Head of research and development jobs
Join us in the ambitious ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, which commits to raising over £600 million of charitable funding and 1 million volunteer hours, positioning the University of Birmingham as one of the leaders in philanthropy in the UK. To fulfil our exciting campaign ambitions, we are recruiting a Head of Philanthropy – Global, to maximise philanthropic funding and to take our campaign to the next level.
A key member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office’s (DARO) Philanthropy team, you will be responsible for growing major gifts opportunities and building a sustainable pipeline of future donations from global philanthropic markets. You will have experience of delivering against financial targets, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling ask in both verbal and written form. As the Head of Philanthropy - Global, you will be responsible for growing our international major gifts programme. In collaboration with the Associate Director of Philanthropy you will develop and implement fundraising strategies to increase major giving in Asia and North America as well as emerging areas of focus. You will manage a personal portfolio of six figure + (GBP) potential supporters and personally raise gifts in excess of £1m p/a. You will manage the international philanthropy team of two individuals and support them to deliver their annual fundraising and supporting targets.
As a senior fundraiser in DARO, you will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising opportunities. As part of a dynamic team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you will work across the University to generate significant gifts for amazing philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make long-term, sustainable gifts. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships, the skill to interact with high-level donors and supporters, and the ability to showcase the game changing work of our academics and clinicians.
We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are and how we work.
World-class research and outstanding global education



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.
We are a small, growing charity delivering many school leadership programmes, with a growing research and policy arm. We have had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and campaign to lower exclusions across England.
The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will:
Design and execute an impactful influencing plan
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Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones.
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Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.
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Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks.
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Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.
Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation
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Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives.
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Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert.
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Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability.
Person Specification
Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
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Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic.
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Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change.
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Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.
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Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus.
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Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact.
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Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference.
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Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time.
Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following:
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Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice.
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Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).
We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply.
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
The Difference exists to improve the life-outcomes of the most vulnerable children by raising the status and expertise of those who educate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Situated within beautiful gardens and grounds, the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability (RHN) is a leading national centre of excellence and one of the longest-running charities and independent hospitals in the UK.
Set in a stunning Grade II listed Victorian building, the RHN provides adult person-centred services across the entire care pathway—from post-acute rehabilitation to end-of-life care—for people with complex neuro-disabilities and their families. Underpinned by a strong research and education framework, the RHN is more than a hospital; it is a vibrant community where residents engage in music, art, and holistic support to achieve the best possible quality of life.
The role:
A fantastic new opportunity has arisen at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability for an ambitious and strategic Head of Fundraising to lead and expand the RHN’s income generation and manage and drive a high performing team.
The Head of Fundraising will be responsible for generating income from all fundraising income streams: Community, Events, Corporate, Trusts and Foundations, Legacy and Direct Mail (Donor Development). They will oversee all aspects of fundraising, including developing and implementing the Fundraising Strategy, managing key donor relationships, driving forward any capital appeals and leading a team of fundraising professionals.
Who we are looking for:
We are looking for a passionate, positive and highly experienced individual with a proven track record in senior fundraising roles within the charity sector and experience of successful income generation. Candidates must be skilled on donor stewardship and stakeholder engagement, as well as being a confident and engaging public speaker. Knowledge of fundraising standards and best practice are essential.
Main objectives of the role:
- Establish fundraising priorities and set fundraising goals in line with the wider organisational strategy
- Achieve the fundraising target and KPIs
- Lead on the organisation of a full calendar of fundraising events and activity and ensure applications are made in a timely manner
- Engage with Fellows, Trustees and volunteers to ensure wider RHN engagement
- Engage with internal teams to ensure the timely promotion of events, activities and to ensure engagement
- Work with clinical service teams particularly those areas fully funded by fundraising, to provide case studies and outcome reports
- To work closely with the Communications team to fully utilise social media and the RHN website for all fundraising events and activities.
- Act as the primary contact for volunteer committees and external partners as necessary
We are happy to consider applicants who are looking to work part-time for a minimum of 3 days a week.
Candidates must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends for events.
What we can offer you:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Hybrid working – a strong on-site presence is required for this role with a minimum of 3 days working on-site per week expected (pro rata for part-time)
- Free counselling and therapy sessions and other mental wellbeing support through our partner CIC Wellbeing
- Get involved in our free on-site wellbeing programs, including weekly yoga, and monthly pottery club (we are the UK’s only hospital with its own kiln)
- Financial support services such as low-interest loans and help with savings accounts through our partnership with London Capital Credit Union
- Join our wellbeing networks to connect with people in our hospital; we have a Pride network, Women’s network, and our Race Equality network. We also have heritage events to celebrate the diversity of our workforce – most recently we had a South East Asian celebration.
- Free on-site parking (rare in London)
- More benefits: Cycle2Work scheme, tech purchase support scheme, Blue Light Card discounts, and more.
