Fundraising director jobs in Central london, greater london
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About CoppaFeel!
CoppaFeel! are the UK’s only youth focused breast cancer awareness charity, and we’re on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest. We educate people on the signs of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests monthly, so that if they notice something unusual they are empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves.
We do this because when diagnosed early, breast cancer treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher. Early detection can save lives.
Breast cancer does not need to be detected late, and as long as we are here and continue to be supported by people like you, we will do all we can to make sure this doesn’t continue to happen.
The Role
CoppaFeel! is seeking an inspiring and strategic Fundraising Director to lead our fundraising activity and help to drive the next phase of our growth.
As a key member of the senior leadership team, you’ll be responsible for shaping and delivering our fundraising strategy, ensuring a strong, diverse and sustainable income portfolio that enables us to reach more people and move closer to a world where all breast cancers are diagnosed early. Leading and supporting a newly formed but high performing team, you’ll oversee new business development, high value corporate partnerships and outstanding stewardship of our supporters. Working closely with the CEO and colleagues across the organisation you’ll set ambitious targets, identify opportunities for growth and champion long term, values aligned partnerships.
CoppaFeel! has experienced a period of exceptional financial growth, increasing income from £1.6m to £7m in 5 years, driven in large part by the success of our partnership with Asda. This has placed the organisation in a strong and exciting position with the opportunity to build for the long term, diversify our income, and significantly increase our impact.
The Fundraising Director will provide bold, strategic leadership to shape the next phase of CoppaFeel!’s growth, evolving our fundraising model, reducing reliance on any single income stream and ensuring long term sustainability. This role is about setting vision, unlocking opportunity and embedding fundraising as a strategic, organisation wide function. While oversight of day to day fundraising performance remains important, this role is fundamentally future focused building resilience and driving innovation.
This is a hybrid role requiring 2 days per week in our offices based in London Bridge. This role sits within our Senior Management Team and reports into the CEO.
Duties and responsibilities
Strategy & Leadership
- Work as part of the CoppaFeel! SMT shaping the organisational strategy, culture and cross departmental ways of working
- Set and lead an ambitious, multi year fundraising vision aligned to CoppaFeel!’s organisational strategy and impact goals
- Develop and support the Fundraising Team in the delivery of the fundraising strategy to ensure long term sustainability and maximum impact
- Provide strong, clear and consistent leadership through a period of growth, transformation and increasing complexity
- Champion innovation, testing and learning across all fundraising streams to unlock new opportunities and audiences
- Work collaboratively across all departments to ensure that fundraising is integrated across the organisation and aligned with our organisational delivery
Governance
- Work closely with the SMT to develop strategic recommendations for the Board of Trustees and support effective governance
- Development of the 3 year budget, including regular reforecasting and longer term projections to inform investment and growth decisions
- Analyse and monitor the ROI of across all income streams, using insight to drive decision making!
- Take on fundraising related governance responsibilities, including attendance at Finance Committee meetings and contributing to the annual report.
- Provide confident, strategic leadership on financial risk, opportunity and sustainability
Fundraising
- Drive the delivery of CoppaFeel!'s growth strategy, including achieving fundraising targets across multiple fundraising streams
- Develop new strategies and adapt existing ones in response to external trends, audience insight and organisational priorities
- Support the Asda partnership at a strategic level, ensuring income is stewarded effectively and impact is clearly reported
- Oversee and empower the Department Heads in the implementation and optimitisation of the fundraising strategy
- Lead the diversification of income, reducing reliance on any single partner or activity and building a resilient, balanced fundraising portfolio Identify and develop fundraising opportunities that are accessible, inclusive and engaging for 18–24-year-olds and priority audiences
Sector representation
- Act as a visible ambassador for CoppaFeel! within the fundraising sector
- Build CoppaFeel!’s fundraising credibility through conference speaking, thought leadership, award entries and sector engagement
General duties of a CoppaFeel! employee
- To work cooperatively, respectfully and effectively with colleagues to ensure CoppaFeel! achieves its annual strategy
- Update database with relevant contacts
- To assist in identifying and highlighting key external trends which are relevant to the Charity’s operation and provide relevant advice
- To participate, as appropriate, in staff forums and meetings
- To adhere to CoppaFeel!’s Policies and Procedures
- To be flexible with working hours and be willing to work weekend hours where appropriate (i.e. fundraising events) where time off in lieu will be rewarded
- To carry out other tasks as required by the CEO occasionally
Skills and attributes
Essential
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to represent CoppaFeel! credibly at the highest levels
- Experience operating successfully at a strategic leadership level within a medium sized or large organisation
- A proven, creative and commercial approach to income generation, underpinned by strong market insight
- Strong financial acumen, with confidence in budget management, forecasting and ROI analysis
- Experience reshaping or diversifying a fundraising portfolio
- Experience working closely with and presenting to a Board of Trustees and senior stakeholders
- Ability to inspire, lead and develop high performing teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with sound judgement around risk and reputation
- Thrives in a fast paced, ambitious and evolving environment
Desirable
- Comfortable leading through change, complexity and growth
- Experience working in a rapidly scaling organisation
Application information
Applications will close on Sunday 8th March 2026 with the aim to commence first interviews on W/C 9th March 2026.
