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London, Greater London (Hybrid)
0.96 miles
£50,000 - £55,000 per year (FTE) depending on experience
Part-time (3-4 days per week, depending on experience)
Permanent or contract
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job description
About Us
We are a high impact, specialist literacy charity supporting the children who need the most help to close their literacy gap. The attainment gap is now the widest it has been for a decade, and early, high quality literacy intervention is essential to give children from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to make the most of their full potential.
Our specially recruited and trained tutors equip children with all the foundational literacy skills, not just reading but also comprehension, writing, listening and speaking. We achieve significant outcomes: children catch up to where they should be and grow in confidence and resilience, able to step ahead and engage with learning and life.
With a clear focus on our specialist literacy intervention work, the charity has doubled in size over recent years, and we are now planning for the next stage of our growth. Funding is key, and we are looking to appoint a Director of Funding Development to take our fundraising to the next level.
The Opportunity
This is a newly created senior management role reporting directly to the CEO. We see it as critical to our future fundraising success and to the overall development of the charity.
This is a role for a new business ‘seeker’: we need a commercially minded individual with a strong track record of securing new, significant funding opportunities; proactive and creative prospecting; building a credible pipeline; and setting and meeting ambitious targets.
As well as being able to confidently represent the charity and evidence significant relationship-building skills across all funding streams, the successful candidate will work purposefully and collaboratively with senior management colleagues and our Trustee Board, and will have line management responsibility for the fundraising team.
We are looking for someone who can become part of our longer-term fundraising vision on a permanent basis, helping to shape and deliver sustainable growth. We recognise, however, that the right person may be looking for an interim opportunity, therefore we are also open to a shorter-term appointment for a candidate who can deliver a significant, measurable impact in that time.
What You Will Do
• Develop and implement an overarching income generation strategy, setting ambitious annual and 3-year fundraising targets
• Deliver and convert new, significant funding opportunities across corporates, trusts and foundations, and high net worth individuals
• Build and proactively manage a realistic pipeline of potentially transformational funders
• Develop compelling bids and proposals that accurately reflect the charity’s core messaging and delivery priorities
• Provide strong direction and line management to other team members across all funding streams
• Work closely with the CEO on the development of a robust, long-term funding plan
• Effectively represent the charity at external events, meetings and conferences
What We Are Looking For
You will bring:
• Senior fundraising experience with a proven track record of securing significant, transformational funding, not necessarily from a charity background
• Experience across multiple funding streams, in particular high value trusts and foundations, corporates and major donors
• A proactive, creative and ambitious approach to prospect identification and relationship development
• Confident and effective communication skills, being able to represent the charity credibly at the highest levels
• Strong writing skills, with the ability to produce nuanced, compelling and tailored proposals
• Experience of line managing a fundraising team
• A collaborative and positive outlook, with the resilience to thrive in a growing organisation
An interest in education, literacy, and equality of opportunity is highly desirable, as is an existing network of high-level funder contacts.
How to Apply
To apply, please send a detailed CV and a covering letter of no more than 2 pages, explaining why you are interested in this role and how your experience meets the person specification.
We want to hear about your individual experience, judgement and communication style in your own words. We recognise the efficiencies AI tools can bring but please do not use generative AI to substantially develop your application.
The closing date for applications is 15th October 2026, however interviews will happen on a rolling basis therefore early applications are advised.
We are managing this recruitment process directly and do not require support from recruitment agencies or third-party suppliers. We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy or submit candidate details on behalf of applicants.
The Children’s Literacy Charity is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. You and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics).
Thank you for taking the time to apply for this role. We aim to reply to all job applicants, however if we receive a very high number of applications then we may not be able to respond. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, then we regret to advise that this means that your application has not been selected to progress through to the next stage of our recruitment process.
Organisation
The Children’s Literacy Charity
View profile
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Closing the Literacy Gap. Broadening Horizons.
Posted on: 16 September 2026
Closing date: 16 October 2026 at 00:00
Tags: Fundraising, Community Fundraising, Corporate Fundraising, Major Donor, Regional Fundraising, Trusts / Foundations
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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London, Greater London (Hybrid)
0.32 miles
£70,438 per year plus benefits
Full-time
Permanent
Job description
About the team
The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships.
The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.
Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.
About this role
The Development Director (New Business) provides strategic leadership for Impetus’ new business development, prospect pipeline and high-value funding opportunities. The postholder will have responsibility for identifying, cultivating and converting new corporate, trust and foundation, and high-net-worth donor relationships, as well as continued relationship management for key, established relationships.
In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in probono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus' growth ambitions, helping to increase philanthropic income to £14m by 2029.
Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear new business priorities, pipeline plans and prospect engagement approaches, ensuring a strong flow of qualified opportunities and sustainable growth in high-value income.
