Head of fundraising jobs in Westminster, greater london

Since opening its doors in 1871, Royal Albert Hall has stood at the heart of the nation’s cultural life. From the Suffragettes to Stormzy, Elgar to Einstein, the Beatles to Shirley Bassey, the world’s most influential voices have shaped moments of history on its iconic stage.

Today, the Hall continues to deliver an extraordinary programme spanning classical music, rock and pop, national moments and the spoken word. Each year, nearly two million people experience performances that entertain, challenge and inspire, creating unforgettable memories within one of the world’s most recognisable and celebrated buildings.

Looking ahead, the Hall has set an ambitious new vision to ensure it remains a place of dreams and determination, contemplation and celebration for generations to come. Central to this vision is the continued growth of its highly successful outreach programme, supporting emerging artists and deepening engagement with communities, widening access to the arts and strengthening the Hall’s social impact.

In support of this long-term ambition, a pioneering £50 million capital appeal was launched in late 2025. This 15-year estate plan represents a significant evolution in the Hall’s fundraising approach, creating an exceptional opportunity to expand its philanthropic reach, deepen relationships with supporters and secure transformational investment in the future of this much-loved institution.

Against this backdrop, the Royal Albert Hall is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Philanthropy to lead its philanthropic activity through an exciting period of growth and change. This senior role will drive income generation across major donors, trusts and foundations, and the Friends & Patrons programme, while playing a pivotal role in the success of one of the most high-profile capital appeals in the arts. The post offers a rare opportunity to deliver a step-change in philanthropic income and prospect development, helping to realise the Hall’s bold vision for the future.

As Head of Philanthropy, you will:

• Lead the Royal Albert Hall’s philanthropic efforts, overseeing a talented team and delivering an ambitious strategy that spans multiple income streams: major donors, trusts and foundations, events, and the Friends & Patrons programme.
• Play a key role in helping shape and deliver the Hall’s transformative £50M capital appeal, which represents an extraordinary opportunity to expand the Hall’s fundraising reach, significantly increasing the volume of prospects engaged and deepening relationships with existing donors. Your ability to inspire your team and personally steward key supporters will be instrumental in driving this evolution in the Hall’s fundraising approach.
• Primarily focus on securing new supporters and driving innovative approaches to growing the donor base. Cultivating existing relationships is also an important aspect of the role.
• Foster a supportive and high-performing culture within your team, using a coaching leadership style to maximise potential and ensure the delivery of ambitious income targets. Your leadership will be key to driving performance while maintaining hands-on involvement with major donors and high-profile supporters.

Essential skills and experience: 

• An accomplished philanthropic fundraiser and inspiring team leader with a proven track record of securing minimum 6-figure gifts from HNWIs. Examples should be clearly evidenced on your CV.
• Confident managing senior stakeholders, developing strategy, and working across multiple income streams to grow voluntary income.
• A leadership style that combines strategic oversight with personal involvement, enabling you to manage high-value relationships directly when needed, especially with key donors.

Arts fundraising experience is not essential.

Employee benefits include:

• 25 days per year annual leave (pro rata for part-time employees), with the opportunity to buy or sell up to five days holiday per calendar year
• Enhanced pay during maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
• Life assurance of 6 x basic salary
• RAH’s canteen offers free hot and cold meals, including vegetarian options, to staff whilst at work
• Employee Assistance Programme

• Salary: London £76,431 gross per annum/Berlin €100.221,12 gross per annum

• Location: Berlin or London

• Contract Type: Indefinite

• Hours: Full Time

• First Interview Dates: Week beginning 16 February 2025

About the role

Are you a senior fundraising professional with international experience? At ClientEarth, we are looking to hire an experienced and strategic Head of Philanthropy to lead the development and delivery of our global philanthropy programme. In this senior leadership role, you will guide a talented, geographically dispersed Philanthropy team, build deep relationships with major donors across Europe, the US and Asia, and drive income growth.

