Major Gifts Manager

Royal College of Art; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal College of Art is seeking an ambitious and experienced Principal Gifts Manager to join our collaborative Advancement & Alumni team. You will manage a portfolio of high-value prospects and donors, developing relationships and securing six- and seven-figure gifts to support the RCA’s strategic priorities.

You will develop cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies, work with senior colleagues and stakeholders to craft compelling cases for support, and represent the RCA at

Qualifications

• Significant experience securing major philanthropic gifts.
• Experience working with high-net-worth individuals.
• Background in higher education fundraising, including international donors.
• Ability to develop cases for support and proposals.

Responsibilities

• Manage portfolio of high-value prospects and donors.
• Develop cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
• Represent RCA at meetings and international engagements.
• Collaborate with Finance, Academic, Marketing & Communications and Advancement to ensure donor experience.

Skills

Relationship-building

Donor stewardship

Strategic fundraising

Portfolio management

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Prospect management

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

The Royal College of Art is seeking an ambitious and experienced Principal Gifts Manager to join our collaborative Advancement & Alumni team.

Philanthropy plays a significant role in the life of the RCA. Working with alumni, donors, companies, trusts and foundations, we raise vital support that enables our students and staff to perform at their best and helps deliver the College’s vision for the future.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Advancement & Alumni, you will manage a portfolio of high-value prospects and donors, developing relationships and securing six- and seven-figure gifts that support the RCA’s strategic priorities, including capital projects, academic ambitions and scholarships.

You will develop and implement creative cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies, working closely with senior colleagues, academics and other stakeholders to develop compelling cases for support. You will represent the RCA at meetings and engagement activities, including international travel where appropriate, and provide expert advice to senior colleagues on fundraising approaches and donor relationships.

A key part of the role will be identifying new philanthropic opportunities, developing high-quality proposals and cases for support, and ensuring donors receive excellent stewardship throughout their relationship with the College. You will also work collaboratively across Finance, Academic, Marketing & Communications and Advancement & Alumni to ensure a seamless and inspiring donor experience.

We are looking for a highly motivated and entrepreneurial fundraising professional with significant experience working with high-net-worth individuals and securing major philanthropic gifts, including experience managing a portfolio and soliciting seven-figure donations. You will have excellent relationship-building, communication and influencing skills, alongside the ability to develop fundraising strategies and deliver multiple complex activities to demanding deadlines.

Experience of working in higher education, particularly with international donors, would be advantageous. Knowledge of Raiser's Edge or a similar fundraising CRM is also desirable.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a genuine and direct impact on the future of the RCA, working within a small, ambitious and highly collegiate team.

Closing for applications at 11.59pm on 27th September 2026

First round interviews are expected to take place mid October