Senior Major Gifts Manager

Merrifield Consultants are pleased to be supporting a leading arts organisation to recruit a Senior Major Gifts Manager on a maternity cover basis. Reporting to the Head of Major Giving, this role will play a key part in delivering and growing a high-value major giving programme, supporting the cultivation and stewardship of donors capable of making five and six-figure gifts.

This is an opportunity to join an established and high-performing development function, working closely with senior stakeholders to secure significant philanthropic support and deepen long-term donor relationships.

Key details

Salary: £45,000 to £50,000 per year (dependent on experience)

Hours: Full-time

Contract: Fixed-term (maternity cover)

Location: London-based with hybrid working

About the role

This role is suited to an experienced major gifts or high-value fundraising professional who is confident managing complex donor relationships and contributing to strategic income growth. The focus is on supporting the delivery of a major giving strategy, managing a portfolio of donors and prospects, and securing significant gifts through thoughtful cultivation and stewardship.

Key responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the major giving strategy, contributing to income growth and long-term sustainability
• Manage and develop a portfolio of major donors and prospects, supporting retention and growth year on year
• Identify and research new prospects, building a strong and sustainable pipeline
• Support the cultivation and stewardship of donors, including developing tailored engagement plans
• Secure five and six-figure gifts, including multi-year contributions, in collaboration with senior colleagues
• Develop compelling funding proposals and donor communications
• Plan and deliver events and engagement opportunities for donors and prospects
• Maintain accurate records on the CRM system, tracking activity, relationships, and income
• Line manage and support a Major Gifts Officer, ensuring effective delivery and development
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to identify new fundraising opportunities

Person specification

• Proven experience in major gifts, high-value fundraising, or equivalent relationship-based income generation
• A track record of securing significant gifts, ideally at five or six-figure level
• Experience managing and developing donor relationships and pipelines
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders
• Ability to develop high-quality proposals and tailored donor communications
• Experience of working collaboratively within a wider fundraising or development team
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Experience of line management or supporting the development of others
• An interest in, or understanding of, the arts and cultural sector is beneficial

To apply

Please apply today with your CV for further information and a confidential conversation with Merrifield Consultants. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews expected to take place shortly after.

Benefits

Benefits include 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pension contributions, employee assistance programme access, season ticket loan, and additional cultural and wellbeing benefits.

We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.