Donor relation officer jobs in Cambridge
How's your job search on our site?
Philanthropy and Partnerships fundraising at Alzheimer's Research UK has grown significantly over recent years. The Directorate has a strong track record of soliciting seven-figure donations and winning significant corporate partnerships with well-known and well-loved brands such as Omaze, Cadbury, Warburtons, Roadchef and Dobbies.
We are now building upon this success and have launched a new, significant fundraising campaign. This campaign will help drive further transformational growth, from income across major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporate partners. Ultimately, it will help us fund cutting-edge research that will bring forward the day when we can diagnose, treat and prevent dementia.
As part of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Leadership Team, and working closely with the senior stakeholders across ARUK, the Head of Philanthropy will lead the organisation’s work with our philanthropy audiences (namely major donors, trusts and foundations). Under the banner of the new campaign, the Head of Philanthropy will define and implement the team’s strategy, ensuring it supports the charity’s vision, mission and strategic objectives.
The Head of Philanthropy will lead a Directorate of approximately 8-10 people and line manage three team members (namely the Philanthropy Executive and two Philanthropy Managers).
The role holder will also personally lead on relationships with a small group of ARUK’s most generous supporters, and prospective supporters, across Philanthropy audiences.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategy, finance and reporting
· Work with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships and Partnerships to lead on the strategy for the Philanthropy Team, including leading on the Ops plan, budgeting and strategy for the team.
· Grow Philanthropy income at Alzheimer’s Research UK, in line with agreed targets and expenditure.
· Monitor progress against targets, adjusting as necessary.
· Provide direction, guidance and support across the Philanthropy team.
· Evaluate reporting methods across the team and ensure they facilitate the accurate recording of the Philanthropy team’s fundraising activities.
· Represent the Philanthropy team at Head level internally.
Fundraising
· Manage a small portfolio of key current and prospective donors, building strategic relationships at the very highest level and delivering six and seven-figure gifts.
· Build a network of Senior Volunteers, working with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to ensure the team are maximising the opportunities available through our President, Chair and other senior stakeholders.
· Develop a thorough understanding of ARUK’s projects, policies and activities to enable you to articulate the mission of our work and inspire people to join us.
· Present and pitch to potential supporters and donors, managing high-level meetings where relevant and engaging other appropriate senior representation when needed.
· Ensure high-quality management of existing supporter relationships, making sure supporters find giving to ARUK rewarding and enjoyable.
· Tailor and develop Cases for Support to attract support for the work of ARUK’s projects.
· Manage and attend events and meetings with external representatives and involving the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, CEO and other colleagues and volunteers.
· Work with senior and scientific staff, empowering them to build relationships with current and prospective supporters.
· Explore the opportunities for cross-team working, especially, but not limited to the Corporate Fundraising and Celebrity teams.
Line Management and people management
· Inspire, motivate, challenge and support individuals and teams within the Philanthropy team. Promote collaborative working across the team and with other teams across the charity, developing a culture of innovation, openness, accountability and resourcefulness.
· Line manage three members of staff, namely two Philanthropy Managers and the Donor Relations Manager, actively empowering, coaching and supporting them to develop their teams’ operational plans and deliver on key priorities.
· Set clear goals, objectives and KPIs for each team member and provide them with the ongoing guidance and support they need to reach them.
· Role model and actively embed Alzheimer’s Research UK values and behaviours across all activities, and champion the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
· Provide strong leadership and support to the Philanthropy Team, through coaching, mentoring and developing individuals to enable them to effectively carry out their role. Carry out performance appraisal meetings and effectively promote team building and collaborative working to deliver the strategic and operational plans.
· Ensure all Philanthropy and Partnerships activity is conducted to the highest standards and in line with the strategic priorities, developing consistent and rigorous methods for measuring success and sharing knowledge/outcomes across the team, department, and wider charity.
Communications
· Work closely with the Finance team to ensure all grants are correctly allocated and used, and conditions met
· Liaise and work with the Research team and the Communications team to produce accurate and timely reports and applications
· Stay up to date with ARUK’s research and other news to be able to communicate effectively with supporters, disseminating the charity’s key messages both among the team and to key supporters.
Knowledge, skills and experience needed:
· Demonstrable knowledge and experience of major gift fundraising.
· Thorough understanding of managing a team of fundraisers.
· Experience of developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
· Proven track record in establishing, monitoring and achieving ambitious fundraising targets.
· Experience of managing a Philanthropy team to deliver significant income growth.
· Excellent communicator, with an ability to build relationships and inspire confidence and respect at all levels.
· Demonstrates strong negotiation, influencing and decision-making skills, with an ability to present arguments logically and confidently
· Excellent listening skills, receptive to feedback and demonstrates flexibility, curiosity and an ability to learn.
· Strong team player who can work both independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
· Confident and engaging presenter with an ability to adapt style to suit the audience and react/manage short lead times.
