Director of fundraising and partnerships jobs

Operations Director:

A new post at the Longford Trust, created at an exciting time of growth and development for the charity.

- A 3 day-a-week role;

- Reporting to the Director and working as part of the Senior Management Team of the trust, within an overall cohort of eight, all part-time posts;

- Paid pro-rata of £50-55,000 depending on experience via PAYE with pensions contributions;

- The trust has no physical office, so team members work remotely, with flexible hours, but all team members work Tuesdays. There are regular face-to-face team meetings, as well as one-to-ones, so easy access to London an advantage.

Responsibilities

- Leadership role in following areas: strategy, developing and implementing the 10-Year-Plan; HR; our Frank Awards programme; Communications and Marketing, systems, digital and AI.

- Working with the Director on fund-raising and finance, growing and nurturing our core partnerships;

- Working with other SMT members when needed in delivering their specific programme areas.

Person specification

Essential qualities you need to be able to demonstrate:

- commitment to prison reform, with an understanding of the prison system and the barriers it creates for those leaving prison (lived experience of the prison or the criminal justice system is valued);

- senior management background either in a charitable organisation or in a relevant area;

- an entrepreneurial approach;

- proven leadership skills and ability to represent the trust in public settings;

- track record in expressing yourself clearly and persuasively in writing;

- strong interpersonal skills in regard of team-working, team-building and upholding the values of the trust;

- up-to-date financial and digital literacy.

Values

Taking our cue from Frank Longford, after whom the trust is named, our values shape every aspect of our work, including all relationships between team members, trustees, scholarship award-holders, our volunteer trained mentors and our employability partners. These values include:

- A firm belief in the power of education to change lives;

- A passion for second chances for those with lived experience of prison;

- A thorough-going can-do, practical approach that is driven by a desire to level the playing field for those who have been to prison and are committed to building new lives;

- A commitment to integration of all regardless of background and circumstances. We assume the best, start from the positive, are curious, are always ready to learn, and reject fixed mindsets.

Who we are and what we do

The Longford Trust was set up in 2002. Each November, it stages an annual Longford Lecture and awards an annual Longford Prize. Our Longford Scholarship programme supports young serving and ex-prisoners to continue their rehabilitation by going to university. It is the only programme of its type across the UK, supporting more than 600 individuals so far, with over 100 current award-holders, as well as many alumni who continue to be part of the trust. Between 80 and 85% of those we support go on to graduate, move into employment and build new lives. Our scholarship programme accounts for more than three quarters of our expenditure

Apply to with an up-to-date CV and accompanying letter explaining how you fit our job specification, why you want to work with the Longford Trust, and what you will bring to it. Closing date noon on Friday May 1. Interviews will be in person in the second week of May.

Our Operations Director will lead the development of the operational infrastructure required to scale Fruitful Work nationally and internationally. Working in close partnership with the Founder & CEO, this role takes ownership of the systems, processes, team and organisational rhythms that enable the charity to grow rapidly and sustainably. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys building from the ground up, turning vision into reliable execution, and creating the foundations that allow a small team to deliver outsized impact.

You will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the organisation and lead the recruitment and management of a growing operations team as Fruitful Work expands.

Please see our attached candidate pack for the full role description

Location: 89 Addison Road, London, W14 8BZ, and other Trust sites across London

Contract Type: Full time, all year round

Salary: £31,980-£33,870

Start Date: As soon as possible

About the Role

Working closely with the Development Manager and the Development Director, you will play a key role in strengthening relationships with the Trust’s communities, supporting fundraising initiatives and delivering engaging communications and events that foster lifelong connections with the Trust and its schools.