Want to find out more?
We would be delighted to have an informal conversation with interested applicants and provide more details on the role, team and the RHN! Please vist our website to view our full Job Description and learn more about us.
The RHN is a charity, independent from the NHS but working closely with it, to provide the best possible care for people living with neuro-disability.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Office-based (currently Bethnal Green, likely to be Euston from Sept 2026) with some home working.
Salary/job band: £56,463 (for 36 hrs) or PTE
Team: Fundraising & Communications
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 28-36 hrs per week
Reports to: Director
Line manages: Fundraising co-managers, communications manager
Purpose of role
To plan and oversee QSA’s income generation and communications work. To strategically support the success of QSA as part of the leadership team.
Role overview
This is a linchpin role for QSA. We are looking for a hard-working, experienced and creative fundraiser. Our head of fundraising & communications oversees all of our income generation portfolio, including charitable trusts, public bodies, individual giving, and fundraising events.
Above all, we are looking for a candidate who believes in QSA’s mission and values, who can convey this passion through our fundraising and communications.
We recognise that the current fundraising climate is challenging. As a charity, we have a sizable and engaged network of supporters and an excellent reputation for delivering innovative services.
The head of fundraising & communications is also responsible for overseeing QSA’s communications output, ensuring we build great relationships and successfully share our impact, stories and expertise across a variety of channels.
This is an exciting opportunity to build up a broad experience base in communications. Our approach to this work is centred in an ethical storytelling mindset. Our work has a national profile and we’re keen to maintain our reputation and our media presence.
Our head of fundraising & communications will also join the leadership team, working closely with the head of finance, the head of services and the director. This is a tight knit group with the purpose of supporting the longer term and strategic work of QSA.
You will be welcomed into a wider team at QSA that is enthusiastic, expert, and highly committed to social justice. We are proud of our ability to collaborate successfully and to celebrate one another’s success.
About Quaker Social Action (QSA)
Quaker Social Action’s mission is twofold. We enable people on low incomes to seek solutions to the issues affecting their lives. We listen and respond to the needs of communities and run practical, sustainable and collaborative projects.
Secondly, we share our learning where we see the potential to bring benefit to communities outside of our own – by running professional training, and by speaking truth to power to seek structural change.
Our services include crisis support for those unable to afford funerals; practical support for people experiencing homelessness, such as a mobile library and a community kitchen space; and free mindfulness and wellbeing programmes.
QSA has a rich 150-year history with roots in the Quaker movement. Our work is still guided by Quaker values like Truth and Justice, and we are proud of our place within the Quaker community. At the same time, there is nothing religious about our work: our services, jobs and volunteering roles are open to all.
“The advice and support was beyond beneficial. As a family we were just above the threshold for getting any financial support and at a very difficult time already, money worries was the last thing we needed.”
- Down to Earth funeral costs helpline caller
Duties & responsibilities
Income generation
- To design and develop a fundraising strategy for QSA, incorporating a wide range of approaches, including statutory sources, charitable trusts, individual donations, legacies, earned income from training, and event fundraising.
- To set clear targets based on previous trends, and realistic aspirations for growth.
- To ensure all fundraising activity sits within the required legislative framework and complies with best practice, especially regarding donor consent.
- To ensure accurate financial information is presented within fundraising materials.
- To ensure that QSA fundraising applications are supported by up-to-date evidence of need, gained from relevant research and policy developments.
- To ensure that QSA fundraising applications are supported by up-to-date evidence of impact, gained from internal monitoring systems.
- To identify and lead major funding applications.
- To build strong and warm relationships with funders and donors of QSA.
- To ensure QSA is compliant with all grants and contracts and provides accurate and timely monitoring reports back to funders.
- To ensure that project teams are aware of funders supporting their work and are clear what targets or commitments are in place with these funders, including reporting requirements.
Communications, marketing, media, brand, digital
- To design and develop a communications and marketing strategy for QSA, incorporating a wide range of approaches across a number of appropriate channels and platforms.
- To understand best practice in charity communications and marketing and use this to promote the work of QSA.
- To manage QSA’s approach to reputational risk through our communications output.
- To oversee the development of the content, structure and key messages of QSA’s online communications channels; specifically our website, email marketing and varied social media platforms.
- To oversee the digital marketing development of QSA, ensuring we have clear systems and protocols to analyse, track, measure and review our output.
- To understand the benefit of and risks of using AI in our fundraising and comms output and to be part of the strategic leadership around emerging best practice.
- To oversee diverse and evolving ways to communicate, using podcasts, videos, data, photos as well as high quality copy.
- To oversee media relations and protocols for media engagement for QSA.
- To develop proactive and strategic communications responses very quickly or under pressure to manage situations of risk or opportunity for QSA.
- To oversee and develop the QSA brand, ensuring it communicates our core purpose and is consistent with our values.
