Director of major gifts fundraising jobs

We are seeking an exceptional, results-driven fundraising leader to spearhead major donor engagement and deliver an inspiring programme of high-profile fundraising events. This is a unique opportunity to help shape one of the UK’s most ambitious philanthropic programmes as we enter a defining period, including our landmark £200m Global Cancer Appeal, which will transform cancer treatment at our Chelsea site.

As Head of Philanthropy & Special Events, you will lead a high-performing team, cultivate enduring relationships with major supporters, and deliver compelling events that deepen engagement and inspire transformational giving. You will work closely with senior clinical leaders, Trustees, Appeal Board members and influential volunteers to ensure philanthropy continues to accelerate the pace and impact of our work.

What you’ll be doing:

- Lead a successful major gifts fundraising programme, developing and implementing strategies to secure significant six- and seven-figure gifts

- Work closely with colleagues to deliver the Charity’s £200m Chelsea Development Appeal.

- Personally cultivate and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospects, developing tailored solicitation strategies that inspire transformational giving.

- Build strong, effective relationships with senior volunteers, high-value committees and new supporters, recruiting and motivating volunteers to help raise funds for the Charity.

- Lead the delivery of a diverse and strategically aligned high-value events portfolio, including major galas, private dinners, webinars, panel discussions, tribute events and stewardship experiences.

- Provide inspirational leadership to a team of fundraisers and event specialists, ensuring ambitious KPIs are set and achieved.

- Collaborate across the Charity and The Royal Marsden Hospital, cultivating relationships with senior clinicians and key internal stakeholders to shape compelling philanthropic opportunities.

- As part of the P&P leadership team, contribute to cross-team strategic projects and help drive forward an integrated, high-performing fundraising directorate.

About you:

We’re looking for a confident and inspirational leader with:

· Extensive experience in senior fundraising, including major gift programme development and proven success in personally securing seven-figure gifts.

· Expertise in high-value committees, appeal boards or volunteer-led fundraising groups.

· A strong track record in delivering exceptional fundraising events.

· Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to develop trusted relationships with VIPs, influential stakeholders and committees.

· Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams.

· Excellent strategic thinking, financial acumen, and organisational skills, with the ability to interpret budgets and set ambitious but achievable targets.

· A highly proactive, self-sufficient approach and the ability to work with sensitivity and diplomacy, including in emotionally complex circumstances.

· Experience using Raiser’s Edge NXT and/or fundraising for major charitable appeals is desirable.

Why join us?

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity supports one of the world’s leading cancer centres. Our teams are united by a deep determination to improve the lives of people affected by cancer, and we are entering one of the most exciting and ambitious phases in our history.

You will join a high-performing, values-driven Philanthropy & Partnerships directorate and have the opportunity to help shape transformational projects that will change the future of cancer care.

What we offer:

· Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton.

· Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm

· 27 days annual leave rising with length of service

· Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service)

· Training, support and development opportunities

· Access to the blue light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities

· Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more

· Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes

Inclusion Matters

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and walks of life.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

How to apply:

Use the Charityjob ATS

First Give

First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.

Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.

The Route to a Million Campaign

This is an exciting time for First Give, as we seek to expand and diversify our fundraising streams into Corporate and HNWI. To support this, we are launching the Route to A Million campaign in March, aiming to raise an additional £1.5 million over the next 3 years on top of our forecast income. The campaign is supported by a newly recruited campaign board, and the new Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships will spearhead the work required to achieve this target.

Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic and entrepreneurial Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships to supercharge First Give’s next phase of income growth. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our mission, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver a multi‑year fundraising strategy that fuels real, measurable impact for young people and society as a whole. First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, brings new ideas to the table and is comfortable leading a brand-new team.

As the senior leader for all income streams, you will own and drive our major donor programme; unlock new philanthropic partnerships; and build a talented team across other income streams to achieve ambitious goals. Working closely with the Director and our emerging Campaign Board, you will play critical role in growing our £1m+ annual income, deepening donor engagement and building the culture, systems and relationships that will propel First Give into its next phase of expansion.

