Senior Philanthropy Lead
Salary £ 48,000 - £52,000 (pro-rata if less than 1 FTE)
Minimum two days per week based at the Bookmark office (London), with flexibility around home working for the remaining days
Vacancy listed 2025-07-11
Application deadline 2025-08-01
Details
At Bookmark, we have a simple vision: we want every child to read.

Over the past few years we have developed a fantastic network of supporters, an engaged Partnerships Board, and a strong prospect pipeline.

We are now looking for an experienced fundraiser to help us unlock new, high-value opportunities, with a particular focus on Trusts & Foundations and major donors. This role will sit within our Philanthropy team, working alongside other major gifts fundraisers, and report to our Head of Fundraising.

Together, we can ensure that all children develop the reading skills and confidence they need for a fair chance in life.

Role Summary

Contract:  12-month FTC with the potential for extension to permanent 
Salary: £48,000-£52,000 pro-rata
Location: Bookmark's offices, 1-2 days a week in central London
Hours: 0.6-1 FTE, please indicate in the notes section of the application

Job Description

Income generation
  • Develop the Trusts & Foundations and major donor pipeline to generate new income and multi-year grants, in addition to one-off gifts
  • Manage a portfolio of existing and new supporters, ensuring a first-class cultivation and stewardship journey. Ensure that opportunities for repeat income and grant uplift are maximised 
  • Develop compelling, relevant and tailored funding proposals, reports and collateral to inspire and inform donors, reflecting Bookmark’s strong brand
  • Work with trustees, staff, and our wonderfully supportive Partnerships Board to build a robust pipeline of supporters and secure introductions. 

Strategy and Senior Leadership
  • Input into the overall philanthropy strategy, helping to shape our approach for short and longterm growth
  • Advise on systems and processes to strengthen how we manage and grow our Trusts programme
  • Contribute to income forecasting and progress reporting for senior stakeholders 

Collaborate with the rest of the Fundraising team
  • Devise and deliver annual plans, together with associated budgets, in line with the charity’s strategic objectives.
  • Work with the Senior Leadership Team, Chair of Trustees and colleagues across the charity to ensure fundraising activity is aligned with the charity’s wider plans and objectives
  • Use Salesforce to manage the accurate recording and forecasting of major donor income, enabling efficient reporting and KPI management 
  • Ensure that all activity helps to build Bookmark’s brand and is always brand compliant​
  • Ensure Bookmark’s ethical fundraising policy is adhered to

Line Management  (for non FTC applicants)
  • Lead a team of three, directly line managing the Philanthropy Manager
  • Provide mentoring and day-to-day support, ensuring high-quality outputs and professional development.

Person specification

Essential
  • A proven track record of securing six/seven-figure gifts from Trusts and Foundations and/or major donors, to meet or exceed targets
  • Excellent understanding of complex relationship-based fundraising from high-net worth individuals and/or grant making organisations, and experience developing relationships with donors through all stages of the donor cycle
  • Excellent written skills and the ability to craft compelling and persuasive proposals 
  • Experience growing and managing a pipeline, planning for your portfolio and increasing income
  • Advanced financial acumen, with the ability to develop, interrogate, and present complex, multi-year budgets aligned to strategic funding priorities
  • Experience using of Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Experience using Salesforce, or another fundraising database

Desirable

  • Experience in the literacy or education sector
  • Line management experience (optional)

How to apply

Please complete the application form, which is linked below. When applying, please include the desired FTC and role type (FTC or Perm) in the notes section.   

Applications without an application will not be considered. Your application will be rejected without these documents.

We do not accept CVs or cover letters.

Benefits

• 25 days plus bank holidays
• Half day for employee’s birthday
• 3 years of service – 1 extra day (total of 26 days)
• 5 years of service – 2 extra days (total of 27 days)
• Buy/sell holiday (5 days)
• Hybrid working - Minimum of two days per week in our office
• Employee Assistance Helpline
• Matched pension scheme up to 5%
• £150 per employee per year for company events, such as Christmas party, team days and lunches.
• Free tea/coffee
• Charity Worker Discounts
• Tickets For Good
• Sabbatical Leave Policy
• Free yoga sessions
• Training and career development opportunities

apply