Key Responsibilities

• Build meaningful relationships across school communities and alumni networks, bringing people together and inspiring them to support the Trust’s vision
• Lead creative fundraising and engagement initiatives, from community campaigns to reunions and events, helping to drive a vibrant culture of giving
• Boost the Trust’s growth and sustainability by supporting data‑driven fundraising, managing donor stewardship, maintaining accurate customer relationship management (CRM) records, and contributing to strong grant proposals

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will be:

• A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal and writing skills who can engage a vast range of stakeholders
• Experienced in relationship management, fundraising or engagement
• Organised, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Skilled in using CRM systems and digital communication tools
• Passionate about education and community building
• A team player with a proactive and positive approach

About the Trust

The Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust is a growing family of Catholic schools (primary, secondary and post-16), a registered charity and a trading company committed to providing an outstanding education rooted in faith, aspiration and service.

Our Shared Services Team provides high-quality professional and operational support across the Trust, enabling schools to focus on teaching, learning and pastoral care.

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunities for training and development to help you grow in your career
• The chance to contribute to a trust committed to delivering high-quality education and supporting staff wellbeing
• Hybrid working during school holidays
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and generous holiday entitlement

How to Apply

For further details on the role, please view the Job Description and Person Specification or visit our website to find out more about us.

To apply for this role, please complete the application forms available on our Vacancies webpage. Applications should be sent via email.

Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview upon receipt of application, therefore we advise you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

The Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All roles are subject to satisfactory vetting, including an Enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List.

The posts below are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (amended 2013 and 2020)) provide that when applying for certain jobs, certain spent convictions and cautions are protected and they do not need to be disclosed to employers. If they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account.  Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website and further information about filtering offences can be found in DBS filtering guide.

Join us in our mission to cultivate an educational environment that inspires growth, respect and academic achievement!

HEAD OF RETENTION & DEVELOPMENT

Senior supporter retention and donor development role with individuals, churches and charitable trusts at Christian charity Embrace the Middle East.

Why work for Embrace the Middle East?

• Hybrid role: High Wycombe (minimum onsite twice a month)
• 10% employer pension contribution
• 24 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, increasing to 25 days after 5 years and 26 days after 10 years. Plus 3 days between Christmas and New Year.
• Life Assurance: 3× salary
• Flexi-time and home-working options
• Employee Assistance Programme (confidential counselling, legal and financial advice, available 24/7)
• Access to retail discount portal
• Training and development programme
• A values-led team committed to mission, integrity, and compassion

About the Role

Working with the Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will lead the development and delivery of Embrace’s supporter retention and donor development strategy, building deep and lasting relationships with individuals, churches, and communities. You’ll be responsible for shaping the full supporter lifecycle, from onboarding and ongoing relationship building to reactivation, cross-engagement, and long-term value growth. This is a role that blends strategy, creativity, and data insight, requiring someone who can hold the big picture while empowering a diverse team of fundraising and subject matter experts.

You’ll have:

• Proven experience in supporter engagement, donor retention, and income growth strategies.
• Strong analytical skills, experience using data for segmentation, trend analysis,
• and performance optimisation.
• Strategic thinking, with the ability to innovate and diversify income streams.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with an ability to lead and develop high‑performing teams in hybrid/remote settings.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects from planning to delivery.
• Knowledge of UK fundraising regulations, GDPR, and ethical practice.

Role Requirements

• Commitment to Embrace’s Christian mission and values (as a practising Christian or someone supportive of our ethos).
• Willingness to travel occasionally to the Middle East (every 2–3 years).
• Right to work in the UK.

About Embrace the Middle East

At Embrace the Middle East, we believe in hope, dignity, and partnership. For over 170 years, we’ve worked with local Christian partners to bring healthcare, education, and opportunity to vulnerable and marginalised communities.

We are strengthening our marketing to deepen engagement and expand our supporter base. We are now seeking an experienced, visionary Head of Marketing & Acquisition to lead multi‑channel supporter and donor growth, build a digital‑first marketing strategy, and drive sustainable organisational impact.

Embrace the Middle East is committed to equal opportunities and to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief. If you require adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know in your online response.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a medical questionnaire and undertake a disclosure check as part of our safer recruitment policy.

