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Philanthropy and Partnerships fundraising at Alzheimer's Research UK has grown significantly over recent years. The Directorate has a strong track record of soliciting seven-figure donations and winning significant corporate partnerships with well-known and well-loved brands such as Omaze, Cadbury, Warburtons, Roadchef and Dobbies.
We are now building upon this success and have launched a new, significant fundraising campaign. This campaign will help drive further transformational growth, from income across major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporate partners. Ultimately, it will help us fund cutting-edge research that will bring forward the day when we can diagnose, treat and prevent dementia.
As part of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Leadership Team, and working closely with the senior stakeholders across ARUK, the Head of Philanthropy will lead the organisation’s work with our philanthropy audiences (namely major donors, trusts and foundations). Under the banner of the new campaign, the Head of Philanthropy will define and implement the team’s strategy, ensuring it supports the charity’s vision, mission and strategic objectives.
The Head of Philanthropy will lead a Directorate of approximately 8-10 people and line manage three team members (namely the Philanthropy Executive and two Philanthropy Managers).
The role holder will also personally lead on relationships with a small group of ARUK’s most generous supporters, and prospective supporters, across Philanthropy audiences.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategy, finance and reporting
· Work with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships and Partnerships to lead on the strategy for the Philanthropy Team, including leading on the Ops plan, budgeting and strategy for the team.
· Grow Philanthropy income at Alzheimer’s Research UK, in line with agreed targets and expenditure.
· Monitor progress against targets, adjusting as necessary.
· Provide direction, guidance and support across the Philanthropy team.
· Evaluate reporting methods across the team and ensure they facilitate the accurate recording of the Philanthropy team’s fundraising activities.
· Represent the Philanthropy team at Head level internally.
Fundraising
· Manage a small portfolio of key current and prospective donors, building strategic relationships at the very highest level and delivering six and seven-figure gifts.
· Build a network of Senior Volunteers, working with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to ensure the team are maximising the opportunities available through our President, Chair and other senior stakeholders.
· Develop a thorough understanding of ARUK’s projects, policies and activities to enable you to articulate the mission of our work and inspire people to join us.
· Present and pitch to potential supporters and donors, managing high-level meetings where relevant and engaging other appropriate senior representation when needed.
· Ensure high-quality management of existing supporter relationships, making sure supporters find giving to ARUK rewarding and enjoyable.
· Tailor and develop Cases for Support to attract support for the work of ARUK’s projects.
· Manage and attend events and meetings with external representatives and involving the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, CEO and other colleagues and volunteers.
· Work with senior and scientific staff, empowering them to build relationships with current and prospective supporters.
· Explore the opportunities for cross-team working, especially, but not limited to the Corporate Fundraising and Celebrity teams.
Line Management and people management
· Inspire, motivate, challenge and support individuals and teams within the Philanthropy team. Promote collaborative working across the team and with other teams across the charity, developing a culture of innovation, openness, accountability and resourcefulness.
· Line manage three members of staff, namely two Philanthropy Managers and the Donor Relations Manager, actively empowering, coaching and supporting them to develop their teams’ operational plans and deliver on key priorities.
· Set clear goals, objectives and KPIs for each team member and provide them with the ongoing guidance and support they need to reach them.
· Role model and actively embed Alzheimer’s Research UK values and behaviours across all activities, and champion the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
· Provide strong leadership and support to the Philanthropy Team, through coaching, mentoring and developing individuals to enable them to effectively carry out their role. Carry out performance appraisal meetings and effectively promote team building and collaborative working to deliver the strategic and operational plans.
· Ensure all Philanthropy and Partnerships activity is conducted to the highest standards and in line with the strategic priorities, developing consistent and rigorous methods for measuring success and sharing knowledge/outcomes across the team, department, and wider charity.
Communications
· Work closely with the Finance team to ensure all grants are correctly allocated and used, and conditions met
· Liaise and work with the Research team and the Communications team to produce accurate and timely reports and applications
· Stay up to date with ARUK’s research and other news to be able to communicate effectively with supporters, disseminating the charity’s key messages both among the team and to key supporters.
Knowledge, skills and experience needed:
· Demonstrable knowledge and experience of major gift fundraising.
