Senior Philanthropy Manager (Reading)
Employer: Make a Wish
Location: Candidates need to be comfortable travelling to Head office at least twice per month at their own expense as well as travel to and from events, donor meetings and other associated activities, some of which can be reclaimed by expenses.
Working hours: Full-time, permanent
Salary: £54,964 per annum
Closing date: 8th August 2025
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Location - Reading with Hybrid working
Candidates need to be comfortable travelling to Head office at least twice per month at their own expense as well as travel to and from events, donor meetings and other associated activities, some of which can be reclaimed by expenses.
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Closing Date: 8th August 2025
We may close this role sooner if we receive a significant number of applications.
Shaping the Future of Philanthropy at Make-A-Wish UK
The Philanthropy team at Make-A-Wish UK is in an exciting period of transformation as we work to realise our ambition of granting thousands more wishes for critically ill children across the UK. Philanthropy is a vital component of our fundraising efforts, and we’re now looking for a Senior Philanthropy Manager to help drive this next chapter.
You’ll join Julide Troedson, our Philanthropy Director, and an evolving, passionate team, playing a key role in building impactful relationships with major donors. If you’re a strategic, relationship-led fundraiser ready to make a real difference, this is your chance to help us create life-changing moments for the children who need them most.Core Purpose:
The Senior Philanthropy Manager is a newly defined role within the philanthropy team, responsible for supporting the shaping and delivery of a long-term strategy to grow philanthropic income through major donors. This role will hold strategic oversight of our major gifts pipeline (donors giving five, six and seven figures+) lead high-impact cultivation initiatives, and work closely with the leadership team and senior volunteers to develop transformational giving opportunities. Supported by the Philanthropy Director, you will be instrumental in supporting the embedding a culture of philanthropy across the charity and developing innovative, donor-centric approaches that align with Make-A-Wish UK’s vision to reach every eligible child.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the delivery of a 5-year major donor strategy to drive long-term income growth for Make-A-Wish UK.
Develop innovative funding models and donor journeys that inspire transformational giving.
Personally manage a portfolio of high-net-worth donors, securing six and seven-figure gifts.
Design and oversee tailored cultivation and stewardship plans, working closely with the SLT to enhance donor engagement.
Mentor team members to strengthen fundraising capabilities and maximise donor relationships.
Collaborate across departments to co-create compelling cases for support and impactful donor reporting.
Champion a culture of philanthropy across the organisation, influencing internal stakeholders and aligning funding needs with donor interests.
Stay ahead of sector trends, test new approaches to engage next-gen philanthropists, and represent Make-A-Wish UK at high-level events and networks.
To see the full job description please scroll down to the bottom of the page.Essential Criteria:
Proven success in securing multiple six- or seven-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals, philanthropists, or family offices.
Strategic planning experience, with a track record of creating and implementing successful, data-informed fundraising plans.
Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, inspire and engage internal and external stakeholders at the most senior level.
Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information in compelling ways tailored to different audiences.
Experience of managing or actively contributing to a giving club or patron scheme, including developing engagement plans, stewardship strategies and donor upgrades.
Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines within a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in using CRM systems (preferably Salesforce) to manage pipelines, analyse data, and generate reports.
Strong numeracy and analytical skills, with experience building financial proposals, income forecasts and donor investment cases.
At Make-A-Wish, we believe that agile working gives everyone an opportunity to have their own work pattern that suits their role and individual needs. We believe this is the most effective way to give our best to wish children and supporters, and as a result deliver our charitable mission in the most effective way; whilst ensuring we create a happy workplace.The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Relevant level of DBS check will be required for this role. Employment is subject to positive references and proof of the right to work in the UK.
Make-A-Wish is also committed to attracting and recruiting diverse people as it’s vital that we strive towards ensuring that our trustees, employees, ambassadors and volunteers reflect the communities we seek to serve.
Wondering what it means to be part of Make-A-Wish? Find out more.
To apply for this role:
To apply for this role you must submit both your CV and Cover Letter, ensuring all questions below are answered in full.
General Questions
Are you eligible to work in the UK?Will you require any reasonable adjustment during the selection stages?
When are you available to start this role?
Assessed QuestionsThinking about the context of the job description, how would you demonstrate our values of magic, inclusion and inspiration in a meaningful way in this role?
Please tell us about your experience as it relates to the key responsibilities for the role.
Evidence key philanthropic projects which you have instigated from start to finish.
Evidence managing five, six and seven figure donor relationships.
Interviews
First Stage: 12th & 13th August 2025
Second Stage: 26th August 2025
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