164 Director of fundraising and partnerships jobs

Could you be the person who helps make brilliant fundraising happen behind the scenes?

Natasha’s Foundation, the food allergy charity, is looking for an experienced, highly organised and personable Fundraising & Supporter Care Coordinator to join our small and ambitious fundraising team.

We’re a passionate, energetic and friendly team, united by a determination to make a real difference. We work hard, move quickly and have big ambitions for a small charity – but we also really value the way we work together. Everyone brings something different, ideas are welcomed, people support one another and there’s a genuine sense of excitement about what we can achieve.

This is a varied role for someone who loves working with people, takes real pride in getting the detail right and is equally comfortable supporting a donor, working with data or helping a busy fundraising team stay one step ahead.

You’ll be at the heart of our fundraising operation: providing warm and thoughtful supporter care, supporting individual giving, helping us make the best use of our Beacon CRM, producing accurate fundraising and income information, and supporting proposals, reports, communications and fundraising resources.

We’re looking for someone who is warm, organised, numerate and confident with data, with excellent attention to detail and practical experience of using Beacon CRM. Just as importantly, we’re looking for someone who will enjoy being part of our team – someone positive, proactive and willing to get stuck in.

You’ll be joining Natasha’s Foundation at an exciting point in our journey. We are working to improve the lives of people with food allergy through education, campaigning and pioneering medical research, with one hugely ambitious goal: a future without food allergy.

If you enjoy making things work brilliantly, care about giving supporters a great experience and want to bring your skills and energy to a charity where your contribution will genuinely be noticed and valued, we’d love to hear from you.

20 hours per week | Home-based | £32,000–£34,000 FTE

Love meeting donors, building relationships and securing meaningful funding for a compelling cause? 

At Target Ovarian Cancer, we're looking for a talented relationship fundraiser who thrives on connecting passionate supporters with causes that change lives. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced major donor fundraiser who enjoys being out meeting people, uncovering opportunities, securing significant gifts and developing long-term partnerships that make a real difference. 

You'll inherit and grow a portfolio of high-value supporters, develop new donor relationships, and work with philanthropists and trusts and foundations who want to help stop ovarian cancer devastating lives. 

If you're energised by donor meetings, comfortable leading funding conversations, and motivated by turning warm relationships into transformational gifts, we'd love to hear from you.

About the role 

As our Senior Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in growing income from major donors, trusts and foundations, and strategic funding partners. 

Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships, Director of Fundraising & Engagement, Chief Executive and Trustees, you'll identify and cultivate new opportunities, develop compelling funding propositions and deliver outstanding stewardship that inspires long-term support. 

A significant proportion of this role is externally focused. You'll spend time meeting donors and prospects, building relationships, understanding motivations, presenting opportunities and making asks. 

To be successful, you'll be supported by a dedicated Philanthropy & Partnerships Programme Manager who leads on donor events, reporting, stewardship support and CRM optimisation, allowing you to focus on building relationships and generating income. 

Why join us? 

For the right candidate, this could be a career defining role at an organisation that has the credibility, leadership and propositions to deliver transformational funding growth. Working in a supportive but driven department, with two experienced high value fundraisers within the senior leadership team and a supportive board, this is a real opportunity to make your mark.

About Animal Defenders International

London – Los Angles – Bogota – South Africa. Animal Defenders International (ADI) is a UK non-profit; ADI Foundation is a UK registered charity (inc. Lord Dowding Fund for Humane Research); Animal Defenders International Inc.US (nonprofit). Animal Defenders International South Africa, PBO (charity), funding the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. ADI works to protect wildlife, our environment; to end suffering of animals in entertainment (circuses, movies, shows, sports); replacement of animals in research & testing with advanced technology. When governments ban the use of all, or wild animals in entertainment, or wildlife pets, ADI supports with relocation of the animals, emptying all circus cages in Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Guatemala. The ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS), South Africa, is home to over 30 rescued big cats from circuses, illegal pet trade, zoos. 

