Head of philanthropy and relationships jobs

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced relationship fundraiser to join Kids and play a key role in growing our philanthropic income. If you are passionate about building meaningful donor relationships and creating lasting impact for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), we'd love to hear from you.

Philanthropy and Relationships Manager

Location: Home-based with regular travel for face-to-face meetings
Hours: 36 hours per week (flexible working arrangements can be discussed at interview)
Salary: £35,000 per annum

About the Role

We're looking for an ambitious and motivated Philanthropy and Relationships Manager to lead the development of our major donor programme. Building on recent strategic recommendations, you will develop and deliver a sustainable fundraising programme that grows support from mid-level and major donors.

Working closely with the Head of Fundraising and colleagues across the organisation, you will identify, cultivate and steward high-value supporters, creating compelling opportunities for them to invest in Kids' mission. You will play a vital role in securing significant gifts and developing long-term partnerships that help children and young people with SEND achieve their full potential.

This role offers the opportunity to shape and grow a portfolio of supporters while helping to create a culture of philanthropy across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and implement a measurable strategy for philanthropic growth.
• Work closely with the Head of Fundraising to strengthen and embed a culture of philanthropy across Kids.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify, cultivate and solicit major donor prospects.
• Provide guidance and support to colleagues on donor engagement and relationship management.

Relationship Management

• Build, manage and strengthen relationships with existing supporters.
• Understand donor motivations and create tailored engagement plans that inspire long-term support.
• Represent Kids at networking and cultivation events, building visibility and awareness of our work.
• Work collaboratively with service delivery teams to demonstrate the impact of donor support.

Prospect Development

• Manage and grow a mid-level giving programme.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective donors through research, identification and outreach.
• Build and manage a portfolio of mid-level and major donor prospects.
• Work with the Events Manager to deliver engaging donor cultivation events.

Income Generation and CRM Management

• Take ownership of individual income targets and contribute to wider fundraising goals.
• Manage donor pipelines, forecasting and reporting through Donorfy CRM.
• Monitor performance and identify opportunities to maximise income growth.

Donor Communications

• Develop compelling cases for support and impact reports.
• Create personalised communications and proposals that align with donors' interests and motivations.
• Deliver a high-quality donor experience that encourages long-term engagement and investment.

About You

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Proven success in networking and relationship building that has resulted in financial support.
• Experience securing new gifts and developing new donor relationships.
• A strong track record of building and managing fundraising pipelines and supporter portfolios.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage high-value supporters.
• Experience using CRM systems and data to manage donor relationships, forecasting and reporting.
• Strong budgeting and financial forecasting skills.
• Experience researching and identifying prospective donors.
• Confidence engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, including CEOs, trustees and decision-makers.
• The initiative and resilience to build new relationships from the ground up.
• A genuine passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.
• An understanding of the policy and influencing landscape affecting children and young people with SEND.

Why Join Kids?

At Kids, you'll be part of a dedicated team committed to creating brighter futures for disabled children, young people and their families. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a growing philanthropy programme, develop meaningful supporter relationships and secure transformational gifts that make a lasting difference.

Apply today and help us create life-changing opportunities for children and young people with SEND.

For further details about the role, responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the full Job Description attached.

We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of suitable applications

CAHN is seeking an ambitious, creative and experienced Head of Fundraising & Events to lead our fundraising and events portfolio and help drive the organisation’s next phase of growth.

You will lead fundraising development, identify new income opportunities, build strong relationships with funders, corporate partners and supporters, and deliver high-profile events that generate income, engagement and impact.

Working closely with senior colleagues and external stakeholders, you will combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery to grow sustainable income, strengthen partnerships and maximise opportunities for CAHN.

We are looking for a confident and results-driven professional with a proven fundraising and events track record, excellent relationship-building skills and a passion for tackling health inequalities affecting Black Caribbean and African communities.

This is your opportunity to use your expertise, creativity and leadership to help create lasting change.

Help Shape the Future of Rivers in the North East 

Tyne Rivers Trust is seeking an ambitious and inspiring Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships to lead the growth of our fundraising, strategic partnerships and philanthropic income at an exciting moment in our development.