For an informal chat to ask any questions, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Please apply through the Charisma Charity Recruitment website with your CV and supporting statement.

Key dates:

Closing date: Tuesday 28th April 2026

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by: Tuesday 5th May 2026

Interviews with Embrace the Middle East: w/c 11th May 2026

Please refer to the candidate pack for more comprehensive information.

Are you a skilled relationship-builder with corporate fundraising experience? Do you love spending time in the outdoors and want to help young people from Somerset? Join the Youth Adventure Trust's small but mighty team and use your skills to help transform the lives of vulnerable young people.

The Role

Having launched our Youth Adventure Programmes in Somerset in 2024, we are now looking for somebody who wants to take the next step in their fundraising career to build on the foundations of the last two years and significantly increase our presence in the county. 

As our Regional Corporate Fundraiser,  you'll be the driving force behind our local business partnerships, working with both large companies operating in the region and smaller local businesses looking to support their communities. 

Your role will encompass:

• Relationship building: Identifying and securing new corporate partnerships while providing high-quality stewardship to our existing Somerset-based supporters.

• Community Engagement: Championing our work in Somerset by giving engaging talks to community groups and networking with local businesses.

• Event delivery: Playing a key role in delivering local fundraising challenge events, the bi-annual Somerset Adventure Dinner and developing new opportunities to unite the Somerset business community behind our mission.

You'll work closely with the Corporate Partnership Manager and the Director of Fundraising and Communications to ensure each proposal is bespoke and every corporate partner understands the impact of their support on local young people.  You must live in Somerset, have a good local awareness and be willing to travel around the county and beyond to nurture long-lasting, strategic relationships.

About You

We are looking for a people-person, who is self-motivated and highly organised. You are as comfortable in the board room engaging business leaders as  you are standing on a mountain side in your waterproofs! You will be:

• Experienced: A proven track record in building successful corporate partnerships and achieving income targets;

• A relationship fundraiser: building long-lasting meaningful relationships should be at the heart of every single corporate partnership;

• An inspiring communicator:  You will be telling our story in a variety of different ways to inspire support and grow our networks;

• Self-motivated:  You are comfortable working from home but eager to be ‘out and about’ in the business community;

• Pro-active and creative: No corporate partnership is the same, so you will be proactive in understanding a corporate partner’s motivation and coming up with creative ideas to build successful relationships;

• Local: You must live in or near Somerset to maximise local networking opportunities, attend regular in-person meetings and events  and confidently talk about local issues facing both businesses and the young people we support through our programmes;

• Outdoorsy: A genuine love for the outdoors, comfortable in wellies and waterproofs with an understanding of 'the power of the outdoors'.

The Charity

At the Youth Adventure Trust, we use outdoor adventure to empower vulnerable young people from Swindon, Wiltshire and Somerset to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future. We work with them to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime, helping them to face the challenges in their lives. Dedicated support, guidance and mentoring from our staff and volunteers ensures young people receive the maximum benefit from our long-term intervention. Our aim is to make a lasting improvement to the lives of vulnerable young people. All our services are provided completely free of charge to the young people who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations to take part.

We’re proud to offer our programmes completely free of charge to participants which means the fundraising team is crucial. With ambitious plans to help more young people from Somerset over the coming years, our Regional Corporate Fundraiser role is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference for local young people.  Whilst you will have the flexibility of a 21-hours-per-week role, this could increase as more corporate partnerships are secured. You’ll be part of a small fundraising team with a big heart, with plenty of opportunities to visit our programmes and see the tangible impact of your work. 

Safer Recruitment

The Youth Adventure Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and requires all employees to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

XLP is a vibrant youth work charity dedicated to shaping bright futures for young people. Leading the charge 
against poverty and educational failure in inner London, we offer holistic, long-term support to 11- to 25-yearolds in both schools and communities.

We are looking for an ambitious, hopeful and relationship-driven Corporate and Statutory Partnerships 
Director.