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional fundraiser who thrives in a values‑driven, high‑ambition environment and wants to make a lasting contribution to a fast‑growing education charity.

Contract: Full time (35 hours per week), Permanent

Salary: £60K (+£2K London weighting if applicable)

Location: This is a hybrid contract. The successful candidate will be expected to work from our London office or attend in-person meetings and host donors at school Final events as required. The remainder of the week can typically be worked remotely, with flexibility as required.

The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we.  We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.

Please download the candidate pack for more details, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like a chat about the role or any reasonable adjustments we can make before applying: contact details provided in the candidate pack.

This is a new role to sit in a fast paced and growing fundraising team.  Reporting to the Senior Philanthropy and Major Gifts Manager, this role will be responsible for managing a portfolio of mid-level funders, develop compelling funding applications, support the stewardship of high-value funders, and ensure accurate reporting and data compliance.

The role supports the Senior Philanthropy and Major Gifts Manager in delivering the Trusts & Foundations strategy, maintaining fundraising processes, and identifying new funding opportunities, while contributing to the overall success of the fundraising department.

The post holder will work closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Marketing, Care Teams, Finance, Senior Management, Trustees and the Director of Fundraising and Hospice Development.

This is a hybrid role however due to its collaborative nature and the need to regularly meet donors, team members and hospice colleagues on-site we ask that applicants are able to commute to St John’s Wood at least three days per week, with a preference for four.

What would be my responsibilities as a Senior Philanthropy and Gifts Executive?

• Support delivery of the Trusts & Foundations strategy, including prospect research and pipeline development.
• Lead on mid‑level funding applications (£5k–£50k) and contribute to high‑value bids.
• Produce accurate impact and financial reports, coordinating information across care, finance and service teams.
• Manage and steward a portfolio of funders, ensuring personalised communication and strong relationships
• Support high‑level donor engagement, including meetings, presentations and site visits.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and ensure compliance with GDPR and fundraising standards.
• Contribute to donor profiles, solicitation plans and stewardship schedules, working collaboratively across income streams.
• Provide guidance to junior staff and deputise for the Senior Philanthropy & Major Gifts Manager when required.

Am I the right person for this role?

• 2+ years in Trust & Foundation fundraising or equivalent bid‑writing role
• Proven experience in Trusts & Foundations fundraising, bid‑writing, and securing 4‑figure+ grants.
• Strong relationship‑management skills with internal and external stakeholders, including donors.
• Excellent written communication and analytical ability, with confidence interpreting financial information.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and contribute effectively to a team.
• Knowledge of the UK Trusts & Foundations sector and experience using CRM systems (ideally Salesforce).
• Collaborative and values‑driven approach, with willingness to support colleagues, mentor junior staff, and work flexibly (incl. occasional evenings/weekends).
• Comfortable leading meetings and building strong working relationships across hospice, fundraising, and external partners.

 Why apply for this role? 

At our organisation we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our employees a wide range of benefits; 

When you become part of the HJE Family, these are some of the benefits you will receive:

• Private healthcare scheme worth up to £20,000 per year
• 27 days annual leave
• Blue Light Card discounts
• Interest-free season ticket loans
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free eye check-up vouchers with contribution towards lenses
• Free newspaper and media subscriptions
• Local Business discounts
• Discount in our Hospice Charity shop
• Refer a Friend scheme
• Free Cinema Society Membership offering discounted tickets
• Personal development and training courses
• Annual events and recognition awards
• Career progression and increments
• For employees joining us from the NHS, we can provide continuation of your NHS pension

If you are ready for a new challenge and relish the chance to become part of a successful, forward thinking organisation then we would love to hear from you.

First Give

First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.

Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.

Corporate Parnterships Manager

We are seeking a self-motivated and driven Corporate Partnerships Manager to lead on growing and stewarding First Give’s portfolio of high-value funders. This role will focus on developing corporate partnerships and will also support our Campaign Board and major donor activity.