· Thorough understanding of managing a team of fundraisers.
· Experience of developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
· Proven track record in establishing, monitoring and achieving ambitious fundraising targets.
· Experience of managing a Philanthropy team to deliver significant income growth.
· Excellent communicator, with an ability to build relationships and inspire confidence and respect at all levels.
· Demonstrates strong negotiation, influencing and decision-making skills, with an ability to present arguments logically and confidently
· Excellent listening skills, receptive to feedback and demonstrates flexibility, curiosity and an ability to learn.
· Strong team player who can work both independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
· Confident and engaging presenter with an ability to adapt style to suit the audience and react/manage short lead times.
· Excellent planning and organisational skills, with an ability to work to deadlines and reprioritise work in accordance with the organisational needs.
· Highly motivated and target driven, with an ability to demonstrate a proactive and pragmatic approach and identify ways to deliver creative and innovative solutions.
· Strong attention to detail with an ability to remain calm under pressure
· Strong ethical standards and a high level of personal integrity.
· Excellent IT skills in PowerPoint, Word and Excel.
Additional Information:
Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £70,000 per annum, plus benefits
Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.
The closing date for applications is the 4th May 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.
As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via the website.
How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.
About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.
There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.
In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.
We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:
· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.
· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.
· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.
ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference.
To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) exists so nobody in Scotland suffers or dies because medical help cannot get there in time. People can get sick or have accidents anywhere and anytime. But in Scotland there are places where urgent medical help cannot reach people. Or help gets there too late. And when lives are at risk every minute matters. As a charity we rely on donations from the Scottish public, companies and communities to ensure that urgent medical help gets to the patient when it is needed, wherever they are and at whatever time of day.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced fundraising professional to join us as Head of Fundraising. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our fundraising strategy across community, events and volunteering, trusts and grants, corporate and philanthropy by crafting ambitious regional plans, nurturing high-performing teams, and driving excellence in supporter engagement and recognition. The Head of Fundraising will work collaboratively with the Individual Giving and Engagement team to drive new business pipelining and amplify fundraising campaigns, develop new fundraising products, and represent SCAA at external events and sector initiatives.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced team leader with significant experience working across a variety of fundraising disciplines and of developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
The successful candidate can be based from home, but this role will require regular travel to our bases at Perth and Aberdeen Airports and throughout Scotland. The usual hours and days of work will be Monday to Friday, 9am—5pm.
About You
Essential
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Strong background in a variety of fundraising disciplines and a track record in growing fundraising income over multiple years within a charity, non-profit or values-led organisation.
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Experience of developing and implementing fundraising strategies aligned to organisational objectives.
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Experienced team leader who can motivate, inspire and guide others to deliver results.
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Strong understanding of data protection (GDPR), confidentiality and safeguarding requirements.
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Strong knowledge of Scottish charity regulations, governance and compliance requirements.
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Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, financial processes, and procurement.
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Experience delivering community fundraising products and scaling ideas that support donor acquisition and retention.
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Ability to use insight and ambition to shape pipeline and stewardship planning.
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Understanding of CRM systems.
Desirable
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Ability to deliver training to staff or volunteers on processes or systems.
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Experience of community, events, volunteering and partnerships and philanthropy fundraising.
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Experience of working with Boards or Trustees in a fundraising context.
Our Benefits
- Pension: 12% employer’s & 5% employee’s contribution (after 3 months’ service)
- Annual Leave: 36 days (incl. public holidays) + an extra day for your birthday (and additional days with long service)
- Death in Service benefit: 3 times annual salary
- Optional Private Medical Insurance plan and Cashplan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced Maternity/Adoption/Paternity Pay
- Access to Blue Light Card
- Learning and Development Opportunities
Selection Process
First interviews will take place at our base at Perth Airport in Scone during the week commencing 25th May. Second stage interviews will be held at our Perth base the week commencing 1st June.
How to apply
Please refer to the full job pack on our website.
Application deadline is 5pm on Sunday 10th May 2026.
