Philanthropy Manager
- Hiring from
- United Kingdom
- Work type
- Remote
- Posted
- Sep 28, 2026
About the Trust
We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?
Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.
Join Our Team: Philanthropy Manager
Join our Fundraising division as a Philanthropy Manager working within the Philanthropy & Partnerships Team which leads the development and stewardship of high-value donor and partner relationships.
Working Hours & Travel
This role follows 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. The vacancy will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required.
Role Overview
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, cultivate and develop a portfolio of Major Donor and Family Foundation prospects.
- Meet or exceed fundraising targets each year.
- Develop high-quality funding proposals, applications and reports for submission to prospects and donors.
- Support the continued development of the Major Donor fundraising programme and associated philanthropy processes.
- Support the development and delivery of a programme of stewardship and cultivation events.
- Displaying the Trust values and behaviours at all times.
- Ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promoting inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions that are counter to the objectives of the Trust’s policies and values.
About You
- Proven experience of philanthropy fundraising with a track record of initiating new philanthropic relationships.
- Successful track record of meeting or exceeding income targets.
- Experience of identifying and cultivating new prospects.
- Experience of deepening donor relationships and growing philanthropic giving year on year.
- Thorough knowledge of legal, financial and ethical considerations related to fundraising from Major Donors and Family Foundations.
- Experience of developing high-quality proposals and stewardship reports for prospects and donors.
- Experience of effectively using a CRM system for fundraising.
- Experience of fundraising in the Heritage or Environment sector is desirable.
Skills & Personal qualities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent verbal and written presentation abilities and strong attention to detail.
- Strong relationship building skills with the ability to influence at a senior level.
- Motivated by the cause of the Canal & River Trust.
- Ability to understand, interpret and craft complex information into compelling cases for support.
- Ability to manage own workload and prioritise multiple tasks, work under pressure and within tight deadlines.
- Positive team player with a professional, solution focused attitude.
- IT literate and numerate.
Contact & Application
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.
Expected interview dates: Thursday 15th & Friday 16th October. 2nd stage interviews will be held on Monday 19th October.
What We Offer
In addition to your annual base salary of £47,000. We also offer a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1.
Learn more: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits
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Our values
We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.
All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.
We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.
At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception - are made by our hiring managers.
Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.
Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us