Meet your Manager

In this role, you will be managed by Hannah Braithwaite who is based in London. Hannah is responsible for leading ClientEarth’s fundraising efforts for its growing portfolio of programmes. Hannah has dedicated her career to raising funds and resources for climate and nature causes. With a degree in Zoology from Sheffield University, Hannah combines her scientific background with her passion for the environment to generate impact with knowledge and credibility. Prior to joining ClientEarth Hannah has held a number of leading roles at prominent international environmental organisations, including Head of External Affairs at the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre and Head of Trusts and Foundations at Fauna & Flora.

Main Duties

• Develop and implement the global philanthropy strategy as part of the overall fundraising strategy, liaising with senior leadership, programme leads, communications and finance to ensure ClientEarth can maximise the potential income from major donors.
• Develop, implement and achieve relevant KPIs and financial targets for the philanthropy team and lead on the production of appropriate reports for senior management and the board of trustees.
• Using the strategy (organisational and fundraising) the Head of Philanthropy will personally manage and support senior staff on holding income-yielding high-level relationships.
• Manage relationships and drive strategy relating to our senior stakeholders such as the Development Board, Chair of the Board and act as a key facilitator and steward of relationships between foundation staff and key programme contacts.
• Set up and implement systems to review performance against set targets and objectives and monitor funder data and oversee the effective management of our database; 

See the job description (below) for a full list of duties for this role.

Role requirements

• Significant philanthropy management experience with complex funders
• Demonstrable experience of securing five and six figure, and multi-year gifts
• Good knowledge of donor and pipeline management and financial processes
• Experience of working with the most senior representatives of an organisation, including at CEO and Board level
• An interest in environmental issues such as climate change, conservation and air pollution

See the job description (below) for a full list of requirements for this role.

Note to candidates: We know that long lists of criteria can be daunting and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the essential criteria, we still encourage you to apply.

Further Information

Have a question about this job? Please visit our Careers site for advice on applying, FAQs, and more.

Flexible working:  We are proud to be a Flexa accredited Employer. Visit our Flexa Employer page for more information on our approach to flexible working. Our flexible working policy allows our people the choice to decide to work from home/another location in the country where their contract of employment is issued for 80% of their month, with the other 20% of their month being office-based  See our Benefits page for more as well as our flexible working FAQ.

ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. See our equity, diversity and inclusion journey page for more.

Please note that ClientEarth is only able to employ those who have the pre-existing legal right to work in either the UK or Germany.

ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services to third parties

Contract Type: Maternity cover until mid March 2027

Location: London or any of our national offices, with the expectation of being in the office 2-3 days per week and being able to travel to London for team meetings 1-2 times per month (travel expenses covered if based at an office outside London)  

1st stage interviews: 10th & 12th February (virtual over MS Teams)

2nd stage interviews: 19th February (in-person at our South London Centre or virtual over MS Teams if you're based outside London)

Young people need us more than ever, and at The King’s Trust, you can help make sure we’re there for them. As Head of Individual Giving and Legacies, you’ll play a crucial role in developing two of our key income streams, inspiring thousands of supporters to back our work and securing long-term pledges that transform futures.

This year is a particularly exciting one as it’s our 50th anniversary, so you’ll design and deliver powerful campaigns that encourage supporters to give again, attract new donors, and grow legacy commitments year on year. From shaping innovative fundraising products to creating meaningful supporter journeys, your leadership will ensure our donors feel connected, valued, and motivated to continue their support. With a talented team to guide and inspire, you’ll drive creativity, collaboration, and impact, turning generosity into life-changing opportunities for young people across the UK.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable 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 Head of Individual Giving & Legacies? 

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 Head of Individual Giving & Legacies! 

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) 

We are looking for an inspiring and experienced Head of Fundraising and Development to join our team at Dalgarno Trust. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about fundraising, communications, and making a real difference in the community.

Based in North Kensington, Dalgarno Trust is a vibrant community centre supporting local residents of all ages through health, wellbeing, education, training, and youth programmes. As the only community centre in this part of the borough, we play a vital role in bringing people together, tackling inequality, and strengthening community resilience.

