Director of philanthropy and partnerships jobs

We are The Trust Partnership; a fast growing and innovative social enterprise helping charitable foundations and almshouses to be better managed and to use their resources more effectively for the benefit of the wider public.  In short, we are having a big impact in philanthropy sector. 

We are excited that we’ve not only been able to build a thriving business, but to do so on strong ethical foundations. The way we look after our staff, our clients and other stakeholders is important to us. We believe it’s possible to be a good business and a profitable one at the same time.

We are looking for someone special to join our growing business. You will be responsible for a portfolio of trusts who require clerking and supported by specialists in grantmaking and administration.  Experience of working with boards of Trustees is essential.

You need to be able to access London easily, sometimes at short notice.Occasional visits to our office in Gloucestershire will also be necessary. You will also be required to undertake a DBS check.

We are looking for a motivated individual with an exemplary work ethic and a professional attitude.  Accuracy is essential and an eye for detail that is balanced with an ability to see the bigger picture. Respect, integrity and emotional awareness are central to the role.

Working with us you will receive the following benefits

·Career progression opportunities 

·Flexible working environment 

·Professional development

·Membership of an employee benefits platform

·Charitable Giving matching up to £200 per annum

·25 days’ holiday per annum plus Bank holidays (FTE)

·Christmas shutdown (included in above)

·Additional day’s contractual leave entitlement after each fifth year of service (up to a total of six days)

·Eyecare voucher scheme.

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is looking for someone to lead our Philanthropy & Partnerships programmes. It’s an exciting role, and an exciting time for SAS. We’re about to launch our new organisational strategy, and we’re in the final stages of implementing a new CRM (Dynamics).

We’re lucky to work with some of the most dynamic and innovative funders and partners in the UK and abroad, this role will maintain existing partnerships and develop new ones.

You’ll come into a well-established, talented and friendly team. We’re passionate about developing our people, and we’ll work with you to make you the best leader and fundraiser you can be. We’re looking for someone who has a caring and empathetic management style and enjoys coaching & mentoring their teams to help them grow and excel.

Working closely with the Director of Fundraising you’ll be responsible for developing strategies to inspire donors, and cultivating these relationships towards securing major gifts. You’ll take the lead on managing our larger Trust & Foundation & Corporate relationships, ensuring excellent relationship management to foster long term support for our work.

You’ll be a great communicator and influencer able to work effectively across the organisation, bringing together key stakeholders and working collaboratively to bring our work to life for existing and potential donors.

Working with our colleagues in Campaigns & Policy and Communities you’ll gain an excellent understanding of our work and impact and have the ability to use this information to craft compelling applications, donor materials and reports.

​Underpinning your success will be a positive and proactive attitude, a solutions-oriented approach and a willingness to undertake hands on work. 

• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors with a primary focus of gifts of £100,000+
• Build excellent collaborative relationships with internal colleagues to collate information for funding proposals, impact reporting and stewardship opportunities.  
• Build and develop excellent relationships with our donors
• Work with our communications team to ensure we celebrate the support of our donors appropriately
• Maximise the use of SAS engagement opportunities (Parliamentary events, volunteer conferences, beach cleans, etc.) to cultivate prospects and steward donors to an exceptional standard
• Management of income & expenditure budgets and KPI tracking mechanisms 
• Leadership, line management and development of a team of 3 passionate fundraisers
• Development of strategy into detailed work plans and KPI tracking 

Excellent stakeholder management skills and ability to work with, and communicate effectively and professionally with a wide range of individuals from internal colleagues, institutional leaders and external collaborators, stakeholders and donors.

An ability to assimilate complex information and translate this into compelling funding bids and impact reporting through excellent written communication skills.

A working knowledge of major gift, corporate & trust & foundation fundraising, including identification, research, solicitation and stewardship.

Experience of managing, coaching and mentoring a team to develop individuals to be the best they can be.

Our University has a proud history of philanthropy stretching back to its foundation in 1900. With a clear vision to change the lives of the people of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain raised the funds required to build the University from citizens and corporations based locally and around the globe. Since then philanthropy has continued to play an important role in shaping the University. There have been a number of fundraising campaigns, including a £1m urgent capital appeal after the Second World War and a £1.4m campaign to fund the Vale ‘student village’ in the 1960s. In 2015 we closed the Circles of Influence Campaign, raising £193 million, making it the largest HE fundraising campaign outside Oxbridge and London.