Location: London (hybrid/remote; 3 days office, 2 days remote)

Terms:             Permanent, full time. Benefits: 20 days annual leave; national holidays; 5 days office closure Christmas–New Year; Stakeholder pension.

Reports to: ADI President and Vice President

Position objective:

• Ensures every aspect of ADI’s work is fully funded.
• Planned growth of ADI income from general public, marketing, special projects and appeals, foundations and corporate support.
• Implements fundraising appeals; marketing strategies; major gifts, foundations, corporate support; promotions of legacies; estates.
• Obtains funding for special projects, e.g., science research, ADIWS support, capital projects.
• Annual and quarterly plans, strategies, alliances, growth of ADI income through marketing, social media, legacy media, donor relationships, corporate support.
• Effective management of fundraising and development teams.

Duties:

• Production of quarterly and annual fundraising, marketing corporate and media plan: targets – quarterly, annual; schedules, outlines, incorporating senior management team objectives (media, science projects, campaigns, education, rescues, ADIWS).
• Outreach – corporate, foundations, major donors, other.
• Donor base: sustained giving; digital and postal direct response; increasing donor engagement and retention; planned giving; special events/calendar dates; major gifts; grants; corporate; legacies, trusts, estates; new income research.
• Manages fundraising calendar, mailings, events, targets, tracking; includes social media.
• Grant Applications, foundations, corporate: Identify, plan, approach, draft grant applications/letters of inquiry and collateral for foundations, trusts, corporate partnerships and gifts, major donor gifts.
• Donor liaison, relationships: high donors, foundations, estates, corporate, sponsors.
• Reporting – weekly, monthly, quarter, annual: income tracking, supervise production of data for quarterly reports, annual.
• Liaison with senior directors: Weekly.

Publications, Social, Websites, Online & Print

• Weekly Social media posts – contribute copy, graphics
• Weekly E-News alerts to supporters (with public relations director)
• Contributes fundraising and development section to Annual Report
• Contributes copy for quarterly Rescuer magazines
• Other contributions to publications as needed
• General: Drafting copy, editing, production; collaborates with public relations/senior directors on various publications
• Oversees production of print and online publications – liaison with external graphic designers (collaboration with public relations director)
• Websites – contribute content, collaborate with public relations on structure.
• Advertising, marketing, ADI YouTube channel – develop fundraising, marketing.

Management, data, oversight, reporting:

• Management of UK supporter engagement, fundraising team.
• Oversight of Raiser’s Edge NXT, Engaging Networks, interface with financial database and records; liaison with Chief Financial Officer.
• Monitor, manage, daily: data entry, gifts, acknowledgements, income tracking, donor communications; distribution of newsletters; calls to action; appeals. Reporting.
• Monitor, manage reconciliations, data manipulation, data-integrity projects, audits, segmentation, quarterly and other reports.
• Oversee planning, mailings, responses, data management.
• Monthly and quarterly reports: income, mailings, gifts, trusts, estates, corporate, other.

Who should apply:

You have the necessary skills and experience, with at least 4 years’ experience in fundraising planning and management for charities, including:

• Educated to degree level in a related field (or equivalent experience) (required).
• A successful track record in direct response campaign fundraising and marketing.
• Excellent written English, you can demonstrate impactful and persuasive content for high donors, foundations, corporate support, supporters, social media, marketing and legacy promotion (required).
• Strong technical skills, data management, manipulation; MS Office suite, Excel/Google, etc; competent with digital research (NB: ChatGPT not permitted for ADI product) (required).
• Strong Raiser’s Edge NXT and Engaging Networks skills (or similar); segmentation, creating lists and reports, data hygiene, audits (required).
• Some knowledge of social media tools, e.g. Canva, Photoshop, or other.
• You can plan and deliver programs for regular and planned giving, major gifts, estates, support from foundations, corporate support (required).
• Management of external vendors for direct response campaigns, production of merchandise catalogue and other sales, marketing, collateral.
• Ensures compliance with ADI’s language, policies, communications style guidelines, editing and publications authorization process (required).
• Skilled at organization and multitasking, you can successfully handle competing priorities and deadlines (required).
• Supporter Engagement culture: strong verbal and written communication skills, you can create a friendly, welcoming approach, for supporters with their donations and advocacy.
• Oversight and Management of staff and supporter relations (required):

- Create friendly, positive, service-oriented approach to help supporters donate and advocate for animals.

