Head of philanthropy and special events jobs

Philanthropy and Partnerships fundraising at Alzheimer's Research UK has grown significantly over recent years. The Directorate has a strong track record of soliciting seven-figure donations and winning significant corporate partnerships with well-known and well-loved brands such as Omaze, Cadbury, Warburtons, Roadchef and Dobbies.

We are now building upon this success and have launched a new, significant fundraising campaign. This campaign will help drive further transformational growth, from income across major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporate partners. Ultimately, it will help us fund cutting-edge research that will bring forward the day when we can diagnose, treat and prevent dementia. 

As part of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Leadership Team, and working closely with the senior stakeholders across ARUK, the Head of Philanthropy will lead the organisation’s work with our philanthropy audiences (namely major donors, trusts and foundations). Under the banner of the new campaign, the Head of Philanthropy will define and implement the team’s strategy, ensuring it supports the charity’s vision, mission and strategic objectives. 

The Head of Philanthropy will lead a Directorate of approximately 8-10 people and line manage three team members (namely the Philanthropy Executive and two Philanthropy Managers).

The role holder will also personally lead on relationships with a small group of ARUK’s most generous supporters, and prospective supporters, across Philanthropy audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy, finance and reporting

· Work with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships and Partnerships to lead on the strategy for the Philanthropy Team, including leading on the Ops plan, budgeting and strategy for the team.

· Grow Philanthropy income at Alzheimer’s Research UK, in line with agreed targets and expenditure.

· Monitor progress against targets, adjusting as necessary.

· Provide direction, guidance and support across the Philanthropy team.

· Evaluate reporting methods across the team and ensure they facilitate the accurate recording of the Philanthropy team’s fundraising activities.

· Represent the Philanthropy team at Head level internally.

Fundraising

· Manage a small portfolio of key current and prospective donors, building strategic relationships at the very highest level and delivering six and seven-figure gifts.

· Build a network of Senior Volunteers, working with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to ensure the team are maximising the opportunities available through our President, Chair and other senior stakeholders.

· Develop a thorough understanding of ARUK’s projects, policies and activities to enable you to articulate the mission of our work and inspire people to join us.

· Present and pitch to potential supporters and donors, managing high-level meetings where relevant and engaging other appropriate senior representation when needed.

· Ensure high-quality management of existing supporter relationships, making sure supporters find giving to ARUK rewarding and enjoyable.

· Tailor and develop Cases for Support to attract support for the work of ARUK’s projects.

· Manage and attend events and meetings with external representatives and involving the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, CEO and other colleagues and volunteers.

· Work with senior and scientific staff, empowering them to build relationships with current and prospective supporters.

· Explore the opportunities for cross-team working, especially, but not limited to the Corporate Fundraising and Celebrity teams.

Line Management and people management

· Inspire, motivate, challenge and support individuals and teams within the Philanthropy team. Promote collaborative working across the team and with other teams across the charity, developing a culture of innovation, openness, accountability and resourcefulness.

· Line manage three members of staff, namely two Philanthropy Managers and the Donor Relations Manager, actively empowering, coaching and supporting them to develop their teams’ operational plans and deliver on key priorities.

· Set clear goals, objectives and KPIs for each team member and provide them with the ongoing guidance and support they need to reach them.

· Role model and actively embed Alzheimer’s Research UK values and behaviours across all activities, and champion the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

· Provide strong leadership and support to the Philanthropy Team, through coaching, mentoring and developing individuals to enable them to effectively carry out their role.  Carry out performance appraisal meetings and effectively promote team building and collaborative working to deliver the strategic and operational plans.

· Ensure all Philanthropy and Partnerships activity is conducted to the highest standards and in line with the strategic priorities, developing consistent and rigorous methods for measuring success and sharing knowledge/outcomes across the team, department, and wider charity.

Communications

· Work closely with the Finance team to ensure all grants are correctly allocated and used, and conditions met

· Liaise and work with the Research team and the Communications team to produce accurate and timely reports and applications

· Stay up to date with ARUK’s research and other news to be able to communicate effectively with supporters, disseminating the charity’s key messages both among the team and to key supporters.

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

· Demonstrable knowledge and experience of major gift fundraising.

· Thorough understanding of managing a team of fundraisers.

· Experience of developing and implementing fundraising strategies.

