Job Description

Major Gifts Manager (Maternity Cover)

Application Deadline: 31 May 2026

Department: Development

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: London

About the role

English National Ballet is seeking a major donor fundraiser to join our team on a maternity cover contract until June 2027. This role plays an important part in strengthening the supporter relationships that help bring our artistic vision and community work to life.

Working closely with the Head of Major Giving, you will support them to manage and grow a portfolio of supporters, contribute to securing significant philanthropic gifts, and ensure donors feel closely connected to English National Ballet’s work on and off the stage. You will also support the planning and delivery of thoughtful cultivation and stewardship activities, and guide the development of our Major Gifts Officer.

We’re looking for someone with experience working within fundraising (or a similar environment), excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a great eye for detail, and a collaborative, proactive approach. If you’re inspired by building meaningful relationships and supporting the future of a leading cultural organisation, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

This position is for a fixed-term contract, starting asap until June 2027.
We will consider part-time working hours (4 days per week), flexible working and part remote working.


Your main responsibilities as Major Gifts Manager (Maternity Cover) will include:

• Supporting English National Ballet’s vision and the Development Department’s strategy, to grow philanthropic income from major donors (gifts ranging from £10K to seven-figure, multi-year pledges).
• Identifying and researching prospective donors.
• Supporting the Head of Major Giving in the cultivation and stewardship of major donors, by ensuring timely and inspiring communications to secure five- and six-figure gifts and achieve income targets.
• Overseeing the planning of events for major donors and prospects supported by and in collaboration with the Internal Events Manager.
• Line managing the Major Gifts Officer, supporting their development.

Key Selection Criteria

• Experience of working in or supporting fundraising within the arts, higher education or third sectors, or relevant transferable experience from a role involving relationship management, income generation, event management and/or copywriting.
• Ability to write and design high-quality proposals and reports, with accurate and relevant information.
• Experience of developing and managing strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, volunteers and colleagues, using effective relationship-building and negotiation skills, and a diplomatic approach.
• Ability to manage, coach and develop direct reports, offering clear guidance and supporting learning pathways to acquire new skills and knowledge.
• Experience of or a keen interest in working for a performing arts organisation or in the broader arts and cultural space.