DARO exists to support our academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research projects, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships, as well as providing a versatile programme of engagement opportunities for our global alumni community.

There is a rare opportunity to join the DARO Senior Leadership team at this exciting time in our current campaign.

We are looking for an Associate Director of Charitable Partnerships to maximise our enormous income generation potential; coach, nurture and challenge the well-established Charitable Partnerships team; and deliver a bold and innovative strategy to support this exciting campaign, raising significant gifts yourself from an established and growing portfolio. You will lead a team of expert trust and corporate fundraisers to work across the campus and deliver an institution-wide service to generate income, networks and influence from corporates, charities, trusts and foundations. You will be responsible for creating a motivational and supportive environment for your team with professional development opportunities for all members. You will maintain oversight of all significant charitable relationships, including your own portfolio, and be the first point of contact for the amazing opportunities in this space. As a key member of DARO’s Senior Leadership team you will help shape the strategic direction of the function and work collaboratively with other Associate Directors to take our campaign to the next level. 

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. 

Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager

Location: Saint Agnes, Cornwall (Hybrid) (Ideally 2 days a week, but if this doesn't work, lets have a conversation)
Salary: £39,663 – £46,782 per year
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is seeking a Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager to lead our major gift fundraising programme, securing transformational support for our mission to protect the UK’s oceans, beaches, and marine wildlife. This is a pivotal role within our fundraising team, with responsibility for major donors alongside Trust & Foundation and corporate fundraising.

You’ll join a talented and ambitious team of fundraisers, managing a team of three, and work closely with the Director of Fundraising to develop strategies that inspire donors and secure long-term support.

What the role involves

• Lead SAS’s major gift fundraising programme, managing a portfolio with a primary focus on gifts of £100,000 .
• Develop and maintain Trust & Foundation and corporate relationships, ensuring excellent stewardship and maximising support.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of fundraisers, fostering talent, collaboration, and high performance.
• Work collaboratively with internal colleagues to translate SAS’s campaigns and impact into compelling proposals, donor communications, and reports.
• Oversee income and expenditure budgets, track KPIs, and report on performance.
• Thrive in a nimble campaigning organisation, adapting strategies to achieve ambitious fundraising targets.

Who we’re looking for

• Experience in major gift fundraising, with a record of securing transformational donations.
• Experience in trust & foundation and corporate fundraising.
• Great leadership and team management skills, with the ability to coach and develop a high-performing team.
• Excellent communicator and influencer, able to engage donors, colleagues, and stakeholders at all levels.
• Solutions-focused, outcomes-driven, and adaptable, thriving in a fast-moving, campaigning environment.

Hybrid working arrangements
This role is based in Saint Agnes, Cornwall, with a hybrid working model: two days a week in the office, but if this doesn't work for but you think you'd be excellent in this role lets have a chat.

Why join us?
You’ll play a central role in growing SAS’s philanthropy programme, leading a high-performing team, and making a tangible impact on the environment. We are a transparent, ambitious, and outcomes-focused organisation, where your leadership and expertise will be valued and supported.

Closing date: 20 November 2025

How to apply: Please submit your CV to express your interest and we will arrange a conversation ahead of preparing a cover letter.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

We are looking for a bold, creative, and strategic fundraising leader to work alongside the CEO to rebuild and grow our income — securing existing partnerships while opening up new streams of support. 

Like many UK charities, Opportunity International has faced a challenging few years. Shifts in government funding, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and periods of leadership transition have all affected our income since 2018. Yet, out of this challenge comes great opportunity. We are now entering an exciting phase of renewal — revitalising our brand, re-energising our supporter base, and reimagining how we engage with donors.

Historically, our private income has been driven by generous major donors, and while this will continue to be a core pillar, our strategy is focused on diversification and long-term sustainability. In the short term, we’re deepening our relationships with trusts and foundations and growing our individual giving, particularly through digital channels. Looking ahead, we plan to strengthen our legacy programme and build meaningful corporate partnerships. With our refreshed brand and vibrant new visual identity, we’re well-positioned to reach new audiences and inspire fresh support. Our Royal Patron and emerging ambassadors will help us to do this.