CoppaFeel! reserves the right to close the vacancy early in the event that we receive a high number of applications before the closing date.
Main benefits, Terms & Conditions
Annual leave entitlement: 22 days, plus office closure at Christmas, a day off on our Founders birthday, and a day off for your birthday.
- Employee Assistance Programme; advice and support offered by an external body.
- Health Cash Plan; cash back on everyday health expenses, as well as a GP advice line and access to PerkBox.
- Access to Self Space training and 1:1 therapy
- Core working hours of 10am to 4pm
- Working from home up to 3 days per week
- Flex Friday; every other Friday off, offering the time to recharge and ensuring work life balance, while remaining available in case of emergencies
- Training; we have a budget each year for employees training and development plans.
- Treats cupboard; full of biscuits, fruit, chips, fancy tea, coffee, and snacks.
- Expenses; travel for events and food during events will be reimbursed.
- Notice period: 3 months
All annual leave and benefits are pro-rata'd for part time employees.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
At CoppaFeel! we support a diverse range of communities and we understand that diversity within our team is central and crucial to meeting the needs of the young people we exist to serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, and people of colour, LGBTQIA+ candidates, candidates with disabilities, from men, and from those with a lived experience of cancer because we would like to increase the representation of these groups within the charity.
We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and make recruitment decisions by matching the charity's needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We recognise the value in encouraging a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge at the charity.
While the successful candidate will be selected purely on merit, in the event of a tie between two candidates with equal suitability, we may select a candidate with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address through our work.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and we commit to offering an interview for all applicants with disabilities who meet our required criteria for the role. If you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview process please get in touch.
Thank you!
The Talent Set is delighted to be partnering with the British Asian Trust to recruit an Associate Director of Programme Fundraising (maternity cover - 9 months), who will play a pivotal role in strategically leading fundraising across their institutional, trusts and foundations and strategic corporate partnership income streams.
Associate Director of Programme Fundraising
£80,000 - £85,000 dependent on experience
9 month maternity cover
London with hybrid working (2dpw onsite in their White City office)
The British Asian Trust is a diaspora-led international development organisation, delivering programmes tackling problems and inequalities in the areas of education, livelihoods, mental health, child protection and conservation in South Asia.
The scale and complexity of the challenges in South Asia demand innovative and ambitious approaches to tackling them. The British Asian Trust works in partnership with others to design and deliver programmes, raise funds and convene partnerships that combine new social finance tools, philanthropy and technology to deliver impact at scale.
The Associate Director of Programme Fundraising plays a critical role within this set up - leading and shaping the programme fundraising strategy to secure large scale partnerships with institutional donors, trusts and foundations and strategic corporate partners. The position holds an integral central point of contact between internal and external stakeholders (in the London HQ and internationally), developing complex and compelling funding propositions while cultivating key donor relationships and ensuring the delivery of ambitious income targets.
As Associate Director of Programme Fundraising you will lead a high-performing team of 6, with matrix management/collaboration with colleagues based in India and Pakistan, as an active member of the Fundraising Leadership team.
The British Asian Trust operates a dynamic, impact-driven culture - requiring an individual with the technical skills and expertise to drive growth of these core income streams whilst delegating multiple competing priorities and navigating a complex funding environment.
About the role:
- Further develop and implement the programme fundraising strategy, focused on securing funding from institutional donors, trusts and foundations and corporate partners aligned with BAT's core programmatic areas.
- Cultivate and manage key relationships with funders, influencers and wider relevant networks.
- Lead a high performing team, managing and delegating multiple competing priorities to balance organisational requirements for programme fundraising efficiently.
