Head of philanthropy and partnerships jobs in milton keynes, england

Community Fundraiser - Home Counties

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Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research? ​

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Essex. 

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Key Responsibilities: ​

• ​Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects 
• Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth 
• ​Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders ​
• Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research ​

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Requirements: ​​

• At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation 
• Strong experience in supporter stewardship  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike ​
• Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure 

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If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.

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​We will give preference to those candidates living in the Bucks, Beds and Northants areas of this region.​​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

Closing Date: 14th December 2025

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We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

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Director of Relationship Fundraising

We are thrilled to be working in partnership with World Vision. As a global Christian humanitarian charity, World Vision is dedicated to tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice, empowering children, families, and communities to thrive. Through advocacy, emergency relief, and long-term development, they bring hope and transformation where it’s needed most. At the heart of their mission is a deep commitment to demonstrating God’s unconditional love.

We are looking for an experienced fundraising leader to become their new Director of Relationship Fundraising. This is a wonderful opportunity for a practising Christian to shape and scale high-impact relational fundraising. You will lead and integrate Philanthropy, Trusts & Foundations, and Legacy giving into a high-performing team, driving income beyond £10 million annually.

You’ll champion innovation, and personally steward ultra-high-net-worth donors while ensuring data-driven, replicable fundraising models. As a strategic and relational leader, you’ll bring operational excellence, spiritual maturity, and a coaching mindset to a dynamic, growing team.

Externally, you’ll be a visible ambassador, inspiring partners, representing World Vision UK at key events, and engaging with supporters. Internally, you’ll work cross-functionally to embed relationship fundraising into a multi-channel strategy that delivers exceptional supporter experiences.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Proven track record of leading and scaling high-value fundraising programmes (philanthropy, legacies, and/or trusts & foundations), ideally within a complex or global organisation.
• Demonstrable success in delivering sustainable, multi-million-pound income growth through relationship fundraising.
• Experience of managing and coaching high-performing teams, with the ability to embed accountability, ownership, and development at all levels.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills, capable of delivering results in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment.

This is an incredible opportunity for a practising Christian fundraising professional to join a passionate team dedicated to serving the world’s most vulnerable children. You’ll help bring in vital income that will transform lives and make a real difference for children in need across the world.

This role is subject to a Enhanced DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer.

For more information, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement, explaining how you believe you match the requirements of the role, including the genuine occupational requirement to be a practicing Christian.

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion*, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

*In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9, it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practicing Christian and in agreement with World Vision’s mission and values.

UK-based applicants only.

Location: Hybrid/Milton Keynes (1 day per week onsite)

Closing date: Sunday 7th December 2025

Charisma vetting interviews: Must be completed by 1pm on Tuesday 8th December 2025

1st Interviews with World Vision UK (virtual): As and when a candidate passes their Charisma vetting interview

Final interviews (in person in Milton Keynes): Tuesday 6th January 2026