Major Gifts Manager

Job Summary: Major Gifts Manager

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is seeking an established and sophisticated Major Gifts Manager to join their Development team. Based in London, you will be responsible for securing the high-level philanthropic support—specifically five- and six-figure donations—that enables the RSC to produce world-class theatre and champion arts education. This is an active, relationship-driven role within a registered charity that values creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Requirements and Skills

• Fundraising Track Record: Proven experience in managing a portfolio of individual major donors and prospects.

• Financial Calibre: Demonstrated success in practicing “moves management” to secure significant gifts (£10,000 to £100,000+).

• Communication: Exceptional written skills to craft persuasive proposals and the verbal gravitas to represent the RSC at a senior level.

• Relationship Management: Expert ability to steward long-term relationships, ensuring donor retention and uplift.

• Logistics: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of working to strict financial targets and deadlines.

• Availability: Must be willing to work occasional evenings/weekends for events and travel regularly between London and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Role Overview

As a Major Gifts Manager, you are the primary link between the RSC’s artistic mission and its most significant individual supporters. You will manage a portfolio of approximately 100 active prospects. Your daily focus will be moving these individuals through the donor lifecycle—from initial engagement and cultivation to the final “ask” and subsequent stewardship. You will spend a significant amount of time meeting donors face-to-face and representing the RSC at exclusive supporter events, ensuring that every donor feels a deep, personal connection to the work happening on stage and in the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management: Actively manage and nurture relationships with 100 high-net-worth individuals.

• Moves Management: Strategically progress prospects through the pipeline to solicit five- and six-figure gifts.

• Stewardship: Deliver bespoke “moments of stewardship” and reporting to ensure donors see the impact of their support and renew their commitment.

• Event Representation: Host and engage with supporters at performances and events in both London and Stratford-upon-Avon.

• Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with the Head of Major Gifts to align fundraising activity with the RSC’s broader strategic priorities.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: £40,000 per annum.

• Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (Monday – Friday).

• Location: Hybrid (London-based, minimum 3 days on-site/office).

• Environment: A supportive, inclusive culture within a world-leading arts organization.

• Travel: Regular travel to Stratford-upon-Avon; occasional international travel may be required.

Why the RSC?

• Impact: Your fundraising directly supports the incubation of new talent and the advancement of UK arts education.

• Excellence: Join a FTSE-level creative organization that holds its values of sustainability and accountability at its core.

• Community: Work within a “brilliant and friendly team” that places a high priority on staff wellbeing and safety.

Application Tip: The “Moves Management” Pitch

Peer Note: The RSC is looking for a strategic fundraiser, not just a networker. In your application, be specific about your experience with Moves Management. Highlight a time you took a “cold” prospect and successfully moved them through the stages of cultivation to a successful five-figure gift.