At a Glance
- Tasks: Build a transformative philanthropy programme and engage high-net-worth individuals.
- Company: Willen Hospice, a leading provider of specialist palliative care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 35 days holiday, pension scheme, and professional development.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on patients and families through transformational giving.
- Qualifications: Proven major gifts fundraising experience and exceptional communication skills.
Salary: Circa £40,000 per annum, depending on experience
Hours: 35 hours per week, including occasional evenings or weekends (Part-time may be considered for an experienced candidate)
Location: Milton Keynes
Closing Date: rolling advert and we will be reviewing applications and interviewing suitable candidates as they apply, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
About the role
Build something transformational. From the ground up. We’re looking for an exceptional relationship-builder to join Willen Hospice as our Philanthropy Relationship Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to build a philanthropy programme from the ground up.
You will design and lead our major donor strategy, identify a pipeline of high-net-worth individuals and key partners capable of making major gifts and living legacies, and create funding propositions that will inspire transformational giving that makes a lasting difference to our patients and families.
If you have the credibility to operate in senior circles, the drive to hit ambitious targets, and a genuine passion for hospice care, this is your opportunity to leave a lasting legacy of your own.
What you’ll do:
- Design and deliver a transformational major donor strategy, setting ambitious income targets and create a pipeline from prospect identification through to gift and stewardship.
- Build robust systems, donor journeys and stewardship frameworks from scratch — specifically designed to grow commitment towards high value and multi-year gifts.
- Personally identify, cultivate and solicit high-net-worth individuals, with the Willen networks moving them purposefully through the stewardship cycle towards a significant ask.
- Develop compelling cases for support that translate Willen’s vision and impact into inspiring propositions for donors giving at the highest level.
- Help embed philanthropy across the organisation, enabling colleagues, senior leaders and trustees to play an active role in identifying, cultivating and stewarding major donors.
- Advise and coach senior leadership and trustees to make confident, compelling asks that secure major gifts.
- Deliver bespoke stewardship and giving programmes, high-impact engagement events, and impact reports that deepen donor commitment.
- Track and report on pipeline performance, conversion rates and ROI — building the evidence for a sustained investment in the philanthropy programme.
We’re looking for someone who is:
- An experienced major gifts fundraiser, with a proven track record of personally securing five-figure (or above) gifts, deals or partnerships.
- Skilled at designing and delivering income strategies with ambitious financial targets and clear, measurable milestones.
- A confident communicator with exceptional influencing skills to build trusted relationships with high-net-worth individuals, senior leaders and Board members.
- Deeply knowledgeable about the major donor gift cycle and the techniques that accelerate donors towards transformational giving.
- Able to work collaboratively with colleagues across Corporate Partnerships, Trusts and Community Fundraising to maximise opportunities and ensure a joined-up supporter experience.
- Analytically strong, comfortable using CRM systems and prospect research tools to manage a high-value portfolio and forecast income.
- Self-driven, results-oriented and passionate about the mission of Willen Hospice, with the ambition to generate transformational income within a defined timeframe.
Who we are:
Set in the tranquil grounds of Willen Lake, Willen Hospice is the leading provider of specialist palliative care in the Milton Keynes area. We offer round-the-clock, expert care to local patients with a life-limiting illness, both in their own homes and in our In-Patient Unit. Our passionate staff and volunteers make sure our care is personalised to each patient’s needs and supports their loved ones too. As a registered charity, we raise vital funds through our dedicated Business Development team and our growing portfolio of high street and online shops, to ensure our care stays free of charge.
In return for your skills you can expect:
- A role with purpose – be part of a team delivering outstanding palliative care.
- Supportive and caring environment – work with passionate colleagues.
- Great benefits package – including 35 days’ holiday, contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity/sick pay, and ongoing professional development.
- Perks and extras – free on-site parking, subsidised catering, Blue Light Card discounts (with membership), and an Employee Assistance Programme.
Relationship Manager-Philanthropy in Milton Keynes employer: Willen Hospice
Join Willen Hospice as a Shop Manager in Wolverton, where you can lead a brand-new charity shop and make a meaningful impact in your community. We offer a supportive work culture that values your retail expertise and passion for purpose, alongside opportunities for personal growth and development. With a focus on teamwork and community engagement, you'll be at the forefront of creating a vibrant shopping experience while helping to fund vital palliative care services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relationship Manager-Philanthropy in Milton Keynes
✨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 Willen Hospice.
✨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 Willen Hospice.
✨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 Willen Hospice.
✨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 Willen Hospice. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Relationship Manager-Philanthropy in Milton Keynes
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 Willen Hospice. 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 Relationship Manager-Philanthropy, 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 Willen Hospice
✨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 Willen Hospice. 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!