· Excellent planning and organisational skills, with an ability to work to deadlines and reprioritise work in accordance with the organisational needs.
· Highly motivated and target driven, with an ability to demonstrate a proactive and pragmatic approach and identify ways to deliver creative and innovative solutions.
· Strong attention to detail with an ability to remain calm under pressure
· Strong ethical standards and a high level of personal integrity.
· Excellent IT skills in PowerPoint, Word and Excel.
Additional Information:
Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £70,000 per annum, plus benefits
Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.
The closing date for applications is the 4th May 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.
As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via the website.
How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.
About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.
There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.
In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.
We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:
· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.
· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.
· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.
ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference.
To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) exists so nobody in Scotland suffers or dies because medical help cannot get there in time. People can get sick or have accidents anywhere and anytime. But in Scotland there are places where urgent medical help cannot reach people. Or help gets there too late. And when lives are at risk every minute matters. As a charity we rely on donations from the Scottish public, companies and communities to ensure that urgent medical help gets to the patient when it is needed, wherever they are and at whatever time of day.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced fundraising professional to join us as Head of Fundraising. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our fundraising strategy across community, events and volunteering, trusts and grants, corporate and philanthropy by crafting ambitious regional plans, nurturing high-performing teams, and driving excellence in supporter engagement and recognition. The Head of Fundraising will work collaboratively with the Individual Giving and Engagement team to drive new business pipelining and amplify fundraising campaigns, develop new fundraising products, and represent SCAA at external events and sector initiatives.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced team leader with significant experience working across a variety of fundraising disciplines and of developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
The successful candidate can be based from home, but this role will require regular travel to our bases at Perth and Aberdeen Airports and throughout Scotland. The usual hours and days of work will be Monday to Friday, 9am—5pm.
About You
Essential
-
Strong background in a variety of fundraising disciplines and a track record in growing fundraising income over multiple years within a charity, non-profit or values-led organisation.
-
Experience of developing and implementing fundraising strategies aligned to organisational objectives.
-
Experienced team leader who can motivate, inspire and guide others to deliver results.
-
Strong understanding of data protection (GDPR), confidentiality and safeguarding requirements.
-
Strong knowledge of Scottish charity regulations, governance and compliance requirements.
-
Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, financial processes, and procurement.
-
Experience delivering community fundraising products and scaling ideas that support donor acquisition and retention.
-
Ability to use insight and ambition to shape pipeline and stewardship planning.
-
Understanding of CRM systems.
Desirable
-
Ability to deliver training to staff or volunteers on processes or systems.
-
Experience of community, events, volunteering and partnerships and philanthropy fundraising.
-
Experience of working with Boards or Trustees in a fundraising context.
Our Benefits
- Pension: 12% employer’s & 5% employee’s contribution (after 3 months’ service)
- Annual Leave: 36 days (incl. public holidays) + an extra day for your birthday (and additional days with long service)
- Death in Service benefit: 3 times annual salary
- Optional Private Medical Insurance plan and Cashplan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced Maternity/Adoption/Paternity Pay
- Access to Blue Light Card
- Learning and Development Opportunities
Selection Process
First interviews will take place at our base at Perth Airport in Scone during the week commencing 25th May. Second stage interviews will be held at our Perth base the week commencing 1st June.
How to apply
Please refer to the full job pack on our website.
Application deadline is 5pm on Sunday 10th May 2026.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
To ensure no one in Scotland dies because help cannot get there in time.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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!
About Us:
At Future CFO, we're committed to excellence in financial consulting, offering bespoke solutions to our clients who are predominantly in the not for profit and social impact space. As a forward-thinking organization, we're looking for a dynamic Finance Manager to join our senior management team. The Finance Manager will be responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of Future CFO clients. This includes financial planning, budgeting, reporting, analysis, strategic decision-making and donor reporting. The Finance Manager is responsible for managing, supervising, and directing financial activities that our charity clients buy into. Other duties include strategic support and advisory to the management personnel and their Board members ensuring finances are used beneficially, developing the financial strategy, assessing investments, and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
The ideal candidate will have Non Profit and NGO experience and possess a blend of strong financial accounting skills and the ability to manage complex month-end processes across clients that are based globally. The individual will possess excellent communication abilities to liaise effectively with various teams and clients. They will be confident and a self-starter with excellent people skills, possess a passion for growth and create a powerful and connected team culture.
Before you apply
We’d encourage you to take a good look through the role responsibilities and person specification before applying. This is a broad and impactful role, so we’re looking for someone who can demonstrate strong experience across many of these areas and make sure your application brings this to life. We are also open to considering contractors with equivalent experience.
