Head of fundraising jobs

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.

At Ambitious about Autism, we're currently looking for a Head of Philanthropy to join our Fundraising team.

You'll lead, oversee and implement ambitious plans, as set out in the new fundraising strategy and enabling us to fully capitalise on the opportunities presented over the next few years, with a focus on the development of a major donor strategy, growing our profile and supporting a high-performing Philanthropy team. Alongside this you will personally manage a portfolio of high value solicitations, resulting in 6- and 7-figure gifts.

You'll evaluate each income stream and develop plans aligned with fundraising strategy, ensuring these translate into deliverable objectives. You'll play a key role in the development of fundraising appeals, including large scale proposals and approaches, as well as developing creative and compelling funding applications to engage new supporters.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience of planning and implementing successful major donor fundraising programmes
• Proven experience of securing high-value major gifts
• An understanding of trends and developments across the sector and demonstrable knowledge of best practice in major donors, trusts and foundations fundraising
• Experience of financial management of expenditure budgets including setting, accurate forecasting and achieving financial and non-financial targets

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.

Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Location: Office-based (currently Bethnal Green, likely to be Euston from Sept 2026) with some home working.

Salary/job band: £56,463 (for 36 hrs) or PTE

Team: Fundraising & Communications

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: 28-36 hrs per week

Reports to: Director

Line manages: Fundraising co-managers, communications manager

Purpose of role

To plan and oversee QSA’s income generation and communications work. To strategically support the success of QSA as part of the leadership team.

Role overview

This is a linchpin role for QSA. We are looking for a hard-working, experienced and creative fundraiser. Our head of fundraising & communications oversees all of our income generation portfolio, including charitable trusts, public bodies, individual giving, and fundraising events.

Above all, we are looking for a candidate who believes in QSA’s mission and values, who can convey this passion through our fundraising and communications. 

We recognise that the current fundraising climate is challenging. As a charity, we have a sizable and engaged network of supporters and an excellent reputation for delivering innovative services.

The head of fundraising & communications is also responsible for overseeing QSA’s communications output, ensuring we build great relationships and successfully share our impact, stories and expertise across a variety of channels.

This is an exciting opportunity to build up a broad experience base in communications. Our approach to this work is centred in an ethical storytelling mindset. Our work has a national profile and we’re keen to maintain our reputation and our media presence.

Our head of fundraising & communications will also join the leadership team, working closely with the head of finance, the head of services and the director. This is a tight knit group with the purpose of supporting the longer term and strategic work of QSA.

You will be welcomed into a wider team at QSA that is enthusiastic, expert, and highly committed to social justice. We are proud of our ability to collaborate successfully and to celebrate one another’s success.

About Quaker Social Action (QSA)

Quaker Social Action’s mission is twofold. We enable people on low incomes to seek solutions to the issues affecting their lives. We listen and respond to the needs of communities and run practical, sustainable and collaborative projects.

Secondly, we share our learning where we see the potential to bring benefit to communities outside of our own – by running professional training, and by speaking truth to power to seek structural change.

Our services include crisis support for those unable to afford funerals; practical support for people experiencing homelessness, such as a mobile library and a community kitchen space; and free mindfulness and wellbeing programmes.

QSA has a rich 150-year history with roots in the Quaker movement. Our work is still guided by Quaker values like Truth and Justice, and we are proud of our place within the Quaker community. At the same time, there is nothing religious about our work: our services, jobs and volunteering roles are open to all.

“The advice and support was beyond beneficial. As a family we were just above the threshold for getting any financial support and at a very difficult time already, money worries was the last thing we needed.”   

- Down to Earth funeral costs helpline caller

Duties & responsibilities

Income generation

1. To design and develop a fundraising strategy for QSA, incorporating a wide range of approaches, including statutory sources, charitable trusts, individual donations, legacies, earned income from training, and event fundraising.
2. To set clear targets based on previous trends, and realistic aspirations for growth.
3. To ensure all fundraising activity sits within the required legislative framework and complies with best practice, especially regarding donor consent.
4. To ensure accurate financial information is presented within fundraising materials.
5. To ensure that QSA fundraising applications are supported by up-to-date evidence of need, gained from relevant research and policy developments.
6. To ensure that QSA fundraising applications are supported by up-to-date evidence of impact, gained from internal monitoring systems.
7. To identify and lead major funding applications.
8. To build strong and warm relationships with funders and donors of QSA.
9. To ensure QSA is compliant with all grants and contracts and provides accurate and timely monitoring reports back to funders.
10. To ensure that project teams are aware of funders supporting their work and are clear what targets or commitments are in place with these funders, including reporting requirements.