The successful candidate will have the exciting opportunity to help shape our organisational strategy for the next 3–5 years (to be finalised in early 2026) and to lead the design and delivery of a dynamic fundraising and communications strategy. A major appeal or capital campaign is expected to be a cornerstone of this work.

If you'd like to have an informal conversation about this role then please contact Mary Oakes, CEO, to arrange.

The King's Trust International works with local partners around the world to deliver education, employment and enterprise programmes that empower young people to learn, work and thrive. Operating across more than 20 countries, they collaborate with governments, NGOs, employers and philanthropists to strengthen youth ecosystems, create opportunity and drive lasting systemic change.

As they celebrate their 10th anniversary with the inspiring Generation Potential campaign, King's Trust International enters an exciting new decade with an ambitious strategy to support one million young people worldwide. To realise this vision, they are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Fundraising to lead the next phase of growth-building on strong philanthropic and corporate foundations while unlocking new global income streams.

Location: London, UK (hybrid working)
Salary: £85,000 - £95,000
Contract: Full time, permanent

About the role

The Director of Fundraising will play a pivotal role in driving income growth and ensuring the long-term sustainability of King's Trust International. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership across all fundraising activity, nurturing an exceptional team and leveraging high-level networks across the King's Trust Group globally.

You will oversee two core income streams-philanthropy and corporate partnerships-while expanding opportunities through institutional funding, impact investment and innovative income models. Building on the momentum of Generation Potential, you will shape and implement an ambitious strategy that strengthens KTI's global impact and supports its mission to empower young people to thrive.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and deliver KTI's annual fundraising target (£6.25m), driving sustained growth and diversification.

• Oversee and support Philanthropy and Corporate Partnerships teams, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.

• Develop strategies to engage new donors and partners, including high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations, corporates and institutional funders.

• Collaborate with senior stakeholders including KTI's Board of Trustees, Africa Advisory Board, Pakistan Development Group and the King's Trust Group internationally.

• Identify and develop new income opportunities, including consultancy, programme commercialisation and impact investment.

• Ensure robust governance, compliance and adherence to ethical fundraising standards.

• Represent KTI externally at key events, cultivating relationships and inspiring major donors and partners worldwide.

• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring fundraising is culturally responsive and globally relevant.

The ideal candidate

• Proven success securing significant philanthropic or partnership income (including £1m+ gifts), ideally internationally.

• Experience leading and inspiring high-performing fundraising teams.

• Expertise in developing and delivering successful campaigns and multi-channel strategies.

Do you have a strong appreciation for the role of philanthropy in the arts? Do you have experience developing and delivering individual giving and philanthropy strategies? If so, you could be our new Head of Philanthropy.

The Head of Philanthropy will lead on day-to-day fundraising across individual giving, memberships, appeals and campaigns for Leeds Playhouse. This role is central to building and sustaining a robust philanthropic programme, with a particular focus on developing a strong pipeline of mid- and high-level donors, cultivating and stewarding High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI), and driving engagement through compelling communications and events.

We are seeking an excellent communicator and strategic fundraiser who is creative, resilient, and highly motivated. The Head of Philanthropy will play a key role in shaping and delivering sustainable income growth through individual giving, and major donor engagement—ensuring our work is resourced for the long term.

The post-holder will report to the Strategic Director of Fundraising & Development, deputising as required, and will line manage the Development Administrator. This role is predominantly based at Leeds Playhouse with some scope for hybrid working, complementing the Strategic Director role (a part-time role, mostly working remotely).

This is a permanent, full time contract. We would like to fill a requirement for 35 hours per week, which is full-time for this role, with some flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required. However, we are open to hearing from people interested in part-time work or job sharing. Pay for the role is £35,700 per year based on 35 hours per week.

Benefits at Leeds Playhouse include 5 weeks holiday entitlement (plus 1.6 weeks of bank holidays), that increases with length of continuous employment; 2 wellbeing days a year; and discounts across our food and drinks, free show tickets and a local gym and swimming discount. Please see our job pack for more benefits we offer.

