Legacy Manager

Location:

Hybrid with regular attendance at Ripple Effect Head Office required - Runway East, Kings Court, Parsonage Lane, Bath, BA1 1ER

Contract type:
Permanent

Closing date:
Sunday 18th October 2026 (we may close earlier depending on volume of applications)

Responsible for driving sustainable long-term income through gifts in Wills, leading all aspects of legacy fundraising from supporter engagement, marketing and pledge recruitment to estate administration and stewardship. The role builds compassionate relationships with legacy pledgers and the wider charity supporter community, delivering insight-led, multi-channel communications that inspire supporters to leave a lasting impact through gifts in Wills. Working collaboratively with colleagues, agencies and external partners, this role will develop engaging supporter journeys, create innovative campaigns and identify new opportunities to grow awareness of gifts in Wills and increase legacy income.

• Support the Supporter Engagement Manager to develop, implement and continuously evolve the legacy and in-memory fundraising strategy, delivering sustainable growth in legacy pipeline value, pledger numbers and future income.
• Develop annual operational plans, objectives and KPIs to support the successful delivery of the legacy strategy and long-term income growth.
• Monitor trends, sector developments, benchmarking and best practice in legacy fundraising, identifying opportunities to drive innovation and improve performance.
• Act as the organisation's subject matter expert on gifts in Wills and in-memory giving, providing advice, guidance and training to colleagues, volunteers and trustees.
• Build strong relationships across Fundraising, Programmes, Communications and Leadership teams to embed legacy giving across the organisation and maximise opportunities for supporter engagement.
• Work closely with Philanthropy, Trusts and Corporate Partnerships teams to identify, cultivate and steward prospective legacy supporters.
• Lead and project manage legacy acquisition, conversion and retention campaigns across multiple channels including direct mail, digital, email, telephone, events, print and face-to-face engagement.
• Develop and manage relationships with external suppliers including will-writing partners, agencies and professional advisers to maximise supporter engagement and income generation.
• Monitor sector trends, fundraising innovation and competitor activity, identifying opportunities to improve performance and grow the legacy programme.
• Manage a portfolio of pecuniary, residuary and trust gifts, ensuring estates are administered efficiently, professionally and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Act as the primary point of contact for solicitors, executors, administrators and family members, handling all interactions with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Review estate documentation, monitor progress and take appropriate action to safeguard the charity's interests and maximise income due from estates.
• Work with legal advisers where necessary to resolve complex estate matters and ensure timely receipt of gifts.
• Maintain accurate records, forecasts and estate administration processes in line with organisational policies and relevant legislation.
• Ensure all legacy income is accurately recorded, reconciled and reported.
• Maintain accurate records on the CRM database.

• Develop and deliver audience-led stewardship journeys that deepen supporter engagement, increase legacy enquiries and pledges, and strengthen long-term supporter loyalty.
• Build meaningful, compassionate relationships with legacy pledgers and prospective legacy supporters through personalised stewardship and engagement opportunities.
• Establish and manage a legacy recognition programme to celebrate and thank supporters who have pledged a gift in their Will.
• Plan and deliver stewardship events, webinars, visits and other engagement activities that demonstrate the impact of legacy giving.
• Act as an ambassador for legacy fundraising, representing Ripple Effect at internal and external events, presentations and sector networks.
• Manage sensitive conversations relating to gifts in Wills with empathy, professionalism and supporter-centred care.
• Be a spokesperson for legacy giving, internally and externally, including organising and speaking at cultivation events and webinars.

• Develop compelling legacy propositions, cases for support and…