As Head of Fundraising and Development, you will be a key member of our Core Team, working closely with the Chief Executive to secure and manage the resources that enable our work. This is a varied and hands-on role combining fundraising, CRM management, marketing and communications, and organisational administration, offering the opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact.

You will lead on researching and writing funding bids, managing relationships with funders, and ensuring that monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements are met. You will oversee and develop our CRM system (Salesforce), ensuring high-quality data, producing reports, and supporting colleagues through training. You will also play a central role in diversifying income through donations, sponsorships, commercial activity, and use of our assets.

Alongside fundraising, you will lead our marketing, communications, and promotion, keeping our website, social media, and noticeboards up to date, and ensuring our work is clearly and effectively communicated to the wider community. The role also includes administrative and HR support, such as assisting with recruitment processes, timesheets, training coordination, and ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice.

We are looking for someone highly organised, administratively confident, and comfortable working independently, while also enjoying collaboration with colleagues, partners, and community members. You will bring experience of community-based work, strong written and verbal communication skills, and a genuine commitment to equality, inclusion, and positive social change. 

This role offers flexibility in working hours and a supportive team environment, with the chance to shape and grow the organisation’s income and profile at an exciting time for Dalgarno Trust.

• Salary: £35,000 FTE (£28,000 per year pro rata, 4 days / 28 hours)
• Contract: Permanent
• Location: Dalgarno Trust Community Centre, North Kensington (with occasional off-site meetings)
• Hours: 4 days per week (28 hours), flexible by agreement
• Line management: Reports to the Chief Executive
• Closing date: Wednesday, 4 February
• Interview date: Wednesday, 11 February

Situated within beautiful gardens and grounds, the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability (RHN) is a leading national centre of excellence and one of the longest-running charities and independent hospitals in the UK.

Set in a stunning Grade II listed Victorian building, the RHN provides adult person-centred services across the entire care pathway—from post-acute rehabilitation to end-of-life care—for people with complex neuro-disabilities and their families. Underpinned by a strong research and education framework, the RHN is more than a hospital; it is a vibrant community where residents engage in music, art, and holistic support to achieve the best possible quality of life. 

The role:

A fantastic new opportunity has arisen at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability for an ambitious and strategic Head of Fundraising to lead and expand the RHN’s income generation and manage and drive a high performing team.

The Head of Fundraising will be responsible for generating income from all fundraising income streams: Community, Events, Corporate, Trusts and Foundations, Legacy and Direct Mail (Donor Development). They will oversee all aspects of fundraising, including developing and implementing the Fundraising Strategy, managing key donor relationships, driving forward any capital appeals and leading a team of fundraising professionals.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for a passionate, positive and highly experienced individual with a proven track record in senior fundraising roles within the charity sector and experience of successful income generation.  Candidates must be skilled on donor stewardship and stakeholder engagement, as well as being a confident and engaging public speaker.  Knowledge of fundraising standards and best practice are essential.

Main objectives of the role:

• Establish fundraising priorities and set fundraising goals in line with the wider organisational strategy
• Achieve the fundraising target and KPIs
• Lead on the organisation of a full calendar of fundraising events and activity and ensure applications are made in a timely manner
• Engage with Fellows, Trustees and volunteers to ensure wider RHN engagement
• Engage with internal teams to ensure the timely promotion of events, activities and to ensure engagement
• Work with clinical service teams particularly those areas fully funded by fundraising, to provide case studies and outcome reports
• To work closely with the Communications team to fully utilise social media and the RHN website for all fundraising events and activities.
• Act as the primary contact for volunteer committees and external partners as necessary

We are happy to consider applicants who are looking to work part-time for a minimum of 3 days a week. 

Candidates must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends for events.

