Salary: Up to £39,969 per annum pro rata
Hours: 35 hours per week, including occasional evenings or weekends (Part-time may be considered for an experienced candidate) 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Location: Milton Keynes
Closing Date: 13 July
About the role
Build something transformational. From the ground up.
We’re looking for an exceptional relationship-builder and major donor specialist to join Willen Hospice as our Philanthropy Programme Development Manager. This is a new and exciting opportunity to build a philanthropy programme from the ground up.
You will design and lead our major donor strategy, identify a pipeline of high-net-worth individuals and key partners, and create funding propositions that will inspire high value gifts that make a lasting difference to our patients and families.
If you have the credibility to operate in senior circles, the drive to hit ambitious targets, and a genuine passion for hospice care, this is your opportunity to leave a lasting legacy of your own.
What you’ll do:
✅ Design and deliver a transformational major donor strategy, setting ambitious income targets and create a pipeline from prospect identification through to gift and stewardship.
✅ Build robust systems, donor journeys and stewardship frameworks from scratch — specifically designed to grow commitment towards high value and multi-year gifts.
✅ Personally identify, cultivate and solicit high-net-worth individuals, with the Willen networks moving them purposefully through the stewardship cycle towards a significant ask.
✅ Develop compelling cases for support that translate Willen’s vision and impact into inspiring propositions for donors giving at the highest level.
✅ Help embed philanthropy across the organisation, enabling colleagues, senior leaders and trustees to play an active role in identifying, cultivating and stewarding major donors
✅ Advise and coach senior leadership and trustees to make confident, compelling asks that secure major gifts.
✅ Deliver bespoke stewardship and giving programmes, high-impact engagement events, and impact reports that deepen donor commitment.
✅ Track and report on pipeline performance, conversion rates and ROI — building the evidence for a sustained investment in the philanthropy programme.
We’re looking for someone who is:
An experienced major gifts fundraiser with a proven track record of personally securing five-figure gifts, ideally within the charity sector.
Skilled at designing and delivering income strategies with ambitious financial targets and clear, measurable milestones.
A confident communicator with exceptional influencing skills to build trusted relationships with high-net-worth individuals, senior leaders and Board members.
Deeply knowledgeable about the major donor gift cycle and the techniques that accelerate donors towards transformational giving.
Able to work collaboratively with colleagues across Corporate Partnerships, Trusts and Community Fundraising to maximise opportunities and ensure a joined-up supporter experience.
Analytically strong, comfortable using CRM systems and prospect research tools to manage a high-value portfolio and forecast income.
Self-driven, results-oriented and passionate about the mission of Willen Hospice, with the ambition to generate transformational income within a defined timeframe.
Who we are:
Set in the tranquil grounds of Willen Lake, Willen Hospice is the leading provider of specialist palliative care in the Milton Keynes area. We offer round-the-clock, expert care to local patients with a life-limiting illness, both in their own homes and in our In-Patient Unit. Our passionate staff and volunteers make sure our care is personalised to each patient’s needs and supports their loved ones too. As a registered charity, we raise vital funds through our dedicated Business Development team and our growing portfolio of high street and online shops, to ensure our care stays free of charge.
Ready to build Willen’s philanthropy programme?
If so, apply today and help us build something exceptional. For more information and to apply please visit: www.willen-hospice.org.uk/careers. If you would like an informal discussion, please get in touch via
[email protected] or call us on 01908 663 636.
Closing date: 13 July 2026
Interview date: 20 July 2026
Please note that this advert may close early if a high number of applications are received. We therefore encourage early submission of your application.
In return for your skills you can expect
A role with purpose – be part of a team delivering outstanding palliative care.
Supportive and caring environment – work with passionate colleagues.
Great benefits package – including 35 days’ holiday, contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity/sick pay, and ongoing professional development.
Perks and extras – free on-site parking, subsidised catering, Blue Light Card discounts (with membership), and an Employee Assistance Programme.
