Head of fundraising jobs

We are looking for an interim Head of Legacies, In Memory and Supporter Care to play a vital role in strengthening the supporter experiences and relationships that help power our lifesaving work.​

This is a 12 month offering a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role where you’ll help shape and deliver our Legacy, In Memory and Supporter Care programmes. You’ll put insight, compassion and supporter needs at the heart of everything we do. You will lead a talented team to inspire people to give in meaningful ways, deepen their connection with our cause, and help us grow sustainable income that ensures we can be here for anyone who needs us.​

We're looking for someone who can drive our ambitious plans to grow our legacy income. ​Working collaboratively across teams and directorates, particularly Data, Finance and External Engagement, making sure our strategies are based on insight and are effective in communicating the need.​

With significant direct marketing experience, ideally across legacy and in memory fundraising, strong leadership capability and a passion for exceptional supporter care, you’ll bring the expertise and energy needed to help us reach new audiences and build long lasting supporter relationships.​

If you’re driven by purpose, motivated by insight and inspired by the chance to make a real difference, we’d love you to join us.​

Contract terms:

• £55,000 - £60,000 per annum, plus benefits
• 12 month fixed term contract (maternity cover)
• Full time hours are 35 hours per week, but we are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences.
• Linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office
• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month

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​What you'll do:

• Lead the delivery of Samaritans’ legacy and in-memory giving strategy
• Deliver excellent supporter experience, maximising the attraction and retention of our supporters
• Grow and sustain Samaritans’ legacy income in line with our fundraising strategy
• Encourage, explore and develop our supporter care approach to help improve our supporter experience and retention
• ​Build and manage strategic relationships with external agencies and suppliers
• Produce comprehensive campaign evaluations and make recommendations for continuous improvement
• Lead and develop a high-performing team through a culture of ambition and proactive performance management

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What you’ll bring:

• ​A supporter led mindset and approach
• Demonstrable experience of delivering income growth from legacies and in-memory income streams
• Experience of understanding, using and reporting on data for marketing purposes
• Experience of using a range of marketing channels and approaches, including a strong understanding of different audience needs to maximise income generation
• Excellent people management skills with experience of leading a high performing team
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting
• Skilled in strategic thinking and planning, with a creative approach to solving complex problems
• Confidence in negotiating and influencing at senior levels of the organisation
• Strong understanding of fundraising legislation​

For full Job Description and Person Specification click here

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Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.​

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.​

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.​

For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this.​

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.

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​ Criminal record check (DBS):

We take safeguarding seriously at Samaritans and follow safe recruitment practices. As this role has direct contact with children and adults at risk, this role will require an Enhanced DBS check.

At offer stage, as part of the conditional job offer, we will require the candidate to disclose in full, spent and unspent convictions by completing a declaration form. The declaration form will only be seen by those who need to see it as part of the recruitment process. 

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Apply now

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV. 

1. Please tell us about your experience leading and growing a fundraising programme, ideally in legacy and/or in-memory income streams. We’re interested in examples of strategies you developed, how you applied insight to shape your approach and how you measured the outcomes you achieved.
2. How do you ensure supporters receive a high quality, compassionate and consistent experience across their journey?
3. Please describe a situation where you influenced senior stakeholders or collaborated across departments to deliver a fundraising or supporter engagement outcome.
4. Please provide an example of how you have built, led and motivated a high performing team.

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Applications close: ​09:00am on Monday 30th March

1st stage Interviews: w/c 6th April 2026 (online)

Second stage interviews will be held in person, at our office in Ewell (Surrey) w/c 13th April​

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At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through.

Salary: £64,093
Contract: Permanent
Location: London Hybrid, 2-3 days per week in Angel office
Closing date: ASAP
Benefits: 24-28 Days annual leave & option to buy/sell more, up to 5% pension contribution, Employee assistance programme, Life assurance cover, Health cash plan

We are very excited to be looking for a Head of Philanthropy to join a national disability charity, supporting people with complex disabilities to live connected and included lives.

With a new organisational strategy and recently implemented CRM system, the Head of Philanthropy will play a crucial role in shaping long-term philanthropic growth. Reporting to the Chief Fundraising & Marketing Officer, you will lead a talented team to develop an ambitious major donor programme, build a robust pipeline of high-value multi-year gifts, and create compelling propositions that inspire high-net-worth supporters.

As a skilled communicator, you’ll work effectively across a large and complex organisation, engaging senior stakeholders, ambassadors and donor networks to maximise opportunities and drive long-term impact for people with complex disabilities.

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

• Significant experience delivering and transforming a major donor programme, including securing multi-year, high-value gifts.
• Strong strategic leadership skills, with experience developing and leading high-performing teams.
• Outstanding relationship-building abilities, with the confidence and communication skills to influence senior stakeholders and engage high-net-worth individuals effectively.

If you would like to discuss this role with us, please contact us and quote the reference 2908JP

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.
 

