Director of philanthropy and partnerships jobs
We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to drive the growth of our philanthropy programme as we deliver our most ambitious strategy yet including a new £200m Global Cancer Appeal for a major development in Chelsea. You’ll lead and motivate a high-performing team, while also managing a personal portfolio and securing large value gifts. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference for people affected by cancer, working alongside passionate colleagues and dedicated supporters.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead the Philanthropy strategy and drive growth across all high‑value income streams
- Identify, cultivate and solicit major supporters to secure high value donations aligned to agreed targets, including the £200m Global Cancer Appeal.
- Recruit and work with Appeal Board members, senior volunteers and trustees to progress prospects and secure transformational gifts.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior clinical leaders, to shape compelling fundraising priorities and packages.
- Work with the Head of Philanthropy & Special Events and the Head of Trusts, Stewardship and Philanthropy Communications to lead, motivate and inspire our high-performing teams
- Contribute to charity‑wide leadership, governance and risk management; deputise for the Associate Director as appropriate.
About you
You bring a well‑established, highly successful career in high‑value philanthropy, with:
- A proven record of securing seven‑figure and above gifts, and developed expertise in high‑value acquisition and relationship management.
- Experience in identifying, recruiting and managing senior volunteers, and working credibly with donors, board members, VIPs and ambassadors.
- Strategic leadership of senior fundraisers and teams, driving performance, culture and process change.
- Significant budget accountability (c.£1m+), high numeracy and the ability to interpret financial reports and KPIs.
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills; confident handling complex, sensitive and confidential information.
- Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, embedding inclusive practice across fundraising.
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 people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?
Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and game changing Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships.
Do you have the experience, drive and determination to thrive in this role?
Job Purpose:
To lead delivery of our fundraising in five key income lines: Trusts & Foundations, Corporate Partnerships, Legacies, Other Charities, and Lottery; oversee our Special Events programme and assist the Director of Income Generation and Development with our Major Donor programme.
You’ll enjoy being part of and contributing to a busy, experienced, fast-working, and dedicated team while working cross-functionally with other departments such as PR, marketing and Research, Policy and Innovation.
Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.
Key Requirements:
- Proven experience and success in securing, managing, and growing high value fundraising income, including corporate partnerships, trusts & foundations, legacies and major donors.
- Demonstratable strong strategic planning skills and the ability to develop and implement long-term strategies to achieve fundraising targets and enhance the charity's mission
- Proven leadership and people management skills, with experience in overseeing multi-disciplinary teams. Essential experience includes team leadership, staff motivation, setting clear objectives, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities.
- Track record of developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies.
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and an excellent standard of written English.
- Analysis of data and trends to inform fundraising strategies and success measurement is an important aspect of the role. This includes using CRM systems and other fundraising tools
If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.
We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
The closing date for applications is: 18th January 2026
We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.
We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.
To find a cure for all types of brain tumours To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Shape the Future of a World-Renowned Institution.
Director of Development
Employer: King’s College, Cambridge
Salary: Starting salary in the region of £90,000 – £100,000 with scope to go beyond for a leading professional with outstanding experience and track record.
Location: Cambridge, UK
King’s College, Cambridge is embarking on the next chapter of its long and influential history and is seeking a Director of Development who can imagine, articulate and drive a bold philanthropic vision for the College.
For more than five centuries, King’s has been a place where ideas, discovery and creativity flourish. Its Chapel stands as one of Europe’s great architectural achievements; its Choir is recognised globally; its students and scholars have shaped culture, science and society. The College is now looking for a development leader who can help secure the resources that will enable it to thrive for generations to come.
Joining King’s at a moment of real momentum, you will build on the achievements of the recent £100 million campaign and design the next strategic phase of fundraising. This will include championing initiatives that broaden access, strengthen support for students, enhance academic excellence, and protect the unique historic fabric of the College.