What we can offer you:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Hybrid working – a strong on-site presence is required for this role with a minimum of 3 days working on-site per week expected (pro rata for part-time)
• Free counselling and therapy sessions and other mental wellbeing support through our partner CIC Wellbeing
• Get involved in our free on-site wellbeing programs, including weekly yoga, and monthly pottery club (we are the UK’s only hospital with its own kiln)
• Financial support services such as low-interest loans and help with savings accounts through our partnership with London Capital Credit Union
• Join our wellbeing networks to connect with people in our hospital; we have a Pride network, Women’s network, and our Race Equality network. We also have heritage events to celebrate the diversity of our workforce – most recently we had a South East Asian celebration.
• Free on-site parking (rare in London)
• More benefits: Cycle2Work scheme, tech purchase support scheme, Blue Light Card discounts, and more.

Want to find out more?

We would be delighted to have an informal conversation with interested applicants and provide more details on the role, team and the RHN!   Please vist our website to view our full Job Description and learn more about us.

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Location: Remote, preferably South East based
Closing date: 28 January
Interviews: 4/5 February
Benefits: 25 days annual leave, pension, flexible working

We have a great opportunity for a Head of Fundraising working for the UK’s leading charity dedicated to advancing research, raising awareness, and providing support for individuals and families affected by mitochondrial disease.

This exciting role is very much a “head and hands” role. You’ll set direction, lead the fundraising team and shape the strategy - but you’ll also get stuck in to campaign creation, pitch development and donor stewardship, rolling your sleeves up where needed.

To be successful as the Head of Fundraising you will need:

• Senior-level experience across at least two fundraising disciplines, including corporate partnerships or individual giving, with a track record of delivering income growth
• Experience leading and developing teams, with a supportive and empowering approach
• Experience of creating and launching fundraising products, campaigns & supporter journeys.

If you would like to discuss this role with us please contact us and quote the reference 2824EI.

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, we use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs. We are passionate about improving equality across the sector, you can read more about our commitment to diversity here.

We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you as the leading charity recruitment agency.
If enough applications are received the charity reserve the right to end the application period sooner.

Interim Head of Business Development & Funding Partnerships

Remote (UK) - This role will require occasional travel to HQ in London and occasional overseas travel

As Interim Head of Business Development and Funding Partnerships, you’ll provide strategic leadership across business development, donor engagement, and organisational funding processes. The organisation has recently completed extensive research into donor alignment, new opportunities, and optimal engagement strategies. This role will play a central part in operationalising that insight and working with the team to identify priorities and maximise the value of the research.

You will also:

• Strengthen the BD function by improving roles, processes, and systems, and aligning the team towards new areas of institutional funding.
• Provide senior‑level insight during a period of funding uncertainty, including pipeline analysis and donor intelligence.
• Lead and support high‑value donor engagement and relationship‑building.
• Guide the organisation in adapting structures and processes to engage a wider range of donors.
• Oversee high‑quality proposal development and competitive positioning.
• Line manage and mentor a team of partnerships professionals.

About You

You bring extensive experience in institutional funding (ideally beyond FCDO and DFID), donor engagement, and leading BD functions within an international, governance, or development context. You are strategic, team orientated, and comfortable steering organisations through change.

You can demonstrate:

• An extensive track record of strengthening BD operations, including redesigning roles, improving internal processes, and developing systems that support high‑quality funding pipelines.
• The ability to provide strategic insight and forecasting to senior leadership, particularly around pipeline scenarios, donor intelligence, and risk.
• Experience shaping organisational offers and value propositions to meet varying donor expectations, compliance requirements, and cost‑recovery rules.
• (Desirable but not essential) Experience positioning an organisation for new and emerging institutional donors, including those with lower overhead/NPAC thresholds.

Doing Good Recruitment is committed to the highest standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality, or other protected characteristics, as well as socio-economic background. We understand that applicants may not always meet every criterion listed in the job description, if you meet most, we encourage you to apply

ABOUT US

Women at the Well is a support service for women based in the King’s Cross area of central London. We provide practical support and advocacy to women facing a wide range of disadvantages, and we have a specialism in working with women whose lives have been affected by prostitution and/or sexual exploitation. We are trauma informed, holistic and woman-centred. We deliver our mission through three interconnected services:

1. A women only drop-in service

2. An advocacy service

3. An outreach service

We take referrals from many external partners and while we have a hub-centre in Kings Cross we are a pan-London service. Read more about our work in our impact report.