- Diligent processing/handling of donations, acknowledgements, correspondence, phone calls.

- Integrity and confidentiality in the handling of sensitive and confidential information

- Integrity of financial records with finance database; liaison with CFO.

• You are reliable, able to work both independently and collaboratively.

About Us:

ADI is Great Nonprofits Top-rated; Charity Navigator 4-star. Operating from London, Los Angeles, Bogota and South Africa. Exposes animal suffering and works for legal protection; replacement of animals used in research; ending the suffering of animals in entertainment; movies, advertising, circuses, sport. Wildlife trade, environment. Once animal circuses are banned ADI helps governments with implementation and relocation of the survivors to ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa: ADI has featured in CBS 60 Minutes, Animal Planet Discovery features and made award-winning documentary, Lion Ark (broadcast in over 40 countries).

Our internal policies:

ADI is dedicated to ending the suffering of animals and works for their legal protection. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment, and a plant-based lifestyle is preferred. ADI is also committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability or other.

How to apply: 

• Apply early – no closing date – applications and interviews on rolling programme.
• Send email detailing how you meet our criteria, together with your CV.
• A formal application form will be sent if you have been selected for interview.
• Interviews online and in person – once your application form has been reviewed.
• In-person interviews arranged following virtual interviews.
• If you have been selected for interview we will send you an application form to complete beforehand; this is an essential part of our recruitment process.
• Virtual interviews will be arranged once your application form has been reviewed.
• In-person interviews will be arranged following virtual interviews.

About Florence Nightingale Foundation 

At the Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF), we develop nurse and midwife leaders who can influence, improve and transform health and care. Our work has purpose, reach and impact – supporting professionals at every career stage to grow in confidence, lead with integrity and create lasting change for the people and communities they serve. 

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to lead the next phase of the FNF Academy's development and growth. As the Director of Academy, you will shape a bold, credible and high-quality Academy offer, ensuring our Scholarships, Leadership Programmes and professional development opportunities continue to meet the needs of nursing and midwifery leaders in the UK and globally. 

You will work closely with the senior leadership team and key external partners to strengthen the Academy’s influence, grow sustainable opportunities and demonstrate the value and impact of our work. This is an Executive role with real scope to bring clarity, ambition and momentum to a charity with a strong reputation and an important mission. 

About you 

You will bring executive or senior nursing or midwifery leadership experience, current NMC registration and the credibility to influence at executive level. You will be confident working with complex stakeholders, leading through change and translating strategy into practical, high-quality delivery. 

You will be a strong relationship-builder and a clear communicator, able to inspire confidence, develop high-performing teams and make decisions informed by evidence, insight and professional judgement. Most importantly, you will share our commitment to developing nurse and midwife leaders who can make a tangible difference across health and care. 

Why join us? 

You will join a small, friendly and ambitious charity where your work will have purpose and visible impact. We offer a supportive team culture, hybrid and flexible working, generous annual leave, strong pension contributions and dedicated time for personal and professional development. Further information about the role, including key responsibilities and the person specification, can be found in the candidate pack.

About us

The Runnymede Trust is the UK’s leading race equality think tank. We generate research to challenge racial inequality in Britain.

For more than 50 years, we have worked tirelessly to build a Britain in which we all belong. Proudly independent, we speak truth to power on race and racism without fear or favour. We are not swayed by political agenda, profit or popular opinion. We are authentic, led by an ethnically diverse team, and we draw from our lived experience and that of our wide and inclusive community and partnership networks.

The Role

We are seeking a talented and motivated Senior Fundraising and Grants Manager to join our team. This is a pivotal role that will help strengthen and diversify Runnymede’s income generation and support the organisation’s long-term financial sustainability.

Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the development and delivery of Runnymede’s fundraising strategy, identifying and securing funding opportunities across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, consultancy, individual giving and high-net-worth individuals. You will also manage relationships with existing funders, oversee grant management and reporting, and maintain a strong funding pipeline.

This role will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to develop compelling funding propositions and ensure fundraising activity is aligned with Runnymede’s priorities. You will also help build fundraising confidence and capability across the organisation, supporting a culture where income generation is a shared responsibility.

Who we’re looking for

You’ll be the right person for this role if you have strong experience of fundraising and income generation, with a proven ability to identify opportunities, develop compelling proposals and secure funding.

You will bring excellent relationship-building and communication skills, alongside strong strategic thinking and the ability to manage multiple funding opportunities, deadlines and relationships effectively. You’ll be proactive and strategic, with good judgement in assessing fundraising opportunities and developing sustainable income that supports Runnymede’s mission.

You’ll thrive in a collaborative environment and be confident working with senior colleagues, external partners and funders. Experience of working across different income streams and a commitment to Runnymede’s mission would be highly valued.

How to apply

To apply please click the apply button below.

This will take you to our online recruitment platform, BeApplied, which is a platform that aims to facilitate an unbiased and inclusive hiring process.

On BeApplied you will be asked to upload your CV and answer some skill-based application questions instead of a traditional covering letter.

Runnymede Trust is committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. We acknowledge that people from certain backgrounds are under-represented in research and policy making and we’re committed to doing what we can to correct this. We are particularly keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; people with disabilities; people who identify as being LGTBQIA; people who have a mental health condition; and people who identify as working class now or in the past.

We are also aware that many highly capable prospective candidates nonetheless rule themselves out of work in think tanks because they underestimate their own ability to do the role. With this in mind, we strongly encourage applications from anyone who is prepared to learn and grow on the job and would like to stress that past experience of working in think tanks is not required.

Interview Schedule

Candidates will hear back about their application status on 30th of September, and interviews for shortlisted candidates will be conducted on w/c 5th of October.

Lead a Transformational Fundraising Vision – Shape the Future of Epilepsy Research

Epilepsy Society is entering one of the most ambitious chapters in its 130‑year history. A landmark planning decision has unlocked an anticipated £93 million to accelerate pioneering research, advanced diagnostics and scientific innovation, enabling us to become the world’s largest epilepsy research centre. We are now seeking a Director of Fundraising & Marketing who can turn this moment into momentum.

This is a strategic leadership role for someone who excels at setting vision, building capability and inspiring others. You will define the fundraising and marketing strategy for a new era, shaping the propositions, partnerships and profile that will fuel discovery and deliver impact for the 630,000 people living with epilepsy across the UK.

You will work at the intersection of science, philanthropy and influence: partnering with world‑leading researchers, engaging major donors and foundations, and elevating Epilepsy Society’s voice as a leader in neurological research and innovation. Your leadership will ensure we have the visibility, credibility and investment required to accelerate breakthroughs and improve lives.

If you are energised by building something significant, we would be delighted to hear from you.

About Epilepsy Society

Epilepsy Society is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming the lives of people affected by epilepsy through world‑class research, specialist medical care and trusted information. Our partnership with UCL places us at the forefront of global scientific discovery, while our clinical services, advocacy and support ensure that lived experience shapes everything we do.

We are now embarking on a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to expand our research and medical centre, invest in cutting‑edge technology and accelerate personalised treatment for people with the most complex needs. Realising this potential requires deeper partnerships, greater visibility and sustainable income growth.

About You

You are a strategic fundraising and marketing leader who brings:

• A track record of shaping high‑value fundraising strategies and securing transformational support.
• The credibility to influence at Board, executive and senior stakeholder level.
• Experience building ambitious teams, cultures and capabilities.
• The ability to translate scientific innovation into compelling, investable propositions.
• A strategic mindset paired with the judgement, presence and relationship‑building skills needed to operate at the highest levels.

You thrive in environments where you can build, shape and lead, and where your work directly accelerates scientific progress and improves lives.