To find out more about this role, please download our job pack on our website.

To apply, please fill in both of the forms linked on our website listing before the deadline.

The closing date for applications is 10am Wednesday 12 November 2025.

Interviews are currently scheduled for 19 November 2025.

Working within the Development and Outreach Department, (responsible for fundraising, marketing and communications) the Partnerships Team crafts and steward collaborations with companies and brands, in the UK and globally, to generate significant income, raise awareness of WDC brand and work and advocate for positive action.

The Partnerships manager:

- is responsible for developing and implementing a strategy, alongside the corporate engagement lead, to deliver an agreed annual income target, across charitable and trading activities and facilitate valuable in-kind support for WDC.

- is required to expertly research, develop, manage, and enhance relationships with new and existing partners across a diverse range of sectors.

- will be an adept communicator, capable of thinking on their feet, delivering inspiring pitches with authority and securing buy in from colleagues across WDC, and external stakeholders.

- will lead a varied and exciting area of fundraising, covering a diverse range of activities and opportunities which involves balancing the needs of WDC colleagues with external partners.

Head of Developing Philanthropy

We are looking for a passionate and strategic Head of Developing Philanthropy to join the Environmental Funders Network (EFN) in this remote working role.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key part in growing environmental philanthropy across the UK and to help inspire funders to support causes that sustain a thriving planet.

 

Position: Head of Developing Philanthropy
Location: Home-based (within 90 minutes of London by train)
Salary: £60,000 per annum, pro rata
Hours: Full time (nb. 80% FTE or flexible working considered for the right candidate)
Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 11:59pm on Sunday 23rd November 2025

The Role

Working closely with EFN’s Executive Director, you will lead on growing the amount of funding flowing to environmental causes from UK funders – including trusts, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals – by connecting and engaging with those not yet funding environmental causes at scale, and inspiring and supporting them to start giving or to give more.

You will form part of EFN’s Leadership Team, deputising for the Executive Director as needed, and will likely line manage a small team of 3–4 individuals.

 

You will:

• Revise and implement EFN’s Growing Environmental Philanthropy (GEP) strategy, working with the Executive Director, Board and GEP Advisory Group.
• Raise awareness of the need for environmental philanthropy through partnerships, events, communications and media opportunities.
• Identify and engage new funders and advisors through meetings, events, field trips and speaking engagements.
• Provide inspiration, advice, and practical resources for funders and advisors to start or expand their environmental giving.
• Support wider programme delivery, including the Big Give’s Earth Raise campaign and partnerships with organisations such as the Beacon Collaborative and Climate Lead.
• Contribute to fundraising for EFN’s GEP programme and support EFN’s financial sustainability.

About You

You’ll bring at least five years’ experience in fundraising or a related industry, with a proven track record of building and managing relationships with individual donors or high-net-worth clients. You’ll be a confident communicator and creative thinker with a strong commitment to environmental and social justice.

 

You will have:

• Strategic leadership skills, with experience managing and mentoring teams.
• Excellent relationship management and influencing skills, with confidence in public speaking and representing EFN at high-profile events.
• Experience developing and delivering inclusive, outcome-focused events and programmes.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise a substantial workload and work independently.
• Solid IT skills, including CRM systems (preferably Salesforce) and virtual meeting platforms.

 

Desirable:

• Experience coordinating networks of funders or organisations.
• Understanding of the funding landscape within the environment or NGO sectors.
• Experience in fundraising and/or managing online resources or websites.

Benefits Include:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• 7% employer pension contribution
• Flexible working options
• Learning and development opportunities
• Equipment and office allowance

About the Organisation
The Environmental Funders Network (EFN) works to transform environmental philanthropy in the UK by increasing funding levels, improving effectiveness and supporting those creating a thriving planet. EFN engages more than 1,000 funder participants and 1,800 fundraiser participants through research, collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Role Summary

The Conduit Foundation harnesses the power of convening, collaboration, and catalytic funding to advance innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. We are in rapid start-up mode, having recently begun accepting our first grants and moving quickly to build our operating model. This is a pivotal moment for the Foundation: we are ready to translate our mission and vision into a fully functioning philanthropic engine.