As a thriving environmental charity, we work to protect and improve rivers for wildlife, communities and future generations. Following our expansion in 2025 to include the Northumberland river catchments, we are entering a new phase of growth and impact across the North East.

This is a rare opportunity to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in securing the funding, partnerships and support that will enable us to deliver lasting environmental change.

About the Role 

Working closely with the CEO, Chief Scientist & Technical Director and wider leadership team, you will lead the development and delivery of Tyne Rivers Trust's philanthropy, fundraising and partnership strategy. You will cultivate and steward high-value relationships with major donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partners, statutory bodies and other key stakeholders, helping secure sustainable income and long-term investment in our work.

You will also lead and grow our partnerships across the Tyne and Northumberland catchments, ensuring we build strong collaborations that maximise environmental and community impact. As the Trust continues to expand, you will help position TRT as a leading environmental charity and trusted delivery partner across the region.

Key Responsibilities 

Lead Strategic Partnerships 

• Develop and strengthen relationships with businesses, funders, public bodies, charities and community organisations. 

• Lead the strategic development of catchment partnerships across the Tyne and Northumberland. 

• Identify and develop new partnership opportunities that support our mission and growth. 

Drive Fundraising and Philanthropy 

• Develop and deliver our fundraising strategy and income diversification plans. 

• Build a strong pipeline of major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate supporters. 

• Secure significant funding to support TRT's long-term sustainability and growth. 

• Develop compelling cases for support and partnership investment opportunities. 

• Create and deliver innovative fundraising initiatives and campaigns.

Champion Impact and Influence 

• Lead partnership communications and impact reporting. 

• Develop compelling stories that demonstrate the value and impact of TRT's work. 

• Support profile-raising activity and strengthen the Trust's reputation across the North East. 

• Ensure partnership activity aligns with organisational priorities and strategic objectives.

Lead and Inspire 

• Provide leadership to a growing philanthropy and partnerships team. 

• Contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. 

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement across the organisation.

About You 

We are looking for an experienced fundraising and partnership professional with a proven track record of building successful relationships and securing significant income. 

You will bring: 

• Experience developing and managing high-value partnerships and stakeholder networks. 

• Significant experience designing and delivering fundraising strategies. 

• A strong track record of securing six-figure funding from a range of income streams. 

• Experience working with trusts, foundations, major donors and corporate partners. 

• Experience leading and developing teams. 

• Outstanding communication, influencing and relationship-building skills. 

• The ability to identify new opportunities and turn ideas into investment and impact.

Why Join Tyne Rivers Trust? 

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference to some of the UK's most important river catchments while helping a successful and ambitious charity achieve its next stage of growth.

We offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working. 

• A supportive and dedicated team. 

• Opportunities for professional development. 

• A senior leadership role with significant influence and autonomy. 

• The chance to improve rivers, nature and communities across the North East.

This role is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are strengthening our team and increasing our capacity to protect and restore rivers across the region.

Head of Philanthropy
Prostate Cancer UK
Location: Hybrid – a combination of remote and in-person working at our London Bridge office at least 4 days a month.
Permanent and full-time role
Salary: Band 6 range of £60,250 - £70,750 pa

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK - stealing over 12,000 of our dads, grandads, brothers and friends every year.

As the largest men’s health charity in the UK, our ambition is clear: to create a world where no man dies from prostate cancer. And this is how we’re making that happen. We are the biggest public funder of prostate cancer research, investing millions to revolutionise testing, treatment, and care. We’re blazing a trail to a screening programme that could save thousands of lives with regular, accurate tests for all men at risk. And we work tirelessly to spread the word about risk and offer specialist support to people living with the disease.

This is an exciting and pivotal moment for high value fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK.  Through our £100 million Raise the Game appeal, we are accelerating our progress over the next 5 years, to transform how men and their families navigate prostate cancer.  We are now seeking a new Head of Philanthropy to lead the strategic direction and performance of the philanthropy team, ensuring that we deliver ambitious, long-term and sustainable income growth in line with our priorities.  You will also cultivate your own major donor portfolio, and work with other senior leaders across the Philanthropy, Appeals and Partnerships team, to ensure a coordinated approach in driving a culture of excellence, accountability, and donor focus across all fundraising activity. 