Working closely with colleagues across Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure prospects and strategic funding opportunities, while overseeing the stewardship and retention of current partners.
Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor acquisition, pipeline development, prospect conversion and stewardship, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.
Key responsibilities
New Business, Pipeline & Conversion
- Personally lead on six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
- Work with trustees, senior volunteers, and networks to unlock introductions and new opportunities, providing clear support and follow-up to maximise success.
- Evolve Impetus’ new business strategy, driving the identification, cultivation, and conversion of new high-value donor and partner relationships.
- Translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base, and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for new audiences and sectors.
Strategic Relationship Management & Growth
- Own and oversee select donor relationships at six and seven-figure levels within the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
- Ensure your donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
- Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
- Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
- Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Development and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.
Research, Insight & Pipeline Development
- Provide strategic leadership for the Research & Insights function, ensuring prospect research, donor intelligence and market insight inform fundraising strategy, pipeline development and organisational planning.
- Lead the strategic development of fundraising pipelines, ensuring focus on opportunities with the greatest potential for long-term income growth, impact and strategic fit.
- Ensure donor intelligence and prospect research are used effectively to identify, qualify and prioritise new funding opportunities.
- Maintain oversight of gift acceptance, due diligence and fundraising compliance in relation to fundraising opportunities, ensuring adherence to relevant regulatory requirements and organisational policies.
- Identify and escalate strategic, reputational or compliance risks associated with donors and partners.
Leadership and Team Performance
- Line manage and develop the Head of Development, providing strategic direction, coaching and performance oversight.
- Establish the Head of Development as the operational lead on new business, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across the wider team.
- Set clear objectives and success measures for new business growth, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
- Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing team culture that balances pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
- Build fundraising capability across your team through leadership, coaching and consistent, fair, and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.
Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value
- Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen strategic partnerships and support long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.
Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk
- Ensure new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
- Oversee accurate pipeline reporting, forecasting, and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insights inform decision making.
- Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
- Identify and escalate strategic or reputational risks associated with prospective partnerships.
Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation
- Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
- Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
- Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are leveraged and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
- Back Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Philanthropy team.
Strategic leadership
- Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
- Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring new business delivers against organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
- Provide strategic oversight of annual forecasting, budgeting, pipeline performance and resource planning, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and addressed proactively.
- Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support strategic relationship building and new business development.
- Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen organisational fundraising performance and capability.
- Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
- Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the Philanthropy team, modelling Impetus' values and supporting continuous improvement.
Person specification
Essential:
Fundraising & new business leadership
- Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
- Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
- Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
- Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.
Senior stakeholder engagement
- Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
- Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
- Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.
Leadership & people management
- Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
- A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
- Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
- Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
- Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.
Strategic & intellectual capability
- Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
- Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
- Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.
Financial, operational & delivery capability
- Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
- Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
- Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.
Communication, values & ways of working
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
- Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
- A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
- A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.
Desirable
- Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
- Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
- Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
- Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
- Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.
About Impetus
At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.
We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:
- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment
We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.
Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.
We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
Our Values
In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We are brave and curious
We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.
We bring high trust, high challenge
We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.
We are evidence led and results driven for young people
We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.
We thrive through diversity
We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.
We always seek collaboration
We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.
We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.
We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.
Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.
Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Our employee benefits
Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.
How to apply
Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.
You will need to:
- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.
You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.
As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.
Interviews:
1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.
2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.
You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
Organisation
Impetus
View profile
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.
Refreshed on: 07 September 2026
Closing date: 20 September 2026 at 23:30
Tags: Fundraising, Business Development, Engagement / Outreach, Partnerships, Major Donor
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Does something look incorrect in this job listing?
Thank you!
London, Greater London (Hybrid)
0.32 miles
£70,438 per year plus benefits
Full-time
Permanent
Job description
About the team
The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships.
The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.
Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.
About this role
The Development Director (Philanthropy) provides strategic leadership across Impetus’ philanthropy and stewardship portfolio, with responsibility for relationship management, renewal, growth and selected new business activity. The postholder will work with high-value funders, including corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.
In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in pro bono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus’ growth ambitions, supporting the increase in philanthropic income to £14m by 2029.
Working closely with the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear stewardship, renewal, relationship-growth and selected new business plans, ensuring strong donor retention, high-quality engagement and sustainable growth in high-value income.
Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will oversee the donor lifecycle across the philanthropy portfolio, with particular focus on strategic stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and the effective transition of selected prospects into long-term donor relationships. They will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure donor relationships and selected funding opportunities, while working with colleagues to ensure the philanthropy pipeline, stewardship plans and account management disciplines are strong.
Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and selected donor acquisition, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.
Key responsibilities
Strategic Relationship Management & Growth
- Own and oversee strategically significant donor and partner relationships at six and seven-figure levels, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
- Set and embed best practice stewardship standards, ensuring donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
- Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
- Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
- Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Philanthropy and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.
