Head of philanthropy and partnerships jobs in Westminster, greater london

Reports to:Head of Finance

Direct reports: N/A

Start date:ASAP

Term:Full-time, fixed term contract of 12 months. Part time applications will also be considered.

Based in: London, NW1 – DMI operates a hybrid working model whereby all staff are required to be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays and can work from the office or elsewhere for the remainder of the week.

Salary:£42- 45,000 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience, plus 5% pension contribution and private health insurance.

Application deadline: Sunday 14th June 2026, Midnight

Date of first round interview:Week commencing 22 June 2026

About DMI

Development Media International (DMI) delivers media campaigns aimed at changing behaviours, promoting health and saving lives in developing countries. We are the first organisation to scientifically demonstrate that mass media can increase life-saving behaviours (see the results of our RCT that proved our interventions can save thousands of children’s lives here).

DMI has two priorities: first, to continue to generate ground-breaking research, second, to take our proven strategies to scale, saving as many lives as possible. We work across a range of health issues, including child survival, reproductive health, nutrition, hygiene, and early childhood development. DMI works in close partnership with leading experts in health, including WHO, UNICEF and LSHTM and has been funded by some of the world’s most prestigious organisations including Wellcome, DFID/FCDO, Comic Relief, the Global Innovation Fund, UNICEF, Unorthodox Philanthropy, and the Mulago Foundation.

We are an innovative organisation, working at the nexus between science and creativity. DMI has demonstrated that knowledge is not only a human right but is also the key to saving lives in a cost-effective way. Our intellectual rigour, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn from both our successes and mistakes, makes us distinct. Our ethos is non-hierarchical: all our staff are intellectually high-powered, and we have a “best idea wins” culture. By working at DMI you will have a genuine, measurable impact on improving lives in low-income countries.

DMI has a permanent presence in Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia and has current or recent projects in Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Mauritania, and Ghana. DMI’s headquarters overlooks the Regents Canal near Kings Cross in London and provides oversight and strategic direction for the organisation.

DMI is ranked as one of the most cost-effective non-profit organisations in the world by The Life You Can Save.

Job description

DMI is looking for a motivated Finance Manager to join our friendly team in London. Working closely with the Head of Finance and the finance team in the UK, and liaising with relevant staff in DMI’s international offices, the successful candidate will play an important part in ensuring that DMI’s finances are managed effectively and in line with internal policies and statutory requirements.

More specifically, the Finance Manager will have the following responsibilities:

Key responsibilities

1. Supporting the Head of Finance in ensuring that DMI complies with relevant financial legislation and regulatory requirements in the UK and internationally. This includes supporting the year-end financial reporting and audit processes across the DMI group, together with payroll, VAT and other statutory reporting requirements where relevant.
2. Leading on improving and transforming finance processes and systems across DMI. This includes identifying opportunities to automate workflows, improve reporting, strengthen controls and increase efficiency using digital tools, AI and other technologies where appropriate.
3. Developing and maintaining financial models, reports and tools in Excel to support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and organisational decision-making.
4. Preparing and consolidating project and HQ budgets, cash flow forecasts, management accounts and other financial reports to support operational and strategic decision-making.
5. Working closely with colleagues in DMI’s international offices to review monthly financial performance, strengthen financial processes and support planning for future periods.
6. Supporting donor financial reporting and ensuring expenditure is incurred and reported in line with donor requirements and organisational policies.
7. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to improve understanding of financial management, systems and controls, including supporting and mentoring staff with both financial and non-financial backgrounds.
8. Supporting wider organisational priorities and carrying out other duties as reasonably required by DMI.

Person specification

Required knowledge, skills and experience

1. Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CA or equivalent) with relevant post-qualification experience.
2. Strong Excel and systems skills, including experience using financial management systems (DMI currently uses QuickBooks).
3. Experience preparing and managing budgets, forecasts and financial reports.
4. Experience improving finance processes, streamlining workflows or strengthening financial controls.
5. Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver work accurately.
6. Strong communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work effectively with colleagues from a range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
7. Interest and confidence in exploring digital tools, automation and AI-enabled solutions to improve ways of working.
8. Permission to live and work in the UK

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience

1. Language ability in French, Portuguese or another widely spoken international language.
2. Experience working in the NGO, charity or international development sector.
3. Experience supporting donor compliance and financial reporting requirements.

DMI is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

DMI operates a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and is committed to the protection and safeguarding of vulnerable individuals. Where appropriate, successful candidates will undergo background and reference checks. All DMI employees will be required to self-declare prior issues of sexual or other misconduct, termination of past employment, criminal records, and concerns registered with government authorities regarding contact with children.