Head of principal gifts jobs

Help shape the future of dance.

Some fundraising roles support great organisations. This one helps shape an art form.

Sadler's Wells is one of the world's leading dance organisations; commissioning, producing and presenting more dance than anywhere else. From contemporary to hip hop, ballet to Bollywood, their work reaches millions of people across the UK and internationally while creating opportunities for artists and communities to thrive.

As they continue an exciting new chapter following the opening of Sadler's Wells East, they're looking for an exceptional fundraising leader to join them as Deputy Director of Philanthropy.

This newly created role offers a rare opportunity to build transformational relationships with philanthropists who believe in the power of dance to inspire, connect and create lasting change.

The opportunity

Working closely with the Director of Development, you'll lead the Major Gifts team, driving strategy and personally securing significant support from high-net-worth individuals. You'll develop and grow a portfolio of major, principal and transformational donors, creating compelling opportunities for investment that enable artists to take creative risks, new work to be commissioned and audiences around the world to experience extraordinary dance.

Alongside leading fundraising activity, you'll play a key role in shaping the future direction of philanthropy at Sadler's Wells, collaborating across the organisation, working alongside senior leadership, Trustees and influential supporters whilst helping build an ambitious culture of philanthropy.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a strong track record of securing six and seven-figure gifts from individual philanthropists.
• Builds authentic, long-term relationships with high-level donors and stakeholders.
• Is a strategic fundraising leader who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with hands-on fundraising.
• Can inspire, develop and lead high-performing teams.
• Has experience working within arts, culture or similarly complex relationship-led fundraising environments.
• Is excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of one of the world's most influential cultural organisations.

Experience of international philanthropy, US fundraising or legacy giving would be welcomed but isn't essential.

Why Sadler's Wells?

This is much more than a fundraising role.

You'll join an organisation driven by creativity, inclusion, collaboration and innovation, where philanthropy directly enables artists to create bold new work and ensures dance remains accessible to audiences and communities.

Alongside a salary of £60,000–£70,000, you'll benefit from:

• Hybrid and flexible working.
• 25 days annual leave plus additional service leave.
• Pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Interest-free season ticket loan and Cycle to Work scheme.
• Staff ticket opportunities and café discounts.
• A genuinely inclusive workplace committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Application

Sadler's Wells welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourages applications from individuals whose experiences and perspectives will strengthen the diversity of the organisation.

At Valued Recruitment, we're proud to be partnering exclusively with Sadler's Wells on this appointment. We believe recruitment should be inclusive, transparent and human. If you'd benefit from any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, we'd love to hear from you.

Closing date: Sunday 2nd August
1st Stage Interviews (virtual): 10th and 11th August  
2nd Stage Interviews (in person): 18th & 20th August

The Freedom Fund

The Freedom Fund is a global non-profit dedicated to ending modern slavery. Since 2014, we’ve invested over $100 million into frontline organisations and coalitions, helping to shift power to local actors and create lasting systems change. Our new strategy doubles down on this commitment, investing in anti-slavery movements, fostering collaboration, and working as a trusted partner to the incredible people and organisations driving this work forward. 

About the position

The Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager - Individual Philanthropy (SSPM) is a key member of the Freedom Fund’s partnerships team, responsible for developing and implementing the organisation’s individual fundraising strategy. Based in New York and reporting to the Head of Strategic Partnerships, the postholder will work collaboratively with colleagues across the U.S. and U.K. to build and steward a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and help shape the broader strategic partnerships strategy.

This is a strategic, high-autonomy role with responsibility for building and managing a global portfolio of individual donors and prospects, guiding them through all stages of the donor lifecycle - from identification and cultivation to solicitation and stewardship. The SSPM will lead the design and execution of a donor experience strategy to enhance engagement, deepen relationships, and increase long-term support. They will design, curate and host donor salons, convenings, and engagement events in New York City and other priority cities, in order to grow our networks and generate new leads. They will also manage and coordinate the strategic involvement of senior leadership - including the CEO, Managing Director of External Relations, and Head of Strategic Partnerships - in high-level donor engagement.

Interview process: 2 stage interview process: week commencing  29th July 2026
Please see the job description for all details.