This role is pivotal to our growth plans and will generate significant and sustainable income by galvanizing and 
deepening corporate and statutory partner engagement and support.

Based in the heart of the City, you will combine commercial instinct with social purpose. You will 
build impactful partnerships that will enable and empower positive outcomes for young people whilst also 
contributing to improved social value for corporate and statutory partners. You will have senior-level 
experience in corporate fundraising, corporate social responsibility or business and partnership 
development.

Contract type

Permanent

Location

Whittington with some flexibility for remote working

Hours

Full time (37.5 hours per week) with flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required

Annual salary

E1 £39,224.42 to E3 £46,068.16

Last day to apply

29/03/2026

The Community Fundraising Manager is responsible for leading and growing the hospice’s community income portfolio, driving sustainable voluntary income through grassroots engagement, volunteer mobilisation and campaign development.

The post holder will hold accountability for income generated through all community fundraising activity, alongside key community campaigns such as Rudolph Run, Bunny Hop and Coffee Morning.

They will develop and implement a community growth strategy that expands geographic reach, strengthens supporter stewardship and builds a structured volunteer programme to extend capacity and deepen local engagement.

The Community Fundraising Manager will lead high value community supporter relationships, provide operational oversight of campaign delivery and line manage the Community Fundraiser to ensure achievement of income targets and excellent supporter experience.

Knowledge and experience

Essential

·Experience of leading and developing community fundraising activity.

·Proven track record of achieving income targets.

·Experience of managing income and expenditure budgets.

·Experience of building and stewarding supporter relationships.

·Experience of line management and performance development.

·Experience of developing and delivering fundraising campaigns.

·Strong understanding of data, reporting and income forecasting.

Desirable

·Experience of developing volunteer ambassador or volunteer led programmes.

·Experience of working within a hospice or charity environment.

Values

·Exhibits our hospice values and behaviours

Skills

Essential

·Strong leadership and coaching skills.

·Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.

·Commercial awareness and ability to analyse income performance.

·Ability to prioritise and manage multiple campaigns.

·Effective diary management and organisational skills.

·Confident communicator and presenter.

Personal Attributes

·Empathetic

·Team player

·Collaborative

·Resilient

·Ambassador for St Giles Hospice

Other requirements

·Valid driving licence

·Eligibility to work in the UK

·Please note that St Giles Hospice does not hold a sponsorship licence and is therefore unable to accept sponsorship requests

Just so you know:

This post is subject to a Disclose and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We may review applications before the application review date, however, if you apply after the application review date, your application may not be considered. We will accept applications until we have successfully filled the role; this may be earlier than the closing date.

If you have not heard within 14 days of the application close date, then please consider that your application has been unsuccessful at this time.

As part of your application your data will be managed in line with St Giles Hospice Privacy Policy and kept for 6 months. If you would like to see this in full, please visit our website for our Privacy Policy. This is in extension to Charity Job Privacy Policy.

We’re looking for an experienced, proactive fundraiser who can think strategically and deliver hands-on. Someone confident writing bids, building partnerships and spotting opportunities for growth.

This is a key role at a pivotal moment for AudioActive, offering the chance to build on strong foundations and shape a diverse, sustainable income model and power a team that is dedicated to empowering young people through music.

What you’ll do

• Lead and deliver AudioActive’s fundraising and development strategy
• Grow income across trusts & foundations, tenders, contracts and partnerships
• Write high-quality bids, proposals and pitches
• Develop new business partnerships aligned with our mission
• Build strong relationships with funders, partners and supporters
• Work closely with the CEO and team to align income with programmes
• Track performance, manage targets and identify new opportunities

ABOUT BRIGHTPIP

BrightPIP (Brighton Parent/Infant Psychological Therapy) is a specialist infant mental health charity supporting babies aged 0–2 and their families across Brighton & Hove and Sussex. We provide early therapeutic intervention to strengthen relationships and prevent cycles of intergenerational trauma.

