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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
Thank you!
As the Head of Philanthropy, Asia you will be responsible for growing our major gifts programme in the Asia-Pacific region. The focus will be on increasing six figure + (GBP) giving through the University of Birmingham Hong Kong Foundation, and from the wider region. Most of our 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 our strategy forward beyond alumni donors and to build on a recent seven figure donation as a catalyst for further giving.
As a University we established our 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 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.
We believe 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. We 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. We 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. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.
Registered Charity
More than 1000
World-class research and outstanding global education
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Join us in the ambitious ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, which commits to raising over £600 million of charitable funding and 1 million volunteer hours, positioning the University of Birmingham as one of the leaders in philanthropy in the UK. To fulfil our exciting campaign ambitions, we are recruiting a Head of Philanthropy – Global, to maximise philanthropic funding and to take our campaign to the next level.
A key member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office’s (DARO) Philanthropy team, you will be responsible for growing major gifts opportunities and building a sustainable pipeline of future donations from global philanthropic markets. You will have experience of delivering against financial targets, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling ask in both verbal and written form. As the Head of Philanthropy - Global, you will be responsible for growing our international major gifts programme. In collaboration with the Associate Director of Philanthropy you will develop and implement fundraising strategies to increase major giving in Asia and North America as well as emerging areas of focus. You will manage a personal portfolio of six figure + (GBP) potential supporters and personally raise gifts in excess of £1m p/a. You will manage the international philanthropy team of two individuals and support them to deliver their annual fundraising and supporting targets.
As a senior fundraiser in DARO, you will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising opportunities. 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 significant gifts for amazing philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make long-term, sustainable gifts. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships, the skill to interact with high-level donors and supporters, and the ability to showcase the game changing work of our academics and clinicians.
We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are and how we work.
Registered Charity
More than 1000
World-class research and outstanding global education
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Our client is supporting vulnerable women and families facing unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy loss. Through supported housing, a helpline and counselling service, and practical, non-judgemental support, the charity helps pregnant women, often aged 16-25 and in crisis due to homelessness, abuse, or other trauma, build safer, more stable futures. Grounded in the universal values of Humanity, Solidarity, Community, Charity and the Common Good, this charity is strengthening philanthropy to increase impact nationwide. The team is now looking to appoint a Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy), and Prospectus is leading the search.
Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy)
Full time / Part time considered
Home-based with frequent travel to supporter locations; occasional travel to Leamington Spa Head Office
£44,000 per annum (FTE)
The Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy) will manage and grow a portfolio of dedicated major donors, developing inspiring, personalised supporter journeys that deepen engagement and secure repeat and increased gifts. Leading a committed team of four/five fundraisers, you'll raise awareness of the charity's services, build mutually beneficial relationships, and deliver sustainable long-term support through thoughtful cultivation, compelling proposals, and excellent stewardship.
Reporting to the Director of Fundraising and Housing and working closely with wider fundraising colleagues, you will proactively identify and research prospects, plan targeted approaches, and lead solicitations. You will manage a mixed fundraising team, supporting them to deliver the fundraising strategy. The role will also engage with senior church contacts (e.g. Archbishops and diocesan representatives) who have a history of support; while Life is non-religious and non-political, you'll bring sensitivity and confidence operating within these settings to advance shared philanthropic goals.
The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of securing four- and five-figure gifts, crafting persuasive cases for support, and managing high-value pipelines from identification to stewardship. You'll be an experienced line manager within fundraising and will enjoy supporting and leading a team. You'll be a collaborative relationship-builder with excellent written and verbal communication, rigorous research skills, and the ability to tailor engagement for diverse audiences while upholding the Charity's values and client-centred ethos.
At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Femke Vorstman at Prospectus.
If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.
In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a 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.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy Manager) to lead our fundraising efforts and drive sustainable income growth. This is a pivotal role identified by our Board of Trustees as critical to the future of Life Charity. You will shape and deliver our fundraising strategy, lead a talented team, and cultivate relationships with major donors and supporters.
Reporting to the Director of Income Generation & Housing, you will:
- Take strategic ownership of Life’s fundraising strategy and ensure its successful delivery.
- Lead and inspire the fundraising team, embedding a culture of collaboration and innovation.
- Manage and grow relationships with major donors, creating inspiring supporter journeys that encourage long-term engagement.
- Oversee budgets, systems, and processes to ensure efficiency and compliance with fundraising regulations.
- Work closely with marketing and service teams to develop compelling cases for support and impactful campaigns.
About You:
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Experienced: Proven track record in fundraising leadership, major donor cultivation, and strategic income growth.
- Innovative: Skilled in developing creative proposals and pitches that win hearts and minds.
- Collaborative: Able to work across teams and build strong relationships internally and externally.
- Values-driven: Committed to Life’s mission and able to champion our ethos in all fundraising activities.
Essential skills and experience include:
- Leadership of fundraising teams and strategy development.
- Expertise in major donor fundraising and supporter stewardship.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Knowledge of compliance with fundraising codes and GDPR.
About Life:
Life is a UK charity for vulnerable women and families facing unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy loss. Life’s aim is to provide housing, care and support to vulnerable pregnant women (typically aged 16-25) who are in crisis situations, such as those facing homelessness (or at risk of), escaping abuse or other traumatic circumstances. We offer supported housing, a helpline and counselling service, and other practical and emotional support. Our services are inclusive; non-judgemental; and client-centred.
Our Values:
All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:
- Humanity – All people are special and equal.
- Solidarity – We’re with you and for you.
- Community – We’re better together.
- Charity – Doing good for one another.
- Common good – Building a better world.
Information about the role:
For further information, please see the job description on our website.
Salary: £40,000 – £44,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Home-Based with frequent travel to supporter locations and occasional travel to Head Office (Leamington Spa)
Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if a suitable candidate is found.
Benefits:
At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:
- Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours)
- Birthday Leave (applicable after 1 years service)
- Extra annual leave for long term service
- Company Pension Scheme
- Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge
Safeguarding and Equality:
Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.
We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.
