Read more

University of Salford (Personnel); Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and pension

32 days annual leave

Flexible working

Supportive community

Job summary

University of Salford (Personnel) invites a dedicated Philanthropy Manager (Major Gifts) to join the PASE team during a maternity cover. You will lead a portfolio of major donors, craft compelling proposals and work across university partners to secure transformational gifts.

Reporting to the Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will shape fundraising strategy across priority areas, build lasting donor relationships and ensure an excellent donor experience while upholding Salford's values.

Responsibilities

• The Philanthropy Manager (Major Gifts) will play a vital role in securing significant philanthropic support for strategic projects and programmes across the University. Managing a portfolio of 80–100 prospects and donors, building relationships with new prospects and opportunities, with a focus on securing five-, six- and seven-figure gifts.
• You will develop compelling funding proposals and build strong, long-term relationships through excellent cultivation and stewardship.
• Working closely with colleagues across the University, you will oversee complex partnerships and ensure an outstanding donor experience.
• Success will be measured through new strategic relationships, a strong pipeline of philanthropic opportunities, achievement of fundraising targets, and the continued development of existing donors.
• Build strong, long-term relationships through excellent cultivation and stewardship.

Job description

An opportunity exists (to cover a period of Maternity leave for 12 months) for an exceptional fundraiser to join the University of Salford at an exciting time of growth and development. The role reports directly to the Senior Philanthropy Manager and you will be a member of the directorate’s Philanthropy, Alumni and Supporter Engagement (PASE) Team. The PASE team enriches lives by directing time, talent, and philanthropic funding into Salford, whilst enhancing the university’s reputation and reach and providing lifelong connections to our global communities of alumni, donors, and supporters.

Our team has the power to accelerate the University’s ambitions. By unlocking new income, expertise, connections and advocacy, our supporters help transform student opportunities, advance research, strengthen our civic impact and build valuable bridges with industry and communities, while enhancing our reputation and influence nationally and internationally. As a Philanthropy Manager for Major Gifts, your role would be to secure philanthropic income from a wide portfolio of supportersacross four priority areas, which includesStudent Access & Success, Civic & Community Engagement, Research & KnowledgeExchange an ambitious Campus Connectivity Plan.

Key Responsibilities

• The Philanthropy Manager (Major Gifts) will play a vital role in securing significant philanthropic support for strategic projects and programmes across the University. Managing a portfolio of 80–100 prospects and donors, building relationships with new prospects and opportunities, with a focus on securing five-, six- and seven-figure gifts.
• You will develop compelling funding proposals
• Build strong, long-term relationships through excellent cultivation and stewardship.
• Working closely with colleagues across the University, you will oversee complex partnerships and projects and ensure an outstanding donor experience.
• Success will be measured through new strategic relationships, a strong pipeline of philanthropic opportunities, achievement of fundraising targets, and the continued development of existing donors.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary - and excellent pension scheme
• An impressive 32 days leave - plus bank holidays, additional time off at Christmas and the opportunity to buy even more!
• Flexible working - we support a culture of flexible and agile working to help you find the right balance
• Our community - there's a real sense of belonging here at Salford. We value diversity, in backgrounds and in experiences. Our difference makes us stronger, and together we share a passion for improving students' lives

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Philanthropy Manager (Major gifts)

Company: University of Salford (Personnel). Salary: Not specified. Hours: Full-time. Location: Manchester, M5 4WT. Job type: Contract.

Posting date: 20 Oct 2026. Closing date: 19 Nov 2026.

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.