Head of development donor partnerships jobs

Are you an experienced fundraising leader ready to drive major gift growth at one of the world’s most significant museums? Join the University of Oxford and lead fundraising for the Ashmolean Museum, securing significant philanthropic support that advances its global cultural and academic mission.

• Location: Oxford (with hybrid working options)
• Salary: £65,336 – £75,439 per annum (with possible extension to £82,225 including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About Us

The Ashmolean Museum- Britain’s first public museum has been open since 1683, and is the University of Oxford’s world-class museum of art and archaeology. Situated in the heart of the city we are an iconic cultural destination welcoming over 1million visitors a year. Entering a new phase of ambitious fundraising as part of the Oxford Excellence Campaign, the Ashmolean seeks to deliver planned major projects to transform access to, engagement with and understanding of our collections. Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) drives philanthropic support across the University, enabling impact at a global scale.

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity with significant influence and visibility.

You will lead the Ashmolean’s fundraising strategy, driving major gift activity that supports the Museum’s priorities. You will shape and deliver a compelling case for support, building a strong pipeline of donors.

You will personally manage a portfolio of high-value donors, cultivating long-term relationships and securing six- and seven-figure gifts. Working closely with the Museum Director, Board of Visitors, and senior academic colleagues, you will connect donors with opportunities that align their interests with the Ashmolean’s mission and global impact.

Alongside your external focus, you will lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture. You will also contribute to the wider DAE strategy, working across Oxford’s collegiate and departmental network to maximise philanthropic success.

About You

• Proven track record of securing major gifts (six- and seven-figure) and building strong donor relationships
• Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies in complex organisations
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and supporting teams
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders
• Ability to think strategically while taking initiative and driving results

Sponsorship and Right to Work

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa. Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 28 May 2026.

Interviews will take place on Friday 12 June 2026, and will be held face-to-face in Oxford.

About the Charity:

‘Ending Homelessness, Restoring Lives, and Sharing God’s Love.’

Rooted in Christian compassion, our mission is to ensure that every person in Leeds has access to shelter, support, and dignity - regardless of background - through compassionate care on their journeys out of homelessness.

About Our Employees:

The twin objectives of St George’s Crypt are the relief of hardship and poverty among those living with homelessness, poverty and addiction in the city of Leeds and beyond; and the advancement of the Christian religion for public benefit. Therefore, it is key for the employees and volunteers of the Crypt to be sympathetic to the Christian faith which underpins all our work.

Job Purpose:

To drive, lead and grow our income generation strategy. This senior leadership role has responsibility for developing diverse, sustainable income streams and building strong relationships with supporters, partners, and funders.

To play a key role in shaping the organisation’s future, working closely with the deputy CEO, senior leadership team, and trustees to ensure we have the resources needed to deliver lasting impact.

To increase income from the corporate sector and raise the organisation’s profile within the business community.

Key Job Role Responsibilities and Main Tasks:

Strategy & Leadership

• Improve on and deliver the fundraising strategy aligned with organisational priorities and growth plans.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the fundraising team, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.
• Contribute to organisational strategy as a member of the leadership team.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to the senior leadership team and Board of Trustees.
• Following agreement of budget and discussions with departmental leads, prepare clear objectives for Fundraising.
• Have 3 121s with the team per annum followed by and annual appraisal review.

Income Generation

• Grow and manage income across a range of streams, including:
  • Trusts and foundations
  • Major donors and high-net-worth individuals
  • Corporate partnerships and sponsorships
  • Community fundraising and events
  • Individual giving and digital fundraising
• Identify and develop new funding opportunities and innovative approaches to income generation, particularly corporate donations and partnerships.
• Oversee budgets, forecasts, and income targets, ensuring financial sustainability.

Corporate Fundraising & Partnerships

• Identify, secure, and grow corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and Charity of the Year relationships.
• Build and manage a portfolio of corporate supporters, ensuring effective stewardship and retention.
• Develop tailored partnership proposals, sponsorship packages, and presentations for corporate audiences.
• Represent the organisation within the local and regional business community, including networking events.
• Drive engagement opportunities including employee fundraising, volunteering, and corporate-led initiatives.
• Oversee and grow existing corporate schemes, including the Angel Scheme.
• Monitor corporate income performance against targets and provide regular reporting.

Relationship Management

• Build and steward strong relationships with funders, donors, corporate partners, and key stakeholders.
• Act as a senior ambassador for the charity, representing the organisation externally at meetings and events.
• Work closely with communications and service teams to ensure compelling, accurate impact storytelling.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all fundraising activity is ethical, compliant, and aligned with relevant regulations and best practice
• Manage risk across fundraising activities and ensure robust systems and processes are in place

Person Specification:

Essential requirements:

·Significant experience in a senior fundraising or targeted role, ideally within the charity or not-for-profit sector

·Proven track record of delivering and growing income across multiple streams

·Corporate fundraising experience

·Strong leadership and people-management skills

·Excellent relationship-building and communication abilities

·Strategic thinker with strong financial and analytical skills

·Commitment to the values and mission of tackling homelessness

·Must hold a full, clean driving licence

Desirable:

·Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Trustees or director level equivalent

·Knowledge of homelessness, housing, or social justice issues

·Experience of organisational growth or income diversification

·Relevant professional fundraising qualification

Please see the attached documents for full role details and information regarding the selection process

Greater Change

Founded in 2018 by Alex McCallion and Jonathan Tan, Greater Change is an NGO providing cash grants to support people to overcome the financial barriers on their pathway out of homelessness using personalised budgets.

We partner with frontline charities and support workers who refer people to us who would benefit from our financial support. The personalised budgets (supported cash transfers) we provide are typically for rent deposits, ID documents, training courses etc. 

On average, Greater Change spends £1,400 per individual and last year 85% of the people we supported sustained their move into stable housing, saving the public purse over £41,000 per person per annum. 