Communications, marketing, media, brand, digital

1. To design and develop a communications and marketing strategy for QSA, incorporating a wide range of approaches across a number of appropriate channels and platforms.
2. To understand best practice in charity communications and marketing and use this to promote the work of QSA.
3. To manage QSA’s approach to reputational risk through our communications output.
4. To oversee the development of the content, structure and key messages of QSA’s online communications channels; specifically our website, email marketing and varied social media platforms.
5. To oversee the digital marketing development of QSA, ensuring we have clear systems and protocols to analyse, track, measure and review our output.
6. To understand the benefit of and risks of using AI in our fundraising and comms output and to be part of the strategic leadership around emerging best practice.  
7. To oversee diverse and evolving ways to communicate, using podcasts, videos, data, photos as well as high quality copy.
8. To oversee media relations and protocols for media engagement for QSA.
9. To develop proactive and strategic communications responses very quickly or under pressure to manage situations of risk or opportunity for QSA.
10. To oversee and develop the QSA brand, ensuring it communicates our core purpose and is consistent with our values.
11. To oversee our duty of care to our participants who share their stories, ensuring we approach this with due care, sensitivity and respect for their autonomy, and that we have sufficient safeguards in place to be attentive to their wellbeing.

Leadership

1. To work collaboratively with the leadership team to support the strategic development of QSA. To provide materials that support QSA’s trustees to undertake their governance tasks.
2. To work alongside the head of finance to provide accurate and timely quarterly reports for the trustees’ finance & fundraising committee.
3. With the head of finance, to be responsible for regular reconciliation of finance and fundraising records and for annual audit processes.
4. To work alongside leadership colleagues in all operational matters. To offer ideas for service development, to identify resource needs, and to share strategies to support team wellbeing.  

Organisational requirements

1. To work within, and actively promote, the policies and procedures of QSA.
2. Any other duties as appropriate to the role, as agreed by the QSA director. 

“I feel the service from these marvellous book fans and their very committed, caring staff are an essential…I use them twice a week every week. Please may they continue.”   

- Visitor to Turn a Corner mobile library for people experiencing homelessness.

Person specification

Experience

1. Significant experience of charity fundraising from a wide range of sources, especially charitable trusts and individual donors. 
2. Experience of communications activities/digital development is highly desirable.

Skills

1. Ability to write creative and engaging copy for a range of different audiences.
2. Ability to build excellent collaborative working relationships with a wide range of people; including within the close-knit QSA team, external partners, funders and QSA supporters. 

Knowledge

1. Knowledge of differing funding streams suitable for an anti-poverty charity – i.e. trusts, statutory sources, corporate support, individuals, legacies.
2. Knowledge of a range of communications channels and platforms and of the best ways for a charity to utilise these.
3. Knowledge of technology, including AI, as a way of furthering reach and impact. 

Personal Qualities

1. Exceptional ability to prioritise workload and accurately deliver work to deadline.
2. Demonstrates inner resilience, and ambition to deliver work of the highest standard.
3. Ability to be flexible and have a ‘hands-on’ attitude when required.
4. Commitment to and understanding of the role of equity, diversity and inclusion, in the workplace and in service provision.
5. A willingness to work within a Quaker ethos, as clarified by the mission of QSA.

Main terms and conditions of employment

1. QSA uses the local government pay scales for salaries. Your salary will be on NJC scale point 41-44, which starts at £56,463 (including London weighting) for a full-time/36 hours post. All appointments are made at bottom of scale. 
2. This is a permanent position.
3. This post can be offered as a role to be worked between four and five days per week, so 28 hours to 36 hours per week. We pride ourselves on our flexible working practices.
4. Leave entitlement for a full-time post is 25 days per year, plus 8 bank holidays, with the leave year running from January to December. This increases by 2 days after 3 years of service and a further 3 days after 5 years of service. QSA closes between Christmas and New Year and days falling within this period are not taken from your leave entitlement.
5. QSA pays an additional 6% of salary into the QSA group personal pension, with a 2% staff contributory element.
6. We have probationary periods of six months and the period of notice is 1 week during the probationary period and 8 weeks on its completion.
7. QSA has a union recognition agreement with Unite although staff are welcome to join any trade union or none.
8. This is a hybrid role. We see the benefits of being in the office with colleagues on a regular basis, and consider 2-3 days per week in person to be ideal for this role.
9. The successful candidate will be required to obtain a basic DBS check. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act applies.
10.  

