Senior Philanthropy Manager

War Child believes that children s lives should not be torn apart by war. It is the only specialist charity for children affected by conflict, with four main areas of work: protecting children, educating children, supporting communities and campaigning. The charity are renowned for their creative, innovative and entrepreneurial approach, with strong connections to the gaming, music and creative industries.

Philanthropy is a central driver of War Child s growth. Income has risen rapidly, underpinned by exceptional networks, high-profile supporters and a highly successful portfolio of events and experiences. Following a strategic review, War Child is now investing in a more structured, sustainable approach to philanthropy fundraising with two clearly defined strands: one focused on traditional major donor relationship management and pipeline growth, and a second dedicated to high-value events and experiences as a core driver of major donor engagement and income. This role has been created to lead the second strand.

While the Senior Philanthropy Manager s primary focus will be generating income from a warm portfolio of major donors, they will also take strategic ownership of War Child s high-value philanthropy events, shaping donor engagement rather than delivering events operationally. This is an autonomous, externally-facing role, unlocking influential networks and converting high-profile engagement into long-term philanthropic partnerships.

Please note that this is a hybrid role, with 1-2 days per week in the Camden office, with regular events and meetings in central London.

As Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will:

• Manage and develop a portfolio of donors and warm prospects capable of giving 6-figure gifts, including high-value donors currently sitting with senior leadership
• Take strategic ownership of War Child s high-value events as a core driver of the major donor pipeline, shaping and strengthening this strand so it becomes a defined, sustainable part of the philanthropy programme
• Lead on donor engagement around events, including narrative, asks, pledge levels, follow-up and conversion to income
• Analyse and prioritise prospects with the Data & Insights Manager to focus effort on the highest-value opportunities
• Unlock and activate influential networks through ambassadors, senior volunteers and high-profile supporters
• Work closely with the Head of Philanthropy, Data & Insights Manager, Events Producer, and Principal Giving Lead

Essential skills and experience:

• Significant experience of high-value major donor fundraising, with a track record of securing £50k+ gifts from HNWIs
• Strong experience of developing donors through identification, cultivation, solicitation and long-term stewardship
• Credibility and confidence working with wealthy, influential individuals, advisers, celebrities and senior volunteers
• Experience of shaping donor engagement strategy around high-value events or pledge environments
• Strategic thinker with strong judgement on prospect prioritisation and pipeline management
• Excellent relationship management, influencing and written communication skills
• Comfortable operating autonomously in a fast-moving, high-profile environment

Desirable:

• Experience of pledge dinners or high-value special events at a strategic fundraising level
• Experience working with ambassadors or high-profile supporters
• International development or humanitarian sector experience

Not required: Direct event production experience; Line management experience

Employee benefits include:

• 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days, plus public holidays (entitlement is pro-rata for part-time staff
• Enhanced pay provision for maternity, partner/coparent/paternity, shared parental and adoption leave.
• Life insurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan and Cancer Cover
• Enhanced Sick Leave (from Day 1, entitlement increases with length of service)
• Paid Emergency Time Off for Dependants: Up to 5 days paid leave per annum to deal with an emergency involving a dependant
• Flexible Public Holidays: Staff may exchange up to two standard UK public holidays around Easter and Christmas for those that have cultural or religious significance to them
• Career Break: 3-12 months unpaid leave available to staff after 3 years continuous service
• Temporary Overseas Working: Up to 4 weeks per annum to work from a location outside of the UK
• Volunteer Leave: Up to four days paid leave per annum (pro rata) to participate in volunteering activities
• Cultural Benefits: As a charity that works closely with the creative industry, we re delighted to offer our staff a number of free tickets to the best cultural events, including gigs, art exhibitions, private views and more! You ll also receive free membership to Tickets for Good who provide free and discounted tickets to even more live events.