Our goal is ultimately to use personalised budgets as a dignified and effective tool to end homelessness. 

Our Values 

• Trust & Support 
• Growth & Development 
• Passion with Boundaries
• Clarity & Communication 
• Emotional Security & Maturity 
• Impatience for Change

Philanthropy Manager 

We are looking for an entrepreneurial, ambitious and relationship-driven Philanthropy Manager to help grow Greater Change’s income, impact, and profile. Reporting to the Head of Growth and working closely with the CEO, this is a hands-on role suited to someone who can be creative and structured.

You will lead key income streams across High Net Worth Individuals, Trusts and Foundations, and fundraising events, delivering high-quality proposals and thoughtful stewardship that strengthens long-term partnerships.

The ideal candidate will be someone who understands how we are maximising impact and cost-effectiveness. You will be able to clearly communicate how our work delivers meaningful outcomes.

Above all, we are looking for someone proactive and thoughtful, who is motivated to play a key role in scaling a high-impact, evidence-led solution to homelessness.

Main Responsibilities

1. Work closely with the CEO on philanthropic relationships, including supporting the Development Board’s engagement, meetings, and follow-ups.

2. Lead all trusts and foundation activity end-to-end, including prospect research, applications and producing reports, while tracking funding deadlines, maintaining a clear pipeline, and providing regular progress updates to the CEO and Head of Growth.

3. Prepare high-quality proposals, cases for support, presentations, and donor communications.

4. Co-lead on developing and maintaining corporate partnerships with the Head of Growth 

5. Manage individual giving, with a focus on donor stewardship and growth.

6. Lead the planning and delivery of fundraising and stewardship events, including stewardship and fundraising events organised by the Greater Change and our Development Board

7. Supporting the Comms team to deliver donor communications across our newsletter and social media channels

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience 

• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to build credibility and trust with senior stakeholders, including high-net-worth individuals and funders. 

• Highly analytical, with the ability to understand, interpret and clearly communicate impact, cost-effectiveness, and outcomes to a range of audiences. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling, evidence-based cases for support and deliver persuasive presentations. 

• Demonstrable ability to think strategically and entrepreneurially, identifying and pursuing new funding opportunities and approaches. 

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively. 

• Proactive and self-directed, with a problem-solving mindset and the ability to navigate ambiguity and complex challenges. 

• Alignment with our mission

Desired Skills, Knowledge and Experience 

In addition to the essential skills, we are especially keen to hear from candidates who are able to meet some, or any, of the additional experience requirements below: 

• Understanding of the homelessness sector or social impact 

• Experience developing fundraising strategy or contributing to organisational growth plans. 

• Confidence in presenting complex ideas (e.g. impact, cost-effectiveness) to senior or non-technical audiences.

• A good understanding of the housing system, homelessness, benefits processes and services which support people who are precariously housed. 

• Strong IT skills in particular G-Suite, Canva and Microsoft Office. 

Personal Attributes 

• High and positive energy levels; you thrive when working at pace. 

• You have high EQ, are a great listener, proactively inviting feedback and curious to hear the ideas of others. 

• Willingness to roll up your sleeves, Greater Change is a ‘hands on’ environment. 

• Strong team player who can collaborate and work with others to achieve results. 

We welcome applications from candidates with lived experience of homelessness.

What we offer 

• Salary - £40,400 

• Up to 5% pension matching 

• Hybrid working model at home and in the office - we are an outcomes driven team, so we want you to work in the way that's most productive for you.

• 9 day fortnight (every alternate week is a 4-day week). 

• Macbook or PC. 

• A work from home budget of up to £250 to buy what you need for your home setup.

• Frequent team lunches, and quarterly team activity days. 

• Training budget of £800/year, to upskill on anything directly related to your work. 

• A remote working allowance of up to 10 days per year (pro rata). 

• A wellbeing budget of £400/year (pro rata). You can spend it on therapy, the gym, a meditation retreat, whatever helps your wellbeing. 

How to Apply 

Please apply with a CV and Covering Letter. Your Covering Letter must outline how you meet the Essential Criteria listed above, as well as any relevant desirable skills, experience and knowledge. Please demonstrate how you reflect our core values and personal attributes throughout your application. 

Interview process

We will review applications as we receive them, so we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. 

Candidates will be required to participate in up to 3 recruitment rounds following application. This will include an online test, an interview and a final culture fit held in person in our London office. This may change and prospective candidates will be informed of any changes. 

• Application Deadline  - Sunday 7th June 2026 
• Stage 1 (Work test) - Rolling Basis 
• Stage 2 (Online competency based  interview) - Wednesday 10th or Friday 12th June 
• Stage 3 (Final stage Inperson) - Tuesday 16th or Wednesday 17th June 
• Ideal Start Date  - July 2026 

About the Mercury

The Mercury creates and shares stories that are exhilarating, revelatory and relevant. Through the reinvention of classic texts and the creation of bold, new writing, we believe that the transformative power of theatre can enrich the lives of our community.

The Mercury is a significant regional developer of new talent, working with a range of partners across the arts, education and creative industries to deliver a studio programme and a learning, participation and professional development programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of theatre makers.

Everything we do is driven by our values of quality, innovation, diversity, and connection.

About your new role

Are you a commercially minded fundraiser, passionate about garnering support for a cause you love? Come and join #TeamMercury as our new Head of Development and Partnerships.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in identifying and securing funding, building commercial partnerships, and nurturing meaningful strategic relationships that drive sustainable growth.

You will lead on securing income from Trusts and Foundations, statutort funders, lottery sources, individuals, corporate partnerships, membership schemes and commercial coproduction investments.

The successful candidate is creative, highly collaborative and forward-thinking. You will bring experience across a range of fundraising approaches and the ability to make the most of a mix of commercial streams. We would love to hear from you!

