We are looking for a highly skilled major donor relationship manager who knows how to engage and inspire lasting relationships with high‑value supporters, turning shared ambition into meaningful impact. As Senior Philanthropy Executive, you will help grow major donor investment: accelerating progress in MND research and contributing to the delivery of crucial support services for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Community.

This is a role for someone who understands and excels in the stewardship required to secure transformative philanthropic support. As Senior Philanthropy Executive, you will shape major donor journeys to inspire donors’ philanthropic aspirations and align them with MND Association priorities. You will open doors to new relationships through thoughtful and influential networking and cultivation.

You will be part of the Motor Neurone Disease Association’s Philanthropy team, working with major donors and prospects across the UK. You will manage a defined portfolio through which you will secure significant philanthropic income as you deliver thoughtful and personalised stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospects
Secure significant and sustainable income, including multi‑year and six‑figure gifts
Build strong, trust‑based relationships through tailored engagement and stewardship
Deliver compelling written and verbal donor communications and proposals
Lead donor meetings and project visits, working with senior colleagues where appropriate
Contribute to donor cultivation plans, forecasting and performance reporting
Use CRM systems to record activity, insight and outcomes accurately
Collaborate closely with colleagues in the Philanthropy Team; the Prospect Researcher and wider High Value and Income Generation teams, as well as working with colleagues across the MND Association

About You

Proven successful experience securing major gifts from high‑net‑worth individuals (desirably including six-figure donations).
An engaging communicator who writes and speaks with clarity and warmth
Experience working to, and exceeding, income targets
Strong relationship‑management skills and sound judgement
Confidence working independently while supporting team success
Strong understanding of philanthropic best practice and compliance including the Code of Fundraising Practice and GDPR
Experience using CRM systems such as Raiser’s Edge or Microsoft Dynamics
Experience mentoring colleagues or leading shared initiatives

Hybrid working expectations: One day per week attendance at our London office with regular travel across the UK for meetings and events in line with role requirements.

Further information about MND Association and full job description is available in the attached Candidate Pack.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

What We Offer

28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies
24/7 GP access via phone and video
Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines
Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave)
Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping
Enhanced pension scheme
Opportunities for training and personal development
Hybrid working

About Us

Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes away independence and it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND. We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We’re here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters.