Job role summaryTo manage and grow a portfolio of existing individual major donors, while identifying, engaging and cultivating new and lapsed supporters. Working closely with the Fundraising Manager, the Relationship Manager will help develop and deliver an effective major donor programme, providing exceptional stewardship and personalised engagement to build strong, lasting relationships that increase supporter loyalty and maximise income growth.Team organisational chart
Fundraising Manager → Relationship Manager (Major Gifts & Legacies)
What you’ll doCore responsibilities
· Support the Fundraising Manager in the development and delivery of the major donor fundraising strategy.
· Manage and develop a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, cultivating long-term relationships that increase engagement and philanthropic income.
· Work collaboratively with the wider Income and Engagement team to plan and deliver tailored cultivation, stewardship and networking events for major donors and prospects. Deliver exceptional stewardship and personalised supporter care to major donors, prospective supporters and legacy pledgers
· Identify, research and develop new major donor prospects, creating tailored cultivation and solicitation plans to secure significant gifts.
Communication and relationship responsibilities
· Keep the line manager, Senior Leadership Team and CEO informed of progress, developments, opportunities and any significant issues relating to major donor and legacy relationships, ensuring timely updates and appropriate escalation where required.
· Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop compelling fundraising and stewardship materials, ensuring consistent messaging across all supporter touchpoints.
Planning and organisational responsibilities
· Undertake general administrative duties required to fulfil the responsibilities of the role, including correspondence, meeting coordination and telephone communication.
Analytical and judgement responsibilities
· Monitor, evaluate and report on major donor activity, relationships, pipeline progression and income outcomes.
Financial and physical resource responsibilities· Personal duty to observe and follow internal financial policies and procedures.Information resources
· Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on the charity’s CRM system, ensuring compliance, a clear audit trail, and effective donor insight and analysis.
Policy and service development responsibilities
· Maintain up-to-date knowledge of major donor fundraising best practice, attending relevant training, sector events and networking opportunities as appropriate.
· Adhere to organisational policies, procedures and legislative requirements, ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and data protection standards.
General· We work where we're needed most, so this role includes regular travel between bases, partner organisations, and other stakeholder venues. Flexibility is important, as occasional overnight stays and some work outside normal business hours may be required to support the people and communities we work with.
· This job description provides an overview of the role. As part of a flexible and growing organisation, you may be asked to take on other responsibilities appropriate to the position as our needs evolve.
· All employees are expected to complete and maintain mandatory training relevant to their role, ensuring compliance with organisational policies, legal requirements, and professional standards.
Safeguarding and DBS
We believe creating safe, supportive environments is everyone's responsibility. You'll be expected to recognise and act on any concerns relating to the safety, wellbeing, or welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, following our safeguarding procedures and reporting concerns appropriately. You'll keep your safeguarding knowledge up to date through required training, embed safeguarding into your day-to-day practice, and comply with all relevant checks and requirements, including DBS checks where applicable.
Person Specification
Qualifications and training
Essential
· Educated to HNC/HND/Foundation Degree level, or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience gained through relevant training and experience.
· Full driving licence and ability to travel for role-related meetings and visits.
Desirable
· Bachelor’s degree
· Fundraising Qualification.
Skills and knowledge
Essential
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of people.
· Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce compelling correspondence and donor communications.
· Ability to develop rapport quickly and maintain professional relationships with supporters.
· Good organisational and time-management skills.
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
· Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and CRM/database systems.
Desirable
· Understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements.
· Ability to produce written reports and analyse supporter data.
· Understanding of major donor fundraising principles and donor journeys.
· Knowledge of fundraising regulations and Gift Aid.
· Ability to analyse supporter data and identify opportunities for growth.
· Experience writing funding proposals, impact reports or personalised donor updates.
Experience
Essential
· Experience in fundraising, relationship management, sales, account management or a similar donor/customer-facing role.
· Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with a range of stakeholders.
· Experience of working towards and achieving financial or performance targets.
· Experience of managing multiple priorities and maintaining accurate records.
· Experience of delivering high standards of customer care or supporter stewardship.
Desirable
· Experience working within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
· Experience of major donor fundraising or high-value relationship management.
· Experience of donor stewardship, cultivation events or fundraising campaigns.
· Experience using fundraising CRMs such as Raiser's Edge, Donorflex or Salesforce.
Other
Essential
· Able to build positive relationships and engage effectively with supporters
· Motivated and target-driven, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities.
· Communicates clearly, sensitively and appropriately, adapting their approach to different individuals and situations
· Professional, reliable and trustworthy.
· Commitment to the organisation’s values and mission.
· Full UK driving licence (the role involves business travel).
Pay: From £32,760.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Paid volunteer time
- Work from home
Work Location: In person
