Principal Gifts Manager (1FTE)

The Royal College of Art is seeking an ambitious and experienced Principal Gifts Manager to join our collaborative Advancement & Alumni team.

Philanthropy plays a significant role in the life of the RCA. Working with alumni, donors, companies, trusts and foundations, we raise vital support that enables our students and staff to perform at their best and helps deliver the College’s vision for the future.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Advancement & Alumni, you will manage a portfolio of high-value prospects and donors, developing relationships and securing six- and seven-figure gifts that support the RCA’s strategic priorities, including capital projects, academic ambitions and scholarships.

You will develop and implement creative cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies, working closely with senior colleagues, academics and other stakeholders to develop compelling cases for support. You will represent the RCA at meetings and engagement activities, including international travel where appropriate, and provide expert advice to senior colleagues on fundraising approaches and donor relationships.

A key part of the role will be identifying new philanthropic opportunities, developing high-quality proposals and cases for support, and ensuring donors receive excellent stewardship throughout their relationship with the College. You will also work collaboratively across Finance, Academic, Marketing & Communications and Advancement & Alumni to ensure a seamless and inspiring donor experience.

We are looking for a highly motivated and entrepreneurial fundraising professional with significant experience working with high-net-worth individuals and securing major philanthropic gifts, including experience managing a portfolio and soliciting seven-figure donations. You will have excellent relationship-building, communication and influencing skills, alongside the ability to develop fundraising strategies and deliver multiple complex activities to demanding deadlines.

Experience of working in higher education, particularly with international donors, would be advantageous. Knowledge of Raiser's Edge or a similar fundraising CRM is also desirable.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a genuine and direct impact on the future of the RCA, working within a small, ambitious and highly collegiate team.

If you are an accomplished fundraiser with the credibility, creativity and drive to secure transformational philanthropic support, we would love to hear from you.

Please see Information Pack for further details of this exciting new role at the No. 1 University for Art and Design.

Closing for applications at 11:59pm on 6^th September 2026

First round interviews are expected to take place on 22^nd and 23^rd September 2026 

Further details: Information Pack

The Royal College of Art (RCA)  aims to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students and stakeholders are respected.

We recognise the broad range of experiences that a diverse staff and student body brings and how this  strengthens our research and enhances our teaching. In order for RCA to remain a world-leading institution we are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles throughout all of our processes, from application through to appointment.

Please tell us if you need any assistance in applying or if you need the information in a different format. In your message to resourcing@rca.ac.uk include:

• The web address (URL) of the content
• Your email address and name

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):