Job Description

Senior Major Gifts Manager (Maternity Cover)

Application Deadline: 19 April 2026

Department: Development

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: London

Compensation: from £40,000 per annum

Joining English National Ballet, you will find a community of artists, musicians, theatre and costume craftspeople, creatives, business and administration professionals, all working together to achieve a common goal: to open up the possibilities of ballet, to move more people in more ways. We are a multi-skilled, multi-cultural, open and inclusive organisation and we place a high value on diversity and diversity of thought in our teams.

About the role


English National Ballet is seeking an experienced and motivated major donor fundraiser to join our team on a one-year maternity cover contract. This role plays an important part in strengthening the relationships that help bring our artistic vision and community work to life.
Working closely with the Head of Major Giving, you will help manage and grow a portfolio of generous supporters, contribute to securing significant philanthropic gifts, and ensure donors feel closely connected to ENB’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 strong major gifts experience, excellent communication skills 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 one-year fixed-term contract.

We will consider part-time working hours (4 days per week), flexible working and remote working.


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

• Supporting ENB’s vision and the Development Department’s strategy, to grow philanthropic income from major donors (contributing gifts ranging from £10K to seven-figure, multi-year pledges)
• Identifying and researching prospective donors, developing and managing the donor and prospect pipeline, and supporting the Head of Major Giving in the cultivation and stewardship of major donors to secure five- and six-figure gifts and achieve team income targets
• Overseeing the planning and execution 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 fundraising within the arts, higher education or third sectors and a demonstrable understanding of best practice in donor cultivation and stewardship
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex, high-value donor relationships, securing major gifts of five or six-figures
• Proven experience in developing and managing solicitation and stewardship plans to support donor retention and growth
• Ability to write and design high-quality funding proposals and reports, with accurate and relevant information for any reporting requirements
• 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