The posting
Job description
About the Role The Philanthropy Manager will play a key role in developing and delivering individual giving strategies that support Serpentine’s core artistic programme and strategic initiatives.
Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy, the role will focus on securing and stewarding mid-to-high level gifts, contributing to cultivate meaningful relationships with individual donors and prospects, and supporting major campaigns, prospect research and departmental targets.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the fundraising team at an internationally renowned gallery, with scope to shape innovative approaches to major donor engagement and implement imaginative, highly personalised stewardship that deepens relationships and connects supporters closely with Serpentine’s programme and ambitions.
Why This Role Matters Individual philanthropy is vital to Serpentine’s ability to sustain an ambitious, free and forward-looking programme. This role will help build lasting donor relationships, strengthen the major gifts pipeline and create distinctive stewardship experiences that inspire long-term support.
How to Apply Please apply with your CV and Cover Letter. In your Cover Letter, please address:
- How your skills and experiences will bring benefit to the role;
- Examples of how you have applied relevant skills and experience we are looking for in your current or previous work;
- What specifically attracts you to this role and Serpentine.
Closing Date The closing date for completed applications is 23:59 on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
- Significant experience of cultivating, soliciting and closing 5 figure+ gifts from individuals.
- Excellent written communication skills with the ability to translate complex information into compelling narrative form.
- Able to adapt writing styles and draft clear and concise correspondences.
- Pro-active, resourceful and entrepreneurial approach to fundraising and ability to take initiative and work autonomously when required.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise workload according to the priorities of the Serpentine.
- Strong understanding of due diligence, data protection and the latest GDPR updates. Ability to gather information from the public domain in accordance with GDPR, CIoF and charity law, and to show tact and discretion when dealing with sensitive and confidential information.
- A highly organised and flexible approach to work, able to plan and prioritise a varied and busy workload and deliver agreed outputs to tight deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to work collaboratively as part of the wider Development team and communicate effectively at all levels.
- Ability to use discretion and diplomacy, and to demonstrate sensitivity when handling confidential information.
- Previous experience using Salesforce or a comparable CRM system.
- An interest in and commitment to Serpentine’s work.
Major Donor Fundraising
- Support Serpentine’s Leadership to implement Serpentine’s major giving strategy, with a focus on securing mid-to-high level gifts.
- Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects lists, ensuring personalised cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
- Develop and draft compelling fundraising proposals, and letters working closely with other departmental colleagues to gather project and financial information.
- Research and identify new major donor prospects, building and maintaining a pipeline of potential supporters
- Collaborate with the Patrons team to identify opportunities for project-specific donations from existing members.
- Ensure high-quality donor stewardship through bespoke engagement and communication material, reporting, and recognition opportunities.
- Maintain accurate donor records, tracking gifts, ensuring accurate acknowledgment in exhibition materials, reports and event invitations, and overseeing donor crediting across exhibitions, projects and events, including logo blocks, supporter panels and exhibition credits.
- Play a role in planning and delivering key cultivation events, to ensure our supporters remain engaged and events meet agreed KPI’s.
- Keep up to date with giving trends and philanthropic developments, sharing insights with the team to inform strategy.
- Attend Serpentine events as appropriate.
Management and Administration
- Ensure accurate records are maintained through the Serpentine’s CRM system.
- Ensure all personal details are managed in line with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
- Work with the Development team to ensure philanthropic partnerships do not carry financial or reputational risk to the organisation and are compliant with Serpentine’s ethical fundraising policy through active Due Diligence, including preparing due diligence reports on prospective donors for the Ethics Committee.
- Work closely with the Finance team to ensure donations are managed efficiently.
- Prepare guest profile on event attendees and briefing notes for key meetings for the Development team and Serpentine Directors.
Other Duties
- Undertake departmental support and administrative duties, including reporting, and other responsibilities that may arise from requests from the Head of Philanthropy.
- Be a champion for Arts Council England’s Inclusivity and Relevance Investment Principle to ensure best practice through a proactive approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Adhere and actively contribute to all Serpentine’s policies including Dignity at Work and Health and Safety.
- Any other activities as are necessary for the operation of the Development team and its strategic objectives.
This job description is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Philanthropy Manager and does not form part of the contract of employment. It is neither wholly comprehensive nor restrictive and does not preclude change or development which may be required in the future.
Job benefits
Hours Our normal office working hours are 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, although the jobholder will be expected, within reason, to work such hours outside these periods as are necessary for the proper fulfilment of the role. We operate a hybrid working model, with employees attending the office 3 days per week with the option to work from home 2 days per week.
Duration of Appointment This is a permanent appointment, subject to a 3-month probationary period.
Annual Leave The annual leave entitlement is 25 days per annum pro rata rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service. In addition, staff receive 8 Bank Holidays per annum.
Pension Participation in Serpentine’s auto-enrolment pension scheme. You can opt out if you wish.
Other Benefits After completion of your probationary period, we offer other benefits including:
- discount on certain products such Limited Editions;
- access to our employee assistance programme;
- season travel ticket loans and a
- Cycle2Work scheme.
Salary range
36,000 GBP Annual