To find out more, download the candidate pack.

Applications close at 10am on Monday 18 May 2026. First round of interviews will take place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

Head of Fundraising & Partnerships

Salary band: c. £60,000 per annum, negotiable based on experience

Reporting to: CEO

Key leadership role in a dynamic, friendly charity transforming young people’s lives in London.

Construction Youth Trust is an ambitious, impact-led organisation pushing the boundaries of how charities work in partnership with business to create social change. We are seeking a dynamic and motivated fundraising leader to join our Senior Leadership team as Head of Fundraising and Partnerships. A genuine passion for social mobility is essential, as well as a deep commitment to creating effective charity-industry partnerships that drive social impact. This is a key external facing role with responsibility for fostering strong partnerships with our funders and supporters.

Social mobility is at the heart of Construction Youth Trust, and our mission is to enable young people achieve their full career potential through meaningful early engagement with employers in an important growth industry. We prioritise young people from low-income backgrounds and under-represented groups and those facing significant barriers to employment. Through our long-standing partnerships with employers in the built environment sector (over 200+ across London), we connect young people to relatable role models, world of work experiences and ultimately rewarding jobs and apprenticeships. The built environment sector is at the forefront of achieving net zero and future economic growth, offering young people substantial opportunity for career progression.

The role

Construction Youth Trust is in a strong financial position with an excellent Fundraising & Partnership team, supported by well-established systems. We already have a strong pipeline in place to meet our fundraising targets (£2M - £2.5M p.a.) This is an opportunity for a Senior Fundraising Leader with the skills and experience to consolidate and build on this success. We are looking for someone with the drive and experience to help the Trust meet our ambition to significantly increase opportunity for disadvantaged young people within the build environment.

We are seeking a Head of Fundraising & Partnerships with a strong desire to play an active Senior Leadership role and contribute to the Trust’s wider strategy, governance and day-to-day charity management. There is the opportunity to play a significant role shaping and steering the Trust’s next business planning cycle. Ideally, the post-holder would be willing/able to deputise for the CEO and the salary offered to the successful candidate will be dependent on experience and level of responsibility.  There is significant headroom at the Trust for a fundraising leader who is looking to take on a more strategic role within this dynamic charity, either immediately or with structured development and support.

How do I apply?

If you are an ambitious fundraising leader and are passionate about transforming the life chances of young people, please send your CV and your supporting statement (no more than 500 words) explaining why the role interests you and how/where you meet the person specification. Short-listed candidates will be asked to complete our application form in due course, but if you are interested in this role we are keen to hear from you as soon as possible.

Closing date: 5pm 14th May. However, we strongly recommend that you send your CV as soon as possible as we will reach out to potential candidates as we receive suitable applications and could close the application deadline earlier if a successful candidate is found.

We will hold 2-stage interview process with first interviews planned for week commencing 18th May.

You can access Job Description, and Person Specification for this role directly via this Charity Jobs page.

We strongly believe that a diverse and inclusive team is vital to our work. We are especially interested in hearing from individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and/or those with a lived experience of the young people we support.

If you have not heard from us 2 weeks after the application closing date your application has been unsuccessful at this time.

Benefits and entitlements:

You’ll be eligible for many of our benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave per year (pro rata for part-time or any period less than 1 year) which increases by a day each year after 2 years’ service up to a maximum annual leave entitlement of 30 days per year

• Discretionary “Day for You” as an additional well-being day

• Opportunity to take a 6-week sabbatical after 3 years of service

• The Trust’s contributory pension scheme after three months – The charity will match your employee contribution up to 7%

• All travel expenses covered over and above your regular commute to and from work. Any extra travel for  work purposes will be reimbursed.

• Access to Workplace Options EAP (a provider of employee support services)

• Opportunity to Work from Home (in line with Trust policy)

• Opportunity to take part in the wider team’s wellbeing and social activities

• A supportive Training and Development policy which encourages colleagues to develop as professionals and achieve relevant qualifications (e.g. CIOF’s Certificate in Fundraising).

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We will only consider candidates for employment that share this commitment. All roles are subject to safer recruitment practices, and this position will require an Enhanced Disclosure with Barred list check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We're the UK's specialist blood cancer charity and our vision is clear: we’re here to beat blood cancer. We fund world-class research; provide information and support to patients and their loved ones; and raise awareness of blood cancer.

We’re looking for a driven and relationship-focused Corporate Partnerships Manager – Pharmaceuticals to lead and grow our work with the pharmaceutical sector. In this role, you’ll manage and develop high-value partnerships, secure significant income (c.£500k annually), and identify new opportunities that support groundbreaking research and services for people affected by blood cancer. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you’ll shape compelling proposals, represent the organisation in pitches and negotiations, and ensure partners are engaged through excellent stewardship and impact reporting.

You’ll be a confident communicator with a strong track record in high-value fundraising, or equivalent transferable experience, and skilled at building relationships at all levels. Collaborative and proactive, you’ll work across teams to develop ambitious, mutually beneficial partnerships aligned with organisational priorities. 

Regular travel to our London office and donor meetings will be required, typically once or twice per month, or as the role demands.

We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In line with our strategy we welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minority communities, and applicants with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives. state this in your cover letter when applying. 

We are open to receiving applications from candidates wishing to work part-time, with a minimum of 28 hours per week. Please indicate in your cover letter if you wish to work part-time.

Location: London-only (a minimum of three days in our South London Centre per week) 

1st stage interviews: 01/06 and 02/06

2nd stage interviews: 09/06

At The King's Trust, every relationship we build helps young people across the UK turn potential into opportunity. As a Senior Head of Collective Philanthropy, based in London, you will lead one of our most influential fundraising portfolios, shaping high-value collective giving that fuels life-changing programmes. You will oversee flagship initiatives, Women Supporting Women and the Enterprise Fellowship, working at the heart of a charity that blends entrepreneurial drive with deep social impact. 