About you
You are an experienced, collaborative fundraiser and people leader, who thrives in ambitious organisations and the major gifts arena. You’ll bring a strong track record of securing six-figure gifts and above, alongside the experience of designing and activating robust strategies and overseeing operational excellence that turns ambition into impact. A skilled and compelling communicator, you build trusted relationships easily and confidently with donors, colleagues and partners alike. You’re comfortable navigating the new and uncertain, bringing flexibility, curiosity and adaptability to a changing environment.

These qualities will be key to building credibility and strong relationships across the organisation and beyond. Experience in health or medical fundraising would be valuable, but it’s not essential. What is essential is your ability to interpret complex, specialist information into compelling funding propositions.  Underlying this all is your passion for driving positive change and belief in the power of philanthropy to make it happen.

What we offer
Join our team and be part of an award-winning charity. We’ll support you to develop your skills and expertise.
We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• Generous leave entitlements that increase with service
• One ‘development day’ a month to use for training or personal development
• Enhanced contributory pension scheme
• Life insurance and group income protection
• Health Cash Plan
• Life and wellbeing advice and support via our Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted gym membership and high street shopping discounts
• Loans for season tickets or cycles

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
At Prostate Cancer UK we’re committed to righting health inequalities across the UK, starting with those faced by Black men. This includes ground-breaking research into Black men's risk and working with communities directly to overcome barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. To make this happen, we're dedicated to being an inclusive, proactive organisation, as we strive to be Allies to Black communities. We’ll achieve this by advocating and working alongside those communities to promote change. We're also working to be Allies to each other, not only protected groups. In 2024, we launched our New Allyship Training Programme. All colleagues at Prostate Cancer UK will be trained to act and identify as an Ally.

We've also signed Business in the Community’s Race at Work Charter, as a dedication to our Black health equity work and wider EDI priorities. As a signatory, we're responsible and accountable for driving positive change.

Our people networks
We’re continuously learning more about the needs of our colleagues, and have three amazing People Networks, sponsored by our Leadership team:

• Pride – A safe space where LGBTQ+ colleagues – and our allies – can share their diverse lived experiences, celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and history, and create new ideas about how our organisation can be more inclusive and representative of LGBTQ+ people
• Mind and Body – Here to increase awareness, promote wellbeing and support colleagues affected by neurodiversity, mental health problems, disability and long-term illness
• Culture Club – Here to increase awareness and celebrate the different cultures and beliefs that we have in the organisation, so that we all have our cultures felt and feel welcomed

This is a career defining opportunity to work with us and you’ll see your efforts pay off as we give men and their families the power to navigate prostate cancer.  We are partnering with Richmond Associates for this search.  To request a copy of the candidate information pack or to apply, please visit their website by following the Application button, or contact Sonja Dunphy, the Managing Director or Nicola Reames, Senior Consultant for more details.

Closing date for applications is 9am FRIDAY, 18 SEPTMEBER 2026 

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on 2nd October 2026.

Quartet Community Foundation is looking for an experienced manager who enjoys building relationships, has strong communication skills, strives to achieve excellent donor stewardship and is motivated by Quartet’s mission and values.

The role

This is a key role within Quartet’s Philanthropy team, leading our place-based work across Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) and building new relationships in North Somerset alongside our new Head of Professional Adviser Partnerships, helping donors give confidently and effectively to achieve meaningful impact in local communities.

Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, the successful candidate will manage a portfolio of fund holders, provide high-quality, trusted philanthropy advice and grant making support, build relationships with prospects and partners, and raise Quartet’s profile across B&NES. They will also engage with our North Somerset fund holders and grantees. They will support events, develop insight into local community need, contribute to our wider philanthropy strategy, and line manage four Philanthropy Officers.

