Philanthropy Manager

NFP PEOPLE; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization is seeking a proactive Philanthropy Manager to drive major donor and legacy giving. This role involves managing donor relationships, cultivating gifts, and executing fundraising events. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in major donor fundraising and a proactive approach. The position is hybrid, requiring one office day per week in Kennington, London, with opportunities for significant impact as the charity enters a phase of strategic growth.

Qualifications

• Strong background in major donor or individual giving fundraising.
• Experience securing five or six-figure gifts.
• Ability to manage pipelines and donor journeys using CRM systems.
• Experience planning and delivering donor cultivation events.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders, trustees and colleagues.
• Experience researching and cultivating new prospects.

Responsibilities

• Managing and growing a portfolio of major donor prospects and supporters.
• Developing tailored cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans.
• Planning and delivering high-quality donor events and engagement activities.
• Leading on legacy giving development, communications and stewardship.
• Researching new prospects and preparing donor briefings.
• Producing regular reports to support income forecasting and pipeline management.
• Coaching, motivating and developing the Philanthropy Officer.

Skills

Major donor fundraising

Individual giving

CRM systems

Event planning

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Project management

Relationship management

Job description

Philanthropy Manager

We are seeking a proactive and relationship-led fundraiser to drive major donor and legacy giving for a growing and ambitious charity.

Position: Philanthropy Manager

Salary: £40,000

Location: Hybrid, with weekly office day in Kennington, London SE11

Hours: Full time

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 10am, Wednesday 7 January 2026

Interview Dates: 15 January (online) and 22 January (in person)

About the Role

This is a hands‑on and rewarding role where you will lead the day‑to‑day delivery of major donor fundraising and help grow legacy giving. Working closely with the Development Director, senior leaders and trustees, you will oversee the major donor pipeline, build strong and meaningful relationships, and deliver personalised supporter experiences that inspire long‑term commitment.

You will line manage the Philanthropy Officer and work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to plan and deliver events, develop compelling donor communications and support data‑driven insight into supporter behaviour and opportunities.

Key responsibilities include

• Managing and growing a portfolio of major donor prospects and supporters
• Developing tailored cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans
• Planning and delivering high‑quality donor events and engagement activities
• Leading on legacy giving development, communications and stewardship
• Researching new prospects and preparing donor briefings
• Overseeing due diligence processes and ensuring compliance with fundraising standards
• Producing regular reports to support income forecasting and pipeline management
• Coaching, motivating and developing the Philanthropy Officer
• Supporting the implementation of improved CRM and data systems

About You

As Philanthropy Manager you will be confident, organised and proactive, with strong relationship‑management skills and the ability to communicate impact with clarity and warmth. You will be motivated by building meaningful supporter relationships and delivering exceptional experiences.

Essential skills and experience

• Strong background in major donor or individual giving fundraising
• Experience securing five or six‑figure gifts
• Ability to manage pipelines and donor journeys using CRM systems
• Experience planning and delivering donor cultivation events
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational and project management skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders, trustees and colleagues
• Experience researching and cultivating new prospects

Personal qualities

• Warm, engaging and confident working with people from all backgrounds
• A proactive mindset with the ability to spot opportunities
• Commitment to inclusion and belief in the transformative power of the arts
• A collaborative team player with a supportive leadership style

About the Organisation

This organisation works nationally to make music education equitable, inclusive and joyful for every child. Through long‑term programmes in partner schools, teacher training, advocacy work and sector‑wide initiatives, it supports thousands of children and young people each year. The charity is entering the next phase of strategic growth, scaling its most impactful work and strengthening its national influence.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Major Donor Manager/officer, Individual Giving Manager/officer, Fundraising Manager/officer, Philanthropy Lead, Development Manager/officer, Supporter Engagement Manager/officer.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.