Philanthropy Manager

Charity Horizons; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Pension scheme with generous contributions

Healthcare plan

Staff passes for zoo visits

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Canteen on site

Job summary

A leading conservation charity based at Chester Zoo is seeking a Philanthropy Manager to drive the Major Gifts income stream. This role involves generating funds, managing high-value relationships, and curating donor engagement opportunities. Ideal candidates will have experience in securing philanthropic gifts, event management, and strong relationship-building skills. Emphasizing a supportive work culture, the role offers hybrid working, generous leave, and various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in securing and managing philanthropic gifts from individuals.
• Ability to deliver high standard of supporter care.
• Willingness to research and identify potential major donors.
• Strong relationship-building and supporter care.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Generate funds and implement high-value relationship strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective donors.
• Curate engagement opportunities through events and donor visits.
• Maintain accurate records of donor communications and pledges.
• Ensure gift administration and recognition.

Skills

Experience in securing philanthropic gifts

Ability to write compelling proposals

Event management experience

Strong relationship management

Communication skills

Job description

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Supporting candidates to secure their dream role and helping charities to grow and develop their workforce

Chester Zoo is a force for nature, and so are the charity’s team and supporters who make the vital conservation work of the organisation possible! At the Chester conservation hub, they care for 37,000 animals, 523 incredible species and lead conservation projects across 19 countries worldwide. Every day, the experts work tirelessly, in Chester and across the globe, to save species and ensure nature can survive and thrive long into the future. They couldn’t do all they do without support, and this role will play a vital role in continuing to generate the vital funds to enable this work!

We are looking for a Philanthropy Manager to join this small but ambitious, growing and successful team at Chester Zoo and help drive the Major Gifts income stream forwards.

The Role

As Philanthropy Manager you will play a key role in generating funds and lead on the high value relationship strategy. Duties will include:

• Identifying and researching potential major donors and implementing plans to attract these high-value individual philanthropists
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with existing and prospective donors.
• Leading and curating exceptional engagement opportunities through events, experiences and donor visits.
• Keeping accurate records to include all communications, donor plans, pledges, proposals and gifts.
• Ensuring gift administration and recognition.

The Person

We’re looking for someone with a demonstrable experience in securing and managing philanthropic gifts from individuals and an ability to write exceptional, accurate and compelling proposals. You should come to us with experience in managing and curating events, as well as an ability to deliver high standard of supporter care. If you believe yourself to be a personable, relationship focussed individual with a passion for this fantastic cause, then we would love to hear from you!

Why Chester Zoo?

Joining the small, but mighty, fundraising team at Chester Zoo provides a unique opportunity to become part of something exciting that will save species and ensure nature can survive and thrive long into the future! Not only is the team at the Zoo passionate about the work it does, but also puts huge emphasis on creating a positive working culture that supports staff and makes them feel valued in their roles. With a fun, interactive and ever changing working environment you will also access the following benefits:

• 33 days annual leave (includes bank holidays) plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%.
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme.
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks.
• Subsidised staff canteen, nestled in the heart of the zoo

Please note that this role will be hybrid, based at their offices in Chester Zoo (3 days) and the rest from home.