Application Deadline: 4 May 2026

Department: High Value Fundraising

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Rehoming centre in North England or Midlands

Compensation: £36,771 per year + benefits

Description

Are you an experienced relationship fundraiser who wants to help secure transformational gifts that change the lives of dogs in the UK?

We’re looking for a Major Gifts Development Manager to build a pipeline of new and existing donors across the North of England and Midlands. This ambitious new position will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Dogs Trust’s work in the region.

What does this role do?

As Major Gift Development Manager, you will:

• build a pipeline of prospective supporters in the region, proactively arranging meetings and approaches with potential donors, identifying individuals who are passionate about animal welfare and may support our work,
• create memorable experiences that bring supporters closer to Dogs Trust by delivering bespoke, creative stewardship plans, underpinned by a deep understanding of donor motivations,
• be a key representative of Dogs Trust with high value supporters and senior volunteers and work closely with internal colleagues to create close relationships with donors, providing them with a compelling and fulfilling supporter journey,
• identify opportunities to develop relationships with senior volunteers and influential individuals to strengthening relationships in the region.

This is a hybrid role that will combine working from home and visiting local rehoming centres for meetings with donors across the region. The role will be contractually based at one of the following rehoming centres: Darlington, Leeds, Manchester, Merseyside, Shrewsbury, Kenilworth, Loughborough or Snetterton.

Could this be you?

To be successful in this role, you’ll be a natural connector who thrives on meeting new people and building trust. You’ll have experience of fundraising and working with High Net Worth Individuals and making five-figure asks and above, or supporting senior colleagues with making those asks. You’ll need excellent communication skills, with the ability to write compelling proposals and build strong 1-1 relationships. While you’d ideally have experience in Major Gifts, we’d welcome applications from candidates who have fundraising or relationship management experience in other disciplines and are keen to develop their skills in this area. A commitment to the work we do at Dogs Trust is essential, as this must shine through while interacting with supporters.