Philanthropy Manager

Merrifield Consultants; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wildlife conservation charity in the UK seeks a Philanthropy Manager to manage major donor relationships. This position involves developing cultivation plans, planning donor events, and crafting compelling proposals to secure significant gifts. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in major donor fundraising, exceptional communication skills, and experience with CRM systems. The role offers a dynamic work environment with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in major donor fundraising.
• Experience in securing significant gifts.
• Exceptional communication skills for crafting proposals.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of major donor prospects.
• Develop tailored cultivation plans.
• Plan and deliver high-quality donor engagement activities.

Skills

Proven track record in major donor fundraising

Experience of securing 5 figure+ gifts

Data-driven mindset

Ability to manage and cultivate relationships

Experience of planning donor cultivation events

Exceptional communication skills

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Job Title: Philanthropy Manager

Organisation: Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

Salary: £34,478 to £40,060

Location: St Albans, Hybrid working

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Closing date: Thursday 5th February 2026

Required: CV and Cover Letter

Overview

Merrifield Consultants is delighted to partner with the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust to find their new Philanthropy Manager to work closely with senior leaders and trustees, to oversee the major donor pipeline, build strong and meaningful relationships, and deliver personalised supporter experiences that inspire long‑term commitment.

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is a local charity supported by people who care about protecting wildlife, including over 22,000 members. They are the leading voice for wildlife conservation in Hertfordshire and Middlesex. They protect and enhance wild places across Hertfordshire and Middlesex, both on their 40 nature reserves and throughout the wider countryside.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of major donor prospects and supporters.
• Develop tailored cultivation and stewardship plans.
• Craft compelling proposals and pitches for support that inspire 5+ figure gifts.
• Plan and deliver high quality donor events and engagement activities, working alongside Senior Managers, Trustees and other colleagues to utilise their support, connections and expertise.
• Work closely with Trust colleagues across our delivery, development and finance teams to co‑create impactful proposals and reports for donors.
• Carry out donor prospect research and data analysis to identify new and potential donors.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support the growth of legacy giving.

Experience and Skills

• Proven track record in major donor fundraising.
• Experience of securing 5 figure+ gifts.
• Data‑driven mindset, with ability to manage pipelines and donor journeys using CRM systems.
• Ability to manage and cultivate relationships with existing and prospective major donors.
• Experience of planning and delivering donor cultivation and engagement events.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to craft compelling proposals, pitches and high‑quality stewardship materials.

This role is perfect for a Major Gifts Fundraiser who is a dynamic relationship fundraiser who is self‑motivated and driven to ensure that targets are hit and projects are delivered to the highest possible standards.

If you're interested and wish to find out more, please contact Stuart Milliner at Merrifield Consultants.

We are committed to ethical recruitment practices and creating an inclusive recruitment process. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse and minority communities, and welcome applicants with relevant lived experience. We believe that a diverse workforce drives innovation and enables us to create meaningful impact.

We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.