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Principal and Major Gifts Lead
CANCERBACKUP
61,000 - 67,000 per year
Dual London/Home
Full-time
25th January 2026

Principal and Major Gifts Lead

  • Salary From:£61,000
  • Salary To:£67,000
  • Region:UK Wide
  • Location:Dual London/Home
  • Advertised Job Category:Partnerships
  • Department:Philanthropy
  • Job type:Permanent
  • Closing Date:25 January 2026

Principal and Major Gifts LeadFull time (34.5 hours), we are open to a conversation about how you work these hours Location: Split between home and our London Office with at least 1 day per week based in the officeSalary Range: £61,000 - £67,000

About us:

Join Macmillan at a pivotal moment as we accelerate income from high‑net‑worth individuals and build transformational philanthropic partnerships. We’re looking for an exceptional Principal & Major Gifts Lead to drive significant growth, inspire a talented team, and steward relationships capable of delivering six‑ and seven‑figure gifts.

In this role, you will:

  • Lead and motivate an ambitious team to grow income and deepen relationships with major donors.

  • Personally manage our highest‑potential supporters, creating tailored engagement plans that unlock transformational gifts.

  • Develop innovative high‑value fundraising products—giving clubs, campaigns and events—that inspire support.

  • Build a sector‑leading stewardship programme that connects donors to Macmillan’s impact.

  • Work closely with the Head of Philanthropy, senior volunteers and internal teams to maximise networks and craft compelling funding propositions.

  • Champion an insight‑led approach, using data to drive strategy and identify new opportunities.

You'll bring:

  • A proven track record of securing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts.

  • Inspirational leadership and experience developing teams to meet ambitious targets.

  • Creativity in designing high‑value fundraising products.

  • Strong stewardship and cultivation expertise.

  • Confidence, gravitas and the ability to influence high‑profile individuals.

  • A collaborative mindset and data‑driven approach.

  • Passion for Macmillan’s mission and the impact philanthropy can achieve.

What You’ll Achieve:

  • Significant income growth, helping increase Philanthropy and Trusts income from £6m to £12m by 2030.

  • New six‑ and seven‑figure donor relationships that transform what Macmillan can deliver.

  • Innovative fundraising products that deepen engagement and generate major income.

  • A high‑performing, sector‑leading Principal & Major Gifts team

Recruitment Process 
Application deadline: Sun 25th Jan 2026
First interview dates: Early Feb (TBC)

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed.

We are an organisation that is committed to setting candidates up for success, so we can support you to be at your best during the application or selection process, please contact Macmillan TA Team TATeam@macmillan.org.uk for advice, or a conversation on reasonable adjustments.  

We welcome applications from everyone who meet the criteria and strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Macmillan. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy  here along with our internal employee representation body, ‘Our Voice’ and 8 Employee Network groups help us promote fairness and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

If you would like to discuss your application or anything further in regards to a career at Macmillan Cancer Support please email us at TATeam@macmillan.org.uk.