If you want to play a part in creating a future where people with epilepsy are understood, supported and empowered, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Closing date: Tuesday 29th September at 9am

Do you want to be part of a dynamic and innovative fundraising team? Do you want to raise money for some of society’s most pressing challenges and play a key role in an ambitious fundraising and volunteering campaign?

We are looking to recruit a Philanthropy Officer to join us at this very exciting time. The Philanthropy Officer will be responsible for the relationship management of a portfolio of around 100 prospective donors in order to raise funds for a range of key projects. They will be responsible for the entire prospect relationship management process including researching, cultivating, asking and stewarding. 

This role will play an integral part in supporting donations to improve student experience and across key areas of research.

As part of an award-winning team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you’ll get the chance to work across the team and wider university to encourage new donors to make long-term, sustainable and significant £10k plus gifts. You will also have the opportunity to work with our senior team on proposals to top donors enabling you to get experience of working with some of the most successful and experienced major gift fundraisers in the UK Higher Education sector. 

You will be provided with a robust induction and an ongoing training program that will include support from the University as well as expert external providers.

As a Philanthropy Officer you will have responsibility for managing a portfolio of current and prospective donors. You will have the confidence to ask for donations, be a strong communicator, and be passionate about making a difference to some of the biggest challenges the world faces.

The Philanthropy Officer will take ownership of the end-to-end relationship management process of a prospect, from initial research to stewardship activity:

1. Personally manage a portfolio of circa 100 of the University’s (4- and 5-figure) donors and prospective donors, maintaining close relationships with each prospect and integrating them with the University whenever possible to bring the prospective donors to the point where you can ask for philanthropic support.

2. Secure over £100,000 of donation pledges in the first year and develop a sustainable pipeline of prospects and philanthropic income.

3. Demonstrate an understanding that successful fundraising is based on building effective relationships, which match a prospective donor’s philanthropic interest with an area of strength and/or opportunity at the University. Be responsible for the end-to-end relationship management process of your contacts including:

· Identifying new prospective donors from your networks.

· Making the approach and managing a cultivation process, tailored to your prospect.

· Understanding the University’s campaign priorities and bringing them to life for individual supporters. through various communication channels.

· Asking confidently, passionately and effectively for key priorities.

· Building long-term relationships that are centred on the donor, including maximising volunteering opportunities where appropriate.

· Stewarding the donor once a gift is made, ensuring the individual remains connected to the University, the project, and the impact which they have made.

4. Responsible for adhering to relevant fundraising regulation and GDPR whilst ensuring fundraising processes are ethical and that due diligence is undertaken as necessary.

5. Deliver against set targets including money raised, asks made, meetings secured and gift close rate.

6. Communicate effectively with prospects, donors, volunteers, alumni, academics, researchers and businesses using a wide range of communication skills.

7. Communicate effectively with prospects and donors by phone, email, LinkedIn, letter and face-to-face.

8. Work internally with academics to showcase projects to potential donors and work with colleagues across the university to bring gifts to fruition.

9. Work closely with the Volunteering, Events, Campaign Management, Donor Experience, Regular Giving and Legacy Teams to maximise opportunities for collaboration with prospective donors.

10. Working in partnership with other fundraisers and members of DARO including sharing best practice and ensuring prospect development by playing in senior stakeholders at the right time.

11. Use Blackbaud CRM to record meetings and proposals effectively to allow accurate performance monitoring and reporting.

12. Take ownership of all processes and communications in relation to your prospects to include writing proposals, first approach communication, thank you letters and gift paperwork as appropriate.

13. Work with the Philanthropic Finance Team to ensure pledges are fulfilled and donations are correctly managed.

14. Being familiar with methods of tax efficient giving in the UK.

15. Seeking out opportunities for professional development.

16.  Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff.