This is a senior leadership role with real scope. You will inspire and empower a specialist team to deliver multi-million-pound income, stewarding six and seven-figure gifts while developing new networks of committed supporters. Working closely with senior volunteers, trustees, ambassadors and colleagues across the Trust, you will create compelling philanthropic opportunities that reflect both donor ambition and the realities facing young people today. Strategic thinking, disciplined financial management and first-class relationship-building sit at the centre of your work. 

Joining The King's Trust means joining an organisation defined by optimism, integrity and belief in young people. From our South London Centre, you will play a visible role during a landmark period for the charity, helping shape the future of collective philanthropy while modelling inclusive, values-led leadership. This is a rare opportunity to combine senior fundraising expertise with a clear social mission and lasting national impact. 

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV and a 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 a Senior Head of Collective Philanthropy? 

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 our Senior Head of Collective Philanthropy! 

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) 

Our client is the UK chapter of the global anti-corruption movement, working to tackle corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity across government, business and society. Through research, advocacy and partnerships, the organisation addresses corruption risks in areas such as global health, defence and security, helping to drive systemic change both in the UK and internationally.

As Head of Development and Partnerships, you will lead fundraising and partnership development across all programme areas, setting and delivering multi-year income strategies. You will oversee the Programme Development Unit, drive new funding opportunities across a diverse donor base, and build strategic partnerships to support long-term sustainability. Working closely with senior leadership and programme teams, you will lead on high-quality bids, pipeline development and performance reporting, while ensuring a collaborative and insight-led approach to income generation.

The ideal candidate will bring significant experience leading fundraising and partnership development in a complex organisation, with a strong track record of securing income from institutional donors, foundations and the private sector. You will be a strategic thinker and strong relationship builder, with excellent communication, analytical and influencing skills. A proactive and collaborative approach, alongside the ability to navigate complex funding landscapes and deliver against ambitious targets, will be key to success in this role.

£64,781 - £68,060
Permanent and full time
London hybrid

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Jessica Stoddart at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you. In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

The Sutton Trust is the UK’s leading social mobility charity. We believe every young person should have a fair chance in life, regardless of their family’s income, the school they go to or where they grow up. But today in Britain, the opportunity to succeed is heavily shaped by socio-economic background. Our mission is to change this. Our programmes empower young people to access life-changing opportunities, and our research influences national change to deliver a fairer future.

Each year, together with our university and employer partners, we support over 14,000 young people to reach their potential through our university, apprenticeship and career access programmes. And our support doesn’t stop there. We engage our thriving alumni community to help them to succeed in their professions and to act as advocates for social mobility.

Our rigorous and extensive research shines a light on barriers to opportunity from the early years to the workplace, and we strive to influence national policy change with evidence-based solutions to tackle educational and workplace inequality. Using insights from our programmes and research, we also test and scale new ideas in education and employment practice.

As an independent charity, our work is entirely reliant on the generous support of our community of donors. The need to support our work to tackle Britain’s low social mobility has never been greater.

Fundraising at the Sutton Trust

We are seeking a dynamic and confident fundraiser to be our Corporate Partnerships & Events Manager. The Sutton Trust is at an exciting point in our organisational journey, with a new Chairperson and ambitions to significantly grow our impact and fundraising as part of our 2030 strategy.

Over the past five years the impact of the Sutton Trust has increased, especially with our programmes which have gone from supporting 11,000 young people a year to 14,000 in the 24/25 programme year. We have secured a relatively stable income of c.£6m over several years, and in the last two years this has grown to £7m+. Our organisational strategy, which takes us to 2030/31, will continue this fundraising trajectory with a need to increase annual income on a sustained basis to £12m. With corporate income accounting for nearly half our fundraised income, there is considerable enthusiasm and opportunity in the corporate world for building strategic partnerships with The Sutton Trust.

Our fundraising approach will continue to focus on major gifts and strategic multi-year partnerships, leveraging a range of drivers to secure corporate support. Our highly engaged Chairperson has a commercial background and is keen to leverage contacts in the corporate world, giving a network of prospective contacts to explore.

The role and team

As Corporate Partnerships & Events Manager, you will be an experienced partnership manager and fundraiser, confident in securing new business through active prospecting and networking along with experience in securing and stewarding strategic partnerships with corporates and their associated corporate foundations. You will have an entrepreneurial mindset for income generation, able to confidently manage competing demands to balance securing new partnerships and delivering high quality account management to your portfolio of current and prospective supporters.

The role will lead a portfolio of corporate partnerships, focused on delivering shared strategic goals to increase social mobility in the workplace and supporting a more socio-economically diverse workforce for the future. The role will be the point-person within the Development Team for organisational events, working closely with key colleagues in our marketing & events and programme functions to support delivery of high-quality events. They will also take responsibility for delivering successful stewardship events, including programme visits. It will be crucial to work closely with a range of stakeholders, especially colleagues, to deliver successful stewardship events that showcase the varied work of the Sutton Trust and engage supporters with our work. This will include working closely with existing staff who lead on organisational, advocacy and programme events to ensure donors and prospects are able to attend and engage with the work.

Corporate partnerships are delivered by a talented and growing team, all with their own portfolios based on partnership level and complexity. Team members work on both new business and account management, with ambitious individual income targets.

Main duties
New Business

• Personally scope, develop and secure new five-figure+ corporate partnerships, aiming for a diverse and robust portfolio of partners with multi-year commitments, working with the Head of Corporate Partnerships, other senior staff, and senior volunteers appropriately to secure and steward.

• Proactively approach new business development within the corporate sector, cultivating relationships and networks to grow awareness of The Sutton Trust and secure major gifts.