- To oversee our duty of care to our participants who share their stories, ensuring we approach this with due care, sensitivity and respect for their autonomy, and that we have sufficient safeguards in place to be attentive to their wellbeing.
Leadership
- To work collaboratively with the leadership team to support the strategic development of QSA. To provide materials that support QSA’s trustees to undertake their governance tasks.
- To work alongside the head of finance to provide accurate and timely quarterly reports for the trustees’ finance & fundraising committee.
- With the head of finance, to be responsible for regular reconciliation of finance and fundraising records and for annual audit processes.
- To work alongside leadership colleagues in all operational matters. To offer ideas for service development, to identify resource needs, and to share strategies to support team wellbeing.
Organisational requirements
- To work within, and actively promote, the policies and procedures of QSA.
- Any other duties as appropriate to the role, as agreed by the QSA director.
“I feel the service from these marvellous book fans and their very committed, caring staff are an essential…I use them twice a week every week. Please may they continue.”
- Visitor to Turn a Corner mobile library for people experiencing homelessness.
Person specification
Experience
- Significant experience of charity fundraising from a wide range of sources, especially charitable trusts and individual donors.
- Experience of communications activities/digital development is highly desirable.
Skills
- Ability to write creative and engaging copy for a range of different audiences.
- Ability to build excellent collaborative working relationships with a wide range of people; including within the close-knit QSA team, external partners, funders and QSA supporters.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of differing funding streams suitable for an anti-poverty charity – i.e. trusts, statutory sources, corporate support, individuals, legacies.
- Knowledge of a range of communications channels and platforms and of the best ways for a charity to utilise these.
- Knowledge of technology, including AI, as a way of furthering reach and impact.
Personal Qualities
- Exceptional ability to prioritise workload and accurately deliver work to deadline.
- Demonstrates inner resilience, and ambition to deliver work of the highest standard.
- Ability to be flexible and have a ‘hands-on’ attitude when required.
- Commitment to and understanding of the role of equity, diversity and inclusion, in the workplace and in service provision.
- A willingness to work within a Quaker ethos, as clarified by the mission of QSA.
Main terms and conditions of employment
- QSA uses the local government pay scales for salaries. Your salary will be on NJC scale point 41-44, which starts at £56,463 (including London weighting) for a full-time/36 hours post. All appointments are made at bottom of scale.
- This is a permanent position.
- This post can be offered as a role to be worked between four and five days per week, so 28 hours to 36 hours per week. We pride ourselves on our flexible working practices.
- Leave entitlement for a full-time post is 25 days per year, plus 8 bank holidays, with the leave year running from January to December. This increases by 2 days after 3 years of service and a further 3 days after 5 years of service. QSA closes between Christmas and New Year and days falling within this period are not taken from your leave entitlement.
- QSA pays an additional 6% of salary into the QSA group personal pension, with a 2% staff contributory element.
- We have probationary periods of six months and the period of notice is 1 week during the probationary period and 8 weeks on its completion.
- QSA has a union recognition agreement with Unite although staff are welcome to join any trade union or none.
- This is a hybrid role. We see the benefits of being in the office with colleagues on a regular basis, and consider 2-3 days per week in person to be ideal for this role.
- The successful candidate will be required to obtain a basic DBS check. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act applies.
“It was what I was looking for. The way they deliver the sessions makes it feel inclusive and non-judgemental. Participating online, the energy felt tranquil.”
- Audrey, online attendee of our This Way Up mindfulness and coaching course
Being a diverse and inclusive organisation is very important to us. We’re particularly focused on three elements of this: lived experience of poverty; race & heritage; and disability. We actively encourage applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.
We hope that you find this job pack and our recruitment process clear and welcoming. Please let us know if this is not the case. We want to do recruitment well and feedback really helps.
Thank you for your interest in this role.
The Relationship Fundraising team at Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) is responsible for securing income from individuals, regional businesses and groups fundraising in the community, effectively managing relationships to maximise income.
The Relationship Fundraising role will play a significant part in contributing to a high-performing fundraising team. The role will cover area of West London.
You will report to the Relationship Fundraising Manager and support the Head of Relationship Fundraising & Volunteering to drive the continued growth of the charity’s fundraising income in your area. You will also be required to show excellent relationship-building skills to support community partnerships and volunteer groups, driving towards agreed targets.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategy, finance, and reporting
· Responsibility for stewardship and relationship building with supporters within the region.
· Identify and apply for ‘Charity of the Year’ partnerships with corporates in the region, account manage these relationships up to a value of £50,000 per annum and support the Partnership Development Team with national partnerships in your region.
· Support existing volunteer fundraisers to encourage continued loyalty to the charity and to maximise funds raised, in accordance with fundraising legislation and good practice.
· Recruit new fundraising supporters in line with strategy.
