Global director of philanthropy and investment jobs
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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 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.
As Philanthropy Manager, you will support the development of this high-value programme, taking ownership of a growing portfolio of donors and prospects while playing a key role in shaping a programme that is still at a relatively early stage of maturity in the UK.
Reporting to the Director of UK Fundraising, you will manage a portfolio of c.120–150 donors and prospects, primarily across mid-level giving, with the opportunity to deepen relationships and grow supporters into higher-value philanthropy over time. You will take a hands-on, relationship-led approach to fundraising, building meaningful engagement and delivering long-term income growth.
This role offers genuine scope to help build and evolve Smile Train’s high-value fundraising approach in the UK. You will contribute to developing ways of working, testing engagement strategies and helping to shape the case for support, 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 at mid-value level, with potential to grow into major giving
- 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, mid-value giving and/or trusts & foundations
- A track record of building and developing donor relationships, with the ability to grow income over time
- 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
- Experience working within a global or matrix organisation
Employee benefits
Benefits include:
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Up to 7 days paid sick leave per year
- Interest free Travel to Work loan
Non Charity Employer 
101 - 500
Thank you!
Ashden’s mission is to showcase outstanding climate solutions and accelerate systemic change that unleashes their transformative potential. Our vision is of a world where everyone enjoys access to clean energy. Where people and nature thrive.
For over 25 years, Ashden has worked with enterprises and organisations in the UK and the Global South to find, champion and scale solutions to the climate crisis. We excel in storytelling that connects these solutions with the policymakers, funders and investors poised to help them scale and maximise their impact. Our support is expanding access to affordable clean energy to farms, villages and refugee camps in the Global South. In the UK, we are helping create warmer homes, greener schools and accelerating climate action across our towns and cities.
Ashden is a highly regarded and well-connected organisation with a strong brand and a track record of building meaningful relationships with high value and high-profile individuals. We are excited to build on the good work already achieved to further scale fundraising in this area.
You will be joining Ashden at a pivotal moment. In 2024, we launched our Changemakers campaign to secure mission-aligned funding from donors making four and five-figure gifts and beyond - a programme you will personally lead and continue to shape and develop - an exciting opportunity to nuture an emerging initiative by stewarding and uplifting current donors whilst attracting new supporters. Working in close partnership with the Director of Business Development, you will also proactively support the prospecting, cultivation and stewardship of both new and existing donors to secure transformational seven-figure gifts. As our Major Donor Lead you will have the opportunity to define, refine and strengthen our major donor proposition more broadly, securing both unrestricted and restricted income to support our long-term impact.
We’re seeking an experienced fundraiser with a track record of securing major gifts and building strong relationships with high-net-worth individuals. While climate or environmental exposure is not essential, alignment with Ashden's values and passion for driving systems change is crucial. You’ll be supported by a collaborative team, including senior leadership and Trustees, and will have key strategic and operational input into the success of our fundraising, the growth of the team, and the broader impact of our charity.
This is a stimulating and rewarding opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within a highly collaborative, passionate and visionary organisation. It is also an outstanding opportunity for those keen to deepen their experience and insight in philanthropy at the highest levels, including meaningful exposure to pioneering venture philanthropy and innovative impact-led funding models.
Location: Hybrid, ideally 2 days in London Victoria office
Hours: Full Time with flexible working agreed. Part time hours or compressed hours will also be considered.
To read more about the role and organisation, please download the full appointment brief below.
Closing Date: 11 June 2026
People Beyond Profit Conversations: 15-19 June 2026
Ashden Interviews: 26 June 2026(online) and 2 July 2026 (in person).