First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, brings new ideas to the table and is comfortable setting up new systems and processes. You will play a pivotal role in shaping First Give’s income growth, working closely with our Head of Philanthropy and the Director. This role will also support key engagement activities, including hosting donors at student-led Final events and facilitating employee volunteering at schools.

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident fundraiser and communicator looking for the next step in their career. Someone who thrives on strategy, storytelling, and social impact.

Contract: Full-time, 35 hours per week. Permanent.

Salary: £40K (+£2K London weighting if applicable)

Location: The successful candidate will be expected to work from our London office or attend in-person meetings and host donors at school Final events for two days per week on average. The remainder of the week can typically be worked remotely, with flexibility as required.

Reporting to: Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we.  We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.

Please download the candidate pack for more details, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like a chat about the role or any reasonable adjustments we can make before applying: contact details provided in the candidate pack.

Play to the Crowd (incorporating Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers) is looking for a Fundraising Manager. 

Hours/contract: Permanent, full time, 36 hours per week (job share or part-time hours will be considered for the right candidate)

Salary: £28,950 - £32,754 depending on length of service 

Base: Theatre Royal Winchester / Hybrid

We’re looking for a confident and enthusiastic fundraiser with a track record of delivering and leading major donor fundraising, membership schemes, corporate partnerships as well as securing significant funds from Trusts and Foundations.

The Fundraising Manager is responsible for implementing the charity’s fundraising strategy to increase our fundraised income to support all areas of our activity. This will be achieved by connecting donors and supporters to our mission to delight and unite communities through the power of live performance and participation.

The charity has ambitious plans for the future. We will continue to invest in the beautiful Theatre Royal Winchester. With the absence of Arts Council England National Portfolio funding, we will be transitioning to a new structure and funding model for future Hat Fair festivals. Through our engagement projects we will continue to have impact on our local community both in central Winchester and the wider district.

The Fundraising Manager role will be vital in:

• Helping to develop a sustainable fundraising model to secure future Hat Fair festivals

• Securing funding from Trusts and Foundations for community projects, core revenue to support our artistic and creative ambitions, and capital works

• Cultivating and securing large gifts from Major Donors

• Growing our membership base – our members are loyal and key advocates of the charity and audiences for our events

• Managing the relationships and developing our Corporate Partnerships 

How to Apply 

Application deadline: 10am Tue 17 February 2026 
Interviews: Wed 25 February 2026 

Interested? If you would like to find out more details about this role please visit our website where you can find the Job Description and Person Specification. Our website also contains our application form. Please note that we require fully completed application forms. We are unable to accept CVs. 

Keen on this role but seen something you’re not sure about? Don’t rule yourself out, get in touch to talk it through. For an informal discussion about the role, please get contact Kirstie Mathieson, Communications and Development Director (email available in the job pack) 

Play to the Crowd is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences and is also open to job share proposals. 

This is a demanding role where you will support the Fundraising Director in effective management of the fundraising teams across our UK centres and the central expertise in Trusts, Major Gifts and Partnerships.

You will assist the Fundraising Director to plan and organise a broad range of fundraising activities; formulating and adjusting plans as required.  Additionally, the Fundraising Director will depend on you to lead or assist on specific projects.   
 

You will act as gatekeeper regarding access for fundraising teams to the Fundraising Director which will involve utilising strong understanding and sound judgement skills across a number of activities.

The Bikeability Trust is entering a new exciting phase of our strategy to 2035 to ensure more children can cycle with confidence. A year into our strategy we have reviewed Executive Team roles and responsibilities and are now looking for a creative Communications and Fundraising Director to lead our mission driven communications, income generation and impact reporting functions.

You will be an experience senior leader in communications, who has the drive to take our strategy to the next level. A key member of the Executive Team, working across the home based diverse staff team to bring together the impact of our work through corporate communications and influencing. We recommend reading our annual reviews on the Bikeability website to see a flavour of the work you could be leading.