· Support the Relationship Fundraising Manager (RFM) and Head of Relationship Fundraising (HORF) in developing the Relationship Fundraising strategy for ARUK to increase income within this stream.
· Support and extend volunteer networks within geographical area in line with strategy.
· To ensure that fundraising activity is implemented and managed to deliver budgets, targets and income in line with strategy. To achieve this by supporting and facilitating the development of groups and volunteers across geographical area.
· Work across a diverse geographical area and within a geographically dispersed team, whilst managing own workload in a cost-effective and proactive way.
Supporter Management
· Provide excellent customer service to fundraising supporters, with prompt responses to enquiries, to acknowledge support and increase long-term loyalty.
· Provide high-quality account management to volunteer groups in geographical area.
· Effective management of volunteer relationships within geographical area.
· Support, motivate and develop local fundraising volunteers, ensuring they have a clear understanding of ARUK to enable them to represent the charity’s work effectively.
· In liaison with the Partnership Development Managers and Partnership Officers, provide high quality account management to corporate supporters within specified geographical area and/or of relevant value.
· Keep up to date with fundraising legislation and codes of practice to be able to provide relevant advice to fundraisers.
· Ensure volunteers and fundraisers have all necessary materials for fundraising initiatives.
Increasing Community Support within geographical area
· Use own initiative to extend volunteer networks, develop new groups and supporters, and respond to fundraising opportunities within geographical area, in line with strategy.
· Manage recruitment process of new ARUK volunteers in geographical area, providing relevant support and training.
· Liaise with local community organisations (predominantly golf clubs) – both previous and new potential supporters – to extend income and activity in line with strategy.
· Provide face-to-face talks and presentations to community organisations for recruitment/ cultivation purposes.
· Arrange appropriate volunteer representation at events in the community, spreading the charity’s reach cost-effectively.
· Identify, research and target prospective community organisations, in liaison with RFM.
· Identify, research and target prospective local corporates in liaison with RFM / HORF and ARUK’s Partnership Development Managers and Partnership Development Officers, in line with strategy.
· Accurately track and record contact with both community and corporate prospects for planning and reporting purposes.
Monitoring and Reporting
· Ensure that your activity is monitored and evaluated, clearly communicating progress to your Relationship Fundraising Manager.
· Manage relevant information on the charity’s database, keeping detailed, up-to-date records of activity and income.
What we are looking for:
· Experience in partnership fundraising and/or relationship building
· Experience and confidence in public-speaking, such as giving presentations and talking at events
· Knowledge of recruiting key volunteers and fundraising supporters
· Experience and a keen interest in building long term relationships with supporters
· Proven ability of providing excellent stewardship
· An ability to manage a busy and varied workload
· Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
· Excellent organisational skills
· Flexibility to work some unsocial hours and willingness to travel independently
· Live within defined region
Additional Information:
Ways of working: As part of our Remote ways of working you will be home based. You will only need to attend the office for specific requirements of the role and the business needs.
Roles that are classed as part of the Remote ways of working are 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. If successful applicant owns a vehicle and will be driving for the role, they will be eligible for a car allowance of £3,500.
Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £33,500 per annum, plus benefits and associated travel expenses. If successful applicant owns a vehicle and will be driving for the role, they will be eligible for a car allowance of £3,500.
Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.
The closing date for applications is the 1st February 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, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented. 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. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?
Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and game changing Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships.
Do you have the experience, drive and determination to thrive in this role?
Job Purpose:
To lead delivery of our fundraising in five key income lines: Trusts & Foundations, Corporate Partnerships, Legacies, Other Charities, and Lottery; oversee our Special Events programme and assist the Director of Income Generation and Development with our Major Donor programme.
You’ll enjoy being part of and contributing to a busy, experienced, fast-working, and dedicated team while working cross-functionally with other departments such as PR, marketing and Research, Policy and Innovation.
Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.
Key Requirements:
- Proven experience and success in securing, managing, and growing high value fundraising income, including corporate partnerships, trusts & foundations, legacies and major donors.
- Demonstratable strong strategic planning skills and the ability to develop and implement long-term strategies to achieve fundraising targets and enhance the charity's mission
- Proven leadership and people management skills, with experience in overseeing multi-disciplinary teams. Essential experience includes team leadership, staff motivation, setting clear objectives, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities.
- Track record of developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies.
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and an excellent standard of written English.
- Analysis of data and trends to inform fundraising strategies and success measurement is an important aspect of the role. This includes using CRM systems and other fundraising tools
If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.
We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
The closing date for applications is: 18th January 2026
We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.
We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.
To find a cure for all types of brain tumours To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Head of Water Safety and Education
CONTRACT: Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
ORGANISATION: Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)
DEPARTMENT: Membership and Education
LOCATION: Hybrid working, with three days a week at RLSS UK Headquarters, Worcester.
*This is negotiable, depending on the travel time of the successful candidate.