We are looking for a Corporate Partnerships Executive on a fixed-term basis to join our ambitious and supportive Philanthropy & Partnerships Team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in growing income from corporate partnerships, helping to fund the vital care and support Southern Hospice Group provides to local people and their families.

Working with both existing and prospective corporate supporters, you will develop and manage a diverse portfolio of corporate partnerships, securing support through strategic partnerships, sponsorship, employee fundraising and gifts in kind. You'll combine excellent relationship management skills with a proactive approach to identifying new opportunities, building long-term partnerships that deliver meaningful impact for both the hospice and our supporters.

If you're a confident communicator who enjoys developing relationships and delivering outstanding supporter experiences, we'd love to hear from you. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be held on a rolling basis, so we encourage interested candidates to apply early.

Bible Society believes the Bible is God’s gift for God’s world. We share it because we believe it changes lives for good. We want Christians to be confident in the Bible’s truthfulness and reliability, and we want to change how people talk about it in wider society and invite them to see it as a source of wisdom and joy.

We are seeking a passionate, strategic and relational individual to join our team as we expand our work with generous supporters. In this role, you will lead our engagement with mid-level donors – strengthening retention, increasing income and re-engaging supporters through tailored communications, bespoke resources and opportunities for uplift. You will play a vital role in optimising funding from both established and new supporters, ensuring alignment with Bible Society’s mission priorities.

Alongside this, you will build and nurture key relationships through the management of a portfolio of current and prospective major donors, delivering significant levels of income against agreed targets. You will help donors fulfil their philanthropic ministry by connecting their generosity with the mission of Bible Society.

An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. 

If this sounds like you and you have the legal right to work and remain in the UK, we’d love to hear from you. Please provide your CV and a 250-word statement that sets out why you’re the best person for this position.

For the purposes of your cover letter, we ask that you do not use AI-generated content. We would like to hear your own thoughts, experiences, and motivations in your own words. 

Bible Society is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and aspire to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people representing all sections of the community.

Closing date: Sunday 6 September 2026

Interview date: First round interview date: Monday 14 September 2026 (online)

Second-round interview date: Monday 21 September 2026 (Swindon)

About Justice & Care

Justice & Care is an award-winning anti-slavery charity working with governments and police forces across three strategic locations - the UK and Bangladesh. Through frontline programmes, policy advocacy and strategic partnerships, we work on the frontline to support survivors of modern slavery and bring perpetrators to justice, and in the corridors of power to create change at scale.

The role

Are you a relationship-builder, strategist and storyteller with a passion for justice? Join us as our new Head of Philanthropy and help take our major donor programme to the next level. This is a pivotal role in a growing team. You’ll lead our high-value philanthropy strategy, manage your own portfolio of major donors and prospects, and line-manage a talented Philanthropy Specialist - supporting their development as you grow the programme together. Working closely with our CEO, senior volunteers and programme leads across the UK and Bangladesh, you’ll shape how we grow income, insight and impact in the years ahead. Your focus will be on securing high five- and six-figure gifts from individuals and foundations who want to be part of the fight against modern slavery.

This role requires regular presence in London.

About you

• A proven track record in securing significant gifts from high-net-worth individuals or foundations
• Strategic thinking and confident relationship management
• Strong communication skills - written and verbal
• Experience managing or mentoring colleagues
• Drive, humility and a deep belief in our mission
• Desire to grow with us over the long term, eagerness to share knowledge and experience, and motivation to continue developing both personally and professionally.

What we offer

At Justice & Care, we work collaboratively and commit to excellence in all we do. We encourage a growth mindset, supporting each other through challenges, celebrating successes, and learning from setbacks. This is a place where your voice matters, your ideas are welcomed, and you can bring your full self to work, confident you’ll be met with respect, trust, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference.

We know that a great team is made up of people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong.

We also offer an excellent benefits package to support your wellbeing and development. Just a few of the highlights include: Enhanced Annual Leave, Birthday Leave, Enhanced Employer Pension Contribution, Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance and Learning and Development. Read our Total Reward offer document to view the full list of benefits.

Ready to make a real difference?

Click Apply to find out more.

