Senior Philanthropy Manager at Royal Voluntary Service

Royal Voluntary Service has an opportunity available for a Senior Philanthropy Manager to join our team, working remotely from within the UK. You will join us on a Full-time, Permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a salary starting from £44,095 per annum.
 
Royal Voluntary Service mobilises volunteers to build a stronger, more connected Britain. We believe in volunteering for all and work to grow participation across all backgrounds, ages and abilities.
 
Our volunteer-powered services provide practical help and human connection to people who need it most. GoVo, our digital volunteering platform, helps people find causes they care about and supports charities across the country.
About the Senior Philanthropy Manager role:
 
The Partnerships & Philanthropy team secures sustainable income through strategic relationships with
companies, trusts, foundations, philanthropists and family offices to support Royal Voluntary Service's
mission and long-term growth.
The purpose of the Senior Philanthropy Manager is to lead and grow Royal Voluntary Service's relational
fundraising portfolio with a primary focus on high-net-worth individuals and family offices. This is a relatively
new income stream for the charity and so the Senior Philanthropy Manager will have scope to evolve the
strategy and to build a sustainable funding pipeline.
 
Hours: 35 hours a week, Monday to Friday

Location: Home based within the UK, with regular national travel

• Lead the development and delivery of RVS philanthropy strategy.
• Build, manage and steward a portfolio of major donors, family foundations and strategic funders.
• Identify, research and qualify new prospects and funding opportunities.
• Secure significant gifts and multi-year partnerships.
• Develop compelling funding propositions with colleagues across the organisation.
• Support CEO, trustees and senior volunteers to engage donors and prospects.
• Oversee forecasting, pipeline reporting, CRM management and performance monitoring.
• Build a culture of exceptional stewardship and relationship management.
• Contribute to wider Partnerships & Philanthropy strategy and income growth.

This is how you'll be doing it:
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Sets a positive example through inclusive behaviours in all interactions. Values diverse perspectives and experiences, promotes equity, diversity, and   inclusion, and contributes to a culture where everyone feels valued,   respected, and able to thrive. Actively supports our commitment to reflecting the diversity of the communities we exist for.
Environment and Sustainability
Sets a positive example through environmentally responsible behaviours in day-to-day activities. Supports actions that reduce environmental impact, use resources responsibly and contribute to a more sustainable RVS. Actively   supports Royal Voluntary Service's commitment to continuously improving environmental performance.
Strategic Awareness
Maintains a strong awareness of long-term goals and plans, keeping the future eventualities and possibilities in mind. Is likely to make impact on future direction and outcomes by seeing the bigger picture.
Planning and Organising
Thinks things through well in advance and maps out future activities and resources, taking the key stages, requirements, and timescales into account. Likes to monitor to ensure that things are implemented and delivered effectively.
Decision Making
Generates and promotes solutions. Sees clearly which is the best way forward and makes decisions and commitments within appropriate time frames. Influences others to reach conclusions and gain agreements.
Networking
Is able to relate to people and build effective relationships. Likes talking things over with others and works well in an environment of mutual support and information sharing. Is not afraid to direct people or ask for their help.
Leadership
Ability to motivate and inspire the people and activities in their work arena and to role model inclusive and sustainable behaviours. Sees the way ahead and influences and encourages others to follow their lead in order to
achieve goals.
Persuading Others
Works with others in a convincing way that leads to gaining agreement. Is prepared to negotiate to get what they want. Persevering in the face of opinions that differ from their own. Upbeat and motivational in style.
Knowledge

• Deep knowledge of philanthropy, major donor and family foundation fundraising practice in the UK.
• Clear understanding of donor cultivation, stewardship, pipeline management and fundraising reporting
• Insight into of the UK charitable fundraising landscape.

Skills

• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills.
• Strong networking, prospect development and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to develop compelling funding propositions and cases for support.
• Strong financial forecasting, pipeline management and reporting skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and influence colleagues across the organisation.

Experience

• Significant experience securing five and six-figure gifts.
• Proven track record of delivering income growth through relationship fundraising.
• Experience managing complex donor pipelines and forecasting income.
• Experience working with trustees and senior stakeholders.
• Experience line managing and developing staff is useful as we expect this area and this team to grow over time.
• Experience using CRM systems to manage donor relationships.

 

• A salary starting from £44,095 per annum
• 26 days’ holiday (pro rata) plus paid statutory Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Up to 2 days paid volunteer leave a year, through our employer supported volunteer scheme
• Ten weeks’ company sick pay following successful completion of probation
• A great pension scheme
• 2 x Salary Death in Service Benefit, subject to qualification
• Enhanced Family Leave schemes
• An employee benefits package that gives access to an exclusive rewards website to get discounts and cashback online
• A 24-hour doctor line, financial support with dental/optical and other therapies
• A free and confidential employee assistance programme with up to six face-to-face counselling sessions included
• Extensive online and on the job training to ensure you will succeed in your role
• Opportunities to discuss flexible working
• Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
• The chance to make a positive, lasting impact that changes lives, communities and society

If you feel have the skills and experience to become our Senior Philanthropy Manager please click ‘apply’ today, we’d love to hear from you!
 
This is the latest you'll be able to apply, providing we do not close to applicants early:
 
The closing date for this role is 6 October 2026. However, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received. 
Please do not delay your application we often get a lot!
 
At Royal Voluntary Service, we are committed to embedding sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. This means reducing our environmental impact, creating equitable opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, represented, and able to thrive. 
You can read more about what we do at our website