At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major gift fundraising and build relationships with high-net-worth donors.
- Company: UWC International, a global organisation focused on education for peace and sustainability.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, 28 days leave, enhanced pension, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working with passionate individuals worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in major gift fundraising and managing donor portfolios.
- Other info: Join a values-led team committed to equity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 78400 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid working) 20% office, 80% remote or in donor meetings
Salary: £56,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full time (38.5 hours per week)
At UWC International, we believe education can be a force for peace and a sustainable future. Through our global network of schools and colleges, we bring together young people from over 150 countries and backgrounds, offering life-changing educational opportunities to those who might otherwise never access them.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Development Manager to play a central role in delivering UWC’s 2030 Strategy, securing the philanthropic support that underpins scholarships, long-term sustainability and global impact.
About the role
This is a senior, donor-facing fundraising role focused on major gifts and strategic donor engagement. You will manage a personal portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, foundations and other key supporters, securing significant gifts and building long-term relationships aligned with UWC’s mission. You will work closely with the Director of Development and Funded Programmes, senior leadership, and colleagues across prospect research and operations. Alongside delivering against ambitious income targets, you will help shape mid-level giving activity and may deputise on key fundraising priorities. This role offers the opportunity to combine hands-on portfolio management with strategic thinking, within an international organisation operating at scale.
About you
- Good experience in major gift fundraising and managing high-value donor portfolios.
- A strong record of securing significant gifts, ideally at six or seven figures.
- Confidence building trusted relationships with donors, senior leaders and volunteers.
- Experience developing compelling proposals, stewardship plans and donor communications.
- Strong judgement, organisation and ethical standards in all fundraising activity.
- Experience in education, international development or complex stakeholder environments would be welcomed, but is not essential.
What we offer
- UWC International offers a supportive and values-led working environment, with benefits including:
- Hybrid working with flexibility around hours and patterns
- 28 days annual leave plus public holidays
- Enhanced pension contribution
- Income protection and comprehensive wellbeing support
- Learning and development opportunities
- Paid volunteering or study leave
- The chance to work within a truly international organisation committed to equity and inclusion
If you are an experienced major gifts fundraiser looking to apply your skills to a global mission and see the direct impact of your work, we would welcome your application. We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.
Senior Development Manager (Major Gifts) in London employer: TPP Recruitment
Contact Detail:
TPP Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager (Major Gifts) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research UWC International thoroughly and understand their mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in major gifts fundraising. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Development Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It helps us keep track of candidates and ensures you’re considered for all the right opportunities. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager (Major Gifts) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in major gift fundraising and managing high-value donor portfolios, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your successes! Include specific examples of significant gifts you've secured and how you've built relationships with donors. Numbers speak volumes, so if you've hit targets, let us know!
Be Authentic: We value genuine connections, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for education and international development, and explain why you want to be part of UWC's mission. We’re looking for someone who aligns with our values!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us without a hitch, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at TPP Recruitment
✨Know Your Donors
Before the interview, research UWC International's major donors and their philanthropic interests. Understanding who they are and what drives them will help you demonstrate your ability to build trusted relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of significant gifts you've secured in the past. Highlight your strategies for managing donor portfolios and how you've developed compelling proposals that align with an organisation's mission, just like UWC's focus on education and sustainability.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you would approach shaping mid-level giving activity and meeting ambitious income targets. Think about how your strategic vision aligns with UWC’s 2030 Strategy and be prepared to share your ideas on long-term donor engagement.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about UWC International's fundraising goals and challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission effectively.