• Support the Head of Corporate Partnerships in their work with senior volunteers to develop a strong prospect pipeline for major corporate gifts, including support for network mapping to leverage connections and cultivate prospective funders.

Events, Account Management and Development

• Manage and grow the Trust’s leadership and partner level corporate partnerships in your portfolio, including leveraging existing relationships to maximise financial income and partnership longevity.

• Appropriately leverage senior staff and volunteers to secure multi-lateral relationships with corporate partners and prospects, with the aim of retaining partnerships and uplifting income.

• Working closely with key colleagues to be the first point of contact for the Development team to support organisational events, and working with Development leadership to deliver diverse and engaging stewardship events.

• Working closely with key colleagues, support delivery of key donor messaging through Campaign Monitor or other platforms as appropriate, to align with the stewardship events goals of further engaging donors and prospects with the work of the Sutton Trust.

• Be accountable for achieving agreed corporate income targets, looking for opportunities to grow funding and diversify corporate income.

Fundraising, Finance and Reporting

• Act as an ambassador for the Trust with external audiences in the corporate space, representing the Trust with gravitas and confidence to secure major gifts and develop relationships.

• Work with colleagues across Development and Finance to ensure accurate forecasting, income tracking and reporting for your portfolio of corporate partnerships.

• Working closely with colleagues, provide corporate fundraising expertise to increase awareness of viable funding opportunities and develop organisational understanding of best practice for working with corporate partners and funders.

• Ensure you appropriately follow policies and procedures on due diligence, Salesforce and data management, account management, stewardship, and reporting.

• Stay up to date with corporate fundraising best practice, learning from senior members of the team, and keep abreast of developments and opportunities within the wider fundraising space.

• Other duties as necessary from time to time.

Person Specification

We welcome applications from individuals who have experience in:

• Experience in successfully securing, managing, and developing corporate partnerships at five-figures-plus level, from initial prospect research to contracting and ongoing stewardship.

• Experience successfully securing and/or managing corporate-charity partnerships, including engaging senior leadership on both sides to deliver strategic goals and mutual benefit.

• Experience network mapping and networking to build and manage relationships that lead to corporate donations to non-profits, particularly with senior non-profit volunteers.

• Experience planning and delivering events that provide high-quality stewardship to donors and prospects, engaging them with the work of a non-profit and promoting strong relationships.

• Experience managing events with an organised and clear project management approach, including influencing and working with a variety of stakeholders internally and externally.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including networking at C-suite and senior management level and strong presentation skills, with the ability to prepare and deliver engaging and persuasive cases for support.

• First-class interpersonal skills - a natural ambassador able to represent the Sutton Trust with gravitas and confidence in a range of settings, especially the corporate world and with senior leaders.

• Knowledge and experience of the education and/or not-for-profit sector.

• Knowledge of the UK fundraising environment, including corporate fundraising trends and regulations that affect corporate partnerships.

• Experienced at using Salesforce or other fundraising CRM software to accurately record funding relationships.

We are also looking for an individual who:

• Sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and our mission to increase social mobility.

• High degree of initiative and the ability to take responsibility for corporate fundraising activity.

• Dynamic and entrepreneurial fundraiser, with a passion for personally engaging supporters.

• Able to think strategically about the bigger picture and manage hands-on fundraising.

• Proven ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and encourage giving.

• Excellent attention to detail with strong analytical skills.

• Able to work independently and as part of a team

• Is eligible to work in the UK (see here for information about right to work)

Terms of Appointment

• Contract: Full time, Permanent

• Salary: £42,025-£46,000

• Working location: Minimum of two office days per week. Our home working policy gives staff the option to work from home for up to 60% of the time, with approval from their line manager.

• Office location: The Sutton Trust, 9th Floor, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP.

• Hours: The standard working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. This role is likely to also be required to attend events / meetings outside of normal working hours during weekday evenings and occasionally at weekends, in line with organisational policies.

Interviews

Applications should reach us by 10am, Monday 25th May, with first round interviews held on Tuesday, 4th June, and second round interviews held on Wednesday, 10th June. Both rounds will be held in our London office.

Safeguarding statement

The Sutton Trust believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. Therefore all posts undergo a safer recruitment process, including but not limited to, disclosure of criminal records where necessary and eligibility to work in the UK. We have procedures in place to promote safeguarding and a safe culture at the Trust.

Contextual recruitment

The Trust is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and that all applicants receive equal consideration for employment. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those underrepresented at present at the Trust, to apply for this role. As such we particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities, Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds. We are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming place to work and know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the young people we support.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates throughout our recruitment process and during employment.

We also operate contextual recruitment at the Sutton Trust. Our application process gives you the option to include information about your background, such as whether you were eligible for free school meals, whether your parents went to university, or whether you attended a state school. For more examples and information on contextual recruitment, please see our website.

Role Overview

The Talent Set are delighted to partner with a wonderful international development charity on a fantastic Interim Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships role. This strategic position involves leading the development and management of high-value partnerships, with a focus on corporate collaborations, donor stewardship, and growth. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of partnership strategies, particularly with corporate organisations.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with high net worth individuals, key stakeholders, and corporate partners.
• Identify new business opportunities through prospecting and strategic outreach, ensuring alignment with organisational values and goals.
• Collaborate with the team to enhance existing partnerships, drive revenue growth, and increase mutual value, particularly focusing on corporate and high-value donors.
• Oversee and support team members responsible for partnership development, stewarding, and new business, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Work closely with leadership to shape the organisation’s partnership offerings and positioning at a strategic level.
• Manage and report on partnership performance, ensuring targets are met and stakeholder engagement remains robust.
• Line manage a team of 2-3.