“It was what I was looking for. The way they deliver the sessions makes it feel inclusive and non-judgemental. Participating online, the energy felt tranquil.”

- Audrey, online attendee of our This Way Up mindfulness and coaching course

Being a diverse and inclusive organisation is very important to us. We’re particularly focused on three elements of this: lived experience of poverty; race & heritage; and disability.  We actively encourage applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We hope that you find this job pack and our recruitment process clear and welcoming. Please let us know if this is not the case. We want to do recruitment well and feedback really helps.

Thank you for your interest in this role.

Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy and Partnerships)

King George & Queen’s Hospitals Charity

King George & Queen’s Hospitals Charity is entering a pivotal new chapter as it becomes an independent NHS charity, with a clear three-year strategic plan and ambitious plans to grow its impact and income.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy and Partnerships) is a senior, hands-on role responsible for developing high-value fundraising to complement the Charity’s successful community fundraising and events programme. The role will lead the growth of philanthropy, corporate partnerships, and trust income, working closely with Trustees, NHS colleagues, and the fundraising team.

A major appeal is being explored to support the £35m planned development of a new A&E department at Queen’s Hospital. A transformational project with the potential to attract significant philanthropic support. 

This is a rare opportunity to shape and grow a high-value fundraising portfolio at a formative moment, helping secure transformational investment in hospital care for local communities.

About Hatch

Hatch Enterprise is an award-winning charity that exists to level the playing field in entrepreneurship. Our beneficiaries build businesses that tackle some of society's most vital challenges through social enterprise, addressing a wide range of socioeconomic problems, from homelessness to community cohesion, healthcare and climate change.

We recognise that talent is distributed equally, but opportunities are not. Too many people with ideas and ambition never get the chance to turn them into thriving businesses that create lasting social change. That’s why we’re on a mission to nurture innovation across the UK’s diverse society, to build a fairer, more sustainable economy that works for everyone.
We are a team of 20 passionate changemakers, working alongside underrepresented founders across the UK to help them imagine, launch and grow sustainable businesses, community interest companies and charities. Our work is rooted in belief in human potential, practical support and deep connection to the communities we serve.

In early 2026, Hatch will launch its first three-year fundraising campaign - a defining moment that will allow us to back more innovators, push boundaries and create lasting social, environmental and economic change both for those we support, and the people they serve through their ventures.This role sits right at the heart of that ambition

The role

This maternity cover role offers a meaningful opportunity to help secure the funding that makes our work possible at a pivotal point in Hatch’s journey.

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising & Engagement, you will lead the delivery of Trusts & Foundations, Statutory and Major Donor fundraising, while managing our inspiring partners, you will build new income pipelines aligned to Hatch’s pioneering programmes. You will also support the launch and early delivery of our three-year fundraising campaign.

Alongside hands-on fundraising, you will line manage, mentor and develop the Fundraising Manager, helping to build confidence, capability and strong, future-focused fundraising practice.

What you’ll be doing

• Securing transformational funding from Trusts & Foundations, Statutory and Major donors, enabling more underrepresented founders to turn ideas into sustainable businesses.

• Building and stewarding a strong pipeline of opportunity, ensuring Hatch can grow its reach and respond to demand with confidence.

• Crafting and delivering compelling proposals and presentations that bring Hatch’s mission, impact and ambition to life and inspire partners to invest in change.

• Caring for and deepening funder relationships through thoughtful, high-quality account management, reporting and ongoing engagement.

• Helping launch and build momentum for Hatch’s first three-year fundraising campaign, a pivotal moment in scaling our impact.

• Strengthening people, processes and systems, so fundraising at Hatch is effective, ethical and continually learning.

About you

You are someone who believes deeply in fair access to opportunity and understands the power of funding to unlock long-term change.

