Head of major donor fundraising jobs

At Buttle UK, we believe poverty and crisis should never define a child’s future.

For more than 70 years, Buttle UK has supported children and young people across the UK facing poverty, trauma and complex challenges. Now with an ambitious new 2025–2030 strategy, they are entering an exciting new chapter, growing their impact, amplifying their voice and investing in the partnerships that will help change children’s lives for the long term.

This is a rare opportunity to join the organisation at a pivotal moment as their new Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships.

Working closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications, you’ll lead high-value fundraising across major donors, trusts and foundations and corporate partnership, shaping the future of income generation at Buttle UK while leading and inspiring a talented team.

If you’re someone who combines strategic thinking with exceptional relationship-building and you’re motivated by creating meaningful change for children and young people, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll lead the development and delivery of ambitious fundraising strategies designed to drive sustainable income growth and deepen supporter engagement.

You’ll personally manage a portfolio of high-value supporters and partners, cultivating transformational relationships with high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations and corporate organisations.

Alongside this, you’ll:

• Lead and develop a team of four fundraisers
• Build innovative stewardship and cultivation journeys
• Identify and secure new strategic partnerships
• Develop fundraising systems, pipelines and KPIs
• Work closely with senior leadership to shape organisational strategy
• Champion collaborative, values-led fundraising
• Help embed co-production and safeguarding within fundraising activity

This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing strategy with hands-on relationship management and who thrives in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

What we’re looking for

We know great candidates don’t always tick every box, and we’d still encourage you to apply if this role excites you.

That said, we’re particularly keen to hear from people who bring:

• Significant experience managing high-value fundraising relationships
• A proven track record of securing six and seven-figure gifts
• Experience across major donors, trusts/foundations and/or corporate partnerships
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing high-performing teams
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities
• Strategic thinking alongside strong operational delivery
• A collaborative and compassionate approach
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people experiencing poverty

Why join Buttle UK?

This is an organisation that genuinely lives its values: child-focused, empathetic, responsive, collaborative and accountable.

You’ll be joining a team deeply committed to creating equitable opportunities for children and young people while also creating a supportive, inclusive and flexible working environment for staff.

Benefits include:

• Hybrid working
• 25 days annual leave plus Christmas closure and bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and sick pay
• Employer pension contribution
• Employee assistance programme
• Life assurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Strong commitment to learning and development

Accessibility & Inclusion

Accessibility matters deeply to both Buttle UK and Valued Recruitment.

We’re committed to creating an inclusive and supportive recruitment process and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

If you need any adjustments or support at any stage of the application process, please let us know, no request is too big or too small.

Interested?

Buttle UK is partnering exclusively with Valued Recruitment for this search.

To apply, please send your CV along with a covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining:

• why this role interests you
• what you would bring to Buttle UK

Key dates

• Closing date: 9am, Monday 22 June
• First interviews: Monday 29 June and Tuesday 30 June
• Second stage interviews (London): Monday 6 July

Salary: £65,000-£68,000 per year

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: UK (minimum 2 days per week in the London office)

Work Pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week with the opportunity for flexible working hours

Reporting To: Chief Engagement Officer

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit an anonymised CV and covering letter (please remove any identifying details such as name, address, or photos) by midnight on 1st July via the Workable link.

In your covering letter, please demonstrate your motivations for applying for the role, how the position aligns with your career plans, and the experience (professional, voluntary, or lived) that makes you a strong fit for the role in line with our values and the criteria outlined in the job description.

We encourage candidates to ensure their responses reflect their own skills, experiences, and personal voice. If AI tools are used, candidates should also explain how and why they used them.

Please use see our AI guidance for Job Applicants.

INTERVIEW STAGES

The selection process will consist of three stages (dates will be confirmed with shortlisted candidates):

• First-round interview w/c 13th July
• Second-round interview w/c 20th July

Candidates will be asked to prepare a presentation (10–12 minutes maximum) on a major donor stewardship communications plan. Candidates should allocate no more than 3 hours to prepare this task.

• Final interview with the CEO w/c 27th July

ABOUT THE ROLE

Mission 44 exists to drive change and build a fairer, more inclusive future for young people around the world. As our work and partnerships continue to grow, so does our ambition to tell powerful stories that shine a light on the barriers young people face, champion solutions, and inspire meaningful action. 

