Head of research and development jobs

This position is offered on a full-time basis, though we welcome applications from candidates interested in working 3–4 days per week

This is a really exciting time to lead on Service Design at UK Youth. The Government’s recently-launched National Youth Strategy represents a shift in youth work’s recognition. UK Youth is about to launch its own new Strategy and we have big ambitions for the coming year – in this crucial leadership role, you’ll drive forward our ambition to design, test and scale the very best solutions to the challenges faced by young people and the professionals supporting them. 

UK Youth’s Impact Function has grown over the last year – we’re investing in the power of evidence, human-centred design and influential storytelling to improve the equity and effectiveness of youth work. Join us and help build a society that backs every young person – through each spark, struggle, and success.​

Purpose of the job

This role is responsible for the design of UK Youth’s support to young people, youth organisations and youth workers. This could include structured youth work programmes, funding and grants+ programmes, professional development initiatives, and campaigns.

You will lead and oversee end-to-end design processes, ensuring that UK Youth develops fully packaged offers that respond to the evidence base and people’s needs, drive forward our strategy and achieve incredible impact. You will work across UK Youth teams, with external design partners, and meaningfully involving young people and the professionals who support them in the design process.

You will be experienced in developing high quality funding propositions (proactively and in response to new business opportunities). You will be confident in taking a human-centred design approach to tackle some of the youth sector’s knottiest problems.  You will design solutions to important problems, ensuring that they are feasible, equitable, impactful and scalable.

In 2026, our priority topics for youth work programmes and network development are: mental health and wellbeing, employability, social cohesion and community safety.

 As a leader, you will work closely with research, evaluation, policy, service delivery, network development, and fundraising teams. You will help to improve the skills and confidence of colleagues across UK Youth to apply design methods in their own work and collaborate effectively with the Design team.

Why work at UK Youth?

UK Youth wants all young people to be equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. Youth work can be life changing (and even life saving.) In 2026, we will be launching our new strategy, positioning UK Youth to unlock youth work so that every young person in the UK can benefit. We work with others to ensure that the youth sector is strengthened and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed, and delivers high-quality outcomes.

 UK Youth plays a unique role in addressing the lack of investment in the youth sector, the lack of cross-sector understanding in how youth work makes a difference, and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions. These factors lead to mass inequality of access to youth services for young people. Come and be part of this change in a driven and supportive team that puts evidence at the heart of our work.

Role Responsibilities

• Designing Solutions

• Developing new business and funding propositions

• Embedding Human Centred Design

• Building a strong external network to support the Design team’s work

• Operations

Experience we're after

• Significant experience of leading and overseeing the development of new business propositions and proposals to time-limited funding opportunities

• Significant experience of designing interventions (digital and/or physical) for young people and/or those who support them 

• Experience using human-centred-design methods and mindsets; managing projects across the end-to-end design process

• Proven track record of inspiring and motivating diverse teams and improving collaborative ways of working across teams and departments

• Experience of developing high quality programme content and curricula for young people, youth workers and/or outdoor learning instructors (desirable)

• Experience of commissioning and managing external design freelancers and consultants (desirable)

• Experience of designing and/or delivering professional development programmes (desirable)

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: 25th March 2026 at 23:59pm (midnight)

Provisional Interview Dates: 1st and 2nd April (In person at our London Office)

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

About the role

We are seeking an ambitious, strategic and relationship-driven Head of Corporate and Employer Partnerships to lead and deliver a national, high-impact partnerships strategy. This role is central to our growth plans and will generate sustainable income, deepen corporate and employer engagement and create tangible employment outcomes for young people. You will combine commercial instinct with social purpose - building partnerships that deliver measurable impact for young people and clear strategic value for corporate and employer partners. 

Key information

• Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 dependant on experience
• Contract: Full time, Monday-Friday, 9.30 – 5.30mpm with some out of hours work needed for events such as Spear Celebration
• Annual leave: 28 days annual leave (including Christmas gift days) plus bank holidays
• Closing date: Friday 27th March, 09.30am (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate)

For more information please read through our Job Specification and Work with Us Pack.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Person Specification

• A practising Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Spear, and our mission to equip and support young people facing barriers to employment
• Significant senior-level experience in corporate fundraising, corporate social responsibility, business development or strategic partnerships
• Significant experience within the corporate sector, with an established network of relationships across national businesses and employers
• Proven experience of delivering growth strategies and achieving income target, with a strong track record of securing and managing high-value (£100k+) partnerships
• Demonstrable experience of leading and developing high-performing teams
• Credible, confident and persuasive communicator with excellent relational skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, including C-suite
• Resourceful and proactive, ability to manage multiple priorities, drive projects forward to completion and establish effective processes and structures

We are an office-based organisation and value the collaboration and opportunities to work creatively and build community that this offers us, with staff spending time in the working week both at home and in the London office.