This will be the first full-time hire into the Foundation, working hand-in-hand with the Board of Trustees and the Chief Impact Officer to operationalise our mission, establish systems and processes, and set the stage for ambitious, high-impact fundraising, grant management, programme delivery, and partnership development.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy & Leadership

Translate the Conduit executive leadership and Foundation Board’s vision into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.

Collaborate with The Conduit’s Impact team to integrate Foundation initiatives into broader Conduit strategy.

Identify and cultivate opportunities for funding, partnerships, and programme innovation.

2. Grants Management

Oversee the full grant cycle – from prospecting to evaluation - managing relationships, projects and budgets.

Ensure all grant activities meet legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, including England & Wales charity compliance.

Develop robust processes for impact measurement and reporting.

3. Board Development & Governance

Strengthen the governance set up, bolstering policies and procedures to establish best practice and managing legal and regulatory requirements for the Foundation.

Serve as the principal contact for the Board of Trustees, preparing materials, facilitating meetings and owning resulting actions.

Support recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing engagement of Trustees.

Advise the Board on trends and opportunities in philanthropy and social impact.

4. Fundraising & Corporate Engagement

Build and maintain relationships with corporate, institutional, and high-net-worth partners.

Identify and secure grants from funders that align with Foundation strategic priorities.

5. Programme Design & Delivery

Lead the design, launch, and management of the Foundation’s first in-house programmes.

Ensure programmes are innovative, impactful, and aligned with strategic priorities.

Set up systems for monitoring, learning, and continuous improvement.

6. Organisational Integration

Manage the relationship between the Foundation, Conduit Holdco, and The Conduit Club London.

Foster a culture of alignment, transparency, and shared mission across entities.

Skills & Experience

· 8–10 years of proven, hands-on execution experience in the UK charity sector, including setting up and implementing systems.

· Track record of delivering complex projects from start to finish with excellence and attention to detail.

· Strong experience and expertise in grants management, board engagement and governance.

· Proven success in fundraising from corporates, trusts, foundations, and major donors.

· Experience designing and delivering impactful programmes.

· Excellent relationship building skills with experience engaging senior stakeholders.

· Understanding of UK charity law and charitable governance.

Desirable

· International or multi-stakeholder environment experience.

· Experience of a growing charity.

· Formal charity governance or legal training.

Personal Attributes

· Ambitious and eager to grow into a senior leadership position.

· Entrepreneurial, proactive, and solutions oriented.

· Highly organised, with strong attention to detail.

· Able to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment.

· Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

· Passionate about social and environmental change.

Key Competencies

· Communication

· Teamwork

· Solutions Focused

· Compassionate

· Creativity & Innovation

At TLG, we are passionate about building an exceptional staff team committed to transforming the lives of children who are struggling. Our vision is bold, and we are looking for outstanding people to join us on this journey. This role presents an exciting opportunity for a motivated and purpose-driven leader to become our Head of Grants & Philanthropy.

This is a pivotal role where you will lead the growth of TLG’s philanthropic income, driving progress to reach ambitious six-figure targets year after year. You will shape and deliver a dynamic strategy to build a diverse and sustainable portfolio of income streams, including trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, and legacy giving. A core focus will be creating and implementing an effective grants strategy to grow and maximise voluntary income from trusts and foundations. The funding you secure will be essential to sustaining TLG’s operations and enabling future growth.

As Head of Grants & Philanthropy, you will work closely with TLG’s Directors, colleagues across the organisation, and external partners to raise funds for innovative projects in the UK and support the expansion of our work internationally. You will also lead a small, talented team, inspiring and equipping them to develop each area of philanthropic income. Strong administrative skills and a commitment to harnessing AI for efficiency will be key, allowing you to focus on building relationships and sourcing new opportunities.

From crafting compelling applications to driving strategic development, this role places you at the heart of our mission to bring fullness of life to every child, no matter what struggles they face. If you are an experienced, innovative leader with a passion for making a difference, we would love to hear from you.

TLG is a Christian charity and, as a team, we want to bring our faith to the work we do; as such, we are recruiting an individual with a strong and vibrant Christian faith. We would welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds to enable us to better reflect the needs of the communities we serve.

Hours: 37.5 per hours week (full-time). Open to part-time for the right candidate.