You may be motivated by seeing ideas become reality, by helping others succeed, or by building partnerships that genuinely matter. You bring care and intention to your relationships, and you want funders to feel proud of the impact their support enables.

You’ll bring experience securing six figure gifts within the charity or not-for-profit sector, alongside strong proposal writing and relationship-building skills. Just as importantly, you are thoughtful, collaborative and committed to doing fundraising in a way that is ethical, inclusive and values-led.

You enjoy mentoring others, sharing knowledge and building confidence. You’re organised and proactive, but also reflective, keen to learn, improve and adapt in a fast-moving environment.

If you’re excited by the chance to contribute your skills to work that creates real opportunity for people too often excluded, this role could be for you.

We warmly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the barriers our founders face. If you are excited by this role and our mission, but do not meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply – we value potential, perspective and a willingness to grow as much as experience.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be based in the UK for the duration of the role.

Interested?

Please submit your application on the Hatch portal, sending your CV, and a cover letter answering the two questions below;

1)  Please describe a six- or seven-figure partnership that you personally secured. What motivated the funder to invest, how did you build and steward the relationship, and what does this experience say about your approach to fundraising and why we should recruit you for this role?

2)  Please share a funder you believe Hatch should prioritise approaching, and why? Please reflect on how our mission aligns with their values, and how your experience would help turn that alignment into a successful funding partnership.

We are only accepting applications via the portal, which is accessible on our website. Please note - we will not consider any applications unless they include a CV and a cover letter that responds to the points above.

If you have any questions or need any help with your application, please contact us via our website (recruiters will be politely turned away).

Closing date 5pm on 2 February 2026.

Interviews:

Stage 1: 11th Feb (online)
Stage 2: 18th Feb (in-person, at our London office)

If you would like a confidential conversation about the role before applying, you’re very welcome to contact Shelagh Paterson, Director of Fundraising & Engagement, for an informal discussion.

Contract:  12-month fixed-term contract

Salary:  £60,000 per annum 

Location: Home-based with regular travel 

Closing date:  Wednesday 28 January 2026 

Interview date:  4 & 5 February 2026 

Blue Cross is seeking an experienced and ambitious Head of Philanthropy to lead and make an active contribution to our High Value Fundraising project, a key initiative designed to grow our future income. This 12-month fixed-term role will focus on delivering high-impact fundraising activity while managing and inspiring a talented Philanthropy team. 

More about the role

You will support in the delivery of the 2026 Philanthropy plan across trusts, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals, with a particular focus on the High Value Fundraising project. Leading high-value fundraising activity, you will manage your own portfolio, create income pipelines, develop key performance indicators, and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to maximise philanthropic support. You will ensure the charity’s Case for Support remains current and compelling and deliver high-standard donor reporting. 

This is a home-based role with a contracted base site. Travel to your base site is considered normal commuting, while travel to other Blue Cross locations or partner sites will be reimbursed. 

About you

You are a credible senior leader with a strong track record in philanthropy fundraising, capable of translating strategic priorities into tangible outcomes. Motivated by ambitious goals, you thrive on building relationships, inspiring teams, and influencing at the highest level. You are resilient, creative, and aligned with Blue Cross’s values of compassion, courage, and inclusion. 

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• Extensive experience developing strategies that increase income from major donors and institutional funders, including personally securing five- and ideally six-figure donations 
• Proven experience of meeting and exceeding ambitious income growth targets 
• Experience of building and managing funder relationships 
• Strong financial monitoring, target setting, and reporting skills 
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to analyse and present data tailored for different audiences 
• Highly developed influencing and negotiation skills 
• Track record of leading, managing, and inspiring a team, encouraging innovation and improving ways of working 
• Experience working at senior organisational levels and managing relationships with Directors, CEOs, and Boards 
• The ability to demonstrate, understand, and apply Blue Cross’s values 

Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• Experience of fundraising for significant capital projects 
• Knowledge of CRM systems and data management 

How to apply  

Click Apply to submit your application. Please note that applications may close early if we receive a high volume, so we encourage early submission. 

Our client brings together the South Asian diaspora and partners to create bold, innovative, and scalable solutions that catalyse systemic change and unlock the potential of communities and in the last five years has seen rapid and significant growth. Annual turnover has increased to more than £20m, they have successfully delivered the world’s largest Development Impact Bond, launched many successful appeals and funds and are now a preferred destination for philanthropic ambitions globally. They will now recruit a new Head of Philanthropy and Prospectus is leading the search.  