Person Specification

• Proven experience in developing and managing corporate partnerships, preferably within the international development sector.
• Strong commercial acumen combined with excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to identify strategic opportunities, craft compelling propositions, and negotiate mutually beneficial agreements.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of engaging diverse audiences from high-net-worth individuals to corporate executives.
• Experience in managing and motivating teams, with a collaborative leadership style.
• Ability to work at pace, adapt to shifting priorities, and deliver results within tight timelines.
• A strategic thinker with a practical approach to securing and growing high-impact partnerships.

What’s on Offer
Salary: £237.15 per day + £35.57 holiday pay PAYE.

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.

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

Why work with us?

Working at Impetus means joining an organisation that is serious about impact and serious about people. Our values actively guide how we make decisions, how we work together and how we deliver change.

In the Philanthropy & Partnerships Team, you will:

• Be part of a high-performing and respected fundraising team
• Build meaningful, long-term relationships with thoughtful, impact-driven donors
• Develop your skills across the full fundraising cycle, supported by strong leadership
• Work on some of the charity sector’s most exciting and long-term partnerships
• See a clear connection between your work and improved outcomes for young people

If you are motivated by purpose, enjoy working to a high standard, and want to be part of a team that is ambitious about both impact and excellence, we would be delighted to hear from you.​

Harbi Jama,

Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships

About this role

This role is a 12‑month maternity cover, supporting an important phase of delivery and development within the Philanthropy team. The postholder will work closely with colleagues to maintain momentum in new business activity while contributing to strategic account management and stewardship. 

The Head of Development is a senior role within the Philanthropy Team, with a primary focus on new business development. This includes identifying, cultivating and securing new funding relationships across trusts, foundations, corporates, co‑investment partners and high‑net‑worth individuals. 

Alongside new business delivery, the role also provides strategic account management for a small portfolio of high-value partners, ensuring smooth transitions from acquisition into long term stewardship. 

This role works alongside the Head of Philanthropy, with both roles contributing to the success of the Philanthropy Team. The Head of Philanthropy leads on deep stewardship and retention, while the Head of Development focusses on new income generation and building relationships with new funders and partners. 

The postholder will work closely with the Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships, Philanthropy Directors as well as Senior Research and Insights Manager, contributing specialist expertise, strong delivery and sound judgement, while operating within agreed strategy and governance frameworks.

​Key responsibilities:

New business development

• Support the Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships and Development Director on the development and delivery of the new business plan in line with the fundraising strategy
• Works with the Senior Research and Insights Manager to identify emerging funding trends, opportunities, market opportunities and best practice
• In collaboration with the Development Director and Growth and Insights Director, lead the delivery of agreed cultivation strategies for priority prospects, proactively progressing relationships from qualification through to solicitation and conversion, leveraging senior stakeholders, board members, donor advocates and wider networks
• Develop and deliver compelling cultivation strategies and tailored pitch plans for priority prospects, including designing and building new donor acquisition vehicles (e.g. committees, cultivation events and targeted communications), working collaboratively with colleagues across Impetus
• Lead and support high-level meetings, pitches and negotiations with prospective donors, positioning Impetus as a credible and strategic partner
• Work with trustees, senior leaders and pro bono supporters to leverage networks and secure introductions to new prospects
• Ensure high-quality written and verbal communications with prospective donors

Account management and stewardship 

• Build and maintain professional, long-term relationships within the portfolio, escalating strategic issues or risks promptly.
• Manage a targeted portfolio of high-value donors of six figures and supports on seven figure partnerships, ensuring excellent stewardship, timelyreporting and meaningful engagement
• Act as a relationship lead for selected donors, building trust and ensuring a smooth transition from new business to long-term stewardship
• Own and deliver tailored account plans for assigned donors, with a focus on renewal, upgrade and long-term relationship value
• Oversee the delivery of high-quality donor communications for assigned donors, including reports, impact updates, and engagement opportunities
• Ensure robust portfolio management, including accurate forecasting, pipeline management, and use of CRM systems
• Identify opportunities to deepen relationships through increased giving, multi-year commitments or broader engagement with Impetus’ work
• Works closely with Development Director on supporting Funds i.e. Connect, Skills, Attainment or Engage as needed 
• Supports or leads on committees such as Futures or Real estate 
• Represent Impetus externally with professionalism and credibility

Cross-team working and organisation contribution

• Build and maintain professional, long-term relationships within the portfolio, escalating strategic issues or risks promptly.
• Ensure consistent standards and best practice across account management and donor stewardship
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Philanthropy to ensure seamless handover from acquisition to stewardship and a coherent donor experience.
• Contribute insight from prospecting and market scanning to inform proposition development and strategic planning
• Ensure all activity aligns with Impetus’ gift acceptance, due diligence and ethical fundraising policies
• Champion best practice in prospecting, pipeline management and new business development across the team
• Build a collaborative, inclusive, high quality team culture aligned with Impetus’ values

​Person specification

​Essential​:

• A strong track record of raising six-figure+ philanthropic income from grant-making trusts and foundations, corporate foundations and/or individual donors, including experience with high-net-worth individuals
• Proven ability to lead and deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, stewardship and renewal
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, planning and delivery skills, with the ability to generate ideas, translate them into practical account plans, and execute them effectively
• Excellent research, prospecting and qualification skills, with the judgement to prioritise high-value opportunities
• A proactive, creative and innovative approach to fundraising, with the ability to adapt and develop creative donor centred approaches 
• Experience operating with senior stakeholders, including trustees, board members and other high-level external partners
• Outstanding relationship management skills, with the ability to establish, manage and deepen trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Highly collaborative, contributing positively to team objectives and cross-organisational priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate impact and value clearly and persuasively
• Strong financial and portfolio management skills, including the ability to plan, forecast and deliver against income targets and budgets
• Ability to work well under pressure, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively
• A clear commitment to Impetus’ mission and values
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Desirable

• Experience managing and stewarding multi-year, five- to seven-figure partnerships.
• Experience line managing and developing fundraisers or relationship managers.
• Experience working within a charity, foundation, venture philanthropy or intermediary organisation.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce), income forecasting and portfolio reporting.
• Experience supporting or contributing to new business development strategies at a senior level.