Our income generation work is focussed on small impactful corporate partnerships, we have tested some individual giving and are planning to host a fundraising Ball in 2026. Experience in fundraising is desirable, with communications experience as essential as this role will ensure strong relationships with Government. 

If you would like to have a short discussion with the CEO before applying please contact Emily Cherry CEO. We are looking to interview shortlisted candidates on the 23rd or 25th February. We are looking for a candidate to start from 1st April or sooner. 

We are looking for a talented fundraiser to join The Georgian Group in a pivotal new role, reporting to the Director. The new Development Manager will drive forward our fundraising strategy, reinvigorate our membership programme and increase philanthropic giving ahead our milestone 90th year in 2027. If you are proactive and organised with the ability to enthuse existing and prospective donors, we would love to hear from you.

We have a longstanding and loyal membership base from which to build major giving and other philanthropic support for our conservation and campaigning work. As part of a small and close-knit team, you will work with the Director and Trustees to expand our prospect pipeline and build relationships with supporters at all levels of giving. You will drive new member recruitment, including among under 35s, our fastest-growing membership category. The role is supported by a Membership and Office Administrator.

This is a hybrid role but a significant amount of in-person working will be essential for the relationship-building aspects of this role. We are open to conversations with candidates seeking a different working pattern to engage the ideal person for this important role. 

For the full Job Description and Person Specification, along with details on how to apply, please refer to the attachment below.

Closing date for applications: Friday 20 February 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 3 March 2026

Director of Fundraising

Location: Hybrid working, with 1-2 days per week in London office - all staff in London office every Tuesday.

Salary: £85-90,000 per annum.

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Ovarian Cancer Action, the UK’s leading ovarian cancer research charity, is seeking an ambitious and strategic leader who can drive sustainable income growth and build high‑value partnerships and relationships that can change the lives of thousands of women and their families.  

Ovarian cancer hasn’t seen the scientific breakthroughs that some other cancers have, with survival rates that haven’t changed meaningfully in decades. Ovarian Cancer Action is working to address this, with an urgent mission that by 2032 at least half of women in the UK with ovarian cancer live for 10 years. To realise that goal, the charity is carrying out world-class scientific progress in prevention, early detection and treatment, funding more ovarian cancer research than any other gynaecological cancer charity in the UK.

This is an exciting time to be joining the charity, and the Director of Fundraising will play a key role capitalising on the huge potential of the charity’s current work to transform survival of ovarian cancer, including the possibility of a preventative vaccine this decade.

This is a senior leadership position responsible for driving OCA’s fundraising ambition and accelerating income growth, managing the development and delivery of an insight‑driven fundraising strategy and identifying major opportunities across mass fundraising, philanthropy, partnerships and influential networks. The post-holder will be responsible for personally cultivating and securing high‑value relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations and strategic partners, and leading and developing a high-performing fundraising team to secure significant multi‑year gifts and leverage milestone organisational moments to unlock transformational support.

The successful candidate will be a senior fundraising leader with a strong track record of securing significant 5‑ and 6‑figure gifts, partnerships and multi‑year commitments. You’ll bring deep experience managing high‑level philanthropic relationships and a track record of inspiring leadership, building high-performing teams. Strength in CRM systems, data‑driven pipeline management and cross‑organisational collaboration is essential, as is exceptional communication and influencing ability.

On a personal level, you will thrive in a mission‑driven and fast-paced environment, bringing strategic insight and an entrepreneurial, optimistic and solutions‑focused approach to life. You will be energised by opportunity, resilient in the face of challenge, and comfortable testing, learning and innovating. Above all, you’ll be motivated by improving women’s health and committed to aligning fundraising ambition with organisational strategy and research impact.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 2nd March 9.00am.

PLEASE NOTE: We will be longlisting applications as soon as we receive them, so please apply early to register your interest. 

Join a charity which helps families wherever and whenever they need us

Lia’s Wings is the only charity delivering life-saving aeromedical transfers by plane both within the UK and overseas. We make sure babies and children receive the vital treatment they need, no matter where they are. Alongside these urgent medical transfers, we provide tailored, wrap-around support for families to help them through a crisis, creating long-term improved health and well-being outcomes.