Philanthropy, which covers Trusts & Foundations, Major Donors and Mid-Value Donors , is pivotal to Noah’s Ark – typically accounting for around 46% of the charity’s overall income. In real terms, that is c. £2.2m of our £4.7m fundraising target for 2026-27. This role also has a lead role in managing our Philantropy & Corproate Board of influential volunteers that support our philanthropy programme. Philanthropy is a real area of expertise for Noah’s Ark and we have seen considerable success over the past 10 years. However, there is much scope for further, exciting growth. Specifically, there is much to do to re-engage lapsed donors and to build a healthy pipeline to ensure a steady flow of new donors join our programme. Our mid-value donor programme also requires further development to enable the cultivation of future Major Donors. The Head of Philanthropy will work closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications to dedicate time and attention to a strong portfolio of donors, and will contribute to the wider development of fundraising and communications strategies through senior team forum and all-staff forums. The post-holder will be key in taking our Philanthropy programme to the next level, building on key existing relationships, increasing income and opportunities generated by our team’s augmentation and growth and elevating the experience of supporting Noah’s Ark.

ABOUT YOU

You will have considerable experience and success in high-value / major donor fundraising, at managerial level. You will be a dynamic, agile, highly organised, dedicated and reliable individual, ready to play a significant role in income generation. An exceptional and eloquent communicator, excellent at managing your time and a natural relationship builder. You will have a collaborative mindset and enjoy working with and managing team members with different personalities, styles of working and approaches to amitious goals. You will feel at home being a key person with whom colleagues across the fundraising and wider charity teams liaise, in order to create the greatest outcomes for the children and families we support. You will have strong line-management skills and show excellence in donor stewardship.

We encourage you to apply if:  

• You have proven skills in Major Donors fundraising and (ideally) Trust fundraising
• Have proven yourself to be an incredibly effective manager of people
• Believe you can build a strong pipeline of donor prospects 

Please note - we are only accepting direct applications for this role

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, we kindly advise you to submit your application as early as possible.
 

Help us shape the future of community funding across the West of England

Quartet Community Foundation is looking for an experienced, collaborative and forward-thinking Head of Programmes to lead our grant-making and programmes work across Bristol, Bath & North-East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

This is an exciting time to join Quartet. We recently launched our new three-year strategy 2026-9, containing ambitious plans to increase our impact through grant giving, strengthen our understanding of local communities and raise the profile of place-based giving. The strategy outlines how we aim to diversify and strengthen our donor base, driving increasing philanthropic giving, so that we can distribute £6.5 million in grants annually by 2029. As Head of Programmes, you will play a key role in turning that ambition into action.

You will lead and develop our grant-making programmes, ensuring they are informed by community need, insight and evidence and reflect best practice in equitable and accessible funding. You will work closely with local communities, voluntary and community organisations, funders and partners to understand emerging needs and identify opportunities for collaboration and innovation.  You will be able to administer funds directed by local authorities and other partners to their specification, bringing a high quality service and repeat “business” to our revenue funding through high quality grant assessment and distribution.

You will also manage and support our experienced Programmes Team, three direct reports, ensuring an environment where they can develop, perform at their best and embody a culture of continual improvement (please see attached staff plan).

Our vision is to bring hope to every one of our patients across London, when they need us most, where they need us most. We’re a charity that works alongside the NHS and our life-saving service is made possible by our supporters.

Building on the strong success of the past two years we have the opportunity to become leaders in innovative philanthropy and to achieve this we’re investing in the right skills and experience to strengthen our talented team and build on a solid foundation, with the ambition to become a world leader in philanthropic giving.

The Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships will provide strategic, commercial and visionary leadership for London’s Air Ambulance Charity’s high-value income portfolio, shaping and delivering an ambitious, insight-led Philanthropy and Partnerships Strategy aligned to the charity’s 15-year strategy. With overall accountability for sustainable and transformational income growth, the role will maximise the financial and strategic value of philanthropy and partnerships, diversify income and identify new opportunities, markets and relationships that can accelerate the charity’s long-term ambitions.