You will have substantial experience in securing major gifts, a confident and motivating leadership style, and experience of cultivating deep, lasting relationships. A key member of the leadership team, you will work closely with a vibrant global community of alumni and build new partnerships with individuals and organisations who share King’s commitment to excellence, inclusivity, innovation and positive societal impact.
King’s is a place that encourages independent thought, creativity and meaningful contribution to society. Among our alumni are Nobel laureates, world-changing scholars, and trailblazers. Central to our mission is ensuring that exceptional students, whatever their background, can flourish.
As Director of Development, you will be elected to a Fellowship of the College, joining a vibrant, diverse and dynamic community. This position offers more than professional advancement - it represents a rare opportunity to make a lasting contribution to an institution whose commitment to education and innovation has shaped the world for over five centuries.
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 1 February.
First round interviews are expected to be held the week of 23 February with second round interviews the week of 2 March 2026.
Interested?
Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.
King’s College, Cambridge is partnering with Constellate Global Talent on this search. No agencies please.
Download the candidate pack and send your tailored CV and cover letter no later than Midnight on Sunday, 1 February.
Director of Development
Contract: Permanent
Function/Team: Development
Location: London, UK
Hours: Full time, inclusive of breaks
Reporting to: CEO
Salary: £54,649 - £61,726
STOP THE TRAFFIK prevents vulnerable communities from being recruited, trafficked, and exploited. Our targeted prevention efforts disrupt the criminal business of human trafficking, making it too high-risk and low-profit to be viable.
As a core member of the Executive Team, the Director of Development will lead on organisational income generation and operational development. Working closely with the CEO, Presidents, this role will oversee all fundraising, partnerships, communications, and internal operations, ensuring STT is financially strong, strategically aligned, and operationally effective.
Leadership & Team Management
· Work closely with the CEO to deliver the organisation’s strategic plan, focusing on sustainable growth, financial health, and operational excellence.
· Work with the Presidents to grow funding and pro-bono support to scale organisational capacity for impact.
· Create and deliver a three-year development strategy, with a focus on diverse and sustainable income.
· Line manage and lead head of, manager, and project officer roles.
Fundraising & Partnerships
· Provide strategic advice to the Head of Development & Communications.
· Support on the management of our STT Prevention Ambassador Network, which should generate philanthropy and donation opportunities.
· Identify new strategic partnerships and funders to nurture, with a focus on growing our philanthropy stream.
· Oversee and grow income across trusts and foundations, philanthropy, individual giving, and corporate partnerships.
Finance
· Oversee financial strategy and operations, ensuring sound financial management withregular reporting to Senior Leadership and the Board of Trustees.
· Oversee budgeting and financial planning with support from manager roles and Oasis Charitable Trust.
Communications & Brand
· Oversee our brand and storytelling, ensuring a consistent, impactful voice across audiences.
· Support external representation of STOP THE TRAFFIK, including speaking engagements, donor presentations, and media opportunities.
Governance & Impact Measurement
· Support the CEO and Board of Trustees through accurate reporting and transparent communication on performance.
· Manage the Senior Leadership Team meetings ensuring alignment to strategy.
· Lead cross-organisational improvement projects to strengthen operational efficiency and impact measurement.
· Lead how we measure our prevention-focused impact, strengthening our theory of change, monitoring & evaluation processes, and overseeing our annual impact report with support from our Communications Managers.
Benefits:
· A friendly, supportive team environment.
· Opportunities to collaborate with global partners and experts.
· Autonomy to take initiative and propose process improvements.
· Access to a healthcare cash benefit scheme (including partner/children coverage).
· Corporate eye-care scheme.
· Life insurance.
· Non-contributory Group Personal Pension Scheme (7% employer contribution).
· 27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (increasing to 33 days with service).
· Cycle to Work scheme.
· Season Ticket Loan.
· Option to switch 2 bank holidays to suit personal needs.
· Flexible working policy reflecting staff needs.
· In-house and external training opportunities.
Further details about STOP THE TRAFFIK can be found on our website.