REPORTS TO: Director of Membership and Education
REPORTS: Education Manager
SALARY: £43,997.00 (Grade A)
JOB PURPOSE
To develop, lead, and oversee the delivery of RLSS UK’s Education Strategy, and represent the charity at strategic stakeholder meetings/events.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Early intervention and education is considered critical in the development and resilience of young people to encourage safe experiences. Water plays a vital role in the way we live our lives but it can also result in devastation if not treated with caution. Providing young people with the knowledge and skills to make safe decisions around water is empowering, profound and life-saving.
You will be a passionate and ambitious leader with the skills, knowledge and experience to drive forward this area of work in collaboration with RLSS UK team members across the organisation. You will have a dynamic approach with the ability to combine relationship management, stakeholder engagement, project management and operational oversight to ensure our work in this area aligns with our purpose, mission and vision and enables us to achieve our strategy.
In 2025 the Department for Education (DfE) agreed for the Water Safety Code to be integrated into the newly released Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education, and Health Education (RSHE) statutory guidance for schools in England. RLSS UK were part of a collaboration of various organisations, who campaigned for this important change which is due to be embedded into the curriculum from September 2026. This role will be pivotal to ensuring that RLSS UK’s voice and expertise is maintained in this educational delivery as well as putting in place robust KPIs to allow us to assess its ongoing impact.
KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Water Safety and Education
• Lead on the development of an ‘Education Strategy’ for RLSS UK that ensures that more young people have access to high quality water safety education
• Represent RLSS UK at wider forums and groups as our water safety and education expert and identify opportunities to increase our impact further
• Work with the Education Manager to develop and deliver education pilots and interventions that are informed by the ‘Education Strategy’
• Work closely with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager to ensure that policy work blends seamlessly and consistently into our educational delivery
• Plan research and evaluation to inform future developments of RLSS UK’s education packages, ensuring that they are impactful and inclusive
• Extend the capability of the community to deliver water safety education, training volunteers, partners, and members to standardise the delivery of our education
• Work with the Education Manager to lead the growth of our education workforce so that RLSS UK is more visible in schools and youth settings across the UK and Ireland
• Work collaboratively with RLSS UK teams to raise awareness of our water safety and education offering and our impact
• Build relationships with those developing similar work in the education space to network and elicit best practices
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up to date records as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme
Other Duties and Responsibilities
• Lead on and support ad hoc projects, as required
• Manage, mentor, and support the Education Manager
• Contribute to the successful operation of the charity by undertaking such other tasks as may from time to time be required, including all other duties associated with your role, as directed by your Line Manager
• To always demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards
• Proactively participate in the Society’s equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives and training, and to promote a culture of respect and inclusion for all staff and customers
This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in the light of the changing needs of the organisation.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience of working in water safety and education
• Significant experience of working in a leadership role, ideally in a water safety or education organisation
• Experience of collecting research and insight to inform continued development
• Demonstrable experience of contribution to delivery of education strategy and policy
• Dynamic and proactive with the ability to generate innovative ideas and solve problems
• The capacity to lead groups, as well as be a participative member of them
• The ability to relate to, motivate and emphasise with a range of people from different backgrounds
• A positive ‘can do’ attitude
• Excellent at building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally
• Excellent team player who works well under pressure and to deadlines
• Experience in line management, including developing and supporting direct reports to deliver the organisation’s objectives
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate persuasively to a wide range of audiences
• High levels of emotional intelligence
• Proficiency in MS Office applications
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for the role including occasional evenings and weekends
Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes
• Knowledge and understanding of RLSS UK and its work in water safety education
• An understanding of the lifesaving, lifeguarding and water safety sector/communities
WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU
RLSS UK is a national Charity based in Worcester, and we offer great staff benefits including -
- Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
- Private Medical Scheme*
- Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
- Eye Care*
- Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Howdens Sports Benefits/Perks at Work
- Free RLSS UK Membership
- Free tea and coffee when working from HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
- Free on-site parking when working from HQ
- Company Events and more!
*Subject to eligibility criteria
YOUR APPLICATION
Please send your CV and a Cover Letter outlining why you should join our Membership and Education team
Closing Date – 11.59pm, Sunday 1st February 2026
Interview Date – Monday 16th February 2026, at our Worcester Head Office (subject to change)
Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.
RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader.
It is our vision to have nations without drowning where everyone can safely enjoy being in, on or near water.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Hubbub are an award-winning environmental charity that have spent over a decade making environmental action make sense, for people, communities, and businesses.
Through its campaigns and projects, delivered with partners from every sector, Hubbub makes it easier for people to make positive environmental choices. It also provides evidence and insight to businesses and government on what works, helping to shape more effective policy and business action.
