and driving income growth. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Engage with Questions
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role and the RSPCA's future plans, especially regarding the Wilberforce 200 club. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As you'll be managing Philanthropy Executives, be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully coached teams in the past. Highlight any strategies you've used to enhance team performance and supporter experience.