If you have the relevant experience, are highly resourceful, adaptable, pro-active, and a critical thinker able to work in a fast-paced environment, please send a CV and brief cover letter (both as pdf format) that evidences your ability to be successful in this role.
Only applications sent via email will be considered to ensure an equitable review process. We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews for this role on a rolling basis.
We cannot sponsor applicants at this time.
Registered Charity No. 1127321
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Quartet Community Foundation is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our senior team as Director of Development. This new role will drive our ambitious 2026–29 strategy, building partnerships, securing new funding, and growing our endowment to £100 million to support communities across Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.
Key Responsibilities
· Develop and maintain relationships with high-net-worth individuals and key partners.
· Secure significant new funds and grow Quartet’s endowment.
· Broker strategic partnerships to support disadvantaged communities.
· Lead and motivate a team delivering philanthropy, grant-making, research, and pro bono services.
· Represent Quartet at events and networks to raise our profile.
Essential Criteria
· Proven experience in philanthropy and donor relationship management.
· Track record of securing major gifts or revenue funding.
· Strong strategic thinking and leadership skills.
· Excellent networking and communication abilities.
· Experience in the charitable sector and managing teams.
Salary & Benefits
£55,000–£60,000 per annum, depending on experience. Benefits include 6% employer pension contribution, health benefits scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work scheme, and generous holiday entitlement.
Location
Based at our central Bristol office with travel across the region. Hybrid working available.
How to Apply
Download the Recruitment Pack and Application Form from our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you a creative relationship builder with a passion for building impactful partnerships and leading high-performing teams? Earth Trust is seeking a dynamic Senior Philanthropy & Corporate Partnerships Manager to cover maternity leave and play a pivotal role in driving fundraising growth through major gifts and corporate partnerships.
This is an exciting opportunity to combine strategic vision with hands-on relationship management. You’ll lead a talented fundraising team, secure five- and six-figure gifts, and develop mutually beneficial corporate partnerships that help nature and people thrive together.
What you’ll do
- Lead and grow high-value corporate partnerships and major donor relationships.
- Craft compelling proposals and pitches that inspire 5-6 figure gifts and multi-year partnerships.
- Lead a high performing fundraising team.
- Collaborate across departments and represent fundraising at senior leadership level.
- Set and monitor targets, budgets, and performance metrics.
What we’re looking for
- A persuasive communicator and relationship builder with proven success in securing multi-year, high value partnerships.
- Strong understanding of corporate social responsibility and partnership development.
- Experience leading fundraising teams and managing budgets.
This role is a maternity cover role, so there is flexibility on the start date. The current postholder is due to be on maternity leave from mid-April 2026 until the start of February 2027.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re looking for a proactive, organised and enthusiastic Partnerships & Philanthropy Assistant to join our small but mighty Partnerships & Philanthropy team. This is a vital role at the heart of our team, perfect for someone who enjoys getting stuck in, learning new skills and is interested in high value fundraising.
While you’ll provide essential administrative and logistical support, this role offers so much more — you’ll be trusted to manage your own projects, spot opportunities, and make a real contribution to our fundraising success.
You’ll be a natural self-starter with great attention to detail. You’ll play a key role in coordinating the team day to day, managing our shared inbox, keeping income and expenditure records accurate, and making sure our systems and processes work seamlessly. You’ll also help identify new donors and ensure our incredible supporters feel valued, inspired and well looked after, throughout their journey with Bowel Cancer UK.
As part of the role, you’ll gain valuable hands-on fundraising experience. You’ll support our Partnerships team deliver high-quality stewardship and have opportunities to complete prospect research and help write proposals to Trusts and Foundations.
This is a brilliant opportunity to build your confidence and skills in fundraising. You’ll make a visible impact, be an integral part of a supportive and ambitious team and play a key role in helping us reach our mission, to ensure no one dies from bowel cancer.