To ensure no one in Scotland dies because help cannot get there in time.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Famous Through Innovation (internally known as FAME) is the strategic pillar that aims to embed a bold, insight-led innovation culture across ARUK to unlock new fundraising opportunities, expand our supporter base, and future-proof income. By scanning for trends, testing new ideas and products and scaling what works, this strategy will help drive the transformational growth needed to reach our income target by 2030.
The Head of Fundraising Innovation is responsible for the development and delivery of the 5-year strategy across fundraising product innovation. They are responsible for the leading the Fundraising Innovation team in strategic development, testing and scaling of innovative fundraising products, as well as the testing and optimisation of online fundraising to improve conversion, retention and lifetime value. Ensuring the team stay ahead of sector and digital trends, translating insight into practical product development that grows income and enhances supporter experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising and Marketing Strategy
· In collaboration with the Director of Supporter Led Fundraising and fellow F&M Heads, plan, implement and deliver the 2033 Fundraising & Marketing Strategy.
· Shapes and oversees the fundraising innovation programme, creating the systems, culture, and strategic direction needed to enable a sustainable pipeline of breakthrough ideas that drive long‑term income growth.
· Maintain a central and neutral position across Fundraising and Marketing, ensuring cross organisational alignment and impartial prioritisation of innovation across portfolios.
· Responsible for the overarching Innovation and Online Fundraising in year plans and strategy
· Direct line management of 2 managers.
· Lead Fundraising Innovation team of 5.
Fundraising Product Strategy
· Lead fundraising innovation team of two.
· Support the Fundraising Innovation Manager on their leadership of the innovation programme board FAME, and fundraising product innovation roadmap aligned to driving income growth and supporter engagement objectives.
· Support the Fundraising Innovation Manager to identify opportunities to evolve existing fundraising products and create new digital-first income streams.
Online Fundraising Innovation
· Lead online fundraising team of three.
· Support Online Fundraising Manager in testing and optimising online fundraising to improve conversion, retention and lifetime value.
· Stay ahead of sector and digital trends, translating insight into practical product development.
· Supporter Experience & Insight
· Ensure Innovation and online fundraising teams design supporter-centred fundraising products informed by insight, data and user research.
· Ensure products are accessible, inclusive and aligned with brand and values.
Testing, Data & Performance
· Establish and monitor processes for the team that allow robust testing and evaluation frameworks for new and existing fundraising products.
· Establish processes and ways of working for the team that ensure they use data and analytics to inform product decisions and prioritisation.
· Define and track KPIs including income performance, engagement metrics and ROI.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
· Collaborate across ARUK to deliver fundraising innovation that drives organisational strategic priorities.
· Manage relationships with external platforms, agencies and suppliers.
· Ensure compliance with GDPR, ethical fundraising standards and safeguarding policies.
Leadership & Capability Building
· Lead and develop a high-performing fundraising innovation team and online fundraising team.
· Responsibility of innovation budgets and forecasts.
· Build product-led thinking and innovation capability across fundraising teams.
Budget management and reporting
· Ensure that all financial targets are met and that the team is managed in the most cost-effective way possible
· Compile 3-year forecasts and annual budgets in line with operational planning
· Ensure any necessary mitigation planning is carried out to achieve budget.
Knowledge, skills and experience needed:
- Significant experience in fundraising product development or innovation, ideally in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
- Proven track record of developing and scaling fundraising products or online income streams.
- Experience working with testing frameworks, analytics and performance measurement.
· Experience of leading multi-function teams to achieve goals and maintain a wave-maker team culture.
· Experience of managing agencies and suppliers and ensuring all contractual requirements are delivered on time and budget.
· Experience of analysing and monitoring data in a consumer/supporter environment and utilising outputs to advise and drive forward activity.
· Skills in producing evaluations, proposals and reporting on objectives and sharing insights.
· Demonstrable ability to work with a variety of different internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong product mindset with the ability to balance innovation, income and supporter experience.
- Strategic thinker with excellent delivery and stakeholder management skills.
- Data-driven, curious and comfortable working in an iterative, test-and-learn environment.
· Strong understanding of online fundraising channels.
Additional Information:
Ways of working:
As part of our Agile ways of working, you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £70,000 per annum, plus benefits.
Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.
The closing date for applications is the 26th April 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.
As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.
How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.
About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