We are seeking a new Director of Fundraising to help us increase our income to support more families. 

The successful candidate will set the strategic direction for fundraising, lead the team to build strong and sustainable income streams and ensure the charity has the resources it needs to deliver and expand our vital services.This is a wonderful opportunity to help shape the future of our small but mighty charity. The successful candidate will bring proven fundraising leadership experience, strong relationship-building skills, and a genuine passion for providing life-changing support to babies and children.   

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned to organisational goals.
• Lead income development and diversification across corporate, major donor, trusts and foundations, community fundraising and events.
• Lead the development of compelling cases for support, proposals, and donor communications.
• Build a strong corporate partnerships programme, including aviation sector engagement and charity of the year partnerships.
• Identify and cultivate major donor prospects, working closely with the CEO where appropriate.
• Grow individual giving, including regular giving, appeals, and legacy development.
• Oversee the trusts and foundations pipeline, ensuring high quality applications and stewardship.
• Provide strategic insight to the CEO and Board on fundraising performance, opportunities, and risks.
• As a member of our Senior Management Team, contribute to organisational planning, budgeting, and impact.  reporting.

We are looking for someone with: 

• Proven track record of delivering significant income growth across multiple fundraising streams.
• Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and developing teams.
• Demonstrable success in building relationships with high-value donors, corporates, or trusts.
• Experience working in a small or growing charity environment.

For further details, please see the attached job description. 

How to apply: 

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) should demonstrate how you meet the person specification set out in the job description. 

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 27th February. 

The BE Support Trust is recruiting for a Fundraising Officer (Part Time).   We are seeking a strategic, motivated, and relationship-focused Fundraising Officer to help us diversify income and grow our fundraising activity.

What you will do

• Develop and deliver an annual fundraising plan aligned with strategic priorities.
• Research new funding streams and produce pipeline/KPI reports.
• Prepare high quality trust, foundation and grant applications.
• Build and manage corporate partnerships and sponsorship proposals.
• Lead fundraising elements of charity events and community activities.
• Support donor stewardship and maintain accurate CRM/Gift Aid records

What you will bring

• Demonstrable fundraising experience
• Excellent writing and bid/proposal development skills
• Strong relationship abilities
• Organisational confidence managing multiple deadlines

Why Join us

• A small supportive and committed team
• Meaningful work where you see the impact everyday
• Opportunity to shape fundraising in a growing charity
• Flexible working and part-time structure

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

About The Public Interest Law Centre

The Public Interest Law Centre exists to challenge unlawful state practice and systemic injustice through legal representation, strategic litigation, research and legal education. We specialise in public law, actions against public authorities and public inquiries, bringing cases to court for individuals and grassroots groups who have been treated unfairly.

We hold government and public bodies to account, challenge unlawful policies and practices, and promote access to justice for marginalised individuals and communities. We will not rest until we achieve a fairer and more equitable society.

About the Role

As Fundraising Manager, you will work closely with, and be fully supported by, the Director to execute and implement PILC’s fundraising strategy, with a specific focus on trusts and foundations. You’ll be a skilled fundraiser with demonstrable experience in securing income from trusts and foundations. 

Position: Fundraising Manager 

Responsible to: Director

Location: Cambridge Health, London (E2) / Hybrid working - two days per week in the office

Hours: 35 hours per week (full-time), or part-time, with flexible working around core hours

Salary: £41,814 - £47,464 per annum (from 1 April 2026)

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a strong, strategic pipeline of trust and foundation prospects aligned with organisational priorities and funding needs.
• Grow PILC’s individual donor and supporter base.
• Work closely with the Director and project teams to translate our legal and advocacy work into clear, compelling funding propositions.
• Manage the full grants cycle, ensuring excellent stewardship and compliance with funder requirements.
• Build new relationships with trusts and foundations and steward relationships with existing funders.
• Secure income from trusts and foundations, including developing multi-year or higher-value grants over time.
• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with PILC’s Ethical Fundraising Policy and relevant regulations.