- Further develop systems and processes that underpin programme fundraising, including prospect research, compliance, donor engagement, proposition development and reporting.
- Operate as an active and effective member of the Fundraising Leadership Team, collaborating with the Programme, Finance and Communications teams to align policies and processes.
About You:
- A proven track record in programme fundraising, securing multi-million-pound funding from institutional donors, trusts and foundations.
- Experience in international development/social impact sectors with a strong understanding/wider awareness of outcome based fundraising models.
- Team leader, with expertise of managing high-performing teams and delegating tasks effectively.
- An agile approach/"test and learn" mentality to adapt approaches/pivot activity as necessary within a dynamic environment and shifting donor priorities.
- Strong relationship manager, with expertise of engaging a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders (including high-value funders and in-country teams).
Deadline for CVs: Friday 6th March at 12pm
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.
Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.
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!
Assistant Director of Fundraising (Major Donors)
Are you an experienced major donor fundraiser ready to step into a senior leadership role with real strategic influence?
We are seeking an exceptional Assistant Director of Fundraising (Major Donors) to lead and grow a high-value philanthropy programme while acting as a key deputy within an ambitious Income Generation Directorate.
This is a pivotal role for a confident, relationship-led fundraiser who combines a strong track record in securing major gifts with the credibility and strategic judgement to operate at director level.
The Opportunity
You will lead the major donor programme, managing and growing relationships with high-net-worth individuals and strategically significant supporters. Alongside direct portfolio management, you will shape income strategy, support directorate-wide planning, and deputise for the Director of Income Generation when required.
You’ll work closely with senior leadership and trustees, influencing and guiding their engagement with major donors to maximise impact and long-term income growth.
This is an opportunity to:
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Take ownership of a major donor income pipeline with ambitious targets
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Develop compelling multi-year proposals and personally make high-value asks
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Play a visible leadership role across a collaborative fundraising team
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Leverage events and cultivation opportunities to deepen supporter engagement
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Contribute to strategic planning, forecasting and directorate decision-making
Key Responsibilities
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Lead and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects
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Develop and deliver strategic cultivation and stewardship plans
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Own pipeline management, forecasting and income targets
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Prepare high-quality proposals, briefings and reports for senior stakeholders
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Support and deputise for the Director of Income Generation
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Line manage fundraisers and foster a high-performing, collaborative culture
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Ensure excellent CRM management and data integrity
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Maximise fundraising events as major donor cultivation opportunities
About You
We’re looking for a senior major donor specialist who brings:
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Significant experience securing and stewarding major gifts
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A strong understanding of major gift fundraising theory and pipeline management
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Experience working to income targets and managing budgets
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Confidence leading donor meetings and making financial asks
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Line management experience and the ability to influence senior stakeholders
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Excellent written communication and proposal development skills
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Strong CRM and data management expertise
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Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to organisational planning
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A collaborative, values-driven and emotionally intelligent approach
Experience across events or high-value cultivation activity would be advantageous.
Why Apply?
This role offers the chance to combine hands-on major donor fundraising with strategic leadership responsibility. You’ll help shape income growth, strengthen cross-team collaboration, and play a visible role in driving organisational impact.
If you are an ambitious senior fundraiser ready to step into a broader leadership role while maintaining meaningful donor relationships, we would love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Director of Philanthropy
We are seeking a Director of Philanthropy to join Nekton in a pivotal leadership role at a critical moment of organisational growth. You will lead and deliver a global philanthropic fundraising strategy for a pioneering marine science and conservation institute focused on rapidly accelerating the scientific exploration and protection of the ocean.
Position: Director of Philanthropy
Location: Hybrid (Onsite attendance in Oxford or London 2 days a week, with international travel)
Salary: £80,000+
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Closing Date: 23 February 2026
About the Role
The Director of Philanthropy is a pivotal, high-impact role responsible for co-defining, executing, and managing Nekton's global fundraising strategy, with a notable focus on securing major philanthropic gifts from high-net-worth individuals and foundations.
You will be the engine that drives the financial success of our ambitious scientific and conservation programmes, translating Nekton's vision to explore and protect the ocean into compelling cases for support.
Key areas of responsibility include:
· Strategy & Leadership
· Donor Relations & Management
· Collaboration & Communication
Why This Role Matters
This is a rare opportunity to shape and deliver one of the most ambitious philanthropic agendas in marine science today. As Director of Philanthropy, you will help unlock the resources required to explore the last great frontier on Earth, influence global ocean policy, and leave a lasting legacy for the planet.