Fauna & Flora is seeking a well-organised team player to join the Institutional Funding team and support the delivery of Fauna & Flora’s institutional funding strategy in the fast-evolving external context. Other organisations may call this role Programme Funding Officer / Coordinator; Institutional Funding Officer; Business Development Officer.

Reporting to the Head of Institutional Funding, you will help the organisation keep abreast of the external landscape. This will include leading on researching in-country funding opportunities from institutional sources (such as Defra, FCDO, EU, AFD, climate and environment multilateral funds and multi-donor pooled funds) and producing/maintaining up-to-date briefs on priority donor strategies to support programme teams in both pre-positioning and submissions. You will work across the statutory funding portfolio, critiquing proposals, providing editing and formatting support, and ensuring that all documents produced for donors meet their criteria, as well as follow Fauna & Flora’s approval and submission procedures. In addition, there will be scope to manage smaller bid submissions, engaging directly with colleagues across our conservation programme teams.

Excellent relationship-management and communications skills are essential to the role. The ideal candidate has some experience working with institutional donors and is comfortable pivoting between ongoing research-based tasks and short-term, deadline driven tasks. We are looking for somebody with the ability to analyse complex information and present it in an accessible format, who also enjoys working in a dynamic environment where the ability to respond swiftly to changing organisational and team needs is paramount.

In return, the role offers the opportunity to work within a ground-breaking and entrepreneurial organisation, at the forefront of global conservation delivering over 80 projects in more than 40 countries. In addition, Fauna & Flora offers a generous pension contribution, attractive annual leave allowance and life insurance. Our offices are located in The David Attenborough Building in central Cambridge, just a few minutes’ walk from glorious historic buildings and museums, the picturesque River Cam, the central market and shopping centre, and a host of cafés and restaurants. Our current hybrid working policy offers partial remote working within the UK, the current minimum expectation for this role is one day per week in the office

Please visit our website and download the job application pack for further details on how to apply.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 29 March 2026. Interviews are likely to take place during 10-17 April – please indicate in your cover letter if you will not have any availability during this period.

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), one of the world’s foremost independent international policy and research organisations, is seeking an outstanding fundraising and communications leader to work alongside our Executive Director and senior team.

Following the launch of our strategy - Manifesto for a Thriving World – and a recent organisational restructure, we decided to bring the functions of fundraising and communications together under a single Director. This is a tactical move, appreciating our funding sources, audiences, and how to reach them are quickly shifting, with the need to think differently about our brand, positioning, use of technology and relationships.

You will lead and shape our strategy in these areas, while also managing strong existing teams and being a key voice in IIED’s governing bodies. You will be the focal point for our institutional funding partnerships and take accountability for achieving a fundraising target and set of objectives. You will be at the heart of guiding IIED’s impact-focused communications, brand, marketing and influencing approach, as well as creating a reinforcing positive trajectory by connecting fundraising and communications. 

In joining IIED, you will have the opportunity to work with creative, innovative and committed colleagues striving to achieve IIED’s six propositions. You will be part of an organisation hosting the Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, supporting the Least Developed Countries in international negotiations and delivering highly influential research, events and equitable partnerships tackling climate change, nature loss and inequality. 

About Us
IIED is an international policy and research organisation working to build a fairer, more sustainable world, in partnership with others across the globe.

• We stand up: challenging the systems and structures that perpetuate economic, social and environmental injustice – acknowledging our own role in this.
• We speak out: calling out the big blockers that prevent progress for communities and working to amplify voices, redistribute power and strengthen rights.
• We innovate: developing, co-producing and supporting evidence-based ideas to drive progress towards a thriving world for all.
• We collaborate: building connections at local, national and international levels, to support diverse partners to tackle the climate, nature and inequality crises so that people and the planet can thrive. Come and be part of this exciting journey with us

The Benefits
- Salary of £78,715 - £91,102 per annum dependent on experience
- 25 days' annual leave per year, plus bank holidays and additional leave over Christmas
- 7.5% employer pension contributions
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Employee protection scheme (life, critical illness, income protection)

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a senior fundraising and communications leader with significant experience in an international NGO or charity settings to join our globally influential organisation at a moment of strategic transformation.

