Philanthropy Manager

Contract: 12 month fixed term contract, full-time, 35 hours over 5 days (part time and flexible working can be considered)  

Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum 

Location: UK, Remote  

Closing date: Tuesday 29 April 2025   

Interview date: w/c 5 May 2025 

More about the role

Our Philanthropy team is responsible for engaging mid-value and major donors, as well as trusts and foundations. 

As Philanthropy Manager, you will be a vital part of the relationship management team, stewarding a mixed portfolio of donors, including individuals and trusts/foundations. You will cultivate and manage relationships with supporters typically giving five-figure gifts, with opportunities to secure six-figure donations. Through engaging conversations, impactful written proposals, and in-person meetings, you will inspire donors to invest in our mission and make a lasting difference for pets in need. 

This role is available on a full-time, 12-month fixed term basis. We are also happy to consider candidates who may be looking for part time/4 days instead of 5 and flexible working. 

If you have a passion for philanthropy, excellent relationship-building skills, and a track record of securing major gifts, we’d love to hear from you! 

Key responsibilities: 

• Manage a mixed portfolio of donors and prospects 
• Design and deliver innovative and engaging stewardship plans for prospects 
• Manage donor-led cultivation opportunities/events (e.g. private tours and dinners) 
• Work with existing advocates to identify opportunities within their networks to introduce new prospects to the work of Blue Cross 
• Build and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders who can add value to the cultivation process 
• Create engaging and impressive donor communications including funding proposals and impact reports 
• Adhere to a suite of clear work processes demonstrating compliance with our privacy policy, GDPR, data protection legislation and fundraising best practice 
• Deliver a comprehensive set of KPIs including meeting an individual income target 
• Maintain accurate and up to date donor records and updates using our CRM 

Want to know more? We've attached a detailed job description that outlines the role, responsibilities, and how you can make a difference. 

About you

You will have exceptional interpersonal skills and quickly understand donor motivations, delivering tailored and impactful stewardship. A natural communicator, you can adapt your approach to connect with any audience, whether through compelling written proposals or face-to-face meetings. 

Creative and strategic, you know how to craft inspiring fundraising materials for different audiences and settings. You’re proactive in moving prospects through the pipeline, building strong relationships, and confidently making the ask. 

With a results-driven mindset, you foster productive stakeholder relationships that drive philanthropy forward. You work with professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion, and you take pride in being part of a dedicated and supportive team. 

Knowledge, skills, and experience  

• Proven experience of mid to high-value fundraising with a track record of initiating new relationships, making the ask and developing long-term donor relationships 
• Experience of crafting compelling funding proposals and applications 
• Experience of designing stewardship journeys for mid to high value supporters resulting in increased affinity to the organisation and donation uplift 
• Experience of sharing philanthropic opportunities with high-net-individuals in a professional and engaging manner, with a flair for adapting to their individual aspirations 
• Experience of successful developing senior stakeholder relationships (both internally and externally) 
• Experience of successfully delivering an income target 
• An ability to think laterally and proactively to problem solve 
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure, excellent attention to detail, prioritise work and meet deadlines 
• Experience of successfully conveying a fundraising need to donors in an engaging way both in person and in high quality written stewardship 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a high level of professionalism and discretion 
• Full driving licence in order to travel to donor meetings 

A bonus if you have:  

• Experience of working within an animal welfare charity  
• A fundraising qualification or evidence of CPD 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. 

Blue Cross benefits

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it weren’t for their amazing efforts and commitment, we wouldn’t be able to make the difference that we do today. In return, we want to provide you with the best working environment we can. 

With a wide range of perks aimed at enhancing your life both inside and outside of work, you'll 

thrive in a supportive and rewarding environment. 

Our generous benefits package includes: 

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement: 30 days plus bank holidays 
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution 
• Life assurance 
• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme 
• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support 
• Free access to GP via MetLife 
• Recognition scheme 
• Annual volunteer days 
• Claim for professional fees 
• Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers. 

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website. 

About Blue Cross

If you’d like to learn more about Blue Cross, our mission, and the work we do to support animals and people, take a look at our About Us page