Build something transformational. From the ground up.
We’re looking for an exceptional relationship-builder to join Willen Hospice as our Philanthropy Relationship Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to build a philanthropy programme from the ground up.
You will design and lead our major donor strategy, identify a pipeline of high-net-worth individuals and key partners capable of making major gifts and living legacies, and create funding propositions that will inspire transformational giving that makes a lasting difference to our patients and families.
If you have the credibility to operate in senior circles, the drive to hit ambitious targets, and a genuine passion for hospice care, this is your opportunity to leave a lasting legacy of your own.
What you’ll do:
✅ Design and deliver a transformational major donor strategy, setting ambitious income targets and create a pipeline from prospect identification through to gift and stewardship.
✅ Build robust systems, donor journeys and stewardship frameworks from scratch — specifically designed to grow commitment towards high value and multi-year gifts.
✅ Personally identify, cultivate and solicit high-net-worth individuals, with the Willen networks moving them purposefully through the stewardship cycle towards a significant ask.
✅ Develop compelling cases for support that translate Willen’s vision and impact into inspiring propositions for donors giving at the highest level.
✅ Help embed philanthropy across the organisation, enabling colleagues, senior leaders and trustees to play an active role in identifying, cultivating and stewarding major donors
✅ Advise and coach senior leadership and trustees to make confident, compelling asks that secure major gifts.
✅ Deliver bespoke stewardship and giving programmes, high-impact engagement events, and impact reports that deepen donor commitment.
✅ Track and report on pipeline performance, conversion rates and ROI — building the evidence for a sustained investment in the philanthropy programme.
We’re looking for someone who is:
• An experienced major gifts fundraiser, with a proven track record of personally securing five-figure (or above) gifts, deals or partnerships.
• Skilled at designing and delivering income strategies with ambitious financial targets and clear, measurable milestones.
• A confident communicator with exceptional influencing skills to build trusted relationships with high-net-worth individuals, senior leaders and Board members.
• Deeply knowledgeable about the major donor gift cycle and the techniques that accelerate donors towards transformational giving.
• Able to work collaboratively with colleagues across Corporate Partnerships, Trusts and Community Fundraising to maximise opportunities and ensure a joined-up supporter experience.
• Analytically strong, comfortable using CRM systems and prospect research tools to manage a high-value portfolio and forecast income.
• Self-driven, results-oriented and passionate about the mission of Willen Hospice, with the ambition to generate transformational income within a defined timeframe.
Who we are:
Set in the tranquil grounds of Willen Lake, Willen Hospice is the leading provider of specialist palliative care in the Milton Keynes area. We offer round-the-clock, expert care to local patients with a life-limiting illness, both in their own homes and in our In-Patient Unit. Our passionate staff and volunteers make sure our care is personalised to each patient’s needs and supports their loved ones too. As a registered charity, we raise vital funds through our dedicated Business Development team and our growing portfolio of high street and online shops, to ensure our care stays free of charge.