Women at the Well has supported thousands of women over more than twenty years work in London. We see the complex ways in which women’s inequality, racism, disability and poor health, educational disadvantage, trauma in childhood, migration and the hostile immigration environment can all lead to significant social and economic disadvantages and harm. In our work we meet women who have experienced repeated and extensive abuse, and who are often homeless, living with addictions and/or mental health issues, and in poverty. We see how these women are at high risk of a range of sexually exploitative behaviours including prostitution. As well as providing tailored support, we aim to speak up for the rights of women to live lives free from abuse.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Head of Fundraising & Partnerships will lead the development and delivery of Women at The Well’s fundraising strategy, ensuring we build the sustainable and diverse income base needed to continue supporting women facing extraordinary disadvantage, exploitation and harm. As a senior, hands-on fundraiser, the postholder will take responsibility for income generation across trusts and foundations, individual philanthropy, corporate partnerships and community fundraising, while building the systems, relationships and communications that underpin long-term growth.

Working closely with the CEO—an experienced trusts fundraiser—the postholder will identify opportunities, cultivate relationships, steward supporters, craft compelling cases for support, and drive forward multi-stream fundraising with clarity and purpose. They will coordinate the CEO’s involvement in major fundraising opportunities and act as a strategic partner, ensuring the organisation’s leadership has what they need to secure transformational funding.

This role sits at the heart of a small, values-driven team committed to trauma-informed, women-centred work. The postholder must bring emotional resilience, sound judgement and a deep respect for the dignity and lived experiences of the women who use our service. Regular presence in our King’s Cross centre is important for relationship-building and grounding fundraising work in the mission, though we offer flexibility in working patterns for the right candidate.

A senior member of the high-performing Trusts & Philanthropy team, you will be responsible for routinely raising significant revenue and capital funds from major donors. This key role will focus on working with prospects and donors with the motivation and capacity to invest in Maggie’s growth and will prioritise transformational gifts which can support our accelerated growth. You will be a strategic thinker with significant experience to deliver principal gifts to the value of £1million and above.  

 As Head of Philanthropy you will ensure the effective identification and cultivation of prospects through board or volunteer networks. You will commission a programme of engagement and stewardship events to inspire and enthuse potential supporters and invigorate current donors to continue support. You will also personally manage a prospect portfolio using exceptional communications, engagement and stewardship strategies in order to achieve our ambitious fundraising goals and objectives.

 You must be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of major gift portfolio management and principal gift development. A record of successfully expanding the donor base through cultivation and excellent stewardship is also essential. You will share your significant experience and insight where helpful to contribute to the successful development and implementation of Maggie’s overall fundraising strategy.
 
 Please note that interviews will held on Monday 16th and Wednesday 18th February in our Hammersmith office.

Please see the attached job description for further details.

£68,000 per annum
Full time (35 hours per week)
Permanent
Hybrid working – a minimum of 2 (preferably 3) days per week in our office in Cheam, Surrey.
 
The Charity for Civil Servants sits at the heart of the UK Civil Service. While we can’t always prevent the tricky, stressful, sad stuff from happening, when it does happen, we help current, former and retired civil servants get the best support.
 
We’re 140 years old in 2026 and we’ve got big ambitions to ensure we are there for those who need us for generations to come.
 
We are looking for a strategic and creative Head of Fundraising to join our Senior Management Team as we embark on the next phase of our strategy to accelerate income growth. The ideal candidate will have experience at Head of Department level or above and extensive experience in leading and delivering successful fundraising campaigns, as well as strategy development and business planning more broadly.
 
This is a unique and exciting leadership role. If you’re a proactive and entrepreneurial fundraiser and experienced marketeer who thrives on turning opportunities into outcomes and who would like to work in partnership with some of the most talented people across the UK Civil Service, then we would like to hear from you!
 
In return, we can offer you a supportive, inspiring and friendly team culture and excellent benefits including Boundless, a health cash plan, Headspace, life assurance, excellent pension, generous annual leave, birthday leave and a cycle to work scheme.
 