Hubbub’s projects are community-focused and deliver social benefits alongside environmental impact. By listening to and including people from all walks of life, Hubbub develops solutions that work for both people and planet. This includes reducing food waste while creating social spaces through the Community Fridge Network, regifting smartphones to extend the life of tech and reduce digital isolation, and helping communities reclaim unloved spaces for growing, play, and access to nature.
Following significant growth in Trusts & Foundations income over the past 18 months, Hubbub is well placed to build on this momentum and strengthen its fundraising.
Trusts & Foundations fundraising is a core part of the role. Reporting to the Head of Trusts and Foundations, the postholder will be responsible for prospect research, relationship development and bid writing, securing restricted, project-based funding aligned to funder priorities. This includes contributing to cases for support and working with programme colleagues to shape fundable project ideas.
Alongside this, the role supports business partnerships work. This includes contributing to proposal decks and written materials and helping shape project ideas as businesses explore working with Hubbub. Partnerships are typically service- or project-based. Trusts & Foundations expertise is the priority, and Hubbub can support the postholder to develop experience in business partnerships over time.
As Development Manager, you will:
- Contribute to delivery against Hubbub’s annual team fundraising target, securing mainly restricted Trusts & Foundations income for specific projects, roles and the scaling of proven work.
- Grow the Trusts & Foundations pipeline, focusing primarily on new business and building relationships with both solicited and unsolicited prospects.
- Lead on prospect research to identify Trusts & Foundations that align with Hubbub’s priorities, programmes and way of working.
- Develop and write clear, well-targeted cases for support, working closely with Project Leads and Directors to shape fundable propositions.
- Write high-quality Trusts & Foundations bids and supporting materials, taking opportunities through to submission and reporting.
- Attend funder meetings and events as required, primarily in and around London.
- Support colleagues working on business partnerships, including contributing to proposal decks and written materials for service- and project-based partnerships that typically run for three to twenty-four months.
- Stay informed about environmental and philanthropic trends, using this insight to connect funder interests with Hubbub’s work and strategic objectives.
Person specification
Essential
- A strong track record in Trusts & Foundations fundraising, with experience personally securing high five-figure and low six-figure grants (including new business, renewals and uplifts). Examples should be clearly evidenced on your CV.
- Full-cycle experience across Trusts & Foundations fundraising, from research and cultivation through to solicitation, reporting and ongoing relationship management.
- Confidence building new funder relationships from scratch, alongside stewarding existing ones, both in person and remotely.
- Demonstrable experience researching, prioritising and converting Trusts & Foundations prospects into secured funding.
- Proven ability to develop compelling, funder-specific cases for support that respond clearly to funding criteria.
- A collaborative working style, with experience working across teams and seniority levels to deliver high-quality bids to deadline.
Desirable
- Some experience of business partnership fundraising, or a clear interest in developing skills in this area alongside core Trusts & Foundations work.
Employee benefits
Employee benefits include:
- 25 days annual leave per year excluding bank holidays PLUS 2 weeks of office closure during Christmas
- 4-week paid sabbatical with 5-years service
- 5% employer pension contribution, with an ethical pension provider
- Flexible working – the Hubbub team are asked to come to their wonderful Somerset House office one-day per week and have core hours of 10am-4pm, with flexibility to suit people’s needs. Flexible working also includes any reasonable adjustments required to enable each person at Hubbub to work to the best of their abilities
- Wellbeing – the Hubbub team’s wellbeing is crucial and they take a holistic approach, aiming to provide clarity of expectations, achievable workloads and a psychologically safe working environment where anyone can thrive. Their residency at Somerset House allows access to free counselling sessions for all of Hubbub staff.
Hubbub is partnering with QuarterFive on this appointment.
Please apply as soon as possible with a copy of your CV, ensuring it clearly aligns with the person specification (see notes in italics). A cover letter is not required at this stage. Full support with the formal application process will be provided to suitable applicants by Joe Blythe at QuarterFive.
If helpful, you may use the cover letter section of your CharityJob application to add further detail that directly relates to the person specification. Otherwise, a CV-only application is perfectly acceptable at this stage.
Closing date: Thursday 22 January
First interviews: Tuesday 3 & Wednesday 4 February
Second interviews: Wednesday 11 February
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every child with cancer deserves the chance to survive. As Business Development Manager, you’ll grow corporate partnerships that deliver life-saving care.
Business Development Manager
Salary: £40,000–£45,000 p/a, depending on experience
Location: Hybrid – Home working with Thursdays in our Central London office
Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week (flexible working considered)
Every child with cancer deserves the chance to survive, no matter where they are born. But in many low-income countries, too many lives are still lost to a curable disease. At World Child Cancer, we are committed to changing this reality. We partner with hospitals across Africa and Asia to improve early diagnosis, strengthen healthcare systems, remove barriers to treatment and ensure children and their families receive the holistic support they need to survive and thrive.