​​​About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today: ​​

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment ​

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life. ​​

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.​

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.​

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values​

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.​

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.​

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.​

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.​

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

​​Our employee benefits ​

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.​

You will need to:​

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.​

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.​

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.​

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.​

The deadline for applications is Sunday 17th May 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 25th May 2026.​

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 1st June 2026.​

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

​Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

Lead our flagship partnership with Nationwide Building Society delivering exceptional relationship management alongside inspirational leadership of a portfolio of high-value partnerships. This strategic and creative role is central to our organisational growth and to ensuring we continue to raise vital funds to save the lives of people with cancer everywhere. 

About the role 

As Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager, you will lead our flagship partnership with Nationwide Building Society, delivering exceptional stewardship, strategic planning and measurable impact. You will work closely with colleagues across the Charity and The Royal Marsden to deliver our multi‑faceted partnership, that funds world-leading cancer research, and inspires support from across the business through a wide range of activities including sponsorship, virtual challenges, volunteering and training.

Alongside this, you will provide leadership across a portfolio of other high‑value corporate partnerships, helping to drive sustainable growth.

This is a highly visible, strategic and creative role, ideal for someone who combines strategic thinking and a keen eye for detail, with a passion for building relationships that create lasting, meaningful impact. You will line manage and develop one to two team members as well as playing a key role in shaping our Partnership Management strategy and supporting the wider growth of corporate income. 

Joining our team 

You will be joining an ambitious team of supportive colleagues who together manage a range of high-profile partnerships including Ralph Lauren, Omaze, Banham and many more. Our Charity has ambitious plans for the coming years as we raise £200m in support of the development of The Royal Marsden in Chelsea, our biggest capital appeal to date. Through our work, we ensure the nurses, doctors and research teams at The Royal Marsden can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. 

About you

You will be an experienced and driven partnerships specialist, with a strong track record of managing multi-faceted, high‑value relationships in the charity sector. Confident, creative, highly proactive and a natural leader, you will bring a blend of strategic thinking and hands‑on delivery.
 

You will bring:

• Proven success in corporate/charity partnerships or business development within the charity sector, with demonstrable experience in managing seven-figure, complex, multi-faceted partnerships, with a strong track-record of delivering income against ambitious targets 

• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders 

• Strong negotiation and influencing ability, with experience of delivering high‑impact presentations 

• Creative and strategic thinking, with a flair for writing and presenting compelling impact reports 

• Strong organisational, analytical and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

• A collaborative, solution‑focused approach and the confidence to work both independently and as part of a high‑performing team

• Experience of managing and developing at least one line report.

What we offer

• Competitive salary of £47,000-£50,000 

• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton 

• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm 

• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service 

• Training, support and development opportunities 

• Access to the Blue Light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities 

• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes 

• Opportunities for training and career development. 

Inclusion matters 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and walks of life. 

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you. 

How to apply 

On CharityJob, please send a CV and cover letter of no more than two pages, setting out how you meet the criteria in the person specification of the job description by 23:30 on Sunday 17 May 2026. 

Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications. 

We are WeSeeHope, a charity lifting children out of extreme poverty across sub-Saharan Africa.

We are appointing a senior relationship fundraiser to drive income growth through high net worth individuals, senior business leaders, corporates and foundations. This is a frontline role with direct responsibility for developing and securing five and six figure multi-year funding commitments.

Working closely with the Chief Executive and Trustees, the Head of Fundraising will build and convert a strong major donor pipeline, unlock new networks and position WeSeeHope as a credible investment partner.

This is a growth mandate with clear accountability for results. We are seeking someone with the gravitas, commercial judgement and confidence to lead high value conversations and secure significant support. This role will further professionalise and scale our major donor and corporate fundraising approach.

About Us

We invest in the potential of every child we work with by breaking barriers to education and opening doors to entrepreneurship. With our backing, vulnerable children and their families are building futures that are free from extreme poverty, for good.

WeSeeHope currently raises approximately £1m annually through a mix of individual, corporate and foundation support. Our next phase of growth will focus on deepening high value, long term relationships with major donors and senior business leaders. We see clear headroom to scale this relational income model over the next three years.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Income Leadership

• Develop and execute a clear income growth strategy with defined targets, milestones, and measurable outcomes.
• Build and personally manage a portfolio of high value prospects and partners.
• Lead high level cultivation and solicitation activity in partnership with the Chief Executive and Trustees.
• Identify, qualify, and convert new high value prospects across individual, corporate, and foundation channels.
• Ensure disciplined pipeline management and forecasting, contributing to regular reporting to the Board.

Major Donor and Corporate Relationships

• Act as primary relationship lead for a defined portfolio of high net worth individuals and senior business leaders.
• Design and deliver tailored engagement plans that deepen commitment and increase lifetime value.
• Structure strategic partnerships that align donor objectives with organisational priorities.
• Confidently lead funding conversations, including direct financial asks.

Events and Networks

• Provide strategic oversight of key income generating events, ensuring they are leveraged effectively to cultivate and secure high value support.
• Work with Trustees/Board and senior volunteers in the UK and USA to unlock access to new networks and opportunities.
• Support Trustees to act as effective ambassadors and introducers.

Team and Organisational Leadership

• Lead and develop a focused, high performing fundraising team with clear objectives and accountability.
• Contribute actively to the senior management team, ensuring fundraising is embedded within wider organisational strategy and decision making.
• Champion a culture of measurable performance, professionalism, and relationship stewardship across the organisation.