Head of Philanthropy
c. £75,000
Permanent
Hybrid from the West London office, two days per week in the office
Interviews beginning w/c 2nd February

The Head of Philanthropy will lead and grow the high-value philanthropy strategy, driving both unrestricted and restricted income major donors, philanthropists and senior influencers. The postholder will take direct responsibility for the Founders Circle and other existing philanthropy programme while ensuring overall strategy and income growth is not overly dependent on any single initiative. Your key stakeholders will include Trustees, the Chief Executive, the Executive Director of Fundraising & Communications as well as many senior influencers as you shape compelling philanthropic opportunities for transformational giving.

The selected candidate will have extensive experience of delivering income against agreed targets and will also have extensive experience of managing and developing relationships with existing and potential philanthropists. Team management experience is essential, as will be experience of securing six figure gifts and the ability to communicate bespoke philanthropy opportunities for high value donors.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. Please let us know if we can help you with the application process in any way. We are more than happy to make any reasonable adjustments to enable all interested candidates to apply. If you have any disability and would like assistance with completing an application then please contact Ryan Burdock at Prospectus and Ariha Semontee at Prospectus.

If you are interested in applying to this Head of Philanthropy position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange for a call and/or 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. If you would like to arrange an informal discussion before applying, please contact Ryan and Ariha on the emails provided above. 

Salary: £52,000 - £56,000
Contract: Permanent
Location: London office – 2 days per week
Closing date: 16 January
Benefits: 12% pension, cycle-to-work scheme, training and development budget

We have a great opportunity for an Assistant Head of Community Fundraising at one of the UK’s leading social welfare charities. Reporting to the Head of Community Fundraising, this is an exciting opportunity to step into a senior leadership role, shape strategy, and lead a high-performing team while driving innovation and growth in community and events fundraising.

As part of this role, you will lead the development and delivery of a national fundraising programme, broaden reach to new audiences, and inspire long-term supporter engagement. You’ll manage a team of three and oversee six-figure income and expenditure budgets, ensuring excellent supporter experiences and data-driven decision-making to maximise impact.

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

• Extensive experience in community and events fundraising, including strategic planning and delivery.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and lead high-performing teams to achieve income targets.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with experience building collaborative relationships at all levels.

If you would like to have an informal discussion, please call Emma on 02030 062787 or email your interest along with your CV to [email protected].

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, passionate about improving equality across the sector. You can read more about our commitment to diversity here.

If enough applications are received, the charity reserves the right to end the application period sooner.

If you wish to discuss this role with us, please quote reference 2812EI.
 

Location: London, Hybrid – with 1-2 days per week in our Farringdon office plus regular travel to our office in Bristol and to meet with our amazing supporters. 

Closing date: 25th January2026

W/C interview date: 2nd February 2026

Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.   

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain. 

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time. 

We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you. 

About the role

We’re on the hunt for a bold, visionary and energetic Head of Trusts and Philanthropy to supercharge our high value fundraising and take our impact to the next level.

You’ll lead, coach and champion our Trusts, Philanthropy, and Fundraising Development teams—building a culture of ambition, innovation, and curiosity that delivers game-changing income growth and unforgettable donor experiences. This is a strategic leadership role where you’ll set the vision, drive collaboration, and champion operational excellence. 

Managing three to four senior leads and a wider team of around ten, you’ll draw on your experience and track record in high value fundraising to inspire your people to secure transformational gifts, strengthen pipelines, and deliver best-in-class stewardship. Beyond team leadership, you’ll personally cultivate relationships at the highest level—turning prospects into long-term partners and unlocking gifts that change lives for young people with cancer. 

We have a hugely passionate and ambitious Fundraising team here at Young Lives vs Cancer with bold goals and a determination to make a lasting difference. If you want to join us, get in touch! 

This role is subject to a criminal record check. In the event of a successful application a basic criminal record check will be completed.

What will I be doing? 

No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.

