3 Global director of philanthropy and investment jobs
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The Executive Director will provide strategic, operational and financial leadership for East London Dance, working in close partnership with the Creative Director & CEO to deliver the organisation’s vision and business plan, strengthening its position as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. The role leads people, culture, finance, governance, risk, operations, fundraising and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable, well-governed and equipped to deliver high-quality artistic and community programmes.
As a senior ambassador, the Executive Director builds strong relationships with funders, partners, trustees and stakeholders, while fostering an inclusive, collaborative and values-led culture. The role creates the conditions for a thriving team, turning creative ambition into organisational reality and supporting East London Dance’s long-term success.
We’re looking for someone who can help turn our ambition into a sustainable, thriving future – building the relationships and the funding that will carry us forward, and doing it alongside a team that already cares deeply about the organisation.
If you’re someone who loves building things, who knows how to bring people and money together, and who wants to help shape what east London’s cultural life looks like for years to come – we’d love to hear from you.
Job requirements:
Must bring substantial senior leadership experience, ideally Director, Deputy CEO or equivalent level, with evidence of strategic planning, organisational growth and performance management. Must have a proven track record in fundraising, business development and income generation, including securing funding, managing funder relationships and identifying new commercial or partnership opportunities; experience leading high-performing teams, managing change and strengthening organisational culture; strong financial acumen, including understanding budgets, balance sheets and financial decision-making; knowledge of charity governance, safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and risk management frameworks; experience working with Boards of Trustees. Must demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, be confident using Microsoft Suite, and have knowledge of ACE funding and reporting requirements.
Job Responsibilities:
Provides strategic, operational and financial leadership with Creative Director & CEO. The role translates the Business Plan into action, leads staff, freelancers and consultants, and develops an inclusive, high-performing culture. Key responsibilities include workforce planning, recruitment, HR compliance, performance management and staff wellbeing. The role oversees organisational systems, administration, IT and the operation of Talent House, including health and safety, compliance, venue hire and stakeholder relationships. They co-lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow monitoring and audit processes, while driving fundraising and income generation across grants, trusts, partnerships, sponsorship and earned income. The role also leads governance, risk management and business continuity planning, supports the Board of Trustees, develops strategic partnerships, represents the organisation externally and strengthens its profile, impact and long-term sustainability.
Apply via the East London Dance Website by Thursday 8 October, 12 Noon
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Smile Train is the world’s largest cleft-focused organisation, supporting life-changing surgery and comprehensive cleft care for children and adults globally. Through its unique local model, Smile Train has supported more than 2 million surgeries and works with medical partners across 75+ countries to deliver sustainable, high-quality care.
The UK plays a vital role within this global organisation, contributing significant income, insight and strategic input. The UK programme is performing strongly, with income expected to reach c.£14–15m this year, underpinned by a successful individual giving and legacy programme.
Smile Train is now entering its next phase of growth in the UK, with a clear opportunity to build and strengthen high-value income, particularly across major donors and mid-value giving.
Reporting to and working closely with the Director of UK Fundraising, you will manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, with significant opportunity to deepen relationships and grow supporters into higher-value philanthropy over time. This will be a hands-on, relationship-led role focused on building meaningful engagement and delivering long-term income growth.
This role offers an ambitious, skilled relationship developer the opportunity to build and grow Smile Train UK's major donor programme as part of its new five-year strategy, with strong organisational investment in philanthropy.
Working closely with a highly experienced and collaborative Director of UK Fundraising and broader fundraising team, you will contribute to developing ways of working, testing engagement strategies, tailoring the compelling case for support and working closely with colleagues in the UK and globally.