About You
To be considered as the Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will need:

• Significant experience leading fundraising functions, delivering multi-stream income generation strategies
• Significant experience overseeing a broad communications portfolio, including research communications, brand positioning, digital engagement and media, and internal communications.
• An impressive track record in securing large-scale funding and have exceptional communications and influencing skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership experience in multi-cultural environments, building high-performing, values-led teams.
• The willingness and ability to travel internationally.

If you are ready for a career-defining role at a pivotal point for our organisation and the global community, we are waiting to hear from you.

The closing date for this role 24 March 2026.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce, including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

So, if you want to become our Director of Fundraising and Communications, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.

The University of Oxford is searching for a Development Executive (Fundraising) that will raise vital philanthropic support for priority areas of research in the Medical Sciences Division.

• Location: Oxford – hybrid working may be an option
• Salary: Grade 7: £39,424 - £47,779 per annum with possible extension to £51,983 – plus an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).
• Contract: Full Time/Part Time (0.8 FTE minimum), Permanent

Why Medical Sciences?

Oxford is one of the world’s leading biomedical universities recognised for its outstanding quality and depth across the medical research spectrum - from genes to molecules, to big data and populations. With the honour of 12 Nobel Laureates over its long and distinguished history, the Division is consistently at the forefront of innovative and lifesaving science.

The extraordinary depth and breadth of medical skills at Oxford is devoted to identifying the causes of disease, improving diagnosis and developing effective treatments and prevention. The Division is particularly interested in the “big” diseases where millions of lives can be saved – cancer, and infectious diseases such as malaria and pandemic preparedness. It also has world-leading research programmes in cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis and osteoporosis and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

What this role entails?

The Medical Sciences Divisional development team works collaboratively with colleagues across the Division and across the Development and Alumni Engagement team at the University of Oxford.

This is a key role within the team and the post holder will have the opportunity to work with donors and academics. Development at Oxford is well established and this role has the scope to work across a number of important and high-profile projects related to the medical sciences.

The post holder will manage a portfolio of more than 100 major gifts prospects. They will be responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of potential donors able to support projects in the Medical Sciences Division at Oxford, typically in the range of £100,000-£500,000 over time, alongside to supporting the fundraising activity of the Head of Development – Medical Sciences.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven fundraising experience in a complex organisation and direct involvement in securing major gifts at the £50,000 level and above
• Ability to identify new donor prospects and engage with potential donors to successfully acquire new gifts
• Ability to think both strategically and tactically about the relations between potential donors and fund-raising goals
• Ability to establish credibility, confidence and robust relationships with existing and prospective donors, and key stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• An interest in the medical sciences
• An interest in higher education and ideally an understanding of the University of Oxford, and its goals in teaching and research

If you have experience in major gift fundraising, have excellent inter-personal skills, and are passionate about playing a role in enabling life-changing research then we would love to hear from you.

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.
• Membership to CASE
• 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.
• Training and development opportunities
• A comprehensive range of childcare services

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 18 March 2026.

Interviews will take place on 26/27 March 2026, and will be held in person.

Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

We are looking for an inspiring and experienced Head of Fundraising and Development to join our team at Dalgarno Trust. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about fundraising, communications, and making a real difference in the community.

Key Details:

• Salary: £38,500 for FTE (note this is a four-day role)
• Contract: Permanent
• Location: Dalgarno Trust Community Centre,(hybrid TBC)  North Kensington (with occasional off-site meetings)
• Hours: 4 days per week (28 hours), flexible by agreement
• Line management: Reports to the Chief Executive
• Deadline: 15th March
• Interviews: Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly to arrange an interview

Based in North Kensington, Dalgarno Trust is a vibrant community centre supporting local residents of all ages through health, wellbeing, education, training, and youth programmes. As the only community centre in this part of the borough, we play a vital role in bringing people together, tackling inequality, and strengthening community resilience.

As Head of Fundraising and Development, you will be a key member of our Core Team, working closely with the Chief Executive to secure and manage the resources that enable our work. This is a varied and hands-on role combining fundraising, CRM management, marketing and communications, and organisational administration, offering the opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact.

You will lead on researching and writing funding bids, managing relationships with funders, and ensuring that monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements are met. You will oversee and develop our CRM system (Salesforce), ensuring high-quality data, producing reports, and supporting colleagues through training. You will also play a central role in diversifying income through donations, sponsorships, commercial activity, and use of our assets.

Alongside fundraising, you will lead our marketing, communications, and promotion, keeping our website, social media, and noticeboards up to date, and ensuring our work is clearly and effectively communicated to the wider community. The role also includes administrative and HR support, such as assisting with recruitment processes, timesheets, training coordination, and ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice.