Annual leave and benefits

• We offer 25 days of holiday per year, plus additional time off over Christmas when our office closes
• A 7% employer pension contribution and option to join our Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am – 4pm
• Friendly, collaborative and truly inclusive culture 
• Laptop and mobile phone
• Support and supervision
• Learning and development budget
• Access to our 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced support when you need it most, including enhanced maternity pay, family leave policies and sick pay

Please review the recruitment pack before applying which contains:

• Background information about PILC
• Information about the selection process
• A detailed role description and person specification
• Application form
• Equality & Diversity monitoring form

How to apply: Please submit your completed application form and equality and diversity monitoring form to the email address in the recruitment pack by the closing date: Friday 14 February 2026 at 12pm. 

Interviews will commence before the end of February 2026.

Please note, we do not accept CVs. 

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is now seeking an exceptional and visionary Director of Development to lead its fundraising at a pivotal moment in its evolution. This newly created senior role reflects a step change in ambition as the organisation embarks on an exciting new chapter of growth, partnership and global profile. Reporting to the Chief Executive and sitting on the Executive Team, the Director of Development will inspire and lead a talented development team while playing a central role in shaping the organisation’s future direction. You will spearhead major fundraising initiatives, including a landmark capital campaign to realise plans for a new recording, rehearsal and creative centre — envisaged as an “Abbey Road of the North” — designed to support future talent, innovation and the wider creative economy of the Liverpool City Region. Alongside this, you will help secure the long-term success of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s award-winning artistic, learning and community programmes.

The successful candidate will be a dynamic, relationship-driven leader with a strong track record of securing transformational income within complex, mission-led organisations. You will bring strategic vision, deep knowledge of the philanthropic landscape, and the confidence to unlock new sources of support from individuals, trusts, foundations and corporate partners. Crucially, you will play a leading role in articulating a clear, compelling and cohesive external narrative for Royal Liverpool Philharmonic — one that brings together its heritage, ambition, social impact and future aspirations — and ensure this story resonates powerfully with funders, partners, civic leaders and audiences. Passionate about music and culture, you will be an inspiring leader, a trusted advisor to the Board and Executive, and a persuasive ambassador for an organisation that exists to enhance and transform lives through music.

Director of Fundraising
Salary: £70,000 to £75,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid – London EC1Y/Home

Join MQ and help transform mental health research.

At MQ, we champion and fund world-class research to transform the lives of everyone affected by a mental health condition. We strive to create a world where mental illness is better understood, diagnosed, treated and, hopefully someday, prevented. We believe research is the first step towards making that a reality.

We connect scientists with supporters, people with lived experience of mental health illnesses, policymakers, and practitioners, so together we can strive to understand mental health, improve treatments and prevent mental illnesses.

Supported by our world-class Science Council, MQ funds research globally and works in partnership with leading organisations in the field including Wellcome Trust, the Mental Health Mission, DATAMIND, University of Oxford, Glasgow University and Kings College. In the US, we work through our sister charity the MQ Foundation.

What you'll be doing:

The Director of Fundraising is a senior, strategic leadership role responsible for driving significant and sustainable growth in income for MQ, with a target of achieving £10 million annual turnover over the next five years.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the postholder will set and deliver an ambitious, data-led fundraising strategy across philanthropy, trusts and foundations, partnerships and other income streams. They will personally steward high-value relationships while building a high-performing, commercially minded fundraising function capable of supporting MQ’s long-term mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Income Growth

• Develop and deliver MQ’s overall fundraising and income generation strategy, aligned to organisational priorities
• Set clear income targets and KPIs across all fundraising streams
• Personally lead and secure six- and seven-figure gifts, grants and contracts
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with major donors, funders and partners
• Ensure excellent stewardship, reporting and donor experience across all income streams

Pipeline, Performance & Data Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of the fundraising pipeline, ensuring a healthy balance of prospecting, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Use data, insight and CRM reporting to track performance, forecast income and manage risk
• Identify income concentration risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Drive continuous improvement in fundraising processes, systems and ways of working