We are a small, friendly and growing charity, supported by a dedicated clinical team and Trustee Board. As we expand to support up to 250 families per year, we are strengthening our operational and coordination capacity.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative and highly organised Marketing & Fundraising Coordinator to grow BrightPIP’s visibility, income and community engagement. This role sits at the heart of BrightPIP’s external presence, working closely with clinicians, trustees and supporters to tell our story and build sustainable income.

This is a key role within the charity. You will lead our day-to-day marketing and communications, and support and deliver community fundraising campaigns and events. You will also build strong relationships with supporters, nurseries/schools, community groups and corporate partners.

This role is ideal for a confident self-starter who enjoys storytelling, connecting with people, and shaping a growing role within a values-driven organisation. The role will evolve as the charity grows, offering opportunities to develop new campaigns, partnerships and communications.

You will report to the Clinical Director and work closely with the clinical team, fundraiser and trustees.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead BrightPIP’s marketing, communications and brand presence across digital and print channels
• Create and schedule social media content, newsletters, blogs and website updates
• Support and deliver community fundraising campaigns, events and challenge activities
• Steward supporters, families, nurseries/schools, community groups and corporate partners
• Write case studies, supporter stories and communications materials (with safeguarding oversight)
• Support press activity and media engagement
• Work closely with clinicians, the fundraiser and trustees to support BrightPIP’s growth

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone who is creative, confident and people-focused, with a passion for telling meaningful stories and connecting communities with a cause they believe in.

Do you…?

• Enjoy creating engaging content and campaigns that bring a charity’s work to life
• Feel confident managing social media, newsletters and digital communications
• Like building relationships with supporters, community groups and partners
• Enjoy planning and delivering fundraising activities and events
• Have a good eye for brand, tone and consistency
• Use insight and engagement trends to shape future activity
• Take initiative, enjoy variety, and like seeing the impact of your work

Experience in marketing, fundraising, communications or community engagement is essential.

Experience with tools such as Canva, Mailchimp or WordPress is desirable.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Being part of a pioneering, highly specialist team who are passionate about our mission and supportive of each other
• Flexible, family-friendly working, with hybrid working
• Opportunity to shape and grow with the role as the charity expands
• CPD and development opportunities

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit:

· Your CV

· A short supporting statement explaining why you are interested in the role and how your experience meets the person specification

SAFEGUARDING

BrightPIP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of babies, children and families. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

If you’re motivated by impact, people and long-term sustainability, we have the role for you!

University of East Anglia (UEA) was built to embody a radical new vision for higher education, where interdisciplinarity is crucial and excellence in both research and teaching is valued. UEA consistently ranks within the top quarter of universities in the UK for the quality of research and teaching. In 2024, the University launched its ambitious new institutional fundraising campaign. The goal is to raise £100 million to underpin academic excellence, transform the campus, advance medical research, mitigate climate change, and strengthen arts and cultures.

As the Director of Development, Alumni and Campaigns, you will undertake a high-profile, outward-facing leadership role at the heart of our future growth. You will work as a trusted business partner alongside senior leaders, and build powerful partnerships locally, regionally and nationally. You’ll shape and deliver an ambitious approach across fundraising, alumni engagement, and external partnerships, tapping into trusts and philanthropy while embedding a culture of fundraising and collaboration across the University.

As the role holder, you will thrive in externally focused, relationship-led leadership, operating strategically while getting others on board. Furthermore, you will empower your team, be commercially minded, partnership driven and values led, and be influential and collaborative, championing opportunity and generating income. You will be a strategic leader who has operated at a senior level, with a track-record of securing income through fundraising. Experience working within the education or not for profit sectors, while not essential, would be helpful.

Are you a brilliant communicator and collaborator who loves getting into the nitty-gritty of logistics and organisation? Join a passionate team working to end inequality in education through the power of Classics.

