At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow our major donor fundraising programme to secure transformational income.
- Company: Join Thames Valley Air Ambulance, a compassionate and forward-thinking organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days holiday, and great staff benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to saving lives and supporting the community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by securing vital funds for lifesaving services.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in major donor fundraising and strong relationship-building skills.
About us Thames Valley Air Ambulance exists to give everybody within our community the best chance of surviving and recovering from an emergency. We are here for you and your loved ones. In Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. Whoever you are. Wherever and whenever you need us.
What we are looking for: We are seeking an exceptional major donor fundraising professional to lead and grow our high-value giving programme. This is a senior, strategic, and hands-on role focused on developing meaningful, long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and securing transformational income to support our lifesaving work. At Thames Valley Air Ambulance, we’re committed to giving everyone in our community the best chance when the worst happens. Every day, we’re called to life-threatening emergencies across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. But we can’t do it without the generosity of our supporters and that’s where you come in.
Your role As the Senior Philanthropy Manager you will lead our major gifts programme, taking ownership of key initiatives including our Chair’s Circle and Philanthropy Board. Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, you will shape strategy while personally driving significant income through strong relationships and compelling fundraising proposals.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Managing a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and delivering significant income targets
- Personally securing five- and six-figure gifts through tailored cultivation, proposals, and stewardship
- Developing tailored cultivation and stewardship plans aligned to each supporter’s interests and motivations
- Making complex, high-value funding asks, preparing compelling proposals and growing the Chair’s Circle and Philanthropy Board programmes
- Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including Trustees and the CEO
- Contributing to strategy, pipeline development, and identifying new funding opportunities
- Identifying new opportunities for restricted and unrestricted funding
- Ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations, GDPR, and internal policies
- Acting as an ambassador for Thames Valley Air Ambulance and ensuring compliance with fundraising best practice
About you You are an experienced major donor fundraiser with a proven track record of securing five and six figure high-value gifts and managing senior relationships. You are strategic yet hands-on, with excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has proven experience in major donor or high-value fundraising with strong results
- Is confident engaging and influencing high-net-worth individuals and senior stakeholders
- Can balance strategic thinking with delivery of income targets
- Communicates effectively, both written and verbally, including proposal development
- Is proactive, organised, and able to manage competing priorities independently
- Brings a flexible and collaborative approach to work
Why join us? At Thames Valley Air Ambulance, you’ll be part of a dynamic, compassionate, and forward-thinking organisation. We’re proud of our culture, collaborative, inclusive, and committed to personal development. We care deeply about the wellbeing of our team and offer flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance. If this role sounds like it’s for you, we would love you to apply!
In return we offer a competitive salary and great staff benefits such as:
- 25 Days holiday / 267 Hours Holiday
- Hybrid Working (minimum 2 days in office)
- Holiday Trading
- Free annual Flu Vaccination
- Blue Light Card (Option to purchase)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Company Pension Scheme
- Simply Health – Medical cash back scheme
- Disability Confident Employer
Our values We live by our values every day: We care no matter what – for our patients, their families, and each other. We go above and beyond – in the care we provide and the work we do. We do the right thing – in how we act and the decisions we make. Together we are TVAA – because together, we save lives.
Diversity and inclusion We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from candidates who feel underrepresented in the charity sector.
Safeguarding We follow robust recruitment and safeguarding practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, and the people we support. Relevant checks (e.g. DBS) will be carried out where appropriate.
How to apply To apply, please complete our online application form and tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity and how your experience aligns with the role. You must also submit a covering letter with your application. You must have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to offer sponsorship.
Vacancy Closing Date: Wednesday 22nd July 2026 This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly Interviews will be held: w/c 27th July 2026
Department Engagement Contract type Permanent Hours 37.5 hours per week (part time considered 24 hours minimum) Salary £35,500 - £43,561 Benefits Remote working Flexible Working hours 25 Days holiday Holiday Trading Free annual Flu vaccination Employee Assistance Programme
Senior Philanthropy Manager (Major Gifts) in Stokenchurch employer: Thames Valley Air Ambulance
Thames Valley Air Ambulance is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong focus on personal development, a collaborative work culture, and flexible working arrangements, we ensure our team members thrive both professionally and personally. Join us in our mission to save lives while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
Contact Details:
Thames Valley Air Ambulance Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Philanthropy Manager (Major Gifts) in Stokenchurch
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Philanthropy Manager (Major Gifts) in Stokenchurch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Senior Philanthropy Manager (Major Gifts), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Valley Air Ambulance
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