Closing Date: Thursday 20th November

Initial Interviews: Thursday 27th November – Online

Final Interviews: Tuesday 9th December – at our National Support Centre in West Yorkshire

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Research & Operations Manager to work as part of our Fundraising Team.

Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.

The Fundraising team is a dynamic group of fundraisers who are passionately committed to raising money for our life-changing work in the mental health and mental illness space. We have a diverse portfolio of income streams spanning Events, Community, Individual Giving, Legacies, In-Memoriam, Philanthropy, Trusts & Grants and Partnerships.

Trusts & Grants have a strong track record at Rethink Mental Illness and a growing portfolio of supporters at Mental Health UK. The team is well-positioned to develop innovative funding propositions that support the future ambitions of both charities, working to achieve both in-year cornerstone grants and long-term, transformational funding. As a newly established programme, Philanthropy demonstrates exciting potential for both Rethink and MHUK, with initiatives spanning major donor and mid-value engagement. Corporate Partnerships have launched several exciting partnerships across both charities and that portfolio and team continue to grow.

How you will make a difference

We are looking for a Research and Operations Manager to join our passionate fundraising team. You will play a pivotal role in driving high-value fundraising outcomes across Rethink Mental Illness and Mental Health UK by delivering a strategic, insight-led approach to prospect research and portfolio management.

Managing the Senior Philanthropy and Research Officer you will oversee the identification, qualification and prioritisation of prospects across Philanthropy, Trusts & Grants and Corporate Partnerships. You will lead on due diligence processes, prospect pipeline management, connection mapping and the development of systems and tools that enable data-driven decision-making. Working closely with senior fundraisers and the Interim Head of Trusts and Philanthropy, you will ensure teams have the intelligence and insights needed to build strong, meaningful donor relationships.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion 

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. 

We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation 

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. You can read more about our progress here. 

Contract Type: Fixed Term until 31/12/2027

Hours: Part Time, 21 hours per week

Salary: £29,290.00 to £36,612.00, (pro-rata £17,574.00 to £21,967.20.00), dependent on your skills, knowledge and experience

Location: Cardiff - with regular travel to the South West. This is a hybrid role with 40-60% of the week spent in the Cardiff office.

Interviews: 25/11 over MS Teams

Join The King’s Trust during our 50th Anniversary year and play a vital role in changing young lives. As Philanthropy Manager for Wales and the South West, you’ll build powerful relationships with philanthropists and partners who want to make a lasting impact.

You’ll lead philanthropy fundraising across the region, maximising our place-based strategy in Wales and Bristol, focusing on £25k+ gifts, and developing inspiring proposals that bring our work to life. Working closely with local and national teams, you’ll turn ambition into action by helping thousands of young people gain the skills and confidence to find work.

If you’re a relationship-builder with flair for storytelling, a strategic mindset, and a passion for social impact, this is your chance to shape our next 50 years of opportunity for young people.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Philanthropy Managers? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Philanthropy Managers! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Head of Philanthropy

Department: KCL Philanthropy
Grade and Salary: £65,091 - £74,613 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 128746

About Us

Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (P&A) provides a fundraising and alumni engagement function in support of King’s College London. We are proud to work with colleagues across the university and its health partners to help them serve society through world-leading education, research and healthcare.  Our work also includes a partnership with the Maudsley Charity in support of children’s mental health initiatives between the university’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and the South London & Maudsley NHS Trust. 

We are a committed team that brings together fundraisers working across different channels, alongside colleagues who promote King’s College London’s engagement with its worldwide alumni community. Our work is underpinned and enhanced by a range of dedicated professionals in supporting areas covering proposition development, supporter engagement, supporter operations and business operations.

We have an impressive, well-established track record of success in securing support that allows the university and partners to deliver on their missions. This includes our global, award-winning World Questions: King’s Answers campaign, which set the standard in the sector and enabled us to raise substantial funds to help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. Ambitious and innovative, the team has won awards such as a CASE Platinum Award for Fundraising and a CASE Gold Award for Donor Relations and Stewardship. We are strongly values-driven with a focus on sustaining an excellent and supportive culture, which we see as key to creating a successful team that can support the university and its partners in making a real and positive difference to the world we live in.