We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Senior Development Manager (Philanthropy & Partnerships
Contract Type This is a full time (37.5 hours per week) permanent role, however we welcome applications for flexible working
Salary: £40,814
About Us
Norwich Theatre is one of the leading arts organisations in the UK and the largest in the East of England, encompassing the historic Theatre Royal, the creative hub Stage Two, and the intimate mid-scale Playhouse. We present, produce and co-create a vibrant programme of live performance and creative engagement activities to entertain, enrich and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and we work with national and international partners to ensure we bring the very best theatre to our region.
We are an independent not-for-profit charity with no regular public funding, and rely on a share of ticket sales, one-off grants, fundraising/membership schemes and other commercial activities to deliver the work we do both on stage and in communities.
About the role
The Senior Manager (Philanthropy & Partnerships) will provide strategic management for Norwich Theatre’s high-value income generation, spearheading the development, expansion and stewardship of corporate partnerships, corporate membership, major donor relationships, legacy giving and other transformational fundraising programmes.
This pivotal role will shape and deliver organisational strategies that secure substantial philanthropic and partnership income, cultivate senior-level relationships, and ensure long-term financial sustainability in alignment with Norwich Theatre’s vision and strategic priorities.
About you
You will have proven experience in managing stakeholder and supporter relationships, together with a track record of cultivating and stewarding high-value supporters, clients or partners.
An excellent negotiator, with strong planning and prioritisation skills, you will be highly collaborative, people focussed and proactive.
We offer
A good salary, 25 days holiday, plus public holidays, plus your birthday off, together with an inclusive culture focussed on wellbeing and happiness. We have a commitment to personal and professional development, discounts on a range of on food, drink and theatre tickets and access to My Discounts, employee discount scheme, offering savings on retail, gyms, travel, utilities and more.
This is an exciting opportunity to join The National Brain Appeal, a highly ambitious neurological charity with an outstanding track record. We have raised significant funds to transform research and care for people living with neurological conditions – from dementia and brain tumours to motor neurone disease and epilepsy.
Building on the success of our recent appeals, this role will play a pivotal part in expanding our major gifts fundraising and delivering a step-change in the impact of our work. We are seeking a highly experienced philanthropy and partnerships professional with a proven track record in generating major gifts up to figures, who will lead the creation of a new Development Board and work closely with senior supporters, clinicians and researchers to grow and deepen our networks.
The National Brain Appeal (formerly known as The National Hospital Development Foundation) is the charity dedicated to raising vital funds for The Nat
Location: Hybrid working - Part London office-based and part home working. The post holder will work a minimum of one day a week in the office.
Salary: £31,800 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Closing date: Tuesday 13 January 2026 at 10.00am
Interview date: Wednesday 21 January 2026
This is a 6-month fixed-term maternity cover.
Who we are looking for
Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Corporate Partnerships Officer to help us build on this momentum.
An experienced corporate fundraiser or business to business sales professional, you will have generated income from partnerships before in similar roles. You will be target focused and able to use a wide range of corporate and commercial products to secure, retain, develop and grow long term income generating partnerships. You will be ever-curious, always seeking to improve your skills and adopt new approaches.
Experience required
You’ll have previous experience of:
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working in fundraising or experience of working in an income generating position in a client facing role
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developing relationships with key clients and individuals
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managing multiple client accounts in a commercial and/or charity setting and maximising income from these through proactive stewardship
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researching and developing new business opportunities
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the development and delivery of compelling proposals, presentations and pitches
About Breakthrough T1D
Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia.
You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1.
Employee benefits
As an employer we offer:
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Hybrid working arrangements
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Flexible working and will consider compressed hours
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Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service
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Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment
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Season ticket and cycle loan
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Pension scheme
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Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates
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Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development
Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age.
At Breakthrough T1D we do understand that AI (Artificial Intelligence platforms like ChatGPT) can be a useful tool for candidates to assist in applying for our roles. We ask that applicants do ensure their authentic voice is present, and we look forward to seeing examples of your specific experience.