The Salvation Army – Assistant Head of Legacy and In Memory Fundraising
Location: Hybrid working, 2 days in office, London SE5.
Salary: £53.952 – £57,055 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

The Salvation Army, the UK’s leading social welfare charity, is seeking an Assistant Head of Legacy and in Memory Fundraising to increase the number of In Memory donors and legacy supporters who will leave a future gift to the charity in their Wills.
The Salvation Army is one of the largest, most diverse providers of social and community services after the Government. With more than 600 local centres, they make a powerful difference to people across the UK who might otherwise be excluded.

The Assistant Head of Legacy and In Memory Fundraising is a senior role in the Legacy and In Memory Fundraising team, working alongside the Head of Legacy and In Memory Fundraising to drive activities after a significant and sustained investment in this area by the organisation.
The role will lead on the delivery of a multi-channel legacy marketing programme and championing legacy giving across the organisation. The post-holder will be responsible for establishing a year on year 10% increase in the number of legacy enquirers, considerers, intenders and pledgers to the charity, as well as establishing a new in memory fundraising programme that will increase annual income.
The successful candidate will have extensive expertise in all aspects of legacy and in memory fundraising and of project managing multiple campaigns across a range of channels, achieving and improving target revenues. You will have a track record in successful strategic planning, management and implementation of strategy and be a highly organised project manager able to work across simultaneous complex projects.

Your excellent leadership and people manager skills working and building high performing teams will be combined with strong financial management and analytical abilities. You will also be skilled in creative development and be an excellent communicator, able to influence at a senior level and to develop strong, successful, collaborative and influential working relationships. Finally, you must be able to work within, and be empathic with, the Christian ethos and values of The Salvation Army Mission.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 30th March, 9am

Role Overview
The Talent Set is delighted to partner with this wonderful health charity on a fantastic Interim Head of Philanthropy role. This pivotal position involves leading a dynamic fundraising team, nurturing major donor relationships, and overseeing income streams to ensure continued growth. The role offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a renowned health charity for an initial 7 month contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of four fundraising professionals, overseeing their work and development.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, securing gifts ranging from a few thousand to £300,000 annually.
• Manage and enhance engagement at key events
• Collaborate closely with senior colleagues, including the CEO and community teams, to maximise fundraising outcomes.
• Oversee pipelines for multiple income streams, ensuring targets are met or exceeded.
• Maintain hands-on involvement in fundraising activities, including representing the organisation at events and networking opportunities.
• Monitor and report on progress, providing updates to senior leadership to inform strategic decisions.

Person Specification

• Proven experience in philanthropy and major gift fundraising.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to engage and steward high-net-worth donors.
• Strong leadership qualities, capable of motivating and managing a team effectively.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with clear financial and strategic targets.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments, maintaining a professional and approachable manner.
• Good organisational skills with attention to detail to manage multiple income streams.

What’s on Offer
Day rate: £197.63 per day PAYE + holiday pay

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Harris Hill is supporting a amazing health charity in their search for a Head of Philanthropy and Community Fundraising, starting ASAP until November. 

This role will be plugging a gap in the team, so we are looking for an experienced candidate, who has managed major donor, Trust and Foundations, Community/ Events and Individual Giving. We are looking for someone who can manage (3 direct reports), but is also happy to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty too.

This role is hybrid based, and the client expects the successful candidate to attend the office at least once per week in central London.

Essential experience:

Significant experience in a variety of fundraising income streams including major donors, trusts, individual giving and community fundraising
Strong experience of relationship fundraising
A strong track record of growing major donor income, ideally at five and six figure level
Experience of leading fundraising events
Experience of managing donor relationships
Experience of working with a CRM database
Experience engaging and stewarding high net worth individuals and senior stakeholders
Experience of leading a team

Knowledge and skills:

Excellent relationship building communication and storytelling skills
Excellent influencing and negotiation skills
Good ability to prioritise work
Good understanding of fundraising processes, e.g. due diligence procedures, fundraising code of conduct, contracting and data
Good database management skills
Strong leadership skills to motivate and drive a team
Confident public speaker and presenter

If you would like to find out more about this opportunity, please apply for further details.

We are working closely with a health charity to recruit an Interim position to start asap until the end of the year, as Head of Philanthropy & Community Fundraising you will steward existing fundraising, drive new opportunities, and deliver income growth.

The charity is at an exciting stage in its evolution, they are currently refreshing their five-year organisational strategy, this funding ground-breaking research and driving the charity to reach more women and girls through education and advocacy campaigns.

You will be joining a supportive, collaborative and fun team with a variety of skills and expertise. You will contribute to building a positive, values-based culture within the fundraising team and bring together new ideas and creative thinking, expert leadership and strong relationship building and negotiation skills to contribute to significant growth.

The charity are interviewing on a rolling basis so please apply asap.