About the role
This is a newly created and high-impact role, perfect for someone who wants to build and drive a corporate fundraising programme with ambition. Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, you will shape our corporate income strategy, identify exciting new business opportunities, and cultivate high-value, multi-year partnerships that accelerate our mission.
Your work will open doors, build brand visibility and unlock support from companies who want to make a measurable difference to children facing cancer across the world. A significant part of the role will be to develop new business.
What you’ll do
· Lead the development of World Child Cancer’s corporate fundraising portfolio, unearthing and securing new six- and seven-figure partners
· Develop strategic plans and a compelling suite of partnership opportunities, benefits and supporter engagement products
· Proactively engage with and cultivate relationships with new donors and steward existing funders.
· Attend key networking and industry events to build visibility and pipeline
· Work collaboratively to create powerful proposals, cases for support and investment-ready budgets
What we’re looking for
We’re searching for someone experienced in corporate fundraising, who cares about our mission, is proactive, confident and experienced in developing new business.
You’ll bring:
- A successful track record in high-value business development or corporate fundraising, including securing six-figure, multi-year support
- Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability and confidence to interact with new and existing companies
- Experience of successfully developing cultivation plans to engage new funders
- Ability to research and identify potential new funders
- Ability to translate complex programme detail into compelling pitches, proposals and reports
- Ability to help develop and report on project budgets
- Experience to multi-task and prioritise efficiently
- A collaborative and proactive mindset, and ability to work on own initiative
- A commitment to improving the lives of children with cancer globally
- Understanding of project management
Why join us?
You’ll be part of a small, ambitious and supportive team with a proven track record and the scope to grow. With corporate fundraising still an under-developed income stream at World Child Cancer, there is a genuine opportunity to make your mark, influence strategy, and see the impact of your work on children and families around the world.
Terms of employment:
- Generous 8% employer pension contribution after 3 months
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + an additional day at Christmas
- Hybrid working with flexibility
· Location: Hybrid working, with 1 day per week in the office in London, on Thursdays
If you want your work to matter and want to help drive life-changing progress in childhood cancer survival, this could be the role for you.
To apply for this position, please submit your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 pages) that addresses the “essential” criteria in the Person Specification.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy and Partnerships)
King George & Queen’s Hospitals Charity
King George & Queen’s Hospitals Charity is entering a pivotal new chapter as it becomes an independent NHS charity, with a clear three-year strategic plan and ambitious plans to grow its impact and income.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy and Partnerships) is a senior, hands-on role responsible for developing high-value fundraising to complement the Charity’s successful community fundraising and events programme. The role will lead the growth of philanthropy, corporate partnerships, and trust income, working closely with Trustees, NHS colleagues, and the fundraising team.
A major appeal is being explored to support the £35m planned development of a new A&E department at Queen’s Hospital. A transformational project with the potential to attract significant philanthropic support.
This is a rare opportunity to shape and grow a high-value fundraising portfolio at a formative moment, helping secure transformational investment in hospital care for local communities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Head of Campaigns & Media to lead the development of a new team within our Policy & Influencing Directorate.
Deadline: 9am on Monday 2nd February
Location: London OR Glasgow
Salary: Starting salary £52,166 rising to £60,861, plus London weighting of £4,000 where applicable
Hours: Full-time (32 hours per week) [part-time considered]
Contract type: This is a permanent role
This exciting role has been created to develop a new campaigns function at the Mental Health Foundation, incorporating our existing media team and working closely with policy, research and lived experience colleagues across the UK, with the aim of driving support for policy change.
What does the role involve?
- Developing a campaigns strategy for MHF and deliver its execution.
- Manage the campaigns and media team, commission engaging content, oversee campaign budgets, and collaborate with stakeholders to create a better policy environment for good mental health.
- Contribute to the leadership of the Mental Health Foundation and its Policy and Influencing Directorate.
What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?
- Experience of developing and implementing campaign strategies to support policy change in the charity sector.
- Comprehensive understanding of communication disciplines (e.g. digital marketing, media relations, content creation) and how they integrate to achieve campaign objectives.
- Understanding of mental health policy, prevention and public health.
Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.
How to apply
If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application via our website. Please ensure you attach an up-to-date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification. Applications will close at 9am on Monday 2nd February and we are unable to accept late applications. Interviews are planned for Monday 9th & Wednesday 11th February.
We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.
If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing). We have moved to a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Our vision is good mental health for all.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
ABOUT US
Women at the Well is a support service for women based in the King’s Cross area of central London. We provide practical support and advocacy to women facing a wide range of disadvantages, and we have a specialism in working with women whose lives have been affected by prostitution and/or sexual exploitation. We are trauma informed, holistic and woman-centred. We deliver our mission through three interconnected services:
1. A women only drop-in service
2. An advocacy service
3. An outreach service
We take referrals from many external partners and while we have a hub-centre in Kings Cross we are a pan-London service. Read more about our work in our impact report.