· Proven track record in establishing, monitoring and achieving ambitious fundraising targets.

· Experience of managing a Philanthropy team to deliver significant income growth.

· Excellent communicator, with an ability to build relationships and inspire confidence and respect at all levels.

· Demonstrates strong negotiation, influencing and decision-making skills, with an ability to present arguments logically and confidently

· Excellent listening skills, receptive to feedback and demonstrates flexibility, curiosity and an ability to learn.

· Strong team player who can work both independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

· Confident and engaging presenter with an ability to adapt style to suit the audience and react/manage short lead times.

· Excellent planning and organisational skills, with an ability to work to deadlines and reprioritise work in accordance with the organisational needs.

· Highly motivated and target driven, with an ability to demonstrate a proactive and pragmatic approach and identify ways to deliver creative and innovative solutions.

· Strong attention to detail with an ability to remain calm under pressure

· Strong ethical standards and a high level of personal integrity.

· Excellent IT skills in PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £70,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 4th May 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via the website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.

We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK

Are you an experienced Development Executive looking to make a meaningful impact? Join the Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) team within Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) at the University of Oxford to make a difference within a globally renowned institution.

About the Role

This is an opportunity to join Oxford’s DAE team and to make a significant contribution in support of the mission of one of the world’s leading universities.

The Development Executive is a professional fundraiser (ordinarily with some prior experience), with responsibility for devising, implementing, and collaborating on approaches to high-level philanthropic donors, and for working with DAE and academic colleagues to articulate cases for support, develop fundraising strategy and raise funds for priorities at the Ashmolean, Bodleian, Pitt Rivers Museum, Museum of Natural History, History of Science Museum and Botanic Garden and Arboretum.

Location: University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD / GLAM sites across Oxford.

Salary: Grade 7: annual progression from £39,424 - £47779 per annum, with a possible extension to £51,983 per year, including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 (pro rata)

Contract: Full Time (37.5 hours), Permanent 

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.

• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.

• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.

• An excellent contributory pension scheme.

• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.

• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About You

Essential Criteria (See full list in the attached Job Description)

• Prior fundraising experience and direct involvement in securing major gifts

• An ability to think both strategically and tactically about the relations between potential donors and fund-raising goals

• Excellent communication skills

• Demonstrable ability to show highly nuanced sensitive and good judgement when working with key internal and external stakeholders

• The candidate must work well in a team

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement

• Your CV

• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 11 May 2026

Interviews will take place on 19 May 2026, and will be held face-to-face.

This role supports the Philanthropy Manager, Special Events and Committees, and the Senior Event Manager by delivering end‑to‑end event support for our portfolio of special events, including Recital 4 Research, an opera recital and reception; The Royal Marsden Cup, our annual golf day; and the Ever After Garden, our annual remembrance garden. Your role will include coordinating speakers, liaising with suppliers, managing volunteers, supporting in donor meetings, and writing donor communications. You will play an important part in delivering income growth from high value fundraising committees, special events and tribute funds.

This role also leads on prize donor stewardship, identifying opportunities for the Charity to be a beneficiary of an event, and events administration. Your support will ensure that as a team we deliver outstanding donor experiences and event outcomes.

We are a high performing team, and this role presents an exciting opportunity to play a vital part in helping us to realise our ambition whilst developing your career within an ambitious organisation. 

About you 

You will have a proven ability and passion for relationship building and be a high performing fundraiser with experience of delivering fundraising events. You will be ambitious and proactive and relish the opportunity to support the Charity to achieve its goals. 

Why join us? 

We’re a values-driven Charity committed to saving lives by funding world-leading research, treatment, and care at The Royal Marsden. You’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious and kind team, with plenty of opportunities for learning and development. 

What we offer 

• Competitive salary of £33,000-£35,000 

• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton 

• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm 

• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service 

• Training, support and development opportunities 

• Access to the Blue Light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities 

• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes 

• Opportunities for training and career development 

Prospectus is excited to be supporting our client in their search for a Philanthropy Manager.

Our client is a space for creative ideas, connections and the opportunity to make change. From small beginnings in 2008, they have grown into a global network of women and allies from all walks of life who are bonded by the collective aim to live in a world where women and girls’ equal rights and equal opportunities are the norm.

