Philanthropy Manager - Major Gifts

Do you want your fundraising expertise to help more people to have a healthier heart for longer? British Heart Foundation (BHF) is embarking on an exciting journey to significantly grow our philanthropic income over the next five years - and we're looking for talented, driven fundraisers to help us achieve our vision.

About the role

As our Philanthropy Manager - Major Gifts, you'll play a vital role in delivering this ambition by building strong relationships with high-value supporters, securing five and six figure gifts to power vital cardiovascular research.

Managing a diverse portfolio, you'll renew, steward, and uplift support from high net worth individuals and charitable trusts and foundations. As part of an ambitious and supportive team, you'll work collaboratively to identify opportunities, develop compelling proposals, and deliver exceptional tailored donor experiences.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects, securing five and six figure gifts and pledges.
• Identify, research and qualify new prospects, building a strong and sustainable pipeline.
• Build strategic relationships with supporters, leading meetings and making confident, timely asks.
• Develop compelling proposals and written communications that inspire support and demonstrate impact.
• Provide exemplary stewardship to donors with engagement through events and other organisational opportunities.
• Deliver income targets, contribute to forecasting, and maintain accurate records.

About you

You'll have a proven track record of securing five and six figure donations or pledges, with demonstrable experience managing and delivering tailored stewardship across a portfolio of major donors. This will include high net worth individuals, charitable trusts and foundations, and institutional funders.

You bring experience identifying and cultivating new funders, and maximising funding opportunities through proactive, relationship led fundraising. You're confident developing persuasive proposals and written communications, clearly and succinctly conveying complex information (experience within medical research is desirable but not essential).

Your outstanding communication skills enable you to engage confidently and credibly with senior stakeholders, building lasting relationships built on trust and professionalism.

Highly organised and collaborative, you have strong planning skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. You're also proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM systems (such as Blackbaud CRM, Raiser's Edge, or similar platforms).

This opportunity is well suited to an experienced major gifts fundraiser who thrives in relationship led fundraising and is looking to advance their career within an ambitious, supportive and innovative philanthropy team.

Belonging at BHF

We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Embracing different perspectives and backgrounds strengthens our organisation and empowers us to make a real difference together.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. By funding research across six decades, we've helped keep millions of hearts beating and millions of families together. We're investing in ground breaking research that will get us closer than ever to a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer.

Working arrangements

This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our London Office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.

Benefits and development

At BHF, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support our colleagues' wellbeing and professional growth. To find out more about our benefits you can download the Benefits document at the bottom of this page or check out Benefits and Development pages.

Interview process

The interview process will consist of two stages. First stage interviews will be held virtually over MS Teams w/c 23/03. For those successful, there will be a second stage interview in person at our London Office (NW1 7AW) w/c 30/03.

How to apply

It's quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you'll need is an up to date CV and a supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role's criteria.

Recruitment processes are fair, accessible and inclusive. BHF uses anonymous CV software as part of the application journey. Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.