• Lead and inspire our Trusts, Philanthropy, and Fundraising Development teams—setting bold strategies and driving performance that makes a real difference.
• Identify and build powerful relationships with major supporters, turning connections into partnerships that deliver life-changing gifts and fuel our mission.
• Create and deliver ambitious, insight-led fundraising plans for major donors and trusts—grounded in market intelligence and designed to deliver against bold but realistic targets.
• Shape the pipeline for success by overseeing prospect research, compelling cases for support, and best in class stewardship that inspires and delights.
• Champion a culture of philanthropy by engaging trustees and senior volunteers, leveraging networks, and accelerating donor growth.
• Own the numbers—set and monitor income performance, forecasts, and KPIs while ensuring compliance and operational excellence.
• Drive innovation and collaboration to unlock new opportunities and maximise income growth. 

What do I need?  

Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't quite meet all the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.

The key skills we’re looking for in this role are: 

• Proven expertise in high-value fundraising from major donors to trusts, with a track record of securing high value and transformational gifts.
• An entrepreneurial spark and the ability to spot opportunities, innovate, and drive ambitious growth.
• Strategic vision and delivery skills in building long-term fundraising strategies from the ground up and making them happen.
• Inspiring leadership experience, managing multi-disciplinary teams and engaging senior stakeholders with confidence.
• Relationship building brilliance and skilled in crafting compelling proposals, securing mul commitments and creating partnerships that last. 
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, able to connect with senior audiences inside and outside the organisation.
• Solid knowledge of fundraising regulations, compliance, and best practice, ensuring everything we do is ethical and effective. 

What will I gain?

For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:

• Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
• Wellbeing, Thinking & Growth Days: four days a year to to step back from the day-to-day and focus on your own learning and development
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it. 

We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.  Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

To arrange an informal chat, please contact Joanna Hancock.

#ShowTheSalary

The Head of Fundraising is a senior leadership role responsible for driving sustainable income growth in support of In2scienceUK’s mission to widen access to STEM degrees and careers for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

You will develop and deliver a bold, integrated fundraising strategy that secures and diversifies income across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, major donors, research grants and other income streams. Through compelling cases for support and clear articulation of impact, you will build confidence and long-term commitment among funders and strategic partners, unlocking new opportunities for growth and expansion.

Leading and developing a small, high-performing fundraising team, you will oversee prospecting, relationship management and stewardship, ensuring a professional, data-led and donor-centred approach. You will work closely with senior colleagues and programme teams to translate organisational priorities and impact into strong funding propositions that maximise income potential.

You will proactively identify, cultivate and manage strategic funding relationships, positioning In2scienceUK as a credible and ambitious partner. Combining strategic insight with hands-on delivery, you will take an entrepreneurial approach to income generation, strengthening the organisation’s fundraising capability and resilience in support of its long-term goals.

In2scienceUK operates on a remote basis, with necessary UK-wide travel for partner and funder meetings, events, and staff co-working days. 

Direct Reports

Fundraising Team: Development Manager, Development Officer, External Fundraising Consultancy.

Responsibilities 

Fundraising & Development

• To collaborate with the senior leadership team and trustees in setting organisational strategy and building strategic partnerships to support In2science’s vision for 2026 and beyond.

• Lead on planning, implementation and delivery of segmented fundraising and stewardship campaigns across programmes and audiences with a 2026 income target of £1.5m. 

• Lead and manage a diverse fundraising portfolio, including corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, research grants (e.g., UKRI), government funding, and individual giving.

• To lead a small but effective fundraising team, including an external fundraising contractor to build upon our success to date to achieve funding targets and foster strategic relationships with funding and delivery partners.

• Budget and resource all aspects of fundraising and communications, including engaging with external contractors to maximise our output and upskill our teams.

• Work closely with the Head of Operations to oversee our CRM, ensuring accurate pipeline reporting and forecasting, as well as utilising the system for tailored stewardship opportunities.

• Work closely with our programmes team to ensure that deliverables are met and in line with our mission and objectives.

• Explore opportunities for partnership to launch new programmes and initiatives, working with the Data and Impact manager to use national data to ensure we deliver the greatest possible impact to those most in need.

Governance

• To work with the SMT, CEO, and Trustees to ensure strong charity governance, including leading the Growth Subcommittee and preparing reports for quarterly board meetings.

• Identify organisation-wide opportunities to streamline and improve performance across the organisation.

• Working with SMT and trustees to ensure charity compliance. Including the charity commission, funding regulator, ICO.

• Identify and manage organisational/operational risk and ensure that all measures are in place to mitigate this.

