Philanthropy Manager - Transformational Giving

British Red Cross; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent humanitarian organization is seeking a Philanthropy Manager to enhance their transformational giving efforts. The role involves managing relationships with high-value donors, developing strategic engagement plans, and collaborating with leadership teams to drive funding initiatives. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in fundraising, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in using fundraising databases. Flexible working options are available, alongside competitive benefits focused on employee wellbeing and development.

Benefits

Flexible working and hybrid options

36 days annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Discounts and employee benefits

Wellbeing support programs

Cycle2Work scheme

Qualifications

• Understanding of donor-centred relationship fundraising and donor stewardship.
• Success in securing gifts and achieving income targets.
• Experience with internal stakeholders for complex propositions.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and grow relationships with existing donors.
• Develop cultivation plans to drive strategic engagement.
• Work closely with Trustees and Executive Leadership.

Skills

Donor-centred relationship fundraising

Communication skills

IT literacy

People management

Tools

Fundraising databases

MS 365

Job description

Philanthropy Manager - Transformational Giving

Location: UK Flexible role (Hybrid - between home and office with regular travel to London Head Office)

Hours: 35 per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary Range: £37,255 - £39,368 (plus London Weighting, £3,344, if applicable) per annum

Are you an experienced fundraising professional who can help us build strong relationships with philanthropists to raise much‑needed funding to help people in crisis? The British Red Cross is seeking an experienced Philanthropy Manager to support the delivery of our largest (£1m+) philanthropic partnerships. You'll coordinate cross‑departmental inputs‑reporting, proposal development, and stewardship‑to ensure excellent donor experience and strong internal alignment.

This role is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take their first step into the transformational gifts space. We're offering hands‑on experience in securing seven‑figure partnerships and developing the strategic skills needed for a future career in high‑value philanthropy.

A day in the life of a Philanthropy Manager - Transformational Giving will involve:

• Maintaining and growing relationships with existing philanthropy donors, working closely with Philanthropy leadership to secure £1m+ gifts.
• Developing thoughtful cultivation plans built on donor insight, using them as a dynamic tool to drive strategic engagement.
• Building new relationships with philanthropists and delivering new business targets in the transformational giving space.
• Working closely with Trustees, CEO and Executive Leadership Team to seek insight and collaborate on approaches and maximise their network and influence.
• Maintaining an excellent and deep awareness of our work with people in crisis to engage supporters through communications, visits and events.
• Providing an exceptional supporter experience working closely with the Stewardship and Operations (S&O) team.

To be a successful Philanthropy Manager - Transformational Giving, you'll need:

• A firm understanding of donor‑centred relationship fundraising, thoughtful cultivation processes, and impact‑driven donor stewardship.
• Demonstrable success in securing gifts from philanthropy donors and achieving income targets.
• Experience of developing strong relationships with philanthropy donors and providing excellence in donor stewardship.
• A track record of working closely with internal stakeholders to produce complex propositions and reports.
• Confident, clear, and persuasive written and verbal communication skills.
• IT literacy, including proficiency with fundraising databases and MS 365.
• Promotes inclusiveness and diversity in practice.

Interested?

Applications close on Tuesday 23rd December 2025 at 23.59. Interviews will take place in early January 2026.

Benefits

• Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing.
• Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days.
• Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
• Learning & Development: A range of career & learning opportunities.
• Discounts: Blue Light Discount Card, Tickets For Good & employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing: Peer Supporters, CiC (EAP) & Headspace App.
• Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.

We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme for UK‑based roles. During your application, you'll have the option to apply under the scheme.

At the British Red Cross, we value diversity and maintain an inclusive environment for all staff and volunteers. We champion our teams in bringing their true selves to work, free from discrimination. This is achieved through reporting and assistance from our internal networks: Race and Ethnic Equality (REEN), LGBT+, Disability and Wellness (DAWN), Gender, Carers, and Young Staff Network.

Together, we are the world's emergency responders.