We are looking for someone highly organised, administratively confident, and comfortable working independently, while also enjoying collaboration with colleagues, partners, and community members. You will bring experience of community-based work, strong written and verbal communication skills, and a genuine commitment to equality, inclusion, and positive social change. 

This role offers flexibility in working hours and a supportive team environment, with the chance to shape and grow the organisation’s income and profile at an exciting time for Dalgarno Trust. 

Ad close date: Sunday 15 March

Interviews: 24 March 

Note: Previous applicants need not apply

Head of Mass Supporter Fundraising

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

We currently have employees working across four nations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.  

Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to deliver our ambitious new strategy, On a Mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a world where nobody dies of bowel cancer.

Are you an experienced fundraising leader who wants to be part of creating a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer? This could be the role for you!

Bowel Cancer UK is seeking an exceptional, growth-driven Head of Mass Supporter Fundraising to join our team. We have set a bold ambition to significantly increase income over the next five years, ensuring everyone diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK receives the support they need.

This is a rare opportunity to build and scale a data-led fundraising programme, increase our visibility in a competitive landscape, and develop a high-performing talented team capable of delivering sustained, multi-million-pound income growth. You will lead the development of transformational strategies and play a critical role in the management of the charities CRM to significantly scale revenue while ensuring digital innovation is at the heart of all strategic decision-making. You will take full ownership of mass supporter fundraising budgets and provide visionary leadership by directly managing team managers to foster a culture of professional growth.

The salary is £51,241, plus £2,000 London Weighting if applicable and a contributory pension scheme. The position is home-based UK-wide, with required travel to our London-based Hub space in Kennington. We offer 27 days of holiday, plus three discretionary days between Christmas and New Year in addition to statutory holidays, complimented by a range of brilliant staff benefits.

If you have a proven track record in digital acquisition, harnessing data to support decision-making, managing multi-million-pound budgets, and know what it takes to motivate and lead a brilliant team, we want to hear from you.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

The Salvation Army – Assistant Head of Legacy and In Memory Fundraising
Location: Hybrid working, 2 days in office, London SE5.
Salary: £53.952 – £57,055 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

The Salvation Army, the UK’s leading social welfare charity, is seeking an Assistant Head of Legacy and in Memory Fundraising to increase the number of In Memory donors and legacy supporters who will leave a future gift to the charity in their Wills.
The Salvation Army is one of the largest, most diverse providers of social and community services after the Government. With more than 600 local centres, they make a powerful difference to people across the UK who might otherwise be excluded.

The Assistant Head of Legacy and In Memory Fundraising is a senior role in the Legacy and In Memory Fundraising team, working alongside the Head of Legacy and In Memory Fundraising to drive activities after a significant and sustained investment in this area by the organisation.
The role will lead on the delivery of a multi-channel legacy marketing programme and championing legacy giving across the organisation. The post-holder will be responsible for establishing a year on year 10% increase in the number of legacy enquirers, considerers, intenders and pledgers to the charity, as well as establishing a new in memory fundraising programme that will increase annual income.
The successful candidate will have extensive expertise in all aspects of legacy and in memory fundraising and of project managing multiple campaigns across a range of channels, achieving and improving target revenues. You will have a track record in successful strategic planning, management and implementation of strategy and be a highly organised project manager able to work across simultaneous complex projects.

Your excellent leadership and people manager skills working and building high performing teams will be combined with strong financial management and analytical abilities. You will also be skilled in creative development and be an excellent communicator, able to influence at a senior level and to develop strong, successful, collaborative and influential working relationships. Finally, you must be able to work within, and be empathic with, the Christian ethos and values of The Salvation Army Mission.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 30th March, 9am

Make a difference every day with PDSA  

About Us   

Join us to help keep even more people and pets together when times are tough. For over a century, PDSA have provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship.    

We’re now on a journey to expand our reach to support even more people and their beloved pets. To achieve this ambitious goal, we need passionate and driven individuals who are ready to embrace change and help shape a future-focused PDSA. Together, we'll build a stronger organisation to ensure our services help those who need us most for the next hundred years.    

If you're ready to make a real difference and be part of a team that's creating positive change, we want you to join us. Let's build a brighter future for pets and their owners, together.   

About you  

This is a brand‑new role and an incredibly exciting time to join the team at PDSA. You’ll take the lead in developing a high‑impact prospect research function that underpins a strong pipeline of high‑value donors, trusts, and corporate partners.

In this role, you’ll deliver the insight, analysis, and intelligence that drive income generation, strengthen donor relationships, and shape fundraising strategy—ultimately helping us keep people and pets together when times are tough.

