Development Manager - Individual Giving

CHARITY PEOPLE; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

An academic institution in Kingston upon Thames is seeking a Development Manager for Individual Giving to lead ambitious fundraising programs. This role involves shaping individual giving strategies, managing campaigns across multiple channels, and building donor relationships. Ideal candidates will have experience in individual giving and campaigns, a passion for education, and strong communication skills. The university promotes inclusion and equity, making a significant impact on student success.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in individual giving and campaign management, ideally in Higher Education or the charity sector.
• Strong strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the University's annual telephone fundraising campaign, including recruiting and managing student callers.
• Deliver targeted acquisition and stewardship campaigns across multiple channels.
• Develop mid-level giving and legacy programmes.

Skills

Individual giving

Campaign management

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication

Relationship building

Data-driven decision-making

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

Overview

Development Manager - Individual Giving
Academic Services | Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE)

Kingston upon Thames
Full-time (0.8 FTE considered for the right candidate)
£45,025.00 - £48,820.00 and excellent benefits
Closing date: 9am on Monday 17 November
Interviews: in person on Wednesday 26 November

Are you driven by data with experience in direct marketing fundraising? Do you excel at crafting lifelong donor journeys from acquisition to strengthening affinity and maximising giving participation? A University in Kingston upon Thames is seeking an exceptional Development Manager - Individual Giving to lead their ambitious fundraising programmes and help transform the lives of students through scholarships, access, and support initiatives.

About the Role

This is a pivotal opportunity to shape and grow the University\'s individual giving strategy. You\'ll lead multi-channel campaigns—from telephone fundraising and direct mail to email and crowdfunding—designed to acquire, retain, and upgrade donors. You\'ll also develop a mid-level giving programme (£500-£1,000+), steward legacy pledgers, and create compelling donor journeys that inspire loyalty and generosity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the University\'s annual telephone fundraising campaign, including recruiting and managing student callers.
• Deliver targeted acquisition and stewardship campaigns across multiple channels.
• Develop mid-level giving and legacy programmes, personally soliciting gifts and building donor relationships.
• Collaborate with Major Gifts colleagues to identify prospects and enhance donor pipelines.
• Create engaging content—written, visual, and video—to showcase the impact of giving.
• Evaluate campaign performance using data insights and industry benchmarks.
• Support donor and alumni events, and contribute to the wider DARE and University community.

About You

You\'ll bring:

• Proven experience in individual giving and campaign management, ideally in Higher Education or the charity sector.
• Strong strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A passion for education, inclusion, and the power of philanthropy.
• Experience with CRM systems (ideally Raiser\'s Edge) and donor stewardship.

Why this University?

It\'s a leader in post-1992 university fundraising, with a proud tradition of alumni support. You\'ll be part of a dynamic team driving innovation, inclusion, and impact—helping students thrive and succeed.

How to apply?

Please share a copy of your profile or CV with Philippa at Charity People as the first step.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.