Improving lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent, and, ultimately, cure T1D and its complications
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Located in the historic town of St Andrews, St Leonards is one of Scotland’s leading independent schools, recently named Scottish Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2026 by The Sunday Times. It is a vibrant, co-educational boarding and day community with a true international outlook.
Approaching its 150th Anniversary in 2027, the School is preparing to launch the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history. This is a career-defining opportunity for an exceptional professional to drive this initiative, instilling a culture of philanthropy that will secure the future of St Leonards for generations to come.
Reporting directly to the Head, this post will be targeted with generating £500k+ of revenue and will demand both exceptional relationship building skills and technical fundraising expertise. The successful candidate will have freedom to innovate and make a tangible difference and be able to engage prospective donors and the wider highly supportive Seniors (Alumni) community. You will protect the School’s reputation by conducting thorough due diligence on donors and ensuring full compliance with OSCR regulations.
You will be responsible for the School’s capital and strategic fundraising initiatives supported by the Alumni and Development Officer and will work with the supportive, mission-driven Executive Team and Board of Governors to develop and implement these.
To be successful you will be educated to degree level and have knowledge and experience in previous roles where you have developed a demonstrable track record of devising and implementing multi-year fundraising strategies which have allowed you to personally secure 5 and 6 figure gifts from individuals, trusts or foundations. You will possess the financial and legal expertise to structure complex gifts and bring them to completion.
More information on the responsibilities of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required of candidates can be found in the Candidate Pack.
St Leonards is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory PVG check.
Interviews are expected to commence in St Andrews week beginning 26th January 2026
We offer a unique and inspirational education, with a strong focus on preparing our pupils Ad Vitam, for life.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Designed by families, for families, The Ark was opened in September 2019 by the Mayor of London. The grounds offer wheelchair accessible outdoor experiences, including a Woodland Walk through a 7-acre nature reserve, a hydrotherapy pool and overnight suites for families to be close to their loved ones. At The Ark we are able to provide Specialist Care and Nursing for babies, children and young people, supporting their full clinical, emotional, social and practical needs. We have created a space where children who are seriously unwell are accepted as they are, safe to play, explore, express themselves and build confidence.
Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, the charity has had a sustained period of growth over the last two years and we are looking for high quality employees to come and be a part of that success.
Our expert staff and trained volunteers provide clinical, emotional and practical support for families across North and Central London and Herts Valley. We carefully adapt our support for every child and offer it wherever it is required - whether in their home, their community or at our state-of-the-art children’s hospice building, The Ark, in Barnet.
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a Head of Partnerships & Events to join our highly successful Philanthropy team. In this role, you will work closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications to develop and enhance our Corporate and Special Events Programme. This is very much a hands-on role of team leadership and direct account management. This includes six figure partners and our key relationships with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, The Dorchester Hotel and international insurer Fidelis. Special Events include our Winter Ball which raises over £500k annual and our Golf Day at around £100k. The post-holder has a key role in the management of our Philanthropy & Corporate Board, which bring together industry leader to help move both these programmes forward. There is great freedom to innovate and a healthy pool of local business with an affinity to our cause. The post-holder takes a key leadership role across fundraising and marketing, working with their peers (Heads) and Director to take strategic decisions for wider benefit of the department. Having invested in the team’s capacity, we aim to grow income from c. £1.5m to £2m over the next few years. This in the broader context of a total voluntary income target for the charity of £5m-£6m.
The Head of Partnerships & Events leads a team of two currently, although this may increase. We have a Corporate Manager and Events Manger with support from the Philanthropy Officer. You will play a key role in building and maintaining relationships with existing and prospective partners of Noah’s Ark. You will ensure our partners have the best possible experience, making them feel engaged and motivated, valued and informed about the impact of their involvement and help them achieve their organisation’s objectives.
Please refer to the job description for more information on this role.
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from groups who are currently under-represented in our staff.
Our diversity council is working hard to construct positive changes within our organisation. We are a disability confident employer and part of our commitment is to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.