We’re looking for a Fundraising and Events Officer to help devise, organise and deliver a variety of events, seek sponsorship opportunities and grow our membership base. From managing systems and data to coordinating logistics and analysing results, every day can be a little bit different. You will be the first point of contact for many of our event attendees, donors and supporters and will enjoy building relationships and improving and maintaining systems to ensure that people have a positive interaction with Classics for All.

Diversity and inclusion

As a social mobility charity, being inclusive is a fundamental value of Classics for All. We welcome applications from all eligible people and are particularly keen to receive applications from those who are from communities that are less represented within the Classics community, such as those from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities.

It does not matter if Classics was offered at your own school, and you do not need to be a classicist to join our team – there are no Latin tests!

The Talent Set is delighted to be partnering with The Urology Foundation to recruit to a brand new Director of Philanthropy role, leading on an exciting new campaign and driving growth of income from HWNI supporters.

Director of Philanthropy
Salary - £60,000 - £70,000 dependent on experience
Location: London (hybrid working)

Over the past few years, The Urology Foundation has experienced an exciting period of growth, enabling them to strategically broaden their research portfolio and focus on driving greater impact. 

In 2024, they launched a bold new research strategy, co-created with a brilliant and diverse group of researchers. To fuel this vision, the charity are launching a £5m major appeal (with a significant proportion of this already committed) and as such, require a Director of Philanthropy to strategically lead and engage a newly established Development Board to maximise network opportunities and secure significant gifts from HNWI supporters. 

As Director of Philanthropy you will lead, shape and accelerate this appeal with a long-term vision of building a sustainable major giving function for the organisation. The Urology Foundation is a small organisation with big ambitions and a powerful team behind it to enable the success of the appeal - they're looking for a skilled philanthropy fundraiser who is energised by uncovering networks, strategising for the long term and eager to build committed relationships. 

You may already be a Director of Philanthropy, or a Deputy looking for your first senior step. Either way, you'll be relationship led and driven to spot opportunities, building trust with senior clinicians, board members and high value supporters. A background in health/medical research is certainly desirable but isn't essential - what matters more is that you understand how to navigate networks, work with major donor prospects and turn conversations into commitments. 

As Director of Philanthropy you will:

• Provide strategic direction and hands-on support to secure major gifts, collaborating closely with internal colleagues and senior stakeholders (including the CEO, Development Board and senior clinicians) to maximise network opportunities.
• Take ownership of the new appeal, driving strategy, momentum and donor engagement to develop a strong pipeline of new prospects and leads. 
• Oversee the creation of new cases for support, briefings and donor resources to ensure the organisational narrative remains compelling and evidence-driven. 
• Personally establish and manage a portfolio of HNWI supporters, ensuring tailored cultivation plans and stewardship. 
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications to produce compelling fundraising assets that elevate the profile of the organisation and encourage high-value support. 
• With the support of the Events Manager, establish and co-ordinate a variety of events to support the appeal, engaging with HNW prospects and supporters. 

The role would best suit:

• A senior philanthropy fundraiser, with proven success in establishing pipelines of HNWI supporters and securing major gifts. 
• An individual with experience of campaign fundraising/working closely with senior volunteers/trustees and senior stakeholders to establish new network opportunities. 
• A strategic thinker with the ability to create long-term engagement plans that consider opportunities for support beyond the immediate appeal. 
• Someone who is happy to be both strategic and hands-on - you'll be comfortable with strategically shaping propositions and guiding senior leadership with HNWI engagements, but equally happy to meet prospects and handle day-to-day stewardship of your own portfolio. 

Please get in touch as soon as possible to express an initial interest, the deadline for applications (CV and Application Questions) is Thursday 9th April with first stage interviews scheduled to take place virtually on Wednesday 15th April.  

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Operation Smile is an international medical charity specialising in cleft surgery and care for babies, children and adults. Since 1982, the organisation has transformed lives through safe surgery and comprehensive cleft care, while strengthening local health systems through training, education and partnerships

Operating in more than 30 countries, Operation Smile raises around $100m globally each year. Operation Smile UK plays a vital role within this international network as a fundraising office, working closely with Operation Smile Inc. to fund programmes and support medical volunteers delivering care around the world.