New Business: Pipeline & Conversion
- Personally lead on select six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
- Work with trustees, senior volunteers and networks to support warm introductions, relationship development and follow-up, in line with agreed new business and stewardship priorities.
- Work with colleagues to translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for donors, prospects and priority audiences.
Performance and KPI Reporting
- Accountable for ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of fundraising performance frameworks, KPIs and reporting disciplines.
- Use performance data and insight to improve team effectiveness, inform portfolio planning and resource recommendations, and identify opportunities for retention, renewal and growth.
- Oversee philanthropy portfolio data quality, reporting and forecasting, ensuring robust systems and processes.
- Ensure robust systems, processes and performance disciplines are in place to support delivery of agreed philanthropy portfolio objectives and wider fundraising goals.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and evidence-led decision-making across the philanthropy portfolio and direct team.
Donor Communications
- Provide strategic oversight of donor communications for the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring messaging is clear, compelling, timely and aligned to Impetus’ voice, values and evidence base.
- Work with Communications and Philanthropy colleagues to design and continuously improve philanthropic communications, including cases for support, proposals, pitches, stewardship materials and donor updates.
Leadership and Team Performance
- Line manage and develop the Head of Philanthropy, providing direction, coaching and performance oversight within agreed strategy and priorities.
- Develop the Head of Philanthropy as the operational lead for stewardship, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across their team.
- Set clear objectives and success measures for stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and portfolio delivery, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
- Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, balancing pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
- Build fundraising and stewardship capability across the team through coaching and consistent, fair and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.
Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value
- Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen donor relationships, partnership value and long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.
Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk
- Ensure philanthropy and selected new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
- Oversee accurate philanthropy pipeline reporting, forecasting and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insight informs portfolio planning and decision-making.
- Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
- Identify and escalate strategic, financial or reputational risks associated with donors, prospects and partnerships.
Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation
- Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
- Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
- Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are well managed and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
- Model Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across the philanthropy portfolio.
Strategic Leadership
- Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
- Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring stewardship, renewal and relationship growth contribute to organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
- Provide strategic oversight of philanthropy portfolio forecasting, budgeting input, pipeline performance and resource recommendations, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and escalated proactively.
- Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support donor stewardship, relationship growth and selected new business development.
- Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen philanthropy portfolio performance and wider fundraising capability.
- Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
- Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, modelling Impetus’ values and supporting continuous improvement.
Person specification
Essential:
Fundraising & new business leadership
- Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
- Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
- Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
- Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.
Senior stakeholder engagement
- Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
- Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
- Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.
Leadership & people management
- Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
- A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
- Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
- Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
- Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.
Strategic & intellectual capability
- Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
- Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
- Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.
Financial, operational & delivery capability
- Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
- Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
- Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.
Communication, values & ways of working
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
- Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
- A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
- A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.
Desirable
- Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
- Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
- Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
- Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
- Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.
About Impetus
At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.
We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:
- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment
We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.
Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.
We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
Our Values
In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We are brave and curious
We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.
We bring high trust, high challenge
We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.
We are evidence led and results driven for young people
We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.
We thrive through diversity
We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.
We always seek collaboration
We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.
We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.
We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.
Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.
Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Our employee benefits
Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.
How to apply
Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.
You will need to:
- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.
You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.
As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.
Interviews:
1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.
2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.
You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
Organisation
Impetus
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Registered Charity
51 - 100
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.
Refreshed on: 07 September 2026
Closing date: 20 September 2026 at 23:30
Tags: Business Development, Education, Employment, Engagement / Outreach, Corporate Fundraising, Individual Giving
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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London, Greater London (Hybrid)
1.49 miles
£60,000 per year
Full-time
Permanent
Job description
We’re looking for an experienced fundraiser to join World Cities Culture Forum as a key senior leader in the team. You will build strong momentum and lead income generation from international foundations, philanthropic partnerships, and corporate sponsorship. You will work collaboratively to expand existing initiatives and develop new offerings.
This is an exciting opportunity for a self-starter who thrives on building relationships with international funders, shaping strategy for a growing charity, and representing the World Cities Culture Forum externally across our global network of 50 cities.
- Location: Hybrid — 3 days/week in our London office, international travel
- Employment type: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours/week); 0.8 FTE or secondment arrangements also considered
- Reports to: Director
- Salary: £60,000 (or pro-rata equivalent)
- Application deadline: 21 September, 9:00AM BST
Organisation
World Cities Culture Forum
View profile
Registered Charity
6 - 10
Registered Charity
6 - 10
World Cities Culture Forum is the leading global network of over 40 creative cities, placing culture at the heart of city planning and investment.
Posted on: 03 September 2026
Closing date: 21 September 2026 at 09:00
Tags: Fundraising, International Development, Social Care / Development, Project Management, Culture, Delivery, Mentoring / Coaching, Partnerships, Programme Management, Public Affairs, Strategy, Events / Activities, Governance / Management
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