Financial Management & Reporting

• Own the Fundraising budget, including income forecasting, expenditure control and cost-of-fundraising oversight
• Work closely with the Finance team to ensure accurate income phasing, reporting and financial planning
• Produce regular reports for the CEO, Executive Team and Board on income performance, pipeline health and risks
• Ensure all funding is managed in line with grant conditions, donor expectations and regulatory requirements

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide strategic leadership and line management to the team
• Build, develop and retain a high-performing, motivated fundraising team
• Foster a collaborative, ambitious and accountable fundraising culture
• Support succession planning and talent development within the Fundraising function

External Profile, Partnerships & Thought Leadership

• Represent MQ at high-level events, conferences and networking opportunities
• Strengthen MQ’s profile with funders, corporates, policymakers and partners
• Work closely with the Board and Science Council to maximise fundraising and partnership opportunities
• Undertake speaking engagements where appropriate to generate visibility & awareness

Executive Leadership & Governance

• Act as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy and decision-making
• Support the CEO with Board engagement, particularly around fundraising strategy and performance
• Ensure fundraising activity complies with all relevant legislation, regulation and best practice
• Uphold MQ’s values, reputation and commitment to ethical fundraising

Person Specification:

We'd love to hear from you, if you have:

• Significant senior leadership experience in fundraising or income generation, ideally within the charity, research or mission-driven sector
• Proven track record of delivering substantial income growth and securing high-value gifts
• Experience leading and developing high-performing fundraising teams
• Strong commercial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting and performance management
• Demonstrable experience of managing complex stakeholder relationships
• Strategic, analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, including at Board and senior stakeholder level
• Strong understanding of the UK research funding or philanthropic landscape
• Clear alignment with MQ’s mission and values

The following is highly desirable

• Knowledge of mental health research and lived-experience-led approaches
• Experience of US philanthropy or international fundraising
• Experience working with Boards, trustees or scientific advisory groups
• Familiarity with modern CRM systems and fundraising analytics

Why Join MQ?

We offer a great working experience within a friendly team. Hybrid working (in the London office Mondays and Tuesdays, with the remaining days from home). We are located near Barbican Tube.

Plus, we offer lots of generous benefits and training opportunities.

We're a Sunday Times Top Company to work for.

Benefits

• Flexible working: As a mental health charity, staff wellbeing is of paramount importance. We operate a core hours policy (10-4) to encourage flexible working and staff are mainly home based with the requirement to come into the office two days per week. A standard full-time working week is 35 hours, plus an hour for lunch breaks.
• Holidays: Annual holiday entitlement of 31 days (inc. office closure between Xmas and New Year) plus bank holidays.
• Wellbeing Allowance: MQ provides an allowance of up to £1200 per annum for each employee to spend on activities that increase their wellbeing. This is paid through payroll and is taxable.
• Virtual GP & Other wellbeing services - Get quick GP appointments and support with cancer and caring responsibilities through our Zurich benefits scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme: An interest-free loan is available to enable employees to purchase a bike and accessories, repaid via equal deductions from the employee’s salary over 12 months.
• Employee Assistance Programme: All employees and their families have access to a 24-hour confidential advice and support line.
• Counselling: Employees have access to a number of free face-to-face sessions, via the EAP scheme.
• Pension: MQ makes contributions of 5% and employees make contributions of 3%.
• Life Assurance - Up to 4 x your salary in the event of death in service.
• Season Ticket Loan: An interest free season ticket loan is available, repaid via equal deductions from the employee’s salary over 12 months.
• Personal Development: We value employee development and review individual training needs through our performance management system. HR also runs internal management development sessions for all staff.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Closing date: 22nd February 2026
Please note, we typically start interviewing within two weeks of the job advert going live. We reserve the right to close the job before the deadline based on the volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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.

We believe in equality and inclusion and we welcome job applications from everyone, provided you meet the criteria for the job.

Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration and undertake a DBS check.

No agencies please.