Philanthropy Manager

Philanthropy Manager

Full-Time 49204 - 49204 £ / year (est.) On-site
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and build relationships with donors for impactful projects.
  • Company: Join the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a leader in plant science and conservation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and a Civil Service pension.
  • Other info: Be part of an exciting phase in a historic organisation with growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in philanthropy while supporting vital environmental initiatives.
  • Qualifications: Experience in fundraising, relationship management, and excellent communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 49204 - 49204 £ per year.

Full-time, fixed term to end June 2028, based in Edinburgh. Salary £49,204 per annum plus generous holiday entitlement, Civil Service pension and other benefits.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a world-leading centre for plant science, horticulture, conservation, education, and public engagement. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden for the study of medicinal plants, it attracts around one million visitors each year and holds one of the world’s most diverse botanical collections.

We are looking to appoint an experienced Philanthropy Manager to join the Development team at an exciting point in the organisation’s development as we move into the 2nd phase of our ambitious Edinburgh Biomes programme. Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy, the postholder will manage a mixed portfolio of individual, trust and corporate prospects, with a particular focus on securing high-value support for the Biomes programme and RBGE’s core priorities.

They will develop and steward key donor relationships, produce compelling and well-researched proposals, and contribute to the achievement of annual income targets and fundraising KPIs. This is an opportunity to play a central role in philanthropy at RBGE, building ambitious relationships with existing and prospective supporters and identifying new strategic fundraising opportunities aligned with the organisation’s values and ambitions.

The successful candidate will bring proven fundraising, relationship-management and event management experience. They should have strong influencing and negotiation skills, excellent written and verbal communication, sound knowledge of relevant fundraising practice, and the confidence to engage potential major donors and ask for significant financial support.

Closing date: Monday 30 November, midday GMT. Interview date: w/c 7 December 2026.

For more information including job description, person specification and to apply, please visit our website.

Philanthropy Manager employer: The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

At the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. As an Infrastructure Development Engineer, you'll not only contribute to our vital mission of sustainability but also enjoy opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive team setting. Located in the beautiful Edinburgh Garden, you will be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values diversity and encourages continuous learning, making it an exceptional place to build your career.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Contact Details:

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Philanthropy Manager

✨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 The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

✨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 The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

✨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 The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

✨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 The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Apply directly through us to stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Manager

Fundraising Experience
Relationship Management
Event Management
Influencing Skills
Negotiation Skills
Written Communication
Verbal Communication

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 The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. 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 Philanthropy Manager, 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 The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

✨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 The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. 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!