A key focus will be to build a strong organisational culture of philanthropy, bringing together leaders, trustees, clinicians and colleagues to identify and maximise high-value fundraising and strategic partnership opportunities. The postholder will lead and develop a high-performing philanthropy and partnerships team, fostering a culture of ambition, accountability, commercial discipline, innovation and continuous improvement, while building trusted relationships that deliver lasting value for the charity and the communities it serves.

We’re looking for an ambitious, commercially astute and highly credible relationship leader who can help us take our philanthropy and partnerships programme to the next level.

You may come from a senior philanthropy, corporate partnerships or fundraising background, or from a commercial environment such as business development or strategic relationship management. What matters most is your ability to build influential relationships, identify and develop opportunities, translate them into compelling propositions and deliver sustainable growth and impact.

If you’re a strategic relationship leader who knows how to turn opportunity into growth, bring people with you and use your commercial expertise to create meaningful social impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Our benefits 

Working environment

• Hybrid working for most roles, with time split between our offices at Mansell Street or The Royal London Hospital and remote working
• Flexible working arrangements for most roles, with a 35-hour working week (for full-time employees) and core hours of 10:00-16:00
• A collaborative culture built around our values: compassionate, courageous and pioneering
• Access to a variety of learning and development opportunities to support your career growth
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging, supported by our employee-led network, All Inclusive.

Supporting your wellbeing

• 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time employees)
• Additional office closure between Christmas and New Year, giving you an extra three days leave each year
• Additional annual leave awarded for long service
• One day's paid moving leave each year
• One day's paid volunteering leave each year to support causes that matter to you
• Compassionate leave
• Enhanced sick pay, providing up to five weeks full pay in a rolling 12-month period from day one of employment
• Access to a free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme, offering support for emotional, financial and legal matters, plus a wellbeing app.

Supporting your financial wellbeing

• Generous pension scheme with a 10% employer contribution when you contribute 5%
• Medicash health cash plan, helping you claim back the cost of everyday healthcare expenses
• Access to a wide range of employee discounts through sites including Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and Perks at Work
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to Work scheme.

Supporting your family

• Enhanced maternity pay, offering company maternity pay at 75% of your annual salary for weeks seven to 26 of maternity leave
• Life assurance cover equivalent to four times your annual salary.

Prospectus is delighted to support a national health charity in the search for a Head of Relationship Fundraising. 

This organisation was established in 2012 by Emily Reuben and Alex Johnson after both of their sons were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. What began as a personal mission evolved into a nationally respected organisation driving systemic change across research, care, clinical trials and treatment access.

As the Head of Relationship Fundraising, you will have a key role in a new phase of fundraising development. Focusing on building sustainable income, this role will look to strengthen supporter engagement, develop long-term relationships across the Duchenne community, and grow philanthropic giving. This role will specifically look to build long-term relationships with supporters who have been personally affected by Duchenne - whether they are parents, carers, or friends and family members who want to fundraise in someone's honour or memory. 

The successful candidate will balance ambitious income generation with exceptional supporter care and sensitivity. They will also have proven fundraising experience across relationship fundraising, community, events, legacy, and philanthropy. This person will need to combine strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and entrepreneurial energy to help grow a relationship fundraising programme rooted in compassion, trust, and measurable impact.

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 Rhiannon Mehta at Prospectus.

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, which will include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages). 

We are recruiting for a Philanthropy Manager to join our team in London; the scope on this job involves….

Job Title: Philanthropy Manager

Location: Hybrid working with the requirement to work from our Head Office and to attend meetings, events and networking opportunities in London and other locations as required.
Salary: £45,529.83 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5

This is an exciting time to join Refuge, as we grow our philanthropy programme and expand support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. As Philanthropy Manager, you'll lead relationships with major donors and trusts and foundations, securing significant funding that directly supports life-changing services and campaigns. With flexible hybrid working, a genuinely collaborative culture and ambitious plans for growth, this is an opportunity to make a real impact while developing your career.

