At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a growing philanthropy programme, building strong donor relationships.
- Company: Join the Royal British Legion, a leading charity supporting the Armed Forces community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, flexible working, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while shaping the future of philanthropy fundraising.
- Qualifications: Experience in relationship fundraising and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This is an opportunity to take real ownership of a growing philanthropy programme and shape how mid‑value fundraising develops at the Royal British Legion. We’re looking for someone who understands how to build strong donor relationships, spot opportunities for growth, and create the kind of supporter experience that keeps people engaged long term.
Working closely with the Head of Trusts and Philanthropy, you’ll lead on developing and delivering the Mid Value strategy, helping to grow income, strengthen retention, and build a sustainable pipeline of future major donors and legacy supporters. This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing strategy with hands-on relationship management and wants the freedom to bring new ideas to the table.
You’ll manage and grow a portfolio of supporters through thoughtful stewardship, tailored communications, events and meaningful engagement opportunities, while also using data and insight to make informed decisions about where the biggest opportunities sit. We’re looking for someone commercially minded, organised and confident working with high value supporters and senior stakeholders alike.
You’ll be comfortable managing budgets, tracking performance and using donor insight to influence activity, while also collaborating across fundraising, data and supporter development teams to ensure supporters receive a seamless journey. As line manager to the Philanthropy Officer, you’ll also play an important role in supporting and developing the wider team.
This role would suit an experienced relationship fundraiser who is motivated by building something with long‑term potential and who enjoys working in a collaborative, ambitious environment. You’ll need strong communication skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high standard of donor care.
In return, you’ll join a well-established organisation with a respected fundraising team, hybrid working, and the chance to play a key role in shaping the future of philanthropy fundraising at the Royal British Legion. Fundraising sits at the heart of The Royal British Legion’s 10‑year strategy, and we’re investing in the people, skills and ideas that will drive growth and strengthen our support for the Armed Forces community.
As one of the UK’s most trusted and recognisable charities, we have the reach and ambition to make a real difference, and this is your chance to be part of it. Our Fundraising portfolio is broad and dynamic, spanning major corporate partnerships to our sector leading charity Lottery. We’re investing in growth, evolving how we work, and putting supporters at the centre of everything we do. This is an exciting time to join us.
You’ll be part of a collaborative, forward‑thinking team, helping shape the future of our fundraising and the impact we achieve together.
Employee benefits include:
- 28 days paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Enhanced paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!
RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.
Philanthropy Manager employer: The Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who have served our country. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working options, and a collaborative culture, you will thrive in an environment that values innovation and strategic thinking. Join us at our Haig House hub, where you can enjoy generous benefits, including enhanced leave policies and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, all while shaping the future of philanthropy fundraising.
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 British Legion.
✨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 British Legion.
✨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 British Legion.
✨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 British Legion. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Manager
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 British Legion. 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 British Legion
✨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 British Legion. 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!
