Philanthropy Manager

Job title: Philanthropy Manager

Department: Advancement

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Grade: 8

Location: Bloomsbury, London

Hours: 35 hours

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About The Role SOAS seeks to appoint an experienced and ambitious Philanthropy Manager to join the Advancement team, working primarily with our prestigious Colleges of Social Sciences and Law. This is a key position within the team, requiring an individual with the commitment and energy to grow our major donor programme, secure significant philanthropic support and increase levels of engagement and participation, particularly within the SOAS alumni community This is a permanent full-time role working from our campus in Bloomsbury on a hybrid basis.

You’ll manage your own portfolio of existing and prospective donors, developing tailored cultivation and stewardship plans that deepen engagement and inspire long-term support. Working closely with our Deputy Director Philanthropy, Prospect Research Officer and the wider Advancement team, you’ll identify opportunities, develop compelling proposals and confidently make asks for six and seven-figure gifts. The post holder will also work closely with key stakeholders across the institution, including academics, building collaborative internal relationships to support SOAS’ philanthropic objectives.

About The Department Over the last three years, there has been a step change in the strategic direction and pace of the Advancement function at SOAS, with significant success in raising philanthropic income, year on year. The Advancement team works closely with the Vice Chancellor and the senior team to deliver core strategic objectives in philanthropy and alumni engagement. Great strides are being made in engaging the University’s 90,000 plus alumni who are spread across the world. In the last financial year, philanthropic income exceeded £10 million.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website

What We Offer We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership: Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

How To Apply Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement.

Closing date: 12th November 2026

Interviews to be held: TBC

Use of AI While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Further information Please note that the application system does not currently have a save-and-return feature. To avoid losing any information, we strongly encourage you to complete and submit your application in one sitting. Make sure you have all necessary details ready before you begin.

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK. If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.