More on King’s College London 

King’s College London is an internationally renowned university delivering exceptional education and world-leading research. The university is dedicated to driving positive and sustainable change in society and realising our vision of making the world a better place.  Through its commitment to exceptional education, impactful research and genuine service to society, King’s College London is creating positive change in its communities, both in London and on the world stage. The Strategic Vision 2029 looks forward to King’s College London’s 200th anniversary in 2029 and sets out ambitious plans in five key areas: 

1. Educating the next generation of change-makers
2. Challenging ideas and driving change through research
3. Giving back to society through meaningful service
4. Working with our local communities in London
5. Fostering global citizens with an international perspective

About the role

We are looking for two exceptional Heads of Philanthropy to join our team to significantly increase philanthropic income for faculty fundraising priorities across King’s College London.Within your application, please indicate which position you are applying to, or if you are happy to be considered for both positions.

One role will lead the Health, Science & Technology philanthropy team, and the other will lead the Arts & Social Sciences philanthropy team. Candidates will need to demonstrate curiosity and genuine interest in the academic areas that fall within the role, and work in partnership with King’s experts and other stakeholders to be successful.

King’s has an ambition to significantly scale philanthropic income for Faculties as we prepare to launch our next major fundraising and engagement campaign in 2027 and mark the university’s bicentenary in 2029. There is currently at least one major gift fundraiser working in each Faculty. Working closely with the Associate Director, Faculty Philanthropy, the postholder will play a pivotal role in developing and growing the major gift fundraising function. They will be responsible for leading and nurturing a team of high value fundraisers to secure gifts at the £50k level and above.

We are looking for someone with a proven track-record of developing new, high value relationships, with experience of closing gifts at the six- and seven- figure level. They will need to demonstrate that they understand what is required to build and scale prospect portfolios. They should be intellectually curious and energised by the depth and breadth of King’s academic expertise, with particular interest and passion to work with senior university leaders and academics to secure funding for a range of priorities across either the Arts and Social Sciences, or Health, Science & Technology portfolio.

Working closely with the Associate Director, Faculty Philanthropy, the postholder will play a pivotal role in developing and growing the major gift fundraising function in advance of the launch of the university’s next public fundraising campaign. They will be responsible for leading and nurturing a team of high value fundraisers to secure gifts at the £50k level and above.

This is a full time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite  contract. P&A has a hybrid working approach, with a minimum of 40% of time in the office, on King’s campuses or meeting donors externally. Typically, this equates to two days per week, but we’re very happy for colleagues to be in more frequently if they so wish.

We welcome applications from those seeking part-time and flexible working.

Please indicate if you are applying for either the Health, Science & Technology role or the Arts & Social Sciences role in your supporting statement or if you are happy to be considered for both positions.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. A proven track record of identifying, cultivating and securing six- and seven- figure gifts from major donors
2. Strong leadership skills, with experience of managing a high-performing fundraising or major gifts fundraising team
3. The ability to negotiate throughout a large, complex environment with multi-dimensional points of view
4. Ability to plan strategically and implement those plans
5. Proven track record in establishing, monitoring, and achieving demanding targets, including income and activity metrics
6. Confidence and experience of working effectively with, and influencing, senior stakeholders
7. Excellent communication skills, including an ability to write and speak eloquently and to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders of all backgrounds
8. Willingness to attend or work at, where necessary, commitments outside of normal working hours

Desirable criteria

1. Experience of working within, or working knowledge of, higher education sector in the UK
2. Experience of working in the public or voluntary sectors
3. Experience of working with a CRM or fundraising database

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including part-time, compressed hours and/or job shares, as appropriate and in the context of the business needs associated with the role.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.Please indicate if you are applying for either the Health, Science & Technology role or the Arts & Social Sciences role in your supporting statement or if you are happy to be considered for both positions. 

Closing Date: 17th November 2025

These roles will have three interview stages, a first-stage standard skills-based interview followed by a more in-depth second-stage interview and presentation, and (for up to two appointable candidates) a Core Values interview.

First stage interviews are due to be held on Tuesday 25th November.

 Second stage interviews are due to be held w/c 1st December.

Core Values interviews are due to be held on w/c 8th December.