The Head of Major Donors will play a critical role in strengthening and stewarding Mission 44’s relationships with high-value donors, philanthropists, and strategic supporters.

This role will work alongside the Chief Engagement Officer to lead the development and delivery of a thoughtful, personalised and impactful Major Donors programme that deepens donor pipeline and engagement, increases contributions, strengthens long-term relationships, and inspires continued investment in Mission 44’s mission and impact.

The successful candidate will combine exceptional relationship management skills, a solid network of donors, strong project coordination and communications, with strategic thinking.

They will work closely across fundraising, communications, programmes and leadership teams to ensure donors experience meaningful engagement with Mission 44’s work, values and community.

Requirements

MAJOR DONOR CULTIVATION AND RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT (70%) 

• Lead the organisation’s cultivation of new donors and deepening of the major donor pipeline. 
• Personally lead the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors and prospects for six/seven-figure gifts.
• Lead the implementation of Mission 44’s global major donor stewardship strategy, ensuring all major donors feel engaged in and inspired. 
• Manage and coordinate stewardship plans for high-value donors and philanthropic partners
• Build trusted, long-term relationships with major supporters through thoughtful and personalised engagement
• Develop tailored donor journeys that reflect supporter interests, motivations and impact priorities
• Identify opportunities to deepen donor engagement and increase long-term support
• Provide administrative support for the Global Growth Committee
• Work with Head of Engagement and Events to plan and deliver donor engagement opportunities at events, briefings, roundtables and programme visits to bring donors closer to our work 
• Support leadership engagement with major donors and key stakeholders
• Coordinate donor experiences linked to Mission 44 campaigns, partnerships and strategic moments
• Help create meaningful opportunities for supporters to connect with Mission 44’s mission, young people and impact

DONOR COMMUNICATIONS AND IMPACT REPORTING (20%)

• Ensure donors receive timely, high-quality communication and reporting
• Coordinate the creation of bespoke donor updates, reports and impact communications
• Work collaboratively with programme and communications teams to translate impact into compelling donor narratives
• Work with the communications team to ensure stewardship materials are high quality, aligned to brand and reflective of Mission 44’s values
• Support the development of case studies, impact stories and donor-facing content

SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION (10%) 

• Maintain accurate donor records, engagement tracking and stewardship activity within CRM systems
• Monitor stewardship activity, timelines and reporting commitments
• Contribute to donor analysis, segmentation and fundraising insights
• Work closely with wider fundraising colleagues, communications and impact teams to deliver integrated supporter engagement
• Support senior leadership and ambassadors with donor preparation, briefing materials and relationship management
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing fundraising culture

ABOUT YOU: SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL 

• Significant experience in major donor cultivation, stewardship, philanthropy or high-value relationship management
• Proven track record of managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, philanthropists or strategic supporters
• Experience developing and delivering donor stewardship plans and engagement strategies
• Proven success in the direct solicitation and stewardship of six- and seven-figure philanthropic contributions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience producing high-quality donor reports and communications
• Strong project management and organisational skills
• Experience working with CRM systems and donor databases
• Some travel, particularly to the US 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively

DESIRABLE

• Experience of major donor management at a global level 
• Experience of Fundraising for a grant-making / campaigning organisation
• Experience with Principal Gifts processes   
• Experience supporting fundraising campaigns or major gifts programmes
• Understanding of education equity, youth opportunity or systems change work
• Experience working within high-profile or fast-paced organisations
• Event management and donor engagement experience

PERSONAL QUALITIES  

• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Emotionally intelligent and discreet
• Strategic and proactive thinker
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to communicate impact in a compelling and authentic way
• Passion for equity, inclusion and social justice
• Commitment to Mission 44’s values and mission
• Resilient with demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Enjoy 28 days annual leave, plus a day for your birthday
• Use our cycle-to-work scheme and free gym access
• Save for retirement with our generous pension package
• We finish every Friday at noon in August
• Optional health insurance and acccess to an EAP
• Professional development budget of £1k
• Unlimited volunteering leave, as agreed with your manager
• Wellbeing allowance to spend in whatever way works for you
• Competitive parental leave package

Location: London (hybrid working with regular in-person collaboration in the office)
Salary: £60,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, permanent

Justice & Care is seeking an experienced, relationship-led and entrepreneurial Head of Philanthropy to lead the growth of transformational major donor income that will help end modern slavery and support survivors to rebuild their lives.