Please note that this role will primarily involve working with a client based in the United States. As such, candidates must be comfortable accommodating time zone differences and working flexible hours where required to support client needs.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
-
Lead the annual budgeting process across all programmes and country offices, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and funding requirements
-
Develop and maintain robust financial models, including forecasts and scenario planning
-
Produce regular forecasts (income, expenditure, and cash flow), highlighting risks and opportunities
-
Partner with budget holders to ensure accountability and ownership of financial plans
Management Reporting & Financial Performance
-
Oversee the preparation of timely and accurate monthly management accounts
-
Deliver clear variance analysis with meaningful insights for decision-making
-
Develop and enhance management reporting to improve visibility across programmes, grants, and geographies
-
Present financial performance to senior leadership and non-finance stakeholders in an accessible way
Financial Accounting, Month-End & Audit
-
Oversee and ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes
-
Maintain integrity of the general ledger, including review of journals, accruals, and prepayments
-
Ensure all balance sheet accounts are reconciled regularly and supported by appropriate documentation
-
Lead the year-end audit process, acting as the primary point of contact for external auditors
-
Prepare statutory accounts and ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and local regulations
-
Continuously improve financial processes, controls, and systems
Reserves & Cash Flow Management
-
Support the development and management of organisational reserves in line with policy and strategic objectives
-
Monitor and manage cash flow across entities, ensuring sufficient liquidity at all times
-
Identify financial risks and propose mitigation strategies, particularly in relation to funding gaps
-
Provide recommendations on reserves utilisation and financial sustainability
Grant & Donor Financial Management
-
Oversee financial management of grants, ensuring budgets are accurate, compliant, and aligned with donor requirements
-
Support proposal budgeting in collaboration with fundraising and programme teams
-
Ensure timely and accurate donor financial reporting, including variance analysis and narrative explanations
-
Maintain strong oversight of grant spend, ensuring compliance with funding agreements
-
Act as a key finance business partner to programme teams on grant delivery
Financial Governance & Controls
-
Ensure strong financial controls and compliance with internal policies and external regulations
-
Support organisational audits and ensure audit readiness across all funding streams
-
Maintain and improve financial policies, procedures, and systems
-
Promote best practice in financial management across country teams
Strategic Finance & Business Partnering
-
Act as a strategic finance partner to country directors and senior leadership
-
Provide financial insight to support organisational strategy and growth
-
Strengthen financial processes, tools, and reporting in a complex, multi-entity environment
-
Build financial capability across non-finance teams
Candidate Profile
Qualifications & Experience
-
Fully qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
-
Minimum 5-6 years experience in a senior finance role, ideally within the non-profit, international development, or grant-funded sector
-
Proven experience managing budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
-
Strong experience of grant and donor financial management and reporting
-
Experience leading month-end and year-end processes, including external audits
-
Experience working across multiple entities, countries, or complex organisational structures is highly desirable
Technical Skills & Knowledge
-
Strong understanding of financial accounting principles and controls
-
Excellent financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting skills
-
Ability to interpret and present complex financial data clearly to non-finance stakeholders
-
Knowledge of donor compliance requirements and restricted funding environments
-
Experience with finance systems and advanced Excel (or equivalent tools i.e. quickbooks, xero, etc.)
-
Strong understanding of cash flow management and reserves planning
Leadership & Business Partnering
-
Proven ability to act as a strategic finance partner to senior stakeholders
-
Experience working collaboratively with non-finance teams (e.g. programmes, fundraising, operations)
-
Ability to influence decision-making through clear financial insight
-
Proactive and solutions-oriented, with the confidence to challenge where appropriate
Personal Attributes
-
High level of integrity and accountability
-
Strong attention to detail with the ability to see the bigger picture
-
Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
-
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
-
Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment
-
A collaborative and supportive team player with a hands-on approach
Desirable
-
Experience in a multi-country or decentralised organisation
-
Experience working with outsourced finance providers or shared service models
-
Familiarity with international compliance, local regulations, and different accounting frameworks
-
Interest in or commitment to the organisation’s mission and impact
What We Offer
Purpose & Impact
-
The opportunity to play a key role in a mission-driven organisation, contributing to meaningful and measurable impact
-
A chance to shape and strengthen financial strategy in a growing, international environment
Professional Growth & Influence
-
A highly visible role with exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making
-
Opportunity to lead and improve financial systems, processes, and ways of working
-
Scope to develop and broaden your experience in a complex, multi-country, grant-funded environment
Compensation & Benefits
-
Competitive salary
-
Pension contribution for permanent staff and FTC
-
Annual leave for permanent staff and FTC
Flexibility & Work Environment
-
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
-
A supportive and collaborative team culture
-
Commitment to work-life balance
Wellbeing & Culture
-
A values-driven organisation with a strong sense of purpose
-
Inclusive and diverse working environment
-
Employee wellbeing initiatives and support
International Exposure
-
Opportunity to work with colleagues across multiple countries and cultures
-
Involvement in international programmes and funding landscapes
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.