Head of major donor fundraising jobs

Role Overview

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

Key Responsibilities

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

Person Specification

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

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

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

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

As the Head of Philanthropy, Asia, you will play a key role in growing Birmingham’s philanthropic programme in the Asia-Pacific region. The focus will be on increasing six-figure+ giving through the University of Birmingham Hong Kong Foundation and from the wider region. Most of their warm donors are based in Malaysia and Hong Kong, but there is an active community of alumni in Singapore and scoping to be done across Asia to drive the next phase of their strategy forward beyond alumni donors, and to build on a recent seven-figure donation as a catalyst for further giving.

The University established their Hong Kong Foundation in 2019 and giving is off to a strong start. Continuing on this trajectory you will work to make it financially sustainable, aiming to have multi-year commitments lined up. You will steer and develop the Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors, increasing giving from their networks, and working with them to distribute funds to programmes at the University that will also benefit Hong Kong.

As a senior fundraiser in the Development & Alumni Relations Office (DARO), you will be expected to be innovative, self-motivated and to take ownership of fundraising in this region. As part of a dynamic team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you will work across the University to generate gifts to key philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make significant gifts. You will also have the opportunity to work with the senior leadership across the University to travel, drive income and develop innovative funding proposals for the region.

The University believes there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. They are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. They have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. They are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of their strategy.

Thames Valley Air Ambulance exists to give everybody within our community the best chance of surviving and recovering from an emergency. We are here for you and your loved ones. In Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. Whoever you are. Wherever and whenever you need us.
 
What we are looking for

Thames Valley Air Ambulance is seeking an experienced and driven Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships to lead and grow income from corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, and major donors.
 
This is a senior fundraising role with responsibility for strategic development, strong income delivery, and the day-to-day leadership of a high-performing Philanthropy and Partnerships team. Working closely with the Director of Engagement, you will shape and deliver ambitious fundraising strategies that support the charity’s long-term sustainability and lifesaving work.
 
Your Role 
As Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships you will be a member of the Engagement Leadership Team and manage a team of 4 fundraisers overseeing our major donor, trusts and foundations, and corporate partnership income streams.
 
You will be responsible for: 

• Leading and managing the Philanthropy & Partnerships team, including performance, budgets, KPIs and pipelines 
• Developing and delivering corporate partnerships, including new business opportunities and key accounts 
• Overseeing trusts and foundations fundraising, ensuring high-quality applications and compliance 
• Developing and delivering a major donor giving programme, securing high-value gifts 
• Working collaboratively across the organisation and represent the charity externally

 
About you 
You will have significant experience in corporate fundraising, and experience of trusts and foundations, and major donor fundraising and have a proven track record of meeting or exceeding income targets. 
 
You should have experience of leading and motivating teams with strong communication, relationship-building and organisational skills. You must also be flexible, proactive and results-driven.
 
To be successful in this role, you will have:

• a proven track record of leading fundraising teams and manging high value supporters
• Experience of directly contributing to and managing corporate partnerships and other corporate fundraising
• Experience in trusts and foundations, and major donor fundraising 
• A proven track record of achieving or exceeding income targets 
• Experience of leading and motivating teams, with a hands-on approach to fundraising 
• Strong experience of developing and managing pipelines, KPIs, budgets and strategies 
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders 
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise, problem-solve and work flexibly in a changing environment

 
Why join us?
At Thames Valley Air Ambulance, you’ll be part of a dynamic, compassionate, and forward-thinking organisation. We’re proud of our culture, collaborative, inclusive, and committed to personal development. We care deeply about the wellbeing of our team and offer flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
 
If this role sounds like it’s for you, we would love you to apply!
 
In return we offer a competitive salary and great staff benefits such as.

• 25 Days holiday / 187 Hours Holiday 
• Hybrid Working (minimum 2 days in office)
• Holiday Trading
• Free annual Flu Vaccination
• Blue Light Card (Option to purchase)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Company Pension Scheme 
• Simply Health – Medical cash back scheme 
• Disability Confident Employer

 
Our values
We live by our values every day:

• We care no matter what – for our patients, their families, and each other.
• We go above and beyond– in the care we provide and the work we do.
• We do the right thing – in how we act and the decisions we make.
• Together we are TVAA – because together, we save lives.

 
Diversity and inclusion
We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from candidates who feel underrepresented in the charity sector.
 
Safeguarding
We follow robust recruitment and safeguarding practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, and the people we support. Relevant checks (e.g. DBS) will be carried out where appropriate.
 
How to apply
To apply, please complete our online application form and tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity and how your experience aligns with the role. You must have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to offer sponsorship.
 
Vacancy Closing Date: 28 May 2026
This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly
 
TVAA is a Disability Confident employer. We are committed to discussing and implementing adjustments to support you during your application process and beyond. 
 
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