As Philanthropy Manager, you will:
- Manage and develop a portfolio of c.120–150 donors and prospects, primarily giving at mid-value level (up to c.£5k) with significant headroom for growth
- Build strong, long-term relationships with supporters through tailored cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
- Identify and engage new prospects, developing a sustainable pipeline of future high-value donors
- Develop and deliver individual engagement plans to retain and upgrade donors over time
- Prepare high-quality proposals, reports and communications to support donor engagement
- Support the development of Smile Train’s high-value case for support and fundraising approach in the UK
- Work closely with the Director of UK Fundraising and global colleagues to align activity and maximise opportunities
- Contribute to events, donor visits and wider engagement activity
- Maintain accurate records and support effective pipeline and performance management
Essential skills and experience:
- Experience of relationship fundraising, with exposure to major donors or mid-value giving. Other relationship-driven fundraising experience will be considered, for instance with trusts and foundations or corporate partnerships, where you can evidence income generation via relationship-building with HNWIs or purse-string holders.
- A track record of generating substantial income and securing 5-figure or higher gifts
- Confidence in managing a portfolio and delivering personalised donor engagement
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling proposals
- A proactive, organised and hands-on approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team
Desirable:
- Experience of working within a developing or growing high-value fundraising programme
- Exposure to international development, global health or a similarly mission-led environment
- Knowledge and use of Salesforce CRM
- Experience working within a global or matrix organisation
Smile Train UK offer an excellent employee benefits package, which includes:
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Up to 7 days paid sick leave per year
- “Sunshine Fridays” early Friday finish across summer months
Smile Train UK is partnering with Laura Macnamara at QuarterFive on this appointment.
A cover letter is not required when applying via CharityJob. However, we would welcome any additional information you can provide to demonstrate how your experience and skills align with the person specification.
Laura will provide full support to suitable candidates who are invited to progress to the formal application stage.
We are grateful for the time and interest of everyone who applies. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, we may not be able to respond individually to every applicant. Candidates selected to progress will be contacted directly.
Lead a Transformational Fundraising Vision – Shape the Future of Epilepsy Research
Epilepsy Society is entering one of the most ambitious chapters in its 130‑year history. A landmark planning decision has unlocked an anticipated £93 million to accelerate pioneering research, advanced diagnostics and scientific innovation, enabling us to become the world’s largest epilepsy research centre. We are now seeking a Director of Fundraising & Marketing who can turn this moment into momentum.
This is a strategic leadership role for someone who excels at setting vision, building capability and inspiring others. You will define the fundraising and marketing strategy for a new era, shaping the propositions, partnerships and profile that will fuel discovery and deliver impact for the 630,000 people living with epilepsy across the UK.
You will work at the intersection of science, philanthropy and influence: partnering with world‑leading researchers, engaging major donors and foundations, and elevating Epilepsy Society’s voice as a leader in neurological research and innovation. Your leadership will ensure we have the visibility, credibility and investment required to accelerate breakthroughs and improve lives.
If you are energised by building something significant, we would be delighted to hear from you.
About Epilepsy Society
Epilepsy Society is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming the lives of people affected by epilepsy through world‑class research, specialist medical care and trusted information. Our partnership with UCL places us at the forefront of global scientific discovery, while our clinical services, advocacy and support ensure that lived experience shapes everything we do.
We are now embarking on a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to expand our research and medical centre, invest in cutting‑edge technology and accelerate personalised treatment for people with the most complex needs. Realising this potential requires deeper partnerships, greater visibility and sustainable income growth.
About You
You are a strategic fundraising and marketing leader who brings:
- A track record of shaping high‑value fundraising strategies and securing transformational support.
- The credibility to influence at Board, executive and senior stakeholder level.
- Experience building ambitious teams, cultures and capabilities.
- The ability to translate scientific innovation into compelling, investable propositions.
- A strategic mindset paired with the judgement, presence and relationship‑building skills needed to operate at the highest levels.
You thrive in environments where you can build, shape and lead, and where your work directly accelerates scientific progress and improves lives.
If you want to play a part in creating a future where people with epilepsy are understood, supported and empowered, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Closing date: Tuesday 29th September at 9am