If you are motivated by big ideas, long term impact, and the power of philanthropy to drive systemic change, this role offers both scale and purpose.
About You
This role demands an entrepreneurial, strategic, and highly hands on fundraiser with a proven track record of securing very significant gifts. You will be equally comfortable shaping strategy at Board level and personally leading high value donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
We are looking for someone with experience of:
· Securing significant six and seven-figure philanthropic gifts in a high-profile international organisation.
· Extensive network and demonstrable success in cultivating relationships with global philanthropic foundations, family offices and high-net-worth individuals.
· Articulating complex scientific and conservation initiatives into inspiring donor narratives and stand-out grant applications.
You will be able to undertake international travel to meet with prospects and attend events.
If you have a passion for ocean science, exploration, and conservation, and a deep commitment to Nekton’s mission, then apply today!
About Nekton
Nekton is a pioneering marine science and conservation institute, a charitable foundation committed to rapidly accelerating the scientific exploration and protection of the ocean. Our global programmes combine cutting-edge scientific discovery, inspiring public engagement, and catalysing policy impact.
This role is central to driving the financial ambition of our initiatives, including:
· Ocean Census (Primary Focus): A UN-endorsed, global collaboration to discover ocean life
· First Descent: Expedition-based deep ocean exploration and conservation
· Ocean Rising: Connecting culture and the ocean
· YACHTS for Science: Scientists to sea - matching private vessels with marine research.
· New 5-Year Global Voyage: A major, sustained expedition to explore and protect the ocean globally.
Other roles you may have experience of could include Fundraising, Philanthropy, Fundraiser, Director of Fundraising, Director of Philanthropy, Head of Fundraising, Head of Philanthropy, Major Gifts, Major Donor.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Thank you!
Director of Principal Giving & International
Advancement Department
University College London
London, UK
Grade 10 role with a salary of £100,000-£120,000 pa (inclusive of London Allowance). Plus excellent benefits, including a sector-leading relocation package.
An exceptional leadership opportunity to play a significant role in the success of one of the biggest fundraising and engagement campaigns in the higher education sector in Europe.
UCL is a radically different university. Founded in 1826 in the heart of London, we were the first university in England to welcome students of any religion and the first to welcome women on equal terms with men. Today, UCL has over 51,000 students, 14,000 staff and over 470,000 alumni, and is one of the world’s top 10 universities.
We will launch our largest ever fundraising and engagement campaign that will leverage the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that our bicentennial anniversary in 2026 presents. Since our last campaign, we have increased our ambitions and are building further capacity and expertise across our Advancement division. As part of this step-change, we have re-imagined our Principal Gifts & International team and are now seeking an experienced practitioner to drive this area forward. There has never been a more exciting time to join the Advancement office.
As the Director of Principal Giving & International, you will lead a newly combined team that cultivates meaningful relationships with donors and prospective supporters who have the potential to transform the future and impact of UCL. You and your team of experts will secure philanthropic gifts at the 7 and 8-figure level and drive our international fundraising activity forward. You will work with key colleagues and stakeholders across Advancement and the wider University, as well as with a mission-critical senior volunteer network around the world. It’ll therefore be critical that you are a highly experienced and ambitious fundraiser and leader, with vision, creativity and the ability to make things happen while taking others on the journey with you.
To be successful, you must bring well-rounded knowledge and experience of best-in-class principal gifts fundraising, and a demonstrable track record of securing 7-figure philanthropic gifts, alongside an awareness of global fundraising trends. Your approachable and collaborative manner, along with your ability to work at pace and with gravitas, inspires confidence from those around you. Being enterprising and solutions-focussed, people enjoy working with you and actively seek you out as a thought partner. You must be equally comfortable in playing a front-facing role, as well as operating behind the scenes and supporting others in making the ask, as it’s the transformational outcomes and impact that truly drives you.
In return, you will join a team of passionate individuals who work together to achieve remarkable things with a global impact. Our people really are our greatest asset, and we invest in them so that they can fulfil their potential. Equity, diversity and inclusion is important to us and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone is encouraged to give their best in a place where their unique experiences, perspectives and skills are seen as valuable assets. We also prioritise work-life balance and offer hybrid and agile working as well as flexibility around working hours. We are happy to receive part-time applications for all of our job opportunities, and can consider a 0.8FTE working pattern for this role. And we particularly welcome applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.