Person Specification

Experience

• Proven track record of securing significant partnerships or funding commitments, typically in the five or six figure range, with senior decision makers.
• Experience building and converting a strong major donor pipeline, including multi-year commitments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high value partnership or funding conversations and personally secure significant commitments.
• Experience working closely with CEOs, founders, and Trustees to unlock networks and secure support or investment.
• Experience setting and delivering against ambitious income growth targets.

Skills and Capability

• Gravitas and confidence to operate credibly with senior decision makers in private and corporate settings.
• Strong commercial judgement with the ability to assess opportunities on a clear return on investment basis.
• Excellent strategic thinking and disciplined execution.
• Skilled negotiator, comfortable structuring complex funding relationships.
• High emotional intelligence and strong relationship management capability.
• Clear, persuasive communicator able to position WeSeeHope as a compelling investment proposition.

Personal Qualities

• A natural relationship builder, able to establish trust quickly and sustain long term partnerships with high value supporters.
• Comfortable with accountability and transparent performance measurement.
• Self-aware, pragmatic, and calm under pressure.
• Demonstrates alignment with the values of WeSeeHope and a commitment to collaborative, high-performance working.

Success in the first 12 months

By the end of year one, the Head of Fundraising will have:

• Built and qualified a clearly segmented major donor pipeline of 25 to 40 high capacity prospects, with defined engagement plans and projected value.
• Secured multiple new five figure commitments and, where strong prospects exist, at least one new six figure commitment.
• Delivered measurable growth in major donor and corporate income against agreed annual targets.
• Established and implemented a structured major donor strategy with clear segmentation and stewardship plans.
• Activated Trustees in income generation, resulting in new qualified introductions and live cultivation opportunities.
• Implemented robust forecasting and performance reporting systems providing reliable income visibility to the Board.

Salary and Package

Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 per annum, depending on experience.

WeSeeHope is currently a £1m organisation with clear ambition to grow income and impact over the coming years. This role offers significant strategic responsibility, direct access to the Chief Executive and Trustees, and the opportunity to shape and lead income growth at organisational level.

For the right candidate, this is an opportunity to step into a senior leadership position with genuine influence, autonomy and accountability for results.

Benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays.
• Enhanced family leave provision.
• Royal London pension scheme.
• Life insurance.
• Flexible and hybrid working - we currently work one day a week from a shared office space in Moorgate, London.
• Occasional international travel.

How to Apply

To apply, we welcome a CV and a 1-2 page covering letter detailing your interest in the role. Click the How to Apply button below for more information on how to submit your application. Please submit by 12 p.m. on Tuesday 19th May.

Accessibility is incredibly important to us here at WeSeeHope. If you would like any accessibility amendments or support throughout the application and interview stage, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Role Purpose

The Head of Philanthropy is accountable for delivering significant philanthropic income for Justice & Care, including through personally secured major gifts, alongside building and leading a high-performing philanthropy function.

The postholder will design and execute the philanthropy strategy, hold and actively manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, and personally secure five- and sixfigure gifts through direct relationship management and solicitation.

This is a hands-on income-generating role: the Head of Philanthropy will lead from the front on donor cultivation, stewardship and asking, while also setting direction, prioritising effort and building capability within the team to maximise long-term philanthropic income.

They will work closely with the Global Director of Fundraising on key relationships and strategic opportunities, supporting the growth of philanthropy across the UK and expansion into the US and emerging markets.

This role combines senior-level leadership with significant personal income delivery; candidates should expect to spend a substantial proportion of their time directly engaging donors and securing major gifts.

Global Scope

This role will support the growth of philanthropy across multiple markets, including strengthening the UK portfolio and developing opportunities in the US and emerging markets (e.g. Middle East), working closely with senior stakeholders to shape and deliver market-specific approaches. 

Main Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities include, but are not necessarily limited to:

1. Strategic Leadership and Income Delivery

• Lead the development and delivery of the philanthropy strategy, with a clear focuson generating major donor income in the UK and driving growth in the US and emerging markets
• Be accountable for achieving philanthropy income targets, including through personally secured major gifts, working closely with the Global Director of Fundraising
• Translate organisational priorities into fundable propositions and compelling donor opportunities
• Actively shape and drive the philanthropy pipeline, making clear, evidence-based decisions about where time and effort are invested
• Work with the CEO, Board and senior leaders to prepare and support major donor asks, including co-solicitation where appropriate

2. Major Gifts and New Business

• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects, typically at £25k-£250k+ level
• Lead all stages of the donor journey: identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Personally secure new major gifts through one-to-one relationship building, tailored proposals and direct asks
• Develop and maintain a live pipeline of prospective donors with clearly defined next steps
• Take primary responsibility for preparing and delivering high-value asks, working closely with the CEO, Board members and Global Director of Fundraising
• Convert access to senior networks into tangible income outcomes

3. Team Leadership and Development

• Line manage and develop the Philanthropy Specialist and future members of the team
• Build capability within the team to support pipeline growth, donor stewardship and future expansion of the philanthropy function
• Establish strong ways of working, including prioritisation, pipeline management and CRM discipline
• Set clear objectives and KPIs for the team

4. Events and Strategic Engagement

• Design and lead a programme of philanthropic events with clear income andpipeline objectives
• Personally leverage high-value donor events to progress relationships towards major gifts
• Use international engagement and trips selectively where they support donor cultivation and solicitation
• Represent Justice & Care in philanthropic networks to generate new donor relationships

5. Pipeline, CRM and Reporting

• Own and maintain a live, decision-ready major donor pipeline
• Ensure robust pipeline management and accurate forecasting
• Maintain high-quality CRM data and reporting (Salesforce)
• Provide strategic insight on income performance, risks and opportunities

6. Other ad hoc duties

• Collaborate across the organisation to support delivery of shared objectives
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and organisational initiatives
• Undertake other tasks as required to support Development Team and organisational priorities