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- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to secure major donations for children's services.
- Company: The Children's Society has supported vulnerable children for over 130 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team transforming lives through philanthropy and partnerships.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience with high-value donors and strong relationship management skills.
- Other info: This role requires a commitment to safeguarding and protecting children.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 62000 £ per year.
Job Description
Senior Principal Gifts Manager
Location: Home Based, United Kingdom
Group: Social Impact
Vacancy type: Permanent
35 hours per week
£50,000 – £55,000 per annum / pro rata (plus allowances)
Remote
The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 130 years. We run local services that support children when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We're there for children, every step of the way.
This role sits within our Social Impact Group and you will work closely with the Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships, AD of Philanthropy (Principal Gifts), Major Appeal Programme Director, Executive Director Social Impact and senior leaders at all levels to identify and access new and existing networks of wealth, opportunity and influence.
Our step-change in impact with children will be achieved by a step-change in our philanthropy & partnerships: as a Senior Principal Gifts Manager, you'll play a crucial role in this transformation through strategic development and personal leadership of principal gift donors that contribute significant 6-7+figure gifts and support
In order to be successful in this role, you must have:
-Significant fundraising or income generating experience and a proven track record of securing income at the 6figure+ level from individual or family foundations
-Demonstrated success in managing a high value and diverse portfolio of principal gift donors that include complex relationships
-Experience leading on portfolio management, proposal preparation and the effective cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of (ultra) high net worth individuals
-Knowledge of legal, regulatory and ethical environment of principal gift fundraising
The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer.
Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better – and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.
The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.
The closing date for applications is midnight on 8th September 2025.
Senior Principal Gifts Manager employer: The Children's Society
Contact Detail:
The Children's Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal Gifts Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the philanthropy sector. Attend events, webinars, and conferences related to fundraising and social impact to connect with potential donors and like-minded professionals. Building relationships in these spaces can open doors to opportunities that may not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Research The Children's Society thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and current projects. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your expertise in fundraising. Share relevant articles, insights, and your own experiences in securing high-value donations. This can help you establish credibility and attract attention from hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch on how you would approach principal gift fundraising. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to engage high net worth individuals and how you plan to apply those strategies at The Children's Society.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Principal Gifts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in fundraising, particularly at the 6-figure+ level. Use specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the role of Senior Principal Gifts Manager.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for supporting children and young people. Mention your understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of principal gift fundraising.
Showcase Your Network: In your application, emphasise your existing networks and relationships with high net worth individuals or family foundations. This will show your potential to access new funding opportunities for The Children's Society.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Children's Society
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Be prepared to discuss your previous fundraising achievements, especially those involving six-figure gifts. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed high-value donor relationships and secured significant contributions.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The role requires strategic development in philanthropy. Be ready to share your approach to identifying and accessing new networks of wealth and influence, and how you've implemented strategies that led to successful partnerships.
✨Understand the Legal and Ethical Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the legal, regulatory, and ethical aspects of principal gift fundraising. During the interview, express your knowledge and how it has guided your fundraising practices in the past.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Engage your interviewers by preparing insightful questions about The Children's Society's current initiatives and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the organisation and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