George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a Senior Philanthropy Officer to lead the school’s individual giving and legacy fundraising initiatives, and support major programmes and campaigns. Develop strong relationships with donors and our alumni community to grow philanthropic income and long-term engagement. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Individual Giving 

• Lead the planning, execution and optimisation of individual giving efforts. Manage campaign setup, timelines, assets, and donor experience.  

• Monitor performance and analyse results to drive continuous improvement in participation, engagement, and revenue.  

• Collaborate with Admissions and Marketing, and other internal teams, to source and develop compelling content.  

• Along with the Head of Development, manage a fundraising communications calendar and play a leading role in content creation.  

• Collaborate with the Admissions and Marketing team to ensure website content, landing pages, and donation pages support digital giving goals.  

• Execute fundraising strategies in partnership with the Head of Development. Build, segment, code, and deploy emails to support giving campaigns and organisational priorities.  

• Manage a portfolio of donors linked to specific programmes and campaigns. 

Legacies  

• Plan and deliver multi-channel legacy marketing campaigns (print, digital, events)  

• Build and maintain relationships with legacy pledgers and prospects  

• Deliver high-quality, sensitive stewardship to recognise and retain legacy supporters  

• Organise events and communications to engage legacy supporters  

• Produce compelling and sensitive legacy messaging and materials  

Campaign/Programmes 

• Manage and grow the patrons programme, including recruitment, retention, and upgrades  

• Develop a clear donor journey, including benefits, communications, and recognition  

• Monitor performance against income targets and KPIs  

• Work in collaboration with Heads of the Creative Arts programmes to monitor and administer funds for maximum impact across the arts 

Foundation Places and Enrichment Fund 

• Support impact reporting and administration of discrete aspects of our widening access programmes. 

• Manage application process to the Enrichment Fund, including managing enquiries, disbursements and liaison with Finance. 

• Any other duties related to these programmes as directed by senior staff. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE 

Essential: 

• Relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent professional experience  

• Demonstrable experience in Individual Giving, Direct Marketing or Legacy fundraising, with an annual income return of 6+ figures  

• Proven track record of delivering successful multi-channel campaigns  

• Strong understanding of supporter journeys, acquisition and retention  

• Skilled in data analysis, performance tracking and forecasting   

• Proficiency with graphic design tools, experience with Canva would be an advantage.  

• Demonstrable experience with Raisers Edge, or similar CRM system 

• Ability to manage complex projects and programs and deliver to set KPI and timelines 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

• Experience with content writing, brand voice, and digital fundraising best practices.  

• Ability to build and foster relationships across business functions.  

• Understanding of charity law, GDPR and best practices in fundraising  

• Commitment to high level of professional standards  

• Genuine appreciation of George Watson’s College’s mission and the ability to communicate it  

Desirable: 

• Fundraising or marketing qualification such as CIOF accreditation or CIM qualifications. 

• Event management experience  

• Experience of working in the education or charity sectors  

• Understanding of the Independent School sector   

Help shape the future of education by building a vibrant community as our new Development and Alumni Relations Officer. You will connect former students, parents, and local groups to create life-changing opportunities. It’s a dynamic role where your people skills, organisation, and passion will make a lasting impact.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Make an Impact: Directly support the transformational power of education by engaging the community in the lives of our students.
• Never a Dull Moment: Enjoy a varied workload where "no two days are the same".
• Connect with People: Build meaningful rapport across a wide network of former students, staff, and parents.

What You'll Do

• Event Management: Coordinate everything from casual coffee mornings to formal reunions and careers events.
• Communications & Media: Source inspiring stories, draft newsletter copy, and utilize traditional and digital media.
• Relationship Building: Act as the primary bridge between the department and the local community.
• Administration & Database: Maintain accurate records and ensure smooth day-to-day departmental operations.

Who We Are Looking For

• A "real people person" who excels at making authentic connections and building rapport with others
• A highly organised problem-solver capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and with a meticulous eye for detail
• A self-motivated person with a 'can do' attitude and a willingness to lend a hand, whatever the task
• Someone with a genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

                                                                Donor Experience & Stewardship Manager

Salary £39,000 - £43,000 per annum - subject to skills and experience 

Hours of work 37.5 hours a week over five days

Base Hybrid working for the foreseeable future, with regular attendance in  the office two days a week, including Thursdays, at our central office:

· Pears Building, Pond Street, London, NW3 2PP

Other office days may be worked from other sites at:

· Barnet Hospital, Wellhouse Lane, Barnet, EN5 3DJ

· Chase Farm Hospital, 127 The Ridgeway, Enfield, EN2 8JL

The role

The donor experience & stewardship manager will report to the head of fundraising operations & strategy.

