Assistant head of philanthropy jobs

Join Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) as our Senior Trusts and Foundations Officer, and play a vital role in our fundraising team. This position manages a portfolio of high-value Trust and Foundation (T&Fs) donors with complex and varying requirements. They will work closely with the Trusts and Foundations Lead to drive transformational new business, directly generating essential revenue for MSF’s medical humanitarian operations worldwide. We are looking for exceptional candidates with specialised experience working with T&Fs and high-value donors, and a record of building strong, long-term relationships. The ideal candidate will be a highly organised and results-driven professional, with the ability to work both autonomously, and as part of a fantastic and supportive team.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Mon Fri

Duration: Permanent

Location: London - hybrid, 2 days per week in London office (Including Wednesdays)

Salary:£46,784.49 - £57,181.04 per annum

Salary is offered in line with our pay framework and typically starts at the entry point of the band. Salary increases are considered annually and are subject to our appraisal and performance review process.

Job Purpose:

The Senior Trusts and Foundations Officer is an integral part of the Philanthropy team, responsible for supporting with the implementation of the Trusts and Foundations Strategy.

They are responsible for managing a portfolio of key T&F relationships, typically giving at the £50,000 - £250,000 level. In addition, they will drive new business from prospective T&Fs capable of giving between £100,000 - £250,000 and will work closely with the Trusts and Foundations Lead on new business activity above this level

Please download the full job and person specification below for further details.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Experience of T&F fundraising including, report writing, application and proposal writing, and knowledge of restricted funding models.
• Experience managing a portfolio of high value major donors with a range of requirements.
• Proven track record of developing new business relationships and delivering income from prospective major donors.
• Proven experience of planning and delivering strategic activities.
• Excellent and engaging written communication skills and ability to adapt style to suit a wide range of supporters.
• Confident interpersonal and verbal communication skills, including diplomacy and negotiating and influencing skills.
• Experience of presenting to senior decision makers.
• Proven ability to negotiate, influence and communicate with people at all levels and from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Accuracy and excellent attention to detail.
• Proven organisational skills with experience of managing multiple tasks and deadlines with the ability to prioritise effectively.
• Experience of working in an office environment, maintaining effective administrative systems and procedures.
• Flexible, can-do attitude and good team player – this role involves working very closely and collaboratively with colleagues in the UK and internationally.
• Ability to work independently to general guidelines, with capability to use initiative and seize opportunities.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Interest in international, humanitarian work.
• Commitment to the aims and values of MSF.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally.
• Experience in the practical use of personal IT equipment and Microsoft Office 365 suite. The ability to effectively collaborate and communicate within a hybrid working environment utilising Teams, SharePoint, One Drive and Yammer.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply on our website by submitting a copy of your CV together with a letter of motivation by the closing date.

Please apply as soon as possible as MSF reserves the right to close the vacancy early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Recruitment timetable:

• Closing Date for applications: Sunday 8 February 2026, 11.59pm (GMT)
• First round interviews: Wednesday 18 February 2026 - Thursday 19 February 2026
• Second round interviews: Monday 23 February 2026 - Wednesday 25 February 2026
• Projected Start Date: Dependent on applicant availability

MSF UK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from all sections of our diverse community. 

Safeguarding

MSF UK/IE is dedicated to safeguarding everyone who comes into contact with the organisation, for whatever reason and however brief. All posts are subject to safer recruitment process which include robust reference requests, scrutiny of employment history and where applicable criminal record and barring checks.

Our safeguarding commitment is underpinned by policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across the organisation. On joining MSF UK/IE you will be required to attend safeguarding training to ensure responsibility for and maintaining safe working practice and to safeguard our teams, beneficiaries, and communities.