You'll manage and grow a portfolio of high-value supporters, develop compelling funding proposals and reports, identify new funding opportunities, and contribute to a growing programme of supporter engagement opportunities. We're looking for an experienced fundraiser with a track record of securing high-value gifts, excellent relationship-building skills, and the confidence to spot opportunities and turn them into long-term partnerships.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a growing area of fundraising within one of the UK's leading charities. You'll benefit from genuine flexibility, exposure to senior stakeholders, excellent development opportunities, and the chance to see the direct impact of your work while helping to create a future free from domestic abuse.

Closing Date: 9.00am on 21 September 2026

Interview Date:
Stage one: 29 September 2026 (Virtual)
Stage two: 5 October (in person at our Head Office, in Vauxhall, London)

Benefits

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Development Director (Philanthropy) provides strategic leadership across Impetus’ philanthropy and stewardship portfolio, with responsibility for relationship management, renewal, growth and selected new business activity. The postholder will work with high-value funders, including corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.

In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in pro bono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus’ growth ambitions, supporting the increase in philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. 

Working closely with the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear stewardship, renewal, relationship-growth and selected new business plans, ensuring strong donor retention, high-quality engagement and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will oversee the donor lifecycle across the philanthropy portfolio, with particular focus on strategic stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and the effective transition of selected prospects into long-term donor relationships. They will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure donor relationships and selected funding opportunities, while working with colleagues to ensure the philanthropy pipeline, stewardship plans and account management disciplines are strong.

Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and selected donor acquisition, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth

• Own and oversee strategically significant donor and partner relationships at six and seven-figure levels, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
• Set and embed best practice stewardship standards, ensuring donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
• Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
• Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Philanthropy and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.

New Business: Pipeline & Conversion 

• Personally lead on select six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers and networks to support warm introductions, relationship development and follow-up, in line with agreed new business and stewardship priorities.
• Work with colleagues to translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for donors, prospects and priority audiences.

Performance and KPI Reporting

• Accountable for ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of fundraising performance frameworks, KPIs and reporting disciplines.
• Use performance data and insight to improve team effectiveness, inform portfolio planning and resource recommendations, and identify opportunities for retention, renewal and growth.
• Oversee philanthropy portfolio data quality, reporting and forecasting, ensuring robust systems and processes.
• Ensure robust systems, processes and performance disciplines are in place to support delivery of agreed philanthropy portfolio objectives and wider fundraising goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and evidence-led decision-making across the philanthropy portfolio and direct team.

Donor Communications

• Provide strategic oversight of donor communications for the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring messaging is clear, compelling, timely and aligned to Impetus’ voice, values and evidence base.
• Work with Communications and Philanthropy colleagues to design and continuously improve philanthropic communications, including cases for support, proposals, pitches, stewardship materials and donor updates.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Philanthropy, providing direction, coaching and performance oversight within agreed strategy and priorities.
• Develop the Head of Philanthropy as the operational lead for stewardship, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across their team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and portfolio delivery, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, balancing pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising and stewardship capability across the team through coaching and consistent, fair and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen donor relationships, partnership value and long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

• Ensure philanthropy and selected new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
• Oversee accurate philanthropy pipeline reporting, forecasting and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insight informs portfolio planning and decision-making.
• Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
• Identify and escalate strategic, financial or reputational risks associated with donors, prospects and partnerships.

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

• Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
• Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
• Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are well managed and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
• Model Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across the philanthropy portfolio.

Strategic Leadership

• Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring stewardship, renewal and relationship growth contribute to organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
• Provide strategic oversight of philanthropy portfolio forecasting, budgeting input, pipeline performance and resource recommendations, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and escalated proactively.
• Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support donor stewardship, relationship growth and selected new business development.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen philanthropy portfolio performance and wider fundraising capability.
• Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, modelling Impetus’ values and supporting continuous improvement.

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

• Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
• Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
• Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
• Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.

Senior stakeholder engagement

• Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.

Leadership & people management

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
• A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
• Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
• Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
• Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.

Strategic & intellectual capability

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
• Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
• Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.

Financial, operational & delivery capability

• Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
• Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
• Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.

Communication, values & ways of working

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
• Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
• Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
• Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.