As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder. The postholder will carry out any other duties that are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager. All staff must undertake all mandatory training, checks and compliance as instructed by the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• A passionate advocate for social mobility in STEM.

• An inspiring leader who can inspire and collaborate across the organisation to achieve our collective goals.

• Three years experience of leading a fundraising team to generate a seven-figure annual income from a diverse range of donors, ideally in a charitable organisation.

• Knowledge of all streams of fundraising, with direct experience in at least two of the following: corporate fundraising, trust and foundations, research grants e.g. UKRI, government grants or individual giving (incl. high-net worth donors).

• A target driven individual with a proven track record of personal six-figure income generation and achieving or exceeding personal targets.

• Excellent relationship management skills to steward existing and potential partners and donors.

• Experience of line management including developing personal development plans and setting KPIs.

• Superb written and verbal communication skills with the ability to persuade and influence at all levels..

• Evidence of efficient and accurate management of budgets and resources.

• Willingness to work flexibly and attend occasional events or meetings on evenings/weekends when required.

• Working collaboratively and supporting fostering a collegiate workplace environment.

• Upholds the values of our code of conduct and is respectful to all.

Desirable:

• Direct knowledge and/or experience of the barriers young people face in accessing STEM degrees or careers.

• Direct knowledge and/or experience of working with education organisations or STEM sector employers, incl. knowledge of current trends.

• Experience of working in collaboration with across teams to deliver new initiatives that maximise outcomes for young people and attract relevant funding.

• Evidence of delivering highly impactful events.

• Experience of governance in a small charitable organisation and utilising Trustees to support the organisation's goals and objectives.

Benefits: 

At In2scienceUK we practise what we preach by giving all staff opportunities to progress in their careers. You will have the opportunity to develop your career with your line manager to get you to the next level from day one. 

Although we take our career development seriously we also value work-life balance. You will have the opportunity to work flexibly from home, balancing your caring responsibilities, volunteer commitments, hobbies and anything else that makes you happy. 

You will have 28 days of annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays. 

Applications:
Applications can be made via CharityJob, Deadline: 25th of January 2026 @ 17:00.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of applications or a suitable candidate.

Commitment to Safeguarding: 

In2scienceUK is committed to our responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults as outlined in Working Together to Safeguard Children. We are committed to recruiting candidates who share this commitment to safeguarding, and therefore we apply robust recruitment and selection procedures to ensure that the people selected are right for the job, and that all candidates are appropriately screened prior to appointment. 

The following pre-employment checks will be undertaken as applicable:

• References 

• DBS check and/or Overseas criminal records check where applicable

• Self-Disclosure 

• Identity check 

• Right to work in the UK 

• Evidence of qualifications applicable to the role 

• Confirmation of registration with applicable registered body where applicable 

Many of our roles involve working with children and we will therefore take up references prior to your appointment. You should provide details of referees including your current and previous employers, covering the last 5 years. Your current or previous employer will be asked about disciplinary offences relating to children, if the role involved working with children, including any in which the penalty is time expired. We will also ask if you have been the subject of any child protection concerns and if so, the outcome of any enquiry or disciplinary procedure. 

Diversity and Inclusion:

In2scienceUK is committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are underrepresented in STEM and the charity sector, including but not limited to people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We recognise that talent and potential come in many forms, and we welcome applicants with different experiences, perspectives, and ways of thinking. We are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and working environment, and we will make reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments, please let us know.

Head of Fundraising
Salary: £51,818 - £60,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week. Flexibility in working pattern, in agreement with line manager
Based: Any BBOWT Office with travel to other sites as required. Hybrid working available

The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust has a vision for “more nature everywhere, for everyone”. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. This includes you being comfortable bringing your whole self to work, and us co-working with the diverse communities we serve to ensure we are meeting everyone’s needs.

We’re looking for a Head of Fundraising who cares deeply about helping nature recover – and who values working in an environment where wellbeing, collaboration and balance matter just as much as results.

In this role, you’ll guide and nurture our fundraising programme across philanthropy, membership, trusts, grants and business partnerships. You’ll be part of a supportive leadership team that’s committed to sustainable growth, shared learning and creating the conditions for people and nature to thrive together.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading with purpose – helping secure the income that enables our vital work, with a focus on long-term sustainability rather than short-term pressure.
• Shaping a fundraising strategy that reflects our values and supports meaningful connections with our supporters.
• Supporting and developing a motivated team, championing wellbeing, professional growth and a healthy, collaborative working environment.
• Exploring values-led campaigns and new opportunities that feel authentic to our mission and respectful of supporters.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to Directors and Trustees, helping embed a positive fundraising culture across the organisation.