The organisation is entering an exciting phase of development through its Operation 100 strategy, which focuses on strengthening surgical systems by supporting district hospitals closer to the communities they serve. This approach creates compelling opportunities for philanthropy, enabling donors to support highly tangible, life-changing interventions while helping build sustainable surgical capacity in low-resource settings.

Operation Smile UK has a strong individual giving programme and well-established relationships with corporate partners, trusts and institutional donors. Major donor fundraising, however, is still developing, presenting significant untapped potential and an exciting opportunity to help build a structured and sustainable philanthropy programme.

Operation Smile UK is now seeking a Philanthropy Manager to help grow major donor fundraising, building new philanthropic relationships and expanding support from HNWIs.

As Philanthropy Manager, you will:

• Develop and implement Operation Smile UK’s major donor strategy alongside the Director of Partnerships
• Identify and cultivate new major donor prospects through research, networking (internally and externally) and peer-to-peer introductions through supporters and board members
• Steward a small but warm portfolio of existing donors while focusing primarily on developing new prospects, delivering full lifecycle stewardship from cultivation through to long-term relationship management
• Develop compelling restricted funding propositions aligned with programmes, including geographically or thematically focused projects
• Lead cultivation activity including donor meetings, proposals, events and programme visits
• Represent Operation Smile UK confidently with major donors, prospects and senior stakeholders
• Contribute to the continued development of philanthropy fundraising within the wider Partnerships team
• Occasionally travel internationally to visit programmes and accompany donors, providing first-hand insight into Operation Smile’s impact

Essential skills and experience:

• Experience in major donor fundraising with a track record of securing five-figure+ gifts from HNWIs
• Experience managing the full lifecycle of major donor fundraising, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation and stewardship
• Strong prospect research and pipeline development skills, including identifying and developing new donor relationships from cold
• Experience and confidence in building rapport and trust with prospective major donors
• Experience engaging trustees, senior volunteers and colleagues in fundraising and leveraging networks for peer-to-peer introductions
• Confidence and credibility when representing an organisation to HNWIs and senior stakeholders
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to champion major donor fundraising in a collaborative and thoughtful way across the organisation
• A proactive, self-starting approach and the ability to identify and develop opportunities within a growing fundraising programme

Desirable:

• Experience in international development or global health fundraising
• Experience helping to develop a major donor programme from a low base or early stage

We are open to receiving applications from early career major donor fundraisers for this role. The role offers an opportunity to work alongside an experienced Director of Partnerships who has previously built major donor programmes and is committed to supporting the successful candidate through coaching and mentoring.

Employee benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave, excluding bank holidays, with 1-day additional holiday each year to a maximum of 30 days annual leave
• 6.1% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced maternity package (min. 24 months service)
• Employee Assistance Programme

Operation Smile UK are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

Operation Smile UK are a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

Job Title: Head of Fundraising & Membership
Reporting to: Director of Development & External Relations 
Responsible for: Line-management of two staff (Development Manager and Stakeholder Relations Officer)
Based: Our Head Office is based in Kensington, London SW7, but we have an agile working policy enabling people to work at another UK location up to 4 days/week. Requests for permanent remote working will be considered and we welcome applications from people based in other parts of the UK.
Terms: Full-time (35 hours per week), Permanent. Requests for part-time or flexible working will be considered
Salary: £46,811 - £57,416 per annum

About Us

The British Science Association (BSA) was founded in 1831 and is a registered charity.

We are creating a future where science is more relevant, representative, and connected to society.

We have ambitious goals to put people at the heart of science.

About the Role

The Head of Fundraising & Membership will be an experienced professional fundraiser responsible for developing and delivering a comprehensive fundraising and membership strategy to grow and diversify sustainable income for the British Science Association across its portfolio of programmes.