The organisation are reviewing applications and interviewing on a rolling basis. Please do apply now and we will be in touch!

This is a 2-year fixed-term contract role (with view to become a permanent position), paying a salary of £40,000 to £42,000 per annum. This is primarily a homebased role; the postholder is expected to travel to London at least twice a month for meetings and events.

The Philanthropy Manager will work closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, and the CEO to develop fundraising opportunities and drive income via major donors, corporates, global foundations and special events. You will support with cultivating and stewarding key relationships and funders, deepening relationships and maximizing their potential by creating new funding opportunities and calls to action.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced high-value fundraiser and a confident relationship manager. You will have demonstrable experience in securing 5-figure gifts from major donors and trusts and foundations and a track record of working with high profile supporters.

If you are interested in applying to this position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

Prospectus and the organisation are invested 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 Ariha Semontee at Prospectus.

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We offer more than just a career, we offer the opportunity to support our global movement in a dynamic and inclusive environment with a real focus on personal development.

We are seeking an experienced, Glasgow-based fundraiser to join us as a Regional Development Officer. In this role, you’ll be a confident, visible champion for Mary’s Meals, someone who knows the city, understands its communities, and can build relationships that spark action. You’ll bring boldness and creativity to your work, whether delivering inspiring talks in churches and schools, making fundraising asks or forging genuine partnerships with local businesses and networks.

Using your deep knowledge of Glasgow’s people and places, you will identify high‑potential opportunities, grow income and participation, and cultivate a committed local movement of supporters and volunteers. Through strategic, outward‑facing work, you’ll turn first conversations into committed, long‑term support that strengthens our movement and fuels our mission.

Working closely with the Head of Scotland, you will co‑design and deliver a local growth plan shaped by the pulse of your region. You will represent Mary’s Meals across faith communities, schools, community groups, business networks, and key connectors, bringing energy, authenticity, and a passion for our mission.

Highly autonomous, you’ll combine insight, data, and local intuition to focus on areas of greatest opportunity. You’ll collaborate across the organisation to create seamless supporter journeys and tell compelling, meaningful stories. Everything you do will reflect Mary’s Meals’ warmth, simplicity, and dignity.

Key responsibilities include

• Work with the Head of Scotland to create and deliver an insight‑driven regional growth plan, with clear priorities around income, visibility, and volunteer mobilisation.
• Use local knowledge, data, and community insight to focus your time on the strongest opportunities for growth.
• Balance relationship‑building with a proactive, opportunity-led approach, identifying new supporters, networks, and partnerships and developing them from prospective supporters into committed donors.
• Actively network across Glasgow to initiate new meetings, build connections, and follow up purposefully.
• Represent Mary’s Meals with authenticity and enthusiasm across schools, churches, parishes, universities, community groups, and local businesses.
• Deliver engaging talks, assemblies, parish visits, small events, networking sessions, and partnership meetings that increase income, participation, and visibility.
• Build a diverse pipeline of leads and partnerships that reflect Glasgow’s communities and faith landscape.
• Create the environment for a strong volunteer network and empower volunteers through thoughtful delegation, coaching, encouragement, and recognition.

• Strengthen local visibility by nurturing community connectors and supporting appropriate local media engagement.

Please see the recruitment pack on our website for full list of duties.

To apply for the role of Regional Development Officer based at Mary’s Meals UK, please follow the apply instructions on Charity Job where you will be redirected to our website.

Your covering letter or video should make a compelling case for why you feel motivated to apply for this role within Mary’s Meals UK, as well as giving a concise overview of your most relevant skills and experience, and should fill no more than two pages of A4.

Applicants must hold full right to work in the UK.

We welcome applications from candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse charity providing a supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.

Closing date for applications is Friday, 8th May

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

Please note: If you have any special requirements or adjustments before an interview, please let us know.

The Fundraising Assistant will be an integral part of a dynamic and unstoppable fundraising department. The role will be a chance for someone to learn about all types of fundraising whilst meeting with a diverse range of supporters and generating funds for the charity across a range of income streams.

For this role you will need to have great attention to detail, be highly organised as well as the ability to be flexible as things can change quickly in fundraising. You will also have the enthusiasm and willingness to learn new skills and the confidence to pick up the phone and bring positivity and joy to our supporters. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to learn about fundraising in a busy, fun and supportive environment.

