Job Description

Heritage is for everybody, and we are here for heritage.



Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can connect us all to the past, and to each other. It can make us happier, strengthen every community, and help shape society for the better. Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits it brings.



That's why, as a charity, we care for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England, from international icons to local treasures. And it's why we open them up, share their stories and find new ways for everybody to enjoy, learn, play and create.



We are looking for a Philanthropy Manager to join our team. The role is full time and permanent, working 36 hours per week. This role can be based at our offices on Wood Street or worked in a hybrid way with the expectation you will be required to work and attend face to face meetings at our offices on Wood Street 3-4 times per week. This will be discussed at interview should you be shortlisted.



The Benefits



Salary 49,820 per annum. 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, pro rata, rising to 28 days after 3 years Matched pension contributions up to 10% Flexible hours The opportunity to progress your career within the heritage sector Apprenticeship opportunities Subscriptions to professional bodies Free access to all English Heritage sites for you and up to six friends and family members 25% discount in our shops and cafes Enhanced maternity, paternity or shared parental leave Options to buy additional leave An inclusive working atmosphere everybody is supported from all backgrounds, religions and with different needs

What you'll be doing as part of the team:

Managing a portfolio high net worth individual, major gift prospects and donors.



Working to agreed activity and financial targets, cultivating and soliciting prospects for gifts at the five, six and seven figure level, across capital and revenue fundraising.



Developing bespoke and detailed cultivation strategies to engage prospects and build enduring relationships with English Heritage.



Ensuring exemplary stewardship of all donors for whom the post holder is the primary relationship manager.



Acting as shadow fundraiser for the relationships held by other senior colleagues, supporting on the development of these relationships through bespoke cultivation and stewardship documents and plans.



In conjunction with colleagues in the Philanthropy team, contributing to the pipeline for prospects moving between mid-level giving (2,000 - 12,000) and major gifts (12k and upwards).



Working with colleagues at all levels across the charity to fulfil funding opportunities within English Heritage's strategic objectives. Where appropriate, act as the fundraising lead for key projects.



Ensuring all interactions with prospects are recorded on the departmental database in a timely manner, and all follow-up activity acted upon.



Attending Fundraising team and English Heritage events as required to engage with prospects and donors (some evenings and early mornings will be required).



Acting as an ambassador for major gift fundraising at English Heritage, building strong relationships with non-Fundraising colleagues across the charity.



The Philanthropy Manager is a senior fundraiser within the Philanthropy function, responsible for securing significant philanthropic gifts in support of English Heritage's strategic objectives within conservation, interpretation and public engagement. The post holder will manage a pool high-net-worth individual (HNWI) prospects, including English Heritage members, across the UK.



The successful candidate will have a demonstrable track record in face-to-face fundraising at the major gift level and outstanding relationship management skills. They will be tenacious and proactive and possess the credibility and confidence to influence at the highest level. The successful candidate will be motivated by the potential offered by a relatively new major gifts programme, and the opportunity to break new ground for the charity.

To be considered as Philanthropy Manager, you'll need:

Demonstrable track record in major gift fundraising

Experience of working with senior and/or influential individuals and volunteers Experience of working to financial and activity targets

Experience of managing projects involving multiple stakeholders

Experience of managing or mentoring staff



First round interviews will be held on Wednesday 15th October 2025 on MS Teams.



Second round interviews will be held on Thursday 23rd October 2025 in person at 6th Floor, 100 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7AN.



If you would like to talk to us e.g. about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Sophie Hughes, Senior Lead Major Gifts, on Sophie.Hughes@english-heritage.org.uk. No agencies please.

Find out more about us and what we do:

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/ You can also meet some of our people and hear about why they enjoy working with us: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/our-people/careers-with-us/



Everybody's welcome at English Heritage



Forget the stereotypes. It takes thousands of people from every background to care for England's heritage and open it up for everybody to enjoy. We're looking for every type of person with every kind of skill and experience, and we're committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work. You can connect with others through our EDI networks as a member or ally. These include Ethnic Diversity, Faith & Belief, Social Equity, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence, Age, Disability and Gender Health and Wellbeing.



We take wellbeing seriously. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe at work and can carry out their role. To support this, we have a network of Mental Health First aiders, regular information and awareness events, unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Programme and work with our people to implement reasonable adjustments.