Senior Philanthropy Manager Ark

Lead transformational philanthropy for one of the UK's leading education charities, securing major gifts to drive innovation and opportunity for children.

• Location: Hybrid/West London (currently 2 days a week in the office, typically Tuesday/Thursday)

Who we are

Ark is one of the UK's leading education charities, committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to high-quality education and real choices in life. With a network of 48 schools, a portfolio of ambitious programmes, and nearly 25 years of impact, Ark is shaping the future of education across the UK. We are a fast-paced, entrepreneurial charity with ambitious plans for growth.

As we enter an exciting new phase of growth and innovation, philanthropy has never been more vital. High-value supporters, including trusts, foundations, high-net-worth individuals and corporates, play a transformative role in fuelling our mission. We are now seeking an exceptional Senior Philanthropy Manager to take ownership of philanthropy across a portfolio of Ark's programmes, working alongside another Senior Philanthropy Manager to drive growth in high-value fundraising.

This is an opportunity for a strategic, relationship-driven fundraiser to secure six- and seven-figure gifts, steward a growing portfolio of supporters and leverage Ark's networks, including trustees who are themselves philanthropic leaders.

As Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will play a pivotal role in securing the philanthropic investment needed to deliver some of Ark's most ambitious and innovative work. This newly created role will lead fundraising across a portfolio of priority non-school programmes, securing transformational funding while helping shape Ark's future philanthropy strategy.

The postholder will lead philanthropy strategy and fundraising activity for Ark Start, EdCity, Ark Teacher Training and Ark Curriculum Plus, working alongside another Senior Philanthropy Manager responsible for Ark's schools' programmes, including the Ark Inspire programme portfolio spanning sport, music, culture and post-16 initiatives.

Your work will directly support:

• Ark Start: our not-for-profit nurseries, with ambitious growth plans and significant fundraising opportunities over the coming years.
• EdCity: our hub for the education sector and place-based community projects around White City, offering the opportunity to build on existing supporter relationships while securing new funding partnerships.
• Ark Teacher Training and Ark Curriculum Plus: supporting teacher development, award-winning curriculum resources and innovative projects to improve teaching and learning, including AI and technology initiatives.

Managing a portfolio of existing and prospective supporters, you will cultivate meaningful relationships across trusts and foundations, high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic corporate partners. You will develop compelling funding propositions, create tailored stewardship journeys and help build sustainable income streams across Ark's programme portfolio.

Reporting to the Head of Fundraising, you will work closely with senior leadership, trustees and programme teams to connect high-value supporters with Ark's most important priorities. As one of two Senior Philanthropy Managers, you will play a key role in shaping fundraising strategy across Ark's programme portfolio while taking ownership of your own areas of focus.

Part of a small, ambitious philanthropy team, you'll be equally comfortable developing strategy, meeting donors, writing funding applications and preparing stewardship reports.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a strategic, ambitious and relationship-driven fundraiser with a track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts from trusts and foundations, high-net-worth individuals and/or corporate supporters.

Equally comfortable developing strategy and delivering hands-on fundraising activity, you will thrive in a collaborative environment and be motivated by the opportunity to secure transformational funding that improves outcomes for children and young people.

We're interested in hearing from those with:

• Proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts from trusts and foundations, high-net-worth individuals and/or corporates.
• Experience building and managing complex donor relationships.
• Experience developing compelling funding propositions and stewardship plans.
• Experience balancing strategic fundraising development with day-to-day relationship management and delivery.
• Experience within education would be welcomed but is not essential; we are open to candidates from across the wider charitable and social impact sectors.

If you would like to know more about this role please contact Katie Booth

Ark is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. ).

We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a process that values differences.

Applicants with disabilities are welcome to contact us in confidence at any stage of the recruitment process to discuss any reasonable adjustments or support that may be required to ensure fair and equal participation.

Recruitment selection processes are based on evidence of competence stated in the person specification and in relation to our values.

Timetable

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 16th November 2026
Candidates informed of outcome: By 5 p.m. Thursday 19th November 2026
First stage interviews (online): Wednesday 25th November 2026
Second stage interviews (in person, West London): Thursday 3rd December 2026

Peridot and Ark are committed to promoting equality and diversity. To help us raise awareness and support a culture that is diverse and recognises and develops the potential of all, we need to appreciate the profile of candidates who apply for positions.We will send you an equality monitoring survey at the point of receiving your application and at the time of placement. This ensures that our processes remain inclusive and equitable throughout, and provides us with important data to help us showcase our impact.

The information will be treated confidentially and anonymously and will help us to support our commitment to fair recruitment practice. All information provided will be held in the strictest confidence and will not be shared with anyone, in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 launched on 25 May 2018.

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