We are seeking a creative and driven donor experience manager to join our team on a permanent basis. Working alongside members of the wider team, you will lead on creating and delivering a gold-standard experience for major donors supporting the Royal Free Charity, showcasing the impact their support has across our hospital sites. Your efforts will play a key role in ensuring continued, uplifted support for the charity.

You will play an important role within our Fundraising Operations team, helping to build relationships, and increase income, in a pivotal year for the charity, after our silent phase capital campaign launch. Your role will have a varied workload, supporting both core fundraising and campaign stewardship. The role will offer significant scope for development, giving you the opportunity to develop your skillset in a supportive, ambitious, and high-performing team.

The team

Our dynamic fundraising department generated c.£4m through donations in 2025/26, and we are now preparing for an ambitious multi-million-pound campaign in support of a ground-breaking cancer centre on the site of the Royal Free Hospital.

We pride ourselves on being a supporter focused and agile function, working at the heart of the charity to deliver impact for patients and staff across our hospitals.

Responsible for attracting and retaining donors, and delivering an outstanding supporter experience, the fundraising department comprises three teams which work closely together to achieve our shared objectives:

· Our philanthropy & campaigns team builds relationships with individual philanthropists, trusts, foundations, corporate organisations and intermediaries, giving or facilitating donations of £10,000 or more to the charity each year. They lead major appeal activity for the charity, currently focused on our cancer campaign, and special events to support these activities.

· Our public fundraising team harnesses the support and energy of individuals and groups, helping them to give back in the way that works for them. This includes committed giving, in memory support, gifts in wills, and fundraising events and challenges.

· Our fundraising operations team provides operational support for our fundraising and the wider charity through the provision of data and systems support, prospect research, stewardship, gift processing, reporting and governance. We underpin the work of the entire department.

Organisation

The Royal Free Charity stands at the threshold of its most important period of development.

Our vision is for everyone served by the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (RFL) to have access to world-leading healthcare, delivered by a thriving workforce, and driven by medical research that has a global impact. We support the 17,000 staff of the RFL and their two million patients across Barnet, Chase Farm, North Mid and Royal Free hospitals and more than 30 NHS services.

Through the services we provide, and the programmes and equipment we fund, we make a profound and immediate difference to patients’ experiences of care.

The recruitment process

To apply for this post, send your:

• CV (please include your last employer and dates of employment)
• Cover letter addressing how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification,

Please note, that applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered for this role.

Closing date for application: Monday, 20 July 2026, 12 noon.

Interview date: Wednesday, 29 July 2026/ Thursday, 30 July 2026

Please kindly note that we may close the job advert before the closing date if we receive a large volume of applications.

• You must be eligible to work in the UK

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may require during the recruitment process. 

As an equal opportunities’ employer, the Royal Free Charity is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Royal Free Charity and act in line with our values of dedication, innovation, partnership, energy and respect.

Benefits:

Core benefits

· 25 days of paid holiday, plus three-day office closure rest period between Christmas and New Year, and UK bank holidays. This increases to 30 days leave after five completed years of continuous employment (all leave is pro rata for part-time employees).

· A contributory pension scheme, where we match your 4% contribution towards your pension. If you choose to increase your payments into your pension scheme, we’ll match your contribution up to 9%.

· A sick pay package that offers one month’s full pay and one month’s half pay in any 12-month period if you’ve been with us for less than two years. This rises to two months’ full pay and two months’ half pay in any 12-month period after two years of continuous employment.

· Occupational maternity pay and paternity pay packages that provide more generous support than statutory pay alone.

· A flexible working policy to support our employees’ work/life balance.

Support for your financial wellbeing

As a member of the Royal Free family, you’ll be entitled to benefit from:

· Expert financial advice from our financial partner, the London Credit Union

· Savings on purchases with the Blue Light Card

· Our Death in Service benefit

Support for your health and wellbeing

· Subsidised gym, pool and classes at our Rec Club in Hampstead

· Secure bicycle parking and shower facilities at our Hampstead site

· Guided meditation

· Menopause peer support group

· Employee Assistance Programme offering 24-hour access to free confidential advice and support on work and personal issues.