You’ll bring hands‑on experience in building prospect research pipelines, understanding donor behaviour, and using a wide range of tools to identify opportunities. You’re confident working with data, supporting major donor fundraising, and managing due diligence. You’ll also be comfortable navigating CRM systems and research platforms, and skilled at producing clear, actionable reports and briefings that help teams make informed decisions.

Please note that occasional travel will be required to our Head Office in Telford and to our Pet Hospital sites across the UK—typically a couple of times per month.

Rewards, support and benefits    

We’re really passionate about being a great place to work, somewhere people feel proud of what they do, connected to a meaningful purpose, and able to make a genuine difference every day. Our teams are collaborative and supportive, and we encourage everyone to bring their ideas, individuality and passion for pets to work with them.  

As well as a rewarding role and a positive, people-focused culture, we also offer a wide range of benefits, including:  

• Flexible working options to support your work–life balance and individual circumstances.  

• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays, with option to buy or sell an extra five days. 

• Three paid special days off: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day annually.  

• Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.  

• Life assurance providing four times your annual salary for added peace of mind.  

• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, with 24/7 wellbeing support   

• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts available through our staff Fetch benefits platform.  

• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to support you and your family.  

• 15% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.  

To apply for this role, click Apply Now at the top of the page, create a candidate account and complete our simple application form.     

PDSA is committed to embedding a culture of diversity and inclusion within our teams that reflect the communities we serve. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunities for flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds.   

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss via email or telephone reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the recruitment process.   

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.   

To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.   

Purpose of the Role

The Clinical & Research Lead role provides senior clinical leadership across Together for Short Lives’ most complex and high-profile programmes. The role leads the design and delivery of national clinical initiatives, strengthens clinical governance and safeguarding oversight, and builds the organisation’s research and evidence capability.

Working closely with the Head of Services & Impact, the postholder ensures programmes are credible, evidence-informed and deliver measurable impact for children, families and the wider sector. The role will lead work that strengthens professional practice, improves outcomes for families, and supports national sector development. The role involves significant external representation, national stakeholder engagement, programme planning, research and data oversight, and leadership of internal and external events.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

· Represent Together for Short Lives in national clinical, policy and professional forums, contributing to the organisation’s credibility and influence across the children’s palliative care sector.

· Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of internally hosted stakeholder meetings, including the Leaders of Care Forum and other professional engagement events.

· Provide professional and reflective input into complex organisational decisions relating to clinical practice, programme design and ethical engagement.

· Build strong relationships with practitioners across health, social care, education and voluntary-sector partners to support implementation of clinical programmes and foster collaboration.

· Engage with Integrated Care Boards, Strategic Clinical Networks, and children’s palliative care providers to ensure our work aligns with national priorities and regional needs.

Programme Leadership & Project Oversight

· Provide senior leadership for the planning, development and delivery of clinical and service-improvement projects, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy.

· Oversee the development of project briefs, initiation documents, outcome measures, risk registers, evaluation plans and implementation timelines.

· Hold responsibility for monitoring progress, quality assurance, and risk management, escalating concerns to the Head of Services & Impact as required.

· Coordinate cross-functional project teams and ensure effective collaboration with external organisations, hospices, NHS partners and charitable funders.

· Ensure projects are delivered within agreed scope, timelines and budgets.

· Support the development of robust programme models, theories of change and outcomes frameworks that strengthen the organisation’s ability to secure external funding.

· Contribute to the development of cases for support and programme proposals in collaboration with fundraising colleagues.

Research, Evidence & Insight

• Lead the organisation’s research prioritisation programme and support development of a national children’s palliative care research agenda.
• Build and maintain relationships with academic partners, research institutions and clinical leaders to strengthen the evidence base for children’s palliative care.
• Support development of evaluation frameworks that demonstrate impact, learning and outcomes across programmes.
• Contribute to the organisation’s longer-term ambition to develop a ‘Centre of Impact’, positioning Together for Short Lives as a national authority on evidence and insight in children’s palliative care.
• Ensure research and evaluation activity is ethically robust, appropriately governed and aligned with sector priorities.

Data, Impact & Reporting

· Provide oversight and leadership for data collection, monitoring and reporting processes across the Services & Impact portfolio.

· Line manage the Data & Impact Officer, ensuring robust reporting systems, high-quality data, and meaningful evaluation of programmes.

· Ensure outputs are translated into insights that demonstrate effectiveness, equity, reach and learning - supporting fundraising, influencing and strategic decision-making.

· Support development of improved feedback mechanisms from families and professionals to evidence the impact of support offers and clinical programmes.