Justice & Care is a pioneering anti-slavery organisation working globally to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks while walking alongside survivors on their journey to freedom and recovery. Philanthropic partnerships are central to this mission, enabling us to support frontline interventions, drive systemic change and equip governments and partners to act effectively.

Leading the philanthropy function, you will be responsible for developing and delivering a high-value, growth-focused major donor strategy, building and proactively expanding a pipeline of five and six-figure gifts, and growing long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and networks aligned to our mission. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining strategic direction with direct donor engagement, visible external relationship building and personal solicitation, with a strong focus on pace, momentum and opportunity creation.

Working closely with the Global Director of Fundraising, CEO and senior stakeholders, you will translate Justice & Care’s work into compelling funding propositions, actively open doors to new networks and opportunities, and help unlock significant, sustained income growth across the UK and international markets.

The successful candidate will have significant experience in major donor fundraising, with a proven track record of securing high-value gifts and building strong, long-term donor relationships. They will bring excellent leadership capability, strong strategic thinking and the confidence to engage senior stakeholders, alongside experience of proactively managing pipelines, budgets and performance against income targets.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead a high-impact, fast-moving philanthropy programme at a global organisation working to end modern slavery.

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

Closing date: Monday 22nd June, 9am

Role description: 

We are currently looking for a Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships to join our Fundraising & Supporter Experience Team. 

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising & Supporter Experience, the postholder will lead the development and delivery of the charity’s philanthropy and partnerships strategy, translating organisational ambition into compelling propositions, high value relationships and sustainable income growth. 

Leading a small, committed and recently established team, the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships will build on early successes to define future direction, strengthen capability, and scale income from major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners.  

This role offers a significant opportunity to shape and grow a developing function and play a pivotal part in enabling Yorkshire Cancer Research to deliver its ambitious growth plans and achieve its vision of a Yorkshire free from cancer.  

Specifically you will: 

• Lead and work in partnership with relevant Fundraising Managers to develop and deliver Yorkshire Cancer Research’ Philanthropy & Partnerships strategy to the charity’s mission, values and organisational strategy.

• Provide clear strategic leadership across all high value, aligned income streams, including: Philanthropy, Trusts and foundations, Corporate partnerships, Strategic and multi year funding partnerships

• Ensure the philanthropy and partnerships strategy aligns with, and complements, the public fundraising strategy, delivering a coherent overall income approach. 

To be considered for this role, you will need to be a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and have significant experience leading high-value fundraising and/or partnership income streams, with evidence of delivering significant and sustainable income growth.

For further details please refer to the role profile. 

Application 

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People before 9th June 2026. Please read our privacy notice before applying. 

The charity is a responsible and flexible employer.We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us.

Prospectus is excited to be partnering with our client in the search for a Head of Philanthropy on a maternity cover contract for up to 14 months. The new postholder will need to start no later than August 2026.

The Trust is the UK's leading social mobility charity. They believe every young person should have a chance in life, regardless of their family's income, the school they go to or where they grow up. But today in Britain, the opportunity to succeed is heavily shaped by socio-economic background. Each year, together with university and employer partners, they support over 14,000 young people to reach their potential through university, apprenticeship and career access programmes.

As the Head of Philanthropy, you will inherit a successful philanthropy area of fundraising for the organisation and will lead the team in securing major gifts and multi-year commitments across the individuals and trusts & foundations income streams. The postholder will join and at a brilliant moment of momentum for the organisation to secure income across the 2030 strategy period.  The Head of Philanthropy will also work closely with the Director of Development to ensure gold-standard stewardship for our high-value donors, coaching and developing line reports to ensure income generation targets are met across trusts, foundations, and individual donor income streams.

To be successful as the Head of Philanthropy will be an experienced leader and fundraiser, confident in securing new business through active prospecting and networking and ingrained knowledge of how to secure and steward HNWIs and trusts & foundations. This will ideally have been done at the six-figures-plus level and you will have significant experience in working with senior leaders and volunteers to cultivate meaningful relationships, steward HNWI, trusts, and foundations, and deliver robust prospect pipelines.

This role is a maternity cover contract position that will have hybrid working in the London offices for at least two days per week, for up to 14 months. The salary for this role is £60,000 to £72,000.  

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. 

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.