Chelsea Foundation is at the beginning of an exciting new chapter. They have recently launched a brand-new fundraising function and are now seeking a dynamic and driven Major Donor Manager to help shape it from the ground up.
The Chelsea Foundation harnesses the power of football to engage and inspire communities locally and globally. With a commitment to education, health, equality, and inclusion, they use the reach of the club to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Reporting into a highly respected and ambitious Head of Philanthropic Partnerships—who joined in September 2024—this is a rare opportunity to play a defining role in the early stages of building a major donor programme for one of football’s most recognised global brands.
Location: Stamford Bridge, London (Hybrid: 2 days in office) Contract: Full-time | Permanent Reports to: Head of Philanthropic Partnerships
Why this role stands out
High-Profile Platform: Football is a universal language. The Chelsea name opens doors and creates powerful engagement opportunities across a wide network.
Community Impact: Despite the global brand, the Foundation maintains a hyper-local focus—ensuring donations create real, tangible change in the community.
Early-Stage Momentum: This is a newly created role in a newly formed team. It’s an ideal opportunity for someone eager to build, shape, and lead from the front.
Access to Influence: With time, there will be potential to engage with ultra-high-net-worth individuals—offering long-term growth and relationship-building opportunities.
The ideal candidate This role would suit an energetic, self-starting fundraiser who thrives in a fast-paced, ambitious environment. They will bring strong relationship-building skills, a strategic mindset, and a genuine passion for connecting people to purpose. Importantly, they will be excited by the idea of helping to shape a programme from the ground up, and ready to make their mark within major donor fundraising.
Key responsibilities
Collaborate with the Head of Philanthropic Partnerships to develop and implement a long-term major donor strategy.
Identify, research, and engage prospective major donors.
Cultivate and manage high-value relationships, leading on face-to-face solicitations.
Work closely with internal teams to understand funding needs and develop compelling cases for support.
Ensure excellent donor stewardship, including regular reporting and impact updates.
Maintain accurate records using CRM systems and support wider fundraising activities where needed.
What they’re looking for
Proven experience in securing significant philanthropic gifts.
Strong track record in developing donor pipelines and writing compelling funding proposals.
Confidence and credibility in managing high-level relationships.
Skilled at working independently, with initiative and focus.
Ability to prioritise and manage multiple workstreams effectively.
Strong understanding of donor stewardship and fundraising best practice.
Application process:
Deadline: CVs ASAP
Interviews:
First interviews: May 7th and May 8th over Teams
Second interviews: In person at Stamford Bridge week commencing the 12th May
Final step: Call with the Foundation’s newly appointed CEO
For a full job description and details on how to apply, please contact Hannah at Harris Hill on hannah.laking@harrishill.co.uk
Please note, due to the high volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion
Harris Hill is a certified B Corp™ and a leading charity recruitment agency, committed to equitable and inclusive recruitment practices. Applications from all sections of the community are actively welcomed, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality, or other protected characteristics.
