Philanthropy Manager

Church Mission Society; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36 days annual and bank holiday leave

Up to 10% employer pension

Wellbeing package with EAP

Job summary

Church Mission Society (CMS) seeks a proactive Philanthropy Manager to lead a high-net-worth and trust/foundation income portfolio, line manage a four-person team, and set the strategic direction for donor income.

Based at CMS House with hybrid working, the role focuses on building robust pipelines, securing six/seven-figure gifts, and equipping senior leaders to advance mission across the UK and globally.

Qualifications

• Proven record of major donor fundraising.
• Experience leading a fundraising team.
• Ability to translate mission into funding proposals.

Responsibilities

• Own the strategic direction of our high-net-worth programme and trust/foundation income.
• Line manage a four-person philanthropy team.
• Cultivate robust prospect pipelines and donor stewardship frameworks.
• Equip senior stakeholders to secure high-value major gifts.

Skills

Major donor fundraising

Team management

CRM data analysis

Prospect research

Strategic planning

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Church Mission Society (CMS) is a dynamic global community with a 227-year history of making disciples of Jesus at the edges of societies. To support an ambitious three-year plan to see communities transformed and local leaders empowered, we are appointing a Philanthropy Manager to establish a sustainable income strategy.

Reporting directly to the Fundraising and Communications Director, you will line manage a dedicated four-person philanthropy team. You will own the strategic direction of our high-net-worth individual programme, as well as our trust and foundations income portfolios. Key responsibilities include network mapping, cultivating robust prospect pipelines, and embedding a best-in-class donor stewardship framework. Additionally, you will equip senior stakeholders to secure high-value major gifts.

We are seeking a proactive, values-led Christian leader who excels at translating complex contextual mission work into compelling funding proposals. The ideal candidate brings a proven record of major donor fundraising, team management expertise, and an analytical approach to CRM-driven donor pipelines. Based at CMS House with hybrid working, this role offers a rare opportunity to pioneer growth that empowers marginalised communities worldwide.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter with high levels of motivation and the ability to develop and deliver strategy the leader of the team. You will have a track record in successfully initiating, managing and developing relationships with high-net-worth individuals securing six/seven figure donations and grants, via proposals or through face-to-face meetings as required.

It is a requirement for this post holder to be a committed and practising Christian as well as committed to CMS's values and aims. Candidates for all UK roles must already be eligible to work in the UK, with a valid visa and work permit if required.

Are you a relational leader passionate about Christian mission? Church Mission Society (CMS) seeks a dynamic Philanthropy Manager to shape our strategy and unlock growth at a pivotal moment. You will build generous high-net-worth pipelines, leading significant income opportunities to fuel Jesus-centred mission across the UK and globally. Join our team and bring Christ's love and hope to the edges.

Church Mission Society is comprised of people who are passionate about mission and fired up about helping people follow Jesus. For over 200 years CMS has been at the forefront of global mission, living out the gospel of Jesus, seeing lives changed and communities transformed. If you join CMS, you will find an organisation that has been reinvigorated with a fresh vision to make disciples of Jesus among people at the edges, both in the UK and around the world.

Permanent, 35 hours per week.

Hybrid working - approximately two days a week at CMS House, Oxford.

Starting salary of £42,840 per annum with a generous pension contribution: up to 10 per cent employer contribution on annual salary. Incremental increases to salaries are applied annually.

CMS offers 36 days of annual and bank holiday leave as well as enhanced paid sickness, maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

CMS supports the mental wellbeing of its employees and offers a generous rewards and wellbeing package, including:

• Access to 24/7 employee assistance programme with qualified counsellors.
• Up to three volunteer days per annum.
• Up to three family emergency leave days per annum.
• Retreats and resources for prayer life.