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter that states why you would be suitable for this role. The closing date for applications is 15 February 2026.
 
Interviews will take place on 25 and 26 February 2026. Please let us know in your covering letter if any dates that week would be difficult for you or if you need any adjustments to enable you to perform to your best at interview.
 
The Charity for Civil Servants are committed to building and developing a workforce which reflects the diversity of the civil service community that we support. We seek to ensure all job applications are treated fairly, with respect and without bias and we encourage applications from suitably experienced candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, or any other factor.
 
REF-226 147

BCT's work has helped deliver one of the UK’s consistent conservation success stories for several bat species although we recognise that there is still a long way to go before our 18 resident bat species recover from historical declines. We are strengthening our fundraising team to secure the resources needed to build on what has been achieved so far.

We are recruiting a Head of Fundraising to increase income generation with a focus on philanthropic giving. This hands-on role will be critical in helping us to deliver our five objectives as set out in our strategy. The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of Communications and Fundraising as well as the rest of the Senior Management Team. 

We are looking for someone who can:

• Lead the development and delivery of philanthropic fundraising programme.
• Create new opportunities and relationships with potential philanthropic donors.
• Manage donor journeys and stewardship while working with colleagues to ensure donors have a rewarding experience.
• Build strong relationships across BCT that will help to identify funding opportunities that best fit philanthropic supporters.

This is a great opportunity to join a small communications and fundraising team within the wildlife conservation sector. 

BCT’s main office is in Battersea, South London. The position is open to hybrid working, the details of which will be discussed with the successful candidate. 

Job location: Nationwide, any regional office

To build a fair education for all, we need to unlock the potential in all children – not just some. Together, we’re making it happen. Every day, our work takes us closer to a better future. But we need to do more. It’s a big challenge – and we need your help to take it on.

As Head of Fundraising Operations, leading the provision of data and insight to senior stakeholders, identifying trends in fundraising and instigating and implementing key processes are some of the ways you and your team will support the Fundraising Department to grow voluntary income.

You’ll lead on fundraising operations, data management, reporting, compliance and financial processes for the Fundraising Department. You will work as a member of the Fundraising Leadership team, shaping and delivering the departmental strategy. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment that gives you the opportunity to be creative and grow.

• Do you have experience using Salesforce or a similar CRM database to retain and report on fundraising performance?
• Do you have proven experience leading a Fundraising Operations team, or highly relevant alternative experience and have you worked in conjunction with other peer leaders in a collaborative and effective manner?
• Do you have excellent communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to convey complex information to a range of stakeholders and influence at a senior level?
• Do you understand the fundraising landscape, especially fundraising regulation, and its implications for our work?
• Do you have proven ability to manage, report on and deliver multiple projects or workstreams simultaneously, with a large group of internal and external stakeholders?

Yes to the above? Then we want to hear from you. You might be our next Head of Fundraising Operations!

Take a look at the job description and then complete an application on our careers website. Make sure you’ve got your CV ready to upload, along with a tailored cover letter that demonstrates how you meet our essential criteria. If you’re applying from an external job board, you’ll be redirected to our careers website. (Please note, we only accept applications through our careers website).

We expect first stage interviews to be held on Tuesday 3 February 2026 and second stage interviews on Tuesday 10 February.

About the Trust 

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you? 

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year. 

Join Our Team: Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships 

We’re excited to welcome a new strategic leader to shape and deliver transformational income growth and strategic partnerships for the Trust.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Working Hours & Location 

This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. This is a home-based role, requiring regular travel to meetings with donors, events and to our main hubs for collaborative meetings and team activities.