At Sarcoma UK, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Benefits:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• 25 days holiday entitlement per annum plus bank holidays and the working days between Christmas and New Year
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Volunteering day per year
• Enhanced sick, maternity and adoption pay
• Sarcoma UK Life Insurance Scheme
• Health and wellbeing:
  • Health Cash Plan
  • Therapy sessions
  • Wellbeing Group
  • Team activities throughout the year
• Interest-free season ticket and bicycle loan

Our Promise: 

Everything we do is shaped by the people affected by sarcoma.

Our work is guided by five commitments:

• We are shaped and driven by people affected by sarcom: we listen to and learn from the experiences of patients and families.
• We are committed to equity: everyone affected by sarcoma should be able to access the same quality of care, information and support.
• We collaborate to make a bigger impact: we work with healthcare professionals, researchers, organisations and policymakers to achieve more together.
• We uphold the highest standards: we use evidence and expertise to push for better care, treatment and research.
• We are relentlessly ambitious: sarcoma is decades behind other cancers. We will use every opportunity to close that gap.

Duties and key responsibilities

Fundraising Support

• Provide administration and operational support across the fundraising team.
• Respond promptly and professionally to fundraising enquiries via post, email, and phone, offering support, guidance and thanking donors and fundraisers.
• Develop excellent and enduring relationships with current and potential supporters.
• Send fundraising materials (including t-shirts, information packs, etc.) to supporters.
• Support challenge event fundraising by stewarding fundraisers, providing logistical support and administrative duties.
• Support the delivery of community campaigns, concentrating on the innovative fundraising elements, and providing stewardship to fundraisers.
• Support the planning and delivery of campaigns and special events and provide on the day support.
• Provide research support across the whole fundraising team, which may include researching corporates, trusts and foundations and community fundraising opportunities.
• Keep up to date with the work of the charity and communicate this to supporters in a compelling manner.
• Represent Sarcoma UK at events as required.

 Administrative Support

• Monitor the fundraising section on Sarcoma UK’s website, ensuring all fundraising pages are kept up to date and relevant.
• Produce regular reports on fundraising activities, including data from JustGiving, Enthuse, and GoFundMe, ensuring accurate tracking and evaluation.
• Work with the database and fundraising teams to evaluate and analyse fundraising activities. 
• Contribute to the smooth running of the organisation, assisting with general office and digital administrative tasks and ensuring processes are followed consistently.

 Stock and Online Shop

• Monitor Sarcoma UK’s online shop, and ecommerce platform. Ensuring it is regularly updated with accurate product listings and that orders are processed efficiently, meeting supporter expectations.
• Assist with maintaining external storage unit and keeping records of the contents.
• Liaise with suppliers, process orders, and ensure smooth fulfilment of orders.
• Research and create new merchandise and fundraising materials, keeping up to date with new trends and ensure offering is fresh and innovative.

Other

• Maintain accurate and up to date supporter records on Sarcoma UK’s database (Raiser’s Edge).
• To undertake all duties in line with the Sarcoma UKs policies, procedures and regulations ensuring that the work.
• The post holder will be working in a developing environment, and they will therefore be required to undertake other appropriate duties as necessary for the efficient operation of Sarcoma UK.

The Corporate & Commercial Partnerships Manager is responsible to account manage the largest financial partnerships secured by the Corporate Partnerships team (£50k+) and ensure these accounts are managed to the highest standard to deliver maximum income.
In this role you will also grow the Licensing programme and manage licensees, and retailer relationships, through Battersea’s licensing agency.
You will also deliver long-term, multi-faceted relationships with corporates, retailers and licensees with the aim of securing future income that meet Battersea’s strategic objectives.

What we can offer you:
In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year.
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution.
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans.

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Our hybrid working model:
We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.

Diversity and inclusion:
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best. If you would like to talk more about this, please contact us. Greyscale copies of the recruitment pack are also available on request.

More about us:
At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Acceptable use of AI:
At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.

To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.

Closing date: 3rd May 2026
All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

Interview date(s):
First Stage (online - questions) - w/c 11th May 2026
Second Stage (in person - questions and task) - w/c 25th May 2026

For more information about the role, please download our Recruitment pack.

To apply for the role, please click the "Redirect to recruiter" button.