17.  Supports the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.

18.  Any other duties commensurate with the grade.

The Otakar Kraus Music Trust is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Community & Local Business Fundraiser to help us grow support for our work across Richmond and surrounding areas. OKMT uses music therapy and inclusive music projects to improve the lives of over 500 children and adults each year, including people with disabilities, neurological conditions and dementia.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new role within a small, friendly charity. You will build relationships with local businesses, schools, clubs and community organisations; develop sponsorship and Charity of the Year opportunities; support fundraising events and individual fundraisers; and help inspire more people across our community to support OKMT. We are looking for a confident, warm and self-motivated relationship-builder with experience of fundraising, business development or a related field and a track record of generating income.

Key Responsibilities

Community Fundraising

• Build relationships with local schools, clubs and organisations to generate event participation and donations.
• Develop with the Director and Fundraising Manager a case for support and accompanying materials to pitch to potential community or local businesses.
• Organise events with community or business partners and support OKMT’s own fundraising events including our triennial Music Marathon, walks and seasonal appeals.
• Recruit, brief and steward individual fundraisers taking on challenges (runs, rides, marathons, swims, etc.) and community supporters running their own events on OKMT's behalf.
• Assist the Fundraising Manager in growing individual giving initiatives as necessary.
• Support the OKMT team to pitch for Richmond May Ball and other major appeals and lead the process if selected.
• Manage supporter journeys including thank-you communications and impact updates in conjunction with the team.

Local Business Fundraising

• Identify and approach local businesses across Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton, Barnes and surrounding areas with tailored propositions for Charity of the Year, sponsorship endorsement and ongoing support.
• Account-manage business supporters through relationship building, regular updates, site visits, networking events and clear reporting on impact.
• Represent OKMT at local business networking events, Chamber of Commerce gatherings and Richmond Business Awards activity to raise the charity's profile.
• Explore opportunities for volunteering and develop a value exchange.

Shared / Cross-Cutting Responsibilities

• Quarterly income and activity targets will be agreed with the Director within the first four weeks, reviewed formally at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, with results reported to the Board.
• Maintain accurate records of supporters, prospects and income, and ensure compliance with GDPR and Fundraising Regulator standards.
• Collaborate with the team to capture stories, case studies and consented imagery that bring our impact to life for donors.
• Contribute to OKMT’s social media, e-newsletter and website content where it supports fundraising.

For more infromation, please see the attached job decsription

Online interviews will be on the 30th Sept and 1st and 2nd Oct, and the in-person ones the week of the 12th October. 

The Talent Set is delighted to be partnering with Mencap to recruit a new Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy. This is a rare opportunity to join one of the UK's leading disability charities at a pivotal moment of investment and renewed ambition.

Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy
Salary: £85,000
Location: Hybrid (London HQ)

Mencap is entering an exciting new chapter in its fundraising development and is seeking an ambitious and strategic leader to join the organisation as Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy. With strong support from the Chief Executive, Executive Team and Board, Mencap is investing in its fundraising capability and building the foundations for long-term growth across partnerships, philanthropy and trusts.

This role will shape the future of high value fundraising at Mencap. At a pivotal point in their strategy, you will lead an ambitious portfolio across Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropy, Trusts, Foundations and Statutory funding, helping grow major and multi-year income, strengthen senior relationships and build sustainable support for their work.

Many of the organisations and individuals who support Mencap share their commitment to making a positive difference for people with a learning disability and their families. You will build on these valued relationships while developing a compelling case for support that inspires new partners, philanthropists and funders to engage with Mencap's mission. Working with colleagues across the organisation, you will turn shared ambition into meaningful support, strengthening their high value fundraising culture and helping secure the funding needed to increase their impact.

Mencap has a powerful heritage brand, a compelling mission and significant networks that have yet to be fully activated. The organisation believes there is substantial opportunity to build deeper relationships with high-value audiences, influential stakeholders and corporate leaders who share its commitment to creating a more inclusive society for people with a learning disability.

We are looking for a confident senior fundraising leader who combines strategic ambition with strong financial judgement, effective relationship management and a clear understanding of compliant, disciplined pipeline development. You will be credible with senior stakeholders, able to influence well and passionate about building inclusive, high-performing teams focused on meaningful impact.