For all your hard work you can expect a great rewards package in return. In addition to being part of a friendly, skilled and knowledgeable team, passionate about making a difference, when you work for us, you’ll also receive

• Generous annual leave entitlement with paid birthday leave, balance days, urgent personal business leave and generous occupational sick pay
• Flexible working to achieve work-life balance
• Wellbeing initiatives including 14 qualified Mental Health First Aiders, YuLife benefit package - access to immediate and confidential help for any work, health, or life matters; 3x life assurance, online GP access, discounts and trade YuCoin points for gift cards
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and family-friendly policies
• Salary exchange pension with generous employer contribution
• Learning & Development Programme for all
• Membership to BBOWT’s, and The Wildlife Trusts’, Staff Network Groups for social interaction, peer support, mentoring and personal development

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience raising income in a charity or membership-based setting
• Demonstrable track record of successfully leading more than one fundraising income stream in a membership-focused organisation
• Confidence in growing high-performing teams and great at building relationships
• Brings empathy, positivity, and a collaborative leadership style

The closing time and date for applications is 11.59pm on Wednesday 28th January 2026.

Stage 1 interviews will take place the afternoon Wednesday 4th February 2026, second stage interviews likely to be 9th or 11th February 2026.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We want our people to be as diverse as nature, so we particularly encourage applications from people who are underserved within the communities in which we operate. This includes people from visible ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities (including those who are neurodivergent), the LGBTQ+ community, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and younger people. We are committed to creating an organisation that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

BBOWT values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We want every candidate to have the best chance of success as part of this process. In order to do this, we know that some candidates will need reasonable adjustments. You will be able to contact BBOWT Recruitment Team if there are any reasonable adjustments we can provide during the recruitment process, including completing your application.

No agencies please.

About The Role

As a key part of our new organisational strategy there is a new structure in the Fundraising Directorate, designed to support significant income growth. An important part of the new leadership team would be an exceptional Head of Legacy Giving to lead one of the most influential and high-value income streams at Royal British Legion. This is a rare opportunity to step into a key leadership role at a moment of real transformation, shaping the future of legacy fundraising and helping secure long-term support for the Armed Forces community.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Legacy Giving generates around £26 million annually and is central to our future sustainability. As Head of Legacy Giving, you will set the strategic vision for this critical area, with legacy modelling forming a major component of the role. We recognise that many strong candidates bring deep experience in parts of the legacy journey, but not always the full end-to-end scope this role offers the opportunity to broaden that experience within a complex, ambitious organisation, leading modelling, marketing, administration and insight in the round

As a key member of the Fundraising Leadership Team, you will play an influential role in shaping decision-making, strengthening collaboration and embedding a high-performance culture across the directorate. You will lead the evolution of how we understand, forecast and communicate the value of legacies, ensuring our approach is modern, insight-led and fully aligned with the ambitions of our redesigned Fundraising Directorate.

We’re looking for a senior fundraising leader who can strategically think and engage with the challenges we face, to create the right solutions and sell them in across the organisation. Successful candidates will be confident, inspiring and forward-thinking , whether you’re already operating at this level or ready to step up from a smaller organisation into a broader, more complex remit. You’ll bring strategic thinking, sound judgement and the ability to navigate complexity, alongside a collaborative leadership style and a strong sense of purpose. This role will involve communicating directly to trustees, and so the ability to build good relationships with, and bring excellent communication skills to a senior audience, is essential. If you’re excited by transformation and want to make a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.

You will be contracted to our Haig House London hub with a minimum expectation of two days per week working in person at the hub and flexibility for working remotely/at home when not on site.

Employee benefits include -

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Private Healthcare
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our shortlisting is performed on the evidence provided in your application against the Essential and Desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

Interview Dates:       
First-stage interviews: 29th January – 2nd February

- Interviews will last 90 minutes
- Candidates will be asked to complete a task as part of the interview

Second-stage interviews: TBC

- Successful candidates will be invited to a one-hour interview with an executive director

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible..