Philanthropy Manager

Job title: Philanthropy Manager

We are seeking our first Philanthropy Manager to cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of donors and prospective donors (including alumni and other individuals, companies and charities) to generate major gifts £10,000 - £1 million+ for the Trust.

The successful candidate will join a small Executive Team of two (Director and Stewardship Officer) and work closely with our newly appointed Chair (from 6 July 2025), the Board of Trustees, and members of its sub-committee for Alumni Relations, Fundraising and Communications.

The first Kennedy Scholars departed for Harvard and MIT in 1966. In 2026 we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of this significant milestone in our history. The impact of this life-changing opportunity over the past 60 years will feature strongly in our new fundraising campaign.

Reporting to: Director of the Kennedy Memorial Trust (KMT)

Hours: Full-time 37.5 hours per week. We understand that full-time hours may not suit all candidates, so there is some flexibility in the hours and work schedule.

Contract: Permanent

Compensation: Salary £45,000 FTE, 30 days holiday plus bank hols (FTE) and 8% employer pension contribution after 3 months service

Location: Home-based but within easy access to London. The post holder can work on a hybrid basis, combining predominately home-working with regular in-person meetings in London. Travel from home to London for work and meetings will be paid in accordance with any expenses policies in force at the time.

The role involves some travel, in addition to the London working requirement, for meetings/events with donors, scholars, trustees and other stakeholders ie monthly within the UK and twice a year to the US. There will also be occasional evening and weekend commitments.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are a key part of our values, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Please note, we are unable to offer a work visa for this role and so you must have the right to reside and work permanently in the UK.

About the Kennedy Memorial Trust

The Kennedy Memorial Trust funds exceptional UK students to pursue graduate studies at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Established as a living memorial to President Kennedy following his assassination, the Trust has supported around 600 Kennedy Scholars since the first cohort in 1966. In addition to the scholarships, the Trust manages and maintains a memorial at Runnymede in Surrey.

The Trust prides itself on the talent and service of the candidates it selects. Following their time at Harvard or MIT, scholars have gone on to play leading roles in the UK and across the world, in public service, the law, science/technology, health, education, business, charities, the arts and media. Alumni of the programme include Lady Mary Arden (Supreme Court Justice from 2018 to 2022), Lord Mervyn King (Bank of England Governor from 2003 to 2013). David Miliband (ex Foreign Secretary, now CEO of the International Rescue Committee), Dame Kate Bingham (Chair of the UK Government's Vaccine Taskforce), Zanny Minton Beddoes (Editor-in-Chief, The Economist), and Matt Clifford CBE (Co-founder of Entrepreneur First and Chair of the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency).

The Trust is a registered charity (number 234715) and is responsible for the Kennedy Memorial Fund. In accordance with the Deed, Trustees are appointed by the UK Prime Minister, the Presidents of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or by the President of the United States. Originally funded by public donation, the Trust has developed a medium-scale fundraising programme over the last decade and is now planning a more ambitious campaign as the foundation for its future development.

The role

1. Fundraising activity

Contribute to the development of the new fundraising strategy.

Research, identify and pursue fundraising opportunities that meet the Trust s strategic objectives.

Lead one-on-one and small group meetings with Trustees and key supporters to identify, develop and deliver fundraising objectives.

Assist Trustees in developing and maintaining their portfolios of prospects and donors.

Write compelling fundraising proposals and applications for funding, including bespoke proposals tailored to specific individuals.

Initiate and nurture relationships with potential high-level donors aiming to establish a strong and long-term philanthropic relationship

Lead one-on-one and small group meetings with high-level donors and potential donors and ask them for significant financial contributions.

Maintain and develop professional, trusted and productive relationships with current and past donors, and with a range of priority stakeholders.

Use appropriate and effective negotiation skills to motivate and guide donors to make gifts at a high level.

2. Processes and Procedures

Ensure the Trust is compliant with all relevant aspects of the Fundraising Regulator s Code of Fundraising Practice and the Charity Commission.

Maintain a professional approach to handling sensitive and confidential information, complying with privacy and data protection legislation.

Maintain the Trust s suite of policies and procedures related to fundraising and donor engagement.

Actively engage in external networks to identify new prospective donors.

Contribute to monthly and quarterly fundraising performance reports and present progress to the trustee board and its committe

Accurately record donor interactions in the CRM database and contribute to improving data management and analysis processes.

Regularly update the Executive team on fundraising activities and seek their input and support as needed.

Work closely with the Stewardship Officer to develop and implement solicitation and stewardship plans for donors and prospects.

Participate in team decision-making by suggesting creative solutions and engaging in strategic planning discussions.

Any other duties which may be required by the Director.

Other Responsibilities

As a small organisation we ask staff to remain flexible in their role responsibilities and so the JD will vary from time to time.

Experience and education required:

Experience of professional fundraising, with a track record of successfully securing major (£10k+) gifts from individuals, Foundations and businesses.

Educated to degree level

Experience of delivering a fundraising programme and pipeline to meet financial targets.

Experience identifying, negotiating and managing resource requirements in support of fundraising activity

Experience of having worked with high-level donors

Demonstrable understanding of higher education in UK and US

Demonstrable understanding of data protection/ Fundraising Regulator s Code of Fundraising Practice and the Charity Commission.

High computer literacy in standard office packages and experience in using databases.

Competencies required:

The ability to work effectively on own initiative and within a team.

The ability to motivate and enthuse donors and prospective donors.

Excellent negotiation skills.

Excellent administrative and organisational skills and attention to detail.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both spoken and written.

Adaptability and resilience.

Tact and sensitivity.

Knowledge and understanding of current affairs and higher education in the UK and US.

Personal Attributes required:

Exceptional social confidence and adeptness in building and maintaining strong relationships with senior stakeholders

Excellent time and project management skills and the ability to organise work effectively to meet deadlines.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, with a record of communicating

information to a variety of audiences.

Good judgement and the ability to deal appropriately with confidential information or other sensitive issues.

Empathy and the ability to understand and articulate the personal, academic, and career aspirations of our scholars.

Ability to take initiative and be a self-starter.

Commitment to equality and diversity, treating people from all backgrounds with respect and dignity.

Willingness to invest in continued personal development.

The ability to make independent decisions daily.

How to apply and time of interviews

Please apply with a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the Experience required criteria outlined above and what you would bring to the role by end of the day 25th April.

Please include the details of two referees, including one we may contact if you are shortlisted.

Interviews are planned to take place on 9th or 16th May in Central London.

If you are offered the post, you will be asked to provide proof of your right-to-work, your identity, and we will contact the second referee you have nominated.