Professional Support, Education & Sector Development

· Contribute to the development and dissemination of clinical resources, guidance, toolkits and training for professionals working with children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

· Support national programmes of work, including definitions of children’s palliative care, categories of need, standards, workforce development and professional education.

· Facilitate knowledge exchange and best-practice sharing across the sector through networks, events, workshops and targeted professional engagement.

· Deliver presentations, training sessions and clinical briefings to a wide range of audiences.

Family and Service Engagement

· Work with colleagues across the Services & Impact team and external partners to ensure projects reflect the lived experiences and priorities of children and families.

· Support co-production activities and ensure family voice is meaningfully incorporated into project design and evaluation.

· Promote and signpost to the Family Support Hub and relevant offers, ensuring clear and consistent messaging about available support.

Governance, Quality & Reporting

· Provide additional clinical oversight and challenge across the organisation’s work relating to safeguarding, ethical engagement and complex family situations.

· Contribute to strengthening organisational clinical governance processes and risk management.

· Provide expert advice to colleagues on safeguarding, ethical engagement with families, and complex clinical issues arising from programme work. Contribute to internal reporting cycles, board updates, quarterly programme reviews and funder reports.

· Maintain accurate project documentation, data dashboards and risk logs.

· Provide expert advice to colleagues and stakeholders on clinical considerations and best practice in children’s palliative care.

General Responsibilities

· Provide effective line management, supervision and support to allocated staff.

· Attend team meetings, leadership meetings and organisational events as required.

· Commit to continuous professional development and reflective practice.

· Undertake other duties relevant to the role as required by the Head of Services & Impact.

About Sophie Hayes Foundation

Sophie Hayes Foundation is a small but mighty charity supporting women survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking as they rebuild their independent lives, free from re exploitation for the long-term.

We provide an employability programme which enables survivors to rediscover their skills, build their confidence and sense of purpose, develop workplace skills, and open up opportunities for work placements or volunteering. We also offer a conversational English course, a digital skills programme, and run a survivor network CREW (Creative Resilient Empowered Women).

We do all we can to meet survivors where they are in a complex system, flexing and adapting to need as it arises. We also do not accept a system which fails survivors, leaving them at risk of re-exploitation, and engage in policy and advocacy campaigns based on our lived and learnt experience.

In the words of our participants, “The Programme changed my life’s trajectory. We explored our purpose and discussed the idea of work and career as a central part. Sophie Hayes Foundation should not underestimate how much it plays a big role in people's lives.”

About the Role

We can’t do any of this work without brilliant and concerted fundraising efforts. SHF is independent and relies on funds from grant-making bodies, individuals, and businesses in our supporter community.

This role will be at the forefront of the realisation of SHF’s bold strategic ambitions. You will work alongside our small and dynamic executive team to unlock growth, develop new approaches and communicate our impact.

You will build a lead small, effective and positive fundraising and communications team.

You will develop deep and meaningful relationships with the individuals and organisations while support SHF’s work – and new supporters we have not met yet.

You will be hands on, getting stuck into grant applications, prospecting, communicating, and developing new engagement programmes.

We know small charity fundraising is no mean feat – you will get all the support and engagement you need from the SHF team and Board to do you very best work, in a hugely meaningful context.

You will have the opportunity to get involved in any and all parts of the organisation’s work, including policy advocacy, lived and learnt experience co-design, research and service delivery.

If you are an energetic, positive, collaborative and experienced fundraiser, we can’t wait to hear from you! You can find out more about the mission and values of Sophie Hayes Foundation our website: 

Objectives

FUNDRAISING

• Leadership of successful portfolio of grant funding, including stewardship of existing funders, and growth to new ones through high quality applications and proactive identification of opportunities.
• Development and implementation of income generation and diversification strategies, most particularly through major donors programme and corporate partnerships.
• Working alongside Executive team to develop programmes enabling new sources of funding to be opened up.
• Building close relationship with existing supporters and using network to significantly expand network and prospects, through supporter engagement journeys.
• Ensuring all fundraising activity is in line with the required legislative frameworks and complies with best practice.
• Funding to be opened up
• Building close relationship with existing supporters and using network to significantly expand network and prospects, through supporter engagement journeys.
• Ensuring all fundraising activity is in line with the required legislative frameworks and complies with best practice.

