Philanthropy Consultant
Salary £ 350 - £400 per day
Minimum one 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 into 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.

Details

Duration: 12 months
Day rate: £350-£400 per day
Location: Hybrid, one day at Bookmark's offices in central London and events as required to fulfil the role.
Number of days: 2.5-3 days per week
Contract start: 1 September 2025

We are considered a small company under the IR35 legislation and are not VAT registered. 

Duties

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 
  • 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. 


Collaboration 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.

(Optional) Line Management
  • Depending on your experience, directly line manage our Philanthropy Manager and support their professional development
  • 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
  • Line management experience (optional)
  • Experience in the literacy or education sector.

How to apply

Please complete the application form, which is linked below and include a summary of your contractor credentials and any related information. This can be provided in the application form or in a separate document. 

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

We do not accept CVs or cover letters.


apply