If you’re interested in hearing more, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates or you can download further details from their website by following the Apply button.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS midnight GMT on SUNDAY, 1 MARCH 2026
Thank you!
Director of Fundraising
We are seeking an experienced Director of Fundraising to lead income generation and build strong relationships with major donors and corporate partners.
Position: Director of Fundraising
Salary: £58,000 to £65,000 per annum, pro rata
Location: Burnt Oak, North London, with some hybrid working
Hours: Full time or 0.8 FTE
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Wednesday 4th March at noon
Interviews: First round 11th, 13th or 16th March. Final round in person w/c 23rd March
About the role
The Director of Fundraising role sits on the Senior Leadership Team and has responsibility for delivering a fundraising programme with a target of around £2m per year. You will lead the fundraising function and personally manage a portfolio of major donors and corporate partners.
Key responsibilities include
- Generating substantial income to meet annual fundraising targets
- Managing and stewarding major donors, high net worth individuals and corporate partners
- Supporting trusts and grants fundraising to deliver high quality funding bids
- Leading and developing the fundraising team, setting KPIs and income targets
- Developing and delivering a fundraising strategy aligned to the wider organisational strategy
- Preparing reports and presenting to the Board of Trustees and relevant committees
- Ensuring compliance with fundraising legislation and codes of practice
- Working with partner organisations and networks to share best practice
- Acting as a senior leader within the organisation and role modelling organisational values
About you
As Director of Fundraising You will be an experienced fundraising professional with a strong track record of securing significant income from major donors and partners. Essential experience includes:
- Experience of securing six figure donations from major donors or corporate partners
- A strong track record of meeting challenging fundraising targets
- Experience of managing donor pipelines and aligning supporter interests with organisational need
- Experience of working with Trustees or senior volunteers
- Line management experience and the ability to lead and motivate a team
- Excellent communication and relationship building skills
- A strategic and target driven approach to fundraising
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines
- Experience of using a fundraising database or CRM system
About the organisation
The organisation provides open access youth services for young people aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. It operates six days a week and offers a wide range of activities and targeted support. Fundraising is essential to cover the majority of its operating costs, and the charity is well established locally with strong community and philanthropic support.
The organisation is part of a wider national network, working collaboratively with partner organisations to increase funding and share best practice.
Other roles you may have experience of could include; Head of Fundraising, Head of Development, Fundraising Manager, Major Gifts Manager, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropy Lead, Fundraising Director, Development Director, etc.
If you are looking for a leadership position that requires creativity, that will enable you to flourish, be ambitious, operate both strategically and operationally, and drive success, then this is the position for you. #INDNFP
Thank you!
Director of Fundraising
Location: Hybrid working, with 1-2 days per week in London office - all staff in London office every Tuesday.
Salary: £85-90,000 per annum.
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Ovarian Cancer Action, the UK’s leading ovarian cancer research charity, is seeking an ambitious and strategic leader who can drive sustainable income growth and build high‑value partnerships and relationships that can change the lives of thousands of women and their families.
Ovarian cancer hasn’t seen the scientific breakthroughs that some other cancers have, with survival rates that haven’t changed meaningfully in decades. Ovarian Cancer Action is working to address this, with an urgent mission that by 2032 at least half of women in the UK with ovarian cancer live for 10 years. To realise that goal, the charity is carrying out world-class scientific progress in prevention, early detection and treatment, funding more ovarian cancer research than any other gynaecological cancer charity in the UK.
This is an exciting time to be joining the charity, and the Director of Fundraising will play a key role capitalising on the huge potential of the charity’s current work to transform survival of ovarian cancer, including the possibility of a preventative vaccine this decade.
This is a senior leadership position responsible for driving OCA’s fundraising ambition and accelerating income growth, managing the development and delivery of an insight‑driven fundraising strategy and identifying major opportunities across mass fundraising, philanthropy, partnerships and influential networks. The post-holder will be responsible for personally cultivating and securing high‑value relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations and strategic partners, and leading and developing a high-performing fundraising team to secure significant multi‑year gifts and leverage milestone organisational moments to unlock transformational support.
The successful candidate will be a senior fundraising leader with a strong track record of securing significant 5‑ and 6‑figure gifts, partnerships and multi‑year commitments. You’ll bring deep experience managing high‑level philanthropic relationships and a track record of inspiring leadership, building high-performing teams. Strength in CRM systems, data‑driven pipeline management and cross‑organisational collaboration is essential, as is exceptional communication and influencing ability.
