Development Manager - Major Gifts

CHARITY PEOPLE; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 46,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative charity organization is seeking a Development Manager - Major Gifts to lead philanthropy efforts and drive income growth. In this hybrid role in Kingston upon Thames, the successful candidate will manage a donor portfolio, engage with high-value prospects, and work towards ambitious fundraising targets. Applicants should possess strong relationship-building and communication skills. The organization values diversity and offers a supportive working environment with generous benefits including flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

35 days holiday per year

Flexible working arrangements

Family-friendly policies

Professional development opportunities

Meeting-free weeks for planning

Qualifications

• Proven track record of securing gifts of £10,000+.
• Strong communication skills to engage high-profile individuals.
• Experience achieving ambitious KPIs.
• Ability to work collaboratively across a complex organization.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of high-value donors and solicit gifts.
• Support the pipeline of mid-level prospects for transformative gifts.
• Deliver against KPIs, growing major giving to £1 million.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and academic leaders.

Skills

Relationship-building skills

Strategic thinking

Fundraising skills

Communication skills

Influencing skills

Job description

Development Manager - Major Gifts

Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working - minimum 2-3 days on campus)

Salary: £45,025 per annum

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Closing Date: midday Friday 16 January 2026

Interviews in person: TBC 28 or 29 Jan 2026

Help to shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at Kingston University.

We're working with a university that's an incredible place to work. For over 125 years, they've been shaping student futures through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching. Their recent TEF Gold rating reflects their commitment to delivering outstanding education and research. Through their ambitious Town House Strategy, they're embedding a progressive new model of education and driving innovation through partnerships with businesses, communities, and organisations.

The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team plays a vital role in delivering these ambitions. With a global alumni community of over 270,000, we foster meaningful relationships that drive philanthropic support, unlock partnerships, and enhance the University's reputation and reach.

The Role

As Development Manager - Major Gifts, you will be a senior member of the DARE team, responsible for generating philanthropic income to meet ambitious annual targets. Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will:

• Manage a portfolio of high-value donors (individuals, trusts & foundations, corporates), personally soliciting gifts of £10,000+.
• Support the pipeline of mid-level prospects and help develop ultra-high-net-worth individuals for transformative gifts.
• Deliver against KPIs and income targets, contributing to our goal of growing major giving from £450,000 annually to £1 million within three years.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and academic leaders, producing compelling proposals and leading donor engagement.

This is a dynamic, outward-facing role requiring excellent relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and a passion for the impact of fundraising in higher education.

About You

You will be an experienced and driven fundraiser with:

• A proven track record of securing and stewarding four-figure and above gifts.
• Strong influencing and communication skills, with confidence engaging high-profile individuals.
• Experience managing a varied portfolio and achieving ambitious KPIs.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work across a complex organisation.

Experience in higher education or the charity sector is desirable, but not essential.

Why Join Them?

• Hybrid working (minimum 2-3 days on campus).
• A supportive, ambitious team committed to innovation and impact.
• The opportunity to make a lasting difference to students and the University community.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Benefits include

• Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days (from entry at all levels), in addition to bank holidays.
• Three 'meeting free' weeks each year to create space for reflection and time to plan for the period ahead.
• Flexible working - we can consider and accommodate various work patterns.
• Family-friendly policies that support the needs of our employees.
• Exceptional professional development opportunities.

Key Details

• Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working, 2-3 days/week on campus)
• Closing Date: midday on Friday 16 Jan
• Interview Date: in person provisionally 28 or 29 Jan

Apply now and bring your expertise, passion, and authentic self to work with this university.
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.