The Company
The charity are dedicated to improving health through pioneering research and campaigns to support those who most need it. You would be joining a driven and enthusiastic work culture, offering some attractive benefits including pension, private health care, employee discount scheme and cycle to work scheme.

The Role
Lead and inspire a team of four (three direct reports), setting clear objectives and supporting professional development
Share leadership and management of the Development Advisory Group (with the Director of Fundraising).
Work closely with colleagues in fundraising, communications, and research to align activities and maximise impact.
Develop a strong pipeline of major donors
Manage relationships with a portfolio of major donors
Work with the Community Engagement Manager to ensure the growth of community fundraising and challenge events
Lead on the fundraising element of key major donor events through the year

The Candidate
Significant experience in a variety of fundraising incom streams including major donors, trusts, individual giving and community fundraising
Strong experience of relationship fundraising
A strong track record of growing major donor income, ideally at five and six figure level
Experience of leading fundraising events
Experience engaging and stewarding high net worth individuals and senior stakeholders
Experience of leading a team

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful and your details will not be held further but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

Head of Face to Face Fundraising
Reference: MAR20265489
Location: Home-based, Flexible in UK + Regular UK Travel
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £70,490.00 - £75,275.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave

The Head of Face-to-Face Fundraising provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the RSPB’s face-to-face fundraising programme across the UK.

This role is responsible for delivering significant annual supporter acquisition volumes, ensuring an exceptional supporter experience, maintaining sector-leading compliance and safeguarding standards, and building high-performing in-house fundraising teams.

As a senior leader within Fundraising, you will shape the future of the RSPB’s acquisition strategy, drive innovation within the face-to-face channel, and ensure sustainable long-term growth in regular giving and lead generation to support our mission of creating a world richer in nature.

Key Duties:

• Develop and implement an ambitious multi-year Face-to-Face strategy that drives sustainable acquisition growth and contributes to long-term supporter value.
• Lead budgeting, investment planning and forecasting for all F2F channels, ensuring accountability for ROI, cost-effectiveness, and delivery against income and acquisition targets.
• Lead the evolution of F2F propositions, messaging and materials to ensure they are insight-led, compliant, and aligned with the RSPB’s brand and fundraising strategies.
• Champion innovation across the programme, introducing new approaches to optimise ROI and reach new audiences.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory changes and competitor activity to ensure the programme remains compliant, competitive and forward-thinking.
• Act as the organisational lead for face-to-face fundraising compliance, ensuring all activity adheres to the Fundraising Regulator Code, Charity Commission guidelines and data protection legislation.
• Lead, develop and inspire a multi-disciplinary F2F team by fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, continuous improvement and supporter-centred behaviour.
• Work closely with insight teams to analyse performance data, supporter quality, attrition levels and long-term value across channels.
• Develop KPIs and reporting frameworks to provide senior leadership with clear visibility of performance, risks and opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders including fundraising, digital, data and technology, communications, brand, marketing and marketing operations, finance and UK country teams to deliver integrated acquisition strategies.
• Champion the role of Face-to-Face fundraising within the RSPB, working with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to increase its prominence and ensure strategic alignment.
• Work closely with the Head of Membership Marketing & Retention to ensure seamless integration between acquisition, onboarding and stewardship journeys.
• Oversee procurement, contract management and ongoing performance of external delivery partners to ensure alignment with organisational goals.
• Lead relationships with external partners, suppliers and agencies, ensuring high-quality delivery, strong return on investment and value for money.

Essential Criteria:

• Able to design and deliver a UK-wide face-to-face or high-volume acquisition programme that achieves agreed supporter and income targets.
• Able to lead and develop regionally dispersed, field-based teams, including setting objectives, monitoring performance and holding managers accountable for results.
• Able to analyse performance data (e.g. conversion, attrition, ROI and quality metrics) and use insight to optimise programme performance.
• Able to manage and monitor programme budgets, including forecasting expenditure and assessing return on investment.
• Able to communicate strategic plans, performance outcomes and risk clearly in written reports and verbal presentations to senior stakeholders.
• Able to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to align acquisition activity with organisational strategy.
• Able to travel regularly across the UK to support field operations (by public transport or other means)
• Knowledge of Fundraising Regulator guidance, safeguarding requirements and quality assurance processes relevant to face-to-face fundraising.
• Experience of leading large-scale, multi-site face-to-face fundraising or high-volume acquisition activity in a charity or commercial environment.
• Experience of managing external agencies or suppliers and implementing operational processes that improve performance, compliance and supporter experience.

Additional Information

• This is a home-based role with regular travel across the UK to support teams, partners and operational activity.
• This is a Permanent role for 37.5 hours per week.
• A full, valid UK driving licence is required as the role involves frequent travel to remote locations across all four countries.

Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 29th March 2026
We reserve the right to close this advert once sufficient applications have been received.
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 6th April.

Interested?

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

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

No agencies please.