We help children who are seriously unwell make the most of every day



Join us in the ambitious ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, which commits to raising over £600 million of charitable funding and 1 million volunteer hours, positioning the University of Birmingham as one of the leaders in philanthropy in the UK. To fulfil our exciting campaign ambitions, we are recruiting a Head of Philanthropy – Global, to maximise philanthropic funding and to take our campaign to the next level.
A key member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office’s (DARO) Philanthropy team, you will be responsible for growing major gifts opportunities and building a sustainable pipeline of future donations from global philanthropic markets. You will have experience of delivering against financial targets, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling ask in both verbal and written form. As the Head of Philanthropy - Global, you will be responsible for growing our international major gifts programme. In collaboration with the Associate Director of Philanthropy you will develop and implement fundraising strategies to increase major giving in Asia and North America as well as emerging areas of focus. You will manage a personal portfolio of six figure + (GBP) potential supporters and personally raise gifts in excess of £1m p/a. You will manage the international philanthropy team of two individuals and support them to deliver their annual fundraising and supporting targets.
As a senior fundraiser in DARO, you will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising opportunities. As part of a dynamic team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you will work across the University to generate significant gifts for amazing philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make long-term, sustainable gifts. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships, the skill to interact with high-level donors and supporters, and the ability to showcase the game changing work of our academics and clinicians.
We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are and how we work.
World-class research and outstanding global education



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.
You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact.
The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.
We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.
As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and strategy
·Be responsible, with the support of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO, for the development, implementation and monitoring of Asylum Aid’s organisational strategy
·Provide leadership and strategic direction at Asylum Aid in accordance with its aims and objectives, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework
·Act as external spokesperson for Asylum Aid, maintaining and strengthening Asylum Aid’s position as a leader in the refugee rights, statelessness and legal aid sectors;
·Work collaboratively with others in the sector to promote and strengthen Asylum Aid’s work, identify and establish potential partnerships, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework;
·Work collaboratively with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and Executive Leadership team to drive the implementation of the Group strategic framework;
·Ensure that all reporting and monitoring requirements are met to support fundraising, contract compliance and monitoring strategic impact;
·Support the cross collaboration of the Asylum Aid team with the Helen Bamber Foundation team and play an active part in the management of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group.
Governance
·Act as the Data Protection Supervisor with responsibility for data protection and cyber security within Asylum Aid
·Together with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and designated safeguarding leads, be responsible for child and adult safeguarding within Asylum Aid
·In collaboration with the Director of Legal Casework, ensure compliance by Asylum Aid with all legal and regulatory obligations, including the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Immigration Advice Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority;
·Lead on the preparation and presentation of quarterly reports on Asylum Aid’s activities, strategy and risks to the Asylum Aid Board, the Finance and Fundraising Committee and the People and Governance Committee;
·Lead on the preparation of the Trustees’ annual report and ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are adequate to enable reporting on Asylum Aid’s activities and impact.
Management and Supervision
·Responsible for line management of the Director of Legal Casework and Welfare Advice service coordinator, and other team supervisors as required;
·Together with the Group Director of People, responsible for Human Resources and implementation of the People Strategy within Asylum Aid, including development and implementation of HR policies and procedures;
·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors, drive the effective management and supervision of the Asylum Aid team and ensure that they comply with relevant professional standards and accreditation;
·Foster a supportive and inclusive team culture at Asylum Aid in which each member feels valued and supported to develop professionally and to perform to the best of their ability;
·Ensure the team’s well-being and that self-care practices are established and work in tandem with the Director of Legal Casework and supervisors to ensure trauma-informed ways of working.
Policy & Strategic Legal Work
·Together with the Group Director of Policy, identify policy priorities and coordinate the preparation of evidence and briefings drawing on Asylum Aid’s experience and expertise to influence system change;
·Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with sector colleagues to support joint strategic engagement including policy advocacy and strategic legal work;
·Work closely with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors to drive changes in the UK asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems through strategic legal work.