On a personal level, you will thrive in a mission‑driven and fast-paced environment, bringing strategic insight and an entrepreneurial, optimistic and solutions‑focused approach to life. You will be energised by opportunity, resilient in the face of challenge, and comfortable testing, learning and innovating. Above all, you’ll be motivated by improving women’s health and committed to aligning fundraising ambition with organisational strategy and research impact.
Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.
Closing date: Monday 2nd March 9.00am.
PLEASE NOTE: We will be longlisting applications as soon as we receive them, so please apply early to register your interest.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We're the UK's leading ovarian cancer research charity, working on early detection, prevention and treatments so that no woman dies of ovarian cancer.
Thank you!
Join a charity which helps families wherever and whenever they need us
Lia’s Wings is the only charity delivering life-saving aeromedical transfers by plane both within the UK and overseas. We make sure babies and children receive the vital treatment they need, no matter where they are. Alongside these urgent medical transfers, we provide tailored, wrap-around support for families to help them through a crisis, creating long-term improved health and well-being outcomes.
We are seeking a new Director of Fundraising to help us increase our income to support more families.
The successful candidate will set the strategic direction for fundraising, lead the team to build strong and sustainable income streams and ensure the charity has the resources it needs to deliver and expand our vital services.This is a wonderful opportunity to help shape the future of our small but mighty charity. The successful candidate will bring proven fundraising leadership experience, strong relationship-building skills, and a genuine passion for providing life-changing support to babies and children.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned to organisational goals.
- Lead income development and diversification across corporate, major donor, trusts and foundations, community fundraising and events.
- Lead the development of compelling cases for support, proposals, and donor communications.
- Build a strong corporate partnerships programme, including aviation sector engagement and charity of the year partnerships.
- Identify and cultivate major donor prospects, working closely with the CEO where appropriate.
- Grow individual giving, including regular giving, appeals, and legacy development.
- Oversee the trusts and foundations pipeline, ensuring high quality applications and stewardship.
- Provide strategic insight to the CEO and Board on fundraising performance, opportunities, and risks.
- As a member of our Senior Management Team, contribute to organisational planning, budgeting, and impact. reporting.
We are looking for someone with:
- Proven track record of delivering significant income growth across multiple fundraising streams.
- Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
- Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and developing teams.
- Demonstrable success in building relationships with high-value donors, corporates, or trusts.
- Experience working in a small or growing charity environment.
For further details, please see the attached job description.
How to apply:
To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) should demonstrate how you meet the person specification set out in the job description.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 27th February.
Please note first round interviews will take place online Thursday 5th and Monday 9th March. A second (and final) round interview will take place in London on the morning of Wednesday 18th March.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
The UK's only aeroplane ambulance charity: ensuring British children can access lifesaving and life-changing medical treatments when in urgent need.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Director of Fundraising
Salary: £70,000 to £75,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid – London EC1Y/Home
Join MQ and help transform mental health research.
At MQ, we champion and fund world-class research to transform the lives of everyone affected by a mental health condition. We strive to create a world where mental illness is better understood, diagnosed, treated and, hopefully someday, prevented. We believe research is the first step towards making that a reality.
We connect scientists with supporters, people with lived experience of mental health illnesses, policymakers, and practitioners, so together we can strive to understand mental health, improve treatments and prevent mental illnesses.
Supported by our world-class Science Council, MQ funds research globally and works in partnership with leading organisations in the field including Wellcome Trust, the Mental Health Mission, DATAMIND, University of Oxford, Glasgow University and Kings College. In the US, we work through our sister charity the MQ Foundation.
What you'll be doing:
The Director of Fundraising is a senior, strategic leadership role responsible for driving significant and sustainable growth in income for MQ, with a target of achieving £10 million annual turnover over the next five years.