COMMUNICATIONS

• Developing the charity’s existing communications efforts into a coordinated, coherent, and impactful strategy, across all communications channels and traditional and social media.
• Developing and implement opportunities to raise the charity’s profile and engagement.
• Working alongside team members to develop and publicise the charity’s policy and advocacy activities, creating and leading innovative communications campaigns.
• Overseeing the production of all branded materials.
• Overseeing the charity’s duty of care to participants who share their stories, ensuring we approach this with due care and sensitivity, working with the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

MANAGEMENT 

• Managing and monitoring all parts of income generation and communications, especially high-quality impact reporting.
• Managing fundraising budget – setting budgets, reporting against them, managing funds, reporting to Board risk & finance committee on fundraising.
• Building a highly effective small team of 2-3 people – outcome-focused and empathetic line management of team members.
• Contributing as key member of Senior Executive Team to organisational strategy and decision-making.
• Acting as a senior leader and figurehead within the charity for all parts of development and fundraising.
• Working closely alongside the Board to unlock potential for income generation and communications.
• Undertaking any other duties as directed by the CEO which may be required. Experience & Skills
• Significant success and experience of impactful charitable fundraising from a diverse range of income streams, especially grants, major donors, and corporates. Or comparable experience of business development in another sector.
• Experience of communications campaigns, PR and marketing.
• Convincing and engaging written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build excellent collaborative working relationships across a wide range of people; colleagues, external partners and funders.
• Highly organised. Ability to prioritise workloads, project manage and deliver to deadlines, often with competing priorities.
• A knowledge of the Modern Slavery sector & trauma-informed practices is desired but not essential, but a commitment to the vision, purpose, and values of Sophie Hayes Foundation is important.
• Effective line management skills and ability to deliver alongside and through small team.
• Positive, creative, entrepreneurial, and solutions-focused.
• Proactive, dynamic, able to work effectively independently. 

HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS & DEVELOPMENT

About Us

Portobello Business Centre (PBC) is a not-for-profit organisation that helps people start, grow and scale successful businesses. 

Build our first fundraising function and secure transformational partnerships that drive social mobility.

For 30 years, we have been committed to social mobility, inclusion and entrepreneurship and have supported thousands of businesses. Alumni include household names such as Charlie Bigham’s, Innocent Drinks and Karen Millen, as well as countless sole traders and early-stage founders.

We are a small, ambitious, growing team working to deliver a new organisational strategy and expand our impact.

About You & The Role

You are a natural builder who enjoys closing deals, developing relationships and creating meaningful social impact. You will shape and lead PBC’s first dedicated fundraising function, building a portfolio from the ground up with limited existing donor relationships.

The role focuses on securing six-figure corporate partnerships and cultivating high-net-worth individual donors, alongside a smaller trusts and foundations portfolio. You thrive in a strategic, relationship-led role and are comfortable using a broad range of fundraising approaches.

Working closely with the leadership team, you will secure funding to support long-term sustainability and expand PBC’s impact across London and beyond. Initially the sole fundraiser, you will have the opportunity to develop and lead a team as the function grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising Strategy Delivery: Take ownership of multi-year fundraising strategy working closely with the CEO and Board to diversify and increase revenue streams that support PBC’s service expansion and reach

• Relationship Management: Research, identify and cultivate funding opportunities from companies and high-net-worth individuals, alongside trusts and foundations

• Trusts & Foundations: Oversee the grant pipeline, with external support for high-value applications and build relationships with decision-makers

• Develop Compelling Fundraising Material: Collaborate with CEO and wider team to evidence, quantify and articulate PBC’s social value using data and storytelling to position PBC as a high-impact partner for donors and partners

• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Track and evaluate fundraising performance against financial and operational targets. Provide regular updates to the CEO and Board, ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations, sector and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising best practices

• Proactive Self Starter: Though collaborative, you are motivated to build and maintain momentum, identify and create opportunities and take full ownership of projects from initial idea to delivery

• Commercial Development: Support development, sales and delivery of commercial income strategy, specifically helping to grow the paid membership scheme and securing sponsorship for commercial programmes and offers

Benefits

• Annual Leave: 21 days’ paid annual leave, plus UK public and bank holidays.

• Christmas Closure: Additional 10–14 days of paid leave as the office closes between Christmas and New Year.

• Season Ticket Loan: Interest-free season ticket loan available to support travel costs.

• Training & Professional Development: Access to relevant fundraising, partnerships and leadership training, including external courses, sector events and conferences.

• Supportive working environment: A small, collaborative and ambitious team.

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#Senior Fundraising #Social Impact #London #Head Of Development #Partnerships #Corporate Fundraising #Corporate Partnerships #Senior Fundraising #Social Impact #Business Development #Strategic Fundraising #Strategic Fundraising #Strategic Partnerships #Strategic Partnerships

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people who are life limited or life threatened. Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.