Role Overview 

In this pivotal role, you will lead the refinement and delivery of the Trust’s high value giving strategy, building and sustaining relationships with philanthropists, statutory funders, trusts and foundations, and corporates. You’ll inspire, lead, and manage a diverse team to achieve ambitious income targets and strengthen strategic partnerships that support the Trust’s vision. You will actively demonstrate desired behaviours - enthusiastically engaging with external partners, taking initiative to strengthen the team, and fostering a culture within the Trust that supports high level giving. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Implement and refine the Fundraising Strategy to deliver significant and sustainable income growth and impact.
• Lead, inspire and develop a diverse team, fostering a culture of delivery, collaboration, accountability, and innovation. 
• Personally lead on cultivating and stewarding transformational relationships with corporates, trusts, foundations, high-net-worth donors and some statutory sources while empowering your team to build profitable, multi-year relationships, a robust pipeline and secured income.
• Prepare, monitor, and deliver the annual business plan and income budget (currently £5m with significant growth planned).
• Represent the Trust externally at a senior level and maintain awareness of sector trends.
• Maintain best practice in fundraising compliance, risk management, and reporting, maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
• Embed diversity, inclusion, and safety responsibilities in all activities.

About You 

As an accomplished fundraising leader with a proven track record of delivering high-value income and building strategic partnerships, you thrive in complex stakeholder environments and bring a blend of vision, resilience, and hands-on expertise. You’ll be confident influencing at Board level, adept at navigating ambiguity, and passionate about making a lasting impact.

Skills & Qualifications 

• Proven experience in leading a team – skilled at building, inspiring, and motivating teams to achieve fundraising goals.
• Comprehensive expertise in major donor fundraising, corporate partnerships, and trust and foundation giving, alongside a working knowledge of statutory giving. 
• Demonstrated expertise in high-value fundraising and partnership development, with a proven ability to create, cultivate and steward long-term relationships while influencing internal stakeholders to secure and sustain transformational support.
• Proven success in securing transformational gifts and multi-year partnerships.
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills, able to influence inside and outside the organisation.
• A proven ability to develop and write persuasive and successful funding applications and partnership proposals for major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporates.
• Exceptional communication and networking skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Experience managing significant budgets and delivering income growth.
• Knowledge of fundraising compliance and sector trends.  
• A collaborative and innovative approach, able to lead and motivate a diverse team while working cross-functionally.
• Personal resilience and adaptability, with the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

What We Offer 

We offer an annual salary of £78,000, plus £520 cash car allowance per month. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: 

Our values

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Location: London (Hybrid).
 

Salary: £80-£85,000 per annum.
 

Contract: Permanent.

Every child deserves to be safe, loved, and free from abuse. At the NSPCC, that belief drives everything the charity does.

The NSPCC is the UK’s oldest and largest children’s charity, and today their mission has never been more urgent. From tackling the challenges of online safety to delivering vital frontline services, they are responding every day to the changing world children are growing up in.

This is a pivotal moment for the charity as it establishes an Engagement & Fundraising Directorate to modernise how they connect with supporters and unlock new opportunities for growth. As part of this vital work, they are looking for an exceptional Head of Philanthropy to deliver impact at scale, leading and growing their major donor programme, cultivating high-value relationships that generate transformational income.

What You’ll Do

This strategic role will shape the future of philanthropy at the charity - identifying, engaging and stewarding major and principal gift supporters, personally securing significant contributions and developing compelling philanthropic propositions in collaboration with colleagues across the organisation (in particular, capitalising on those around major organisational priorities such as Childline’s 40th birthday and NSPCC’s excellence in early years programme).

As a key member of the Philanthropy & Partnerships Leadership Team, you will drive ambitious income growth, champion a culture of excellence, and provide inspiring leadership to a talented team, ensuring long‑term, sustainable support for the charity.

Who You Are

This role needs an inspiring leader with a strong record of driving high‑performing teams and securing major six‑ and seven-figure gifts. You’ll bring deep expertise in individual philanthropy, major appeals and capital campaigns, along with proven success shaping effective philanthropy strategies in complex organisations. You’ll have a deep understanding of individual philanthropy, principal gift cultivation, regulation, tax-effective giving and legacies and you’ll have excellent influencing, negotiating and presentation skills. Strong financial acumen and sharp strategic judgement will be essential.

Ready to Learn More?

Click below to view our full Candidate Pack for everything you need to know including how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 9th February, 9am.