Finance & Fundraising
·Work closely with the CEO and the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Finance Team to set and manage budget(s) and general financial matters for Asylum Aid
·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and the Group Finance Team, establish systems for monitoring legal aid Work In Progress and billing, and securing casework income including legal aid, and inter partes income from judicial review cases;
·Work closely with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Fundraising and Communications Team to secure funding for Asylum Aid from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate philanthropy and major donors;
·Ensure that Legal Aid and other income is maximised, and targets are achieved.
Other duties
·Manage the recruitment and supervision of volunteers where necessary in collaboration with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Volunteers Coordinator;
·Support the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Facilities team to ensure the smooth running of the office and that the facilities meet the needs of Asylum Aid;
·Work outside normal office hours as required and travel in order to carry out the responsibilities of the post.
·To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.
Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge
•Experience of running a small to medium sized charity/legal NGO and/or legal department within the NGO sector (or other equivalent senior management role);
•Demonstrable experience of managing and leading a successful team and the ability to manage a growing team with mixed roles from team supervisors to administrative support staff, working co-operatively with colleagues to maintain transparency and effective working relationships within the team;
•Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds
•Strong understanding of good governance including legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities;
•Ability to work with a range of stakeholders from trustees to external partners;
•Experience of leading and/or participating in organisational strategic planning;
·Experience of legal policy work within the human rights field and /or of strategic litigation, whether as an NGO claimant or legal representative;
•Experience of managing diverse funding sources and setting and implementing budgets;
•Experience of working in a service delivery partnership with other organisations;
•Experience of fundraising, especially grants from trusts and foundations;
•Sound working knowledge of the law and policy as it relates to immigration, asylum, human rights and modern slavery/trafficking;
•Demonstrable understanding of the asylum and human rights sector in the UK;
•An understanding of the barriers migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face regarding access to legal advice, reasons why they may become destitute and why this makes it more difficult to access advice and support; and
•The passion for working empathetically and supportively with migrants, refugees, stateless people and asylum seekers.
Desirable Experience
·Experience of managing the delivery of frontline casework with people in the asylum or trafficking systems
·Experience of tendering for and delivering publicly funded contracts e.g. LAA or local authority funding;
·Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency contracts, including the delivery of casework and billing under a legal aid contract in the immigration and asylum category and/or the public law category;
How to apply
The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 10am on Monday 26th January 2026.
The website form will ask you to:
1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.
2.Upload your current CV
3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.
For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.
Selection Process
We will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Tuesday 10th or Wednesday 11th February, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Tuesday 24th or Wednesday 25th February.
We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they provide some evidence of relevant experience or skills in relation to the essential criteria.
We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.
Eligibility
Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).
Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.
Adjustments
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.
We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.
We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.
We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.
We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.
If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.
Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.
As the Head of Philanthropy, Asia you will be responsible for growing our major gifts programme in the Asia-Pacific region. The focus will be on increasing six figure + (GBP) giving through the University of Birmingham Hong Kong Foundation, and from the wider region. Most of our warm donors are based in Malaysia and Hong Kong but there is an active community of alumni in Singapore and scoping to be done across Asia to drive the next phase of our strategy forward beyond alumni donors and to build on a recent seven figure donation as a catalyst for further giving.
As a University we established our Hong Kong Foundation in 2019 and giving is off to a strong start. Continuing on this trajectory you will work to make it financially sustainable, aiming to have multi-year commitments lined up. You will steer and develop the Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors, increasing giving from their networks, and working with them to distribute funds to programmes at the University that will also benefit Hong Kong.
As a senior fundraiser in DARO, you will be expected to be innovative, self-motivated, and to take ownership of fundraising in this region. As part of a dynamic team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you will work across the University to generate gifts to key philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make significant gifts. You will also have the opportunity to work with the senior leadership across the University to travel, drive income and develop innovative funding proposals for the region.
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.
World-class research and outstanding global education



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