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the postholder will set and deliver an ambitious, data-led fundraising strategy across philanthropy, trusts and foundations, partnerships and other income streams. They will personally steward high-value relationships while building a high-performing, commercially minded fundraising function capable of supporting MQ’s long-term mission.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising Strategy & Income Growth
- Develop and deliver MQ’s overall fundraising and income generation strategy, aligned to organisational priorities
- Set clear income targets and KPIs across all fundraising streams
- Personally lead and secure six- and seven-figure gifts, grants and contracts
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with major donors, funders and partners
- Ensure excellent stewardship, reporting and donor experience across all income streams
Pipeline, Performance & Data Oversight
- Provide strategic oversight of the fundraising pipeline, ensuring a healthy balance of prospecting, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
- Use data, insight and CRM reporting to track performance, forecast income and manage risk
- Identify income concentration risks and develop mitigation strategies
- Drive continuous improvement in fundraising processes, systems and ways of working
Financial Management & Reporting
- Own the Fundraising budget, including income forecasting, expenditure control and cost-of-fundraising oversight
- Work closely with the Finance team to ensure accurate income phasing, reporting and financial planning
- Produce regular reports for the CEO, Executive Team and Board on income performance, pipeline health and risks
- Ensure all funding is managed in line with grant conditions, donor expectations and regulatory requirements
Leadership & Team Development
- Provide strategic leadership and line management to the team
- Build, develop and retain a high-performing, motivated fundraising team
- Foster a collaborative, ambitious and accountable fundraising culture
- Support succession planning and talent development within the Fundraising function
External Profile, Partnerships & Thought Leadership
- Represent MQ at high-level events, conferences and networking opportunities
- Strengthen MQ’s profile with funders, corporates, policymakers and partners
- Work closely with the Board and Science Council to maximise fundraising and partnership opportunities
- Undertake speaking engagements where appropriate to generate visibility & awareness
Executive Leadership & Governance
- Act as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy and decision-making
- Support the CEO with Board engagement, particularly around fundraising strategy and performance
- Ensure fundraising activity complies with all relevant legislation, regulation and best practice
- Uphold MQ’s values, reputation and commitment to ethical fundraising
Person Specification:
We'd love to hear from you, if you have:
- Significant senior leadership experience in fundraising or income generation, ideally within the charity, research or mission-driven sector
- Proven track record of delivering substantial income growth and securing high-value gifts
- Experience leading and developing high-performing fundraising teams
- Strong commercial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting and performance management
- Demonstrable experience of managing complex stakeholder relationships
- Strategic, analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, including at Board and senior stakeholder level
- Strong understanding of the UK research funding or philanthropic landscape
- Clear alignment with MQ’s mission and values
The following is highly desirable
- Knowledge of mental health research and lived-experience-led approaches
- Experience of US philanthropy or international fundraising
- Experience working with Boards, trustees or scientific advisory groups
- Familiarity with modern CRM systems and fundraising analytics
Why Join MQ?
We offer a great working experience within a friendly team. Hybrid working (in the London office Mondays and Tuesdays, with the remaining days from home). We are located near Barbican Tube.
Plus, we offer lots of generous benefits and training opportunities.
We're a Sunday Times Top Company to work for.
Benefits
- Flexible working: As a mental health charity, staff wellbeing is of paramount importance. We operate a core hours policy (10-4) to encourage flexible working and staff are mainly home based with the requirement to come into the office two days per week. A standard full-time working week is 35 hours, plus an hour for lunch breaks.
- Holidays: Annual holiday entitlement of 31 days (inc. office closure between Xmas and New Year) plus bank holidays.
- Wellbeing Allowance: MQ provides an allowance of up to £1200 per annum for each employee to spend on activities that increase their wellbeing. This is paid through payroll and is taxable.
- Virtual GP & Other wellbeing services - Get quick GP appointments and support with cancer and caring responsibilities through our Zurich benefits scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme: An interest-free loan is available to enable employees to purchase a bike and accessories, repaid via equal deductions from the employee’s salary over 12 months.
- Employee Assistance Programme: All employees and their families have access to a 24-hour confidential advice and support line.
- Counselling: Employees have access to a number of free face-to-face sessions, via the EAP scheme.
- Pension: MQ makes contributions of 5% and employees make contributions of 3%.
- Life Assurance - Up to 4 x your salary in the event of death in service.
- Season Ticket Loan: An interest free season ticket loan is available, repaid via equal deductions from the employee’s salary over 12 months.
- Personal Development: We value employee development and review individual training needs through our performance management system. HR also runs internal management development sessions for all staff.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Closing date: 22nd February 2026
Please note, we typically start interviewing within two weeks of the job advert going live. We reserve the right to close the job before the deadline based on the volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
We believe in equality and inclusion and we welcome job applications from everyone, provided you meet the criteria for the job.
Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration and undertake a DBS check.
No agencies please.