Over the past three years, Acorns’ leadership has enhanced collaboration and innovation across the charity and embedded an organisation-wide fundraising culture. With a newly integrated Partnerships Team and an ambitious £5m appeal ahead, Acorns is now seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to drive high-value corporate new business and secure strategic partnerships that deliver long-term income growth.

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships, this is a senior corporate new business role focused on identifying, cultivating and converting strategic prospects into multi-year partners. You will own and drive a c.£1m new business pipeline, lead senior-level engagement including C-suite conversations, and secure six-figure+ partnerships aligned to Acorns’ strategic priorities.

If you thrive on making things happen, enjoy research and relationship-building, and want to make a big difference quickly, this is the role for you. We’re looking for a proactive, confident fundraiser with a strong conversion rate and the energy to lead Acorns’ new business push.

As Senior Business Development Manager, you will:

• Identify and engage companies for multi-year strategic partnerships, Charity of the Year agreements, sponsorship and cause-related marketing
• Own and manage a robust new business pipeline of circa £1m, ensuring accurate forecasting, progression and conversion
• Secure high-value corporate partnerships, including stock generation and innovative fundraising initiatives
• Build and influence relationships at senior level, including C-suite stakeholders
• Work closely with the Partnerships and Community teams to ensure smooth transition of new partners into account management
• Line manage the Business Development Manager and drive performance against agreed targets

Essential skills and experience:

• Proven corporate fundraising or business development experience within a charity or commercial setting
• Track record of securing six-figure+ corporate partnerships
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders and C-suite leaders
• Experience operating in a targeted, commercially focused environment
• Commercial awareness, including experience of budgets, forecasting and ROI analysis
• Experience managing contractual agreements and working within GDPR and fundraising compliance frameworks
• Experience using CRM systems to manage pipeline and reporting
• Line management experience

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the CSR and ESG landscape and corporate partnership trends
• Experience of cause-related marketing and sponsorship activation
• Familiarity with regional corporate networks and fundraising landscape
• Experience supporting major appeals or high-profile campaign activity

Employee benefits include:

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5 days holiday buyback scheme starting from April 2026
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
• Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Access to expert financial health and wellbeing support

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people who are life limited or life threatened. Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.

Over the past three years, Acorns’ leadership has enhanced collaboration and innovation across the charity and embedded an organisation-wide fundraising culture. They are now seeking a senior corporate partnerships specialist to lead Acorns’ newly formed Partnerships Team, which combines corporate new business, account management and community income streams.

A member of the Fundraising Leadership Team, the role will be responsible for securing and managing high-value strategic partnerships with businesses while simultaneously driving engagement with local community groups, education partners, and faith groups, ensuring clear tiering, structured pipeline progression and robust income performance.

The role will also act as Partnerships lead for the upcoming £5m fundraising appeal, co-canvassing alongside the Head of Philanthropy and executive leadership, and mobilising corporate and community networks around key campaign moments.

As Head of Partnerships, you will:

• Report to the Associate Director of Fundraising and line manage a team of four (Senior Business Development Manager (Corporate), Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager Senior Community Partnerships Manager, Partnership Engagement Officer)
• Form part of the Fundraising Leadership Team, with shared accountability for strategic decision making, compliance and cross-directorate working
• Lead and integrate Corporate and Community fundraising into a cohesive partnerships strategy aligned to the wider Fundraising Strategy
• Design and implement a three-year corporate and community income plan, with full budget and forecasting responsibility
• Conduct an audit of current partnerships activity, pipeline and resource allocation to ensure effort aligns to regional and national potential
• Lead corporate new business acquisition, securing multi-year strategic partnerships, Charity of the Year agreements, cause-related marketing, sponsorship and stock generation partnership

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong corporate fundraising background within a charity setting
• Proven track record of securing six-figure corporate gifts
• Experience managing and motivating teams to deliver robust income targets
• Experience designing strategies, annual plans and budgets and adapting them as required
• Strong knowledge of the corporate landscape, regionally and ideally nationally
• Confidence leading high-value pitches, negotiations and senior stakeholder engagement
• Experience of forecasting, reporting and managing income performance
• Strong working knowledge of CRM systems and fundraising compliance

Desirable:

• Experience across both local AND national corporate partnerships
• Exposure to community fundraising or engagement programmes
• Experience working on appeal boards or high-value campaign activity

Employee benefits include: 

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5 days holiday buyback scheme starting from April 2026
• 7.5% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
• Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Access to expert financial health and wellbeing support

Hybrid working with 2dpw at preferred location (Birmingham, Worcester or Walsall).