A central part of the role will be leading development and delivery of the membership and fundraising strategy for EDIS (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Science and Health), a national membership coalition hosted by the British Science Association (BSA) delivered in partnership with the Francis Crick Institute and funded by the Wellcome Trust.

Working closely with the Director of Development & External Relations, Chief Executive and other colleagues across the organisation, the postholder will lead fundraising and business development activity, strengthen BSA supporter engagement, and EDIS organisational member engagement, and help shape resilient income models that support the BSA’s mission to ensure that all of society is included in science.

Key responsibilities

Develop and deliver the BSA’s fundraising strategy

• Develop the BSA’s fundraising strategy, working with key stakeholders, and create an accompanying implementation plan, KPIs and milestones.
• Monitor and report on the delivery of the fundraising strategy to the Senior Management Team and Board.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to support the delivery of the fundraising strategy.

Develop and grow membership of EDIS (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Science and Health)

• Develop and deliver the EDIS membership strategy, including an implementation plan with clear KPIs and milestones
• Work closely with the Head of EDIS and wider EDIS team to develop a compelling and sustainable membership offer and pricing structure (from year 3 of the programme) for current and prospective organisational members .
• Develop and deliver a membership growth plan, and work closely with the EDIS team to oversee member communications, engagement campaigns and retention strategies.
• Work with the Head of EDIS and other colleagues to develop additional earned income streams that complement membership (such as sponsorship or paid-for training).

Lead, support and champion the Development team

• Foster a strong, collaborative team culture for the BSA Development team, reflecting the values of the BSA and of EDIS, and inspiring the team to develop and contribute to the fundraising strategy and the BSA’s and EDIS’ mission and vision.
• Work collaboratively with teams across the BSA, encouraging all teams to support the organisation’s fundraising and income generation activities, as appropriate.
• Deputise for the Director of Development & External Relations, when needed.

Lead on our fundraising activities and donor engagement

• Lead and provide oversight on high-quality applications and bids to corporates, trusts and foundations, statutory sources and other funders, working closely with Development team members and other colleagues.
• Lead the development of high-value strategic partnerships, including multi-year and/or multi-programme partnerships, aligning funder priorities with organisational impact.
• Lead on the BSA’s donor stewardship plans, ensuring timely and effective reporting to funders as well as a strong supporter experience.
• Ensure there is a comprehensive pipeline of funding bids with a clear prospecting plan for the BSA.
• Work closely with the Head of Education and wider team to develop and deliver fundraising approaches that complement earned income for the BSA’s flagship CREST Awards programme.
• Work closely with the Director of Development & External Relations, CEO, Trustees and other colleagues to help build strong relationships with prospective donors and high-profile stakeholders, by providing timely briefings for donor meetings to support senior level engagement.

Develop our processes and systems to allow for effective fundraising and membership

• Lead on our fundraising Customer Relationship Management (CRM), ensuring that fundraising and membership relationships are captured, updated and shared in a timely and consistent way across the organisation.
• Develop compelling cases for support and fundraising collateral, working closely with programmes, communications, policy and other teams across the BSA.
• Ensure that our fundraising complies with the highest fundraising standards, as set out by the Fundraising Regulator, Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Charity Commission of England & Wales, and other relevant bodies.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in fundraising, including securing significant grants and/or contracts, managing a complex fundraising pipeline and stewarding funders during a partnership and experience in developing and implementing successful supporter/member engagement strategies.

The closing date for applications is Monday 13 April at 12 noon.
First round interviews are due to take place in the week commencing Monday 27 April 2026, with second round interviews taking place on Monday 11 May and Tuesday 12 May 2026.

You will be informed as soon as possible after the application deadline whether you have been selected for interview.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

As part of the British Science Association’s commitment to being a Disability Confident employer, all disabled applicants who meet the ‘essential criteria’ for this vacancy will be offered an interview under our guaranteed interview scheme.

No agencies please.