You will directly lead key roles across the function, including the High Value Relationship Lead and Corporate Development Lead, creating the leadership, confidence, systems and ways of working needed for high value fundraising to grow. This role is for someone who can set direction, build trusted relationships and help the function scale income and deliver lasting impact.

This is a highly visible leadership position requiring someone who is comfortable operating both strategically and externally. The successful candidate will be expected to build relationships personally, develop external networks, identify new opportunities and act as a visible ambassador for Mencap and its mission.

Potential Early Objectives / Success Measures

• Develop and begin delivering a high value income strategy aligned to Mencap 2030 across Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropy, Trusts, Foundations and Statutory funding.
• Agree income targets, investment priorities, pipeline measures and reporting routines across the high value portfolio.
• Strengthen pipeline discipline, prospect management and income forecasting, supported by effective use of Salesforce and other systems.
• Develop a stronger strategic case for support and proposition framework for major and multi-year funding.
• Strengthen partnership working across Mencap and with key external supporters to create opportunities for significant funding.
• Build leadership capability, confidence and performance across high value fundraising so the function can grow sustainably.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• A strong track record of leadership across philanthropy, trusts and/or corporate partnerships fundraising.
• Experience developing and delivering successful relationship fundraising strategies that have generated significant income growth.
• Strong understanding of major donor fundraising, partnership development and strategic account management.
• Experience building fundraising pipelines, prospect journeys and stewardship programmes.
• The ability to develop compelling value propositions and cases for support that resonate with high-value audiences.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders, trustees and executive leaders within complex organisations.
• Outstanding relationship-building, networking and business development skills.
• A strong coaching and leadership style, with experience developing individuals, teams and fundraising capability.
• Strategic thinking combined with operational credibility and strong commercial awareness.
• The confidence to challenge constructively, influence organisational culture and drive long-term change.

Above all, we are looking for an inspiring, ambitious and collaborative leader who is excited by the opportunity to build something distinctive. This is a unique chance to shape the future of partnerships and philanthropy at Mencap, unlocking significant untapped potential and helping secure the investment needed to drive lasting impact for people with a learning disability and their families.

How to Apply
The deadline for applications is Friday 2nd October with 1st stage interviews to take place w/c 12th October. To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role via our website using the apply now button.
If you have any initial questions before applying, please get in touch. We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from people with diverse experiences and are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments required throughout the recruitment process.
 

Sightsavers is looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Major Donor Fundraising to lead the next phase of growth for our high value individual giving programme. This role can be worked full time or part time, with a minimum of four days per week, and is UK based with regular travel to our Haywards Heath office.

As part of the Fundraising and Marketing directorate, you will develop and deliver a long-term major donor strategy, lead a specialist team and personally manage a focused portfolio of high value donors and prospects. The role will focus on supporters giving £10,000 or more per year, while also strengthening nurture and loyalty programmes that help build a sustainable future pipeline of philanthropic support.

Working closely with colleagues across fundraising, technical leadership, programme delivery, finance, planning and senior leadership, you will identify compelling funding opportunities and help build strong cases for support. You will also represent Sightsavers externally with donors, prospects, philanthropy advisers, wealth advisers and sector networks.

We would like to hear from confident and collaborative senior fundraisers with experience of leading or managing a high value fundraising programme. You will bring a strong track record of securing, cultivating and stewarding significant gifts, including six-figure prospects, alongside the ability to use data and insight to manage pipelines, forecast income and support decision-making. You will also bring the relationship-building skills to work effectively with trustees, senior leaders, high net worth individuals and external advisers.

Application and interview process
To apply, please complete an application through our recruitment portal by uploading an up-to-date CV and answering the job-specific questions. We are particularly interested in understanding your motivation for applying. We anticipate a two-stage interview process, with first interviews from w/c 12 October and second-round interviews expected w/c 19 or 26 October 2026. The process will include a role-specific presentation task at first interview stage, and one interview will be held in person at our Haywards Heath office. We would like the successful candidate to start by the end of January 2027.

Sightsavers is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences and are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

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.

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