Women at the Well has supported thousands of women over more than twenty years work in London. We see the complex ways in which women’s inequality, racism, disability and poor health, educational disadvantage, trauma in childhood, migration and the hostile immigration environment can all lead to significant social and economic disadvantages and harm. In our work we meet women who have experienced repeated and extensive abuse, and who are often homeless, living with addictions and/or mental health issues, and in poverty. We see how these women are at high risk of a range of sexually exploitative behaviours including prostitution. As well as providing tailored support, we aim to speak up for the rights of women to live lives free from abuse.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Head of Fundraising & Partnerships will lead the development and delivery of Women at The Well’s fundraising strategy, ensuring we build the sustainable and diverse income base needed to continue supporting women facing extraordinary disadvantage, exploitation and harm. As a senior, hands-on fundraiser, the postholder will take responsibility for income generation across trusts and foundations, individual philanthropy, corporate partnerships and community fundraising, while building the systems, relationships and communications that underpin long-term growth.
Working closely with the CEO—an experienced trusts fundraiser—the postholder will identify opportunities, cultivate relationships, steward supporters, craft compelling cases for support, and drive forward multi-stream fundraising with clarity and purpose. They will coordinate the CEO’s involvement in major fundraising opportunities and act as a strategic partner, ensuring the organisation’s leadership has what they need to secure transformational funding.
This role sits at the heart of a small, values-driven team committed to trauma-informed, women-centred work. The postholder must bring emotional resilience, sound judgement and a deep respect for the dignity and lived experiences of the women who use our service. Regular presence in our King’s Cross centre is important for relationship-building and grounding fundraising work in the mission, though we offer flexibility in working patterns for the right candidate.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Head of Fundraising (internally known as Head of Income Generation)
Build Up is a youth-led charity that designs and builds public spaces, supporting young people aged 10-25 years old to shape their local area. We’re looking for a Head of Income Generation to drive our fundraising strategy and secure significant investment for our youth-led projects.
The Role
This is an exciting new position in our team, created to help build our case for investment, tell our story and harness the support of new audiences. You’ll shape priorities, diversify income, and build lasting funder relationships – while writing compelling bids that win investment. With consultancy support on communications and evaluation, you’ll have the tools to make a powerful case for our work.
Who You Are
You’ll have a proven track record in leading fundraising strategy, securing charitable investment and writing successful grants. Alongside trusts and foundations, you’ll bring experience across other income streams (like corporates or major donors). You’ll balance strategy with delivery, thrive under pressure, and be excited by funding young people’s ideas. Because our model is unique, we need someone who can turn our distinctive approach into clear, inspiring narratives that unlock new opportunities.
About Build Up
Build Up works to build the power of young people to shape where they live, and to change who can make decisions about London. We support young people to design and build public spaces, equipping young people with the tools and agency to have ownership over their neighbourhoods.
Our approach is unique – and it works. Young people gain skills, leadership and power over decisions that affect them, while local communities benefit from genuinely inclusive spaces designed by and for local residents.
Why Join Us
At Build Up, your work has a visible, lasting and personal impact. You’ll lead strategy, enjoy flexibility and support, and join a small, passionate team where your ideas genuinely shape the organisation’s future.
Key Details
This role is available on a 3 OR 4 day a week contract, subject to candidate preference.
Salary: £48,700 - 54,000 (pro rata, depending on experience) + 8% employer pension contribution
Full / part-time: 3 days (22.5 hrs) or 4 days (30 hrs) per week
Work pattern: Flexible
Holiday: 32 days plus public holidays (pro rata)
Location: Hybrid – at least 1 day per week in our office
Contract: 2 years (with potential to extend)
Start date: March / April 2026 (flexible)
To Apply
For more information and to apply, please visit our website.
Applications close Sunday 18th January 2026.
#fundraising #fundraising manager #head of fundraising #fundraising lead #fundraising director #director of fundraising #fundraiser #youth-led fundraising #project fundraising #unrestricted fundraising #fundraising strategy
Build Up runs practical construction projects across London, supporting young people aged 10-23 years old to shape their local area.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Your aim will be to lead on developing a fundraising strategy and growing the museums' contributed income accross multiple fundraising channels.
Strategy: working closely with the Chief Executive, you will lead the development of a fundraining strategy to deliver contributed income across individual philanthropists, companies and grant makers.
Research and Prospecting: working alongside the Chief Executive, Development Committee and the Board, you will identify and research prospective people, companies and grant-makers that could support Queer Britain.
Pipeline Management: using our CRM system, you will maintain our pipeline, ensuring records are up to date and accurate.
Cultivation: using the full resources of Queer Britain, you will create cultivation plans that may include informal meetings, tours of the museum, meeting with key members of the team, workshop visits and private dinners.
Making the ask: you will be fearless in asking people to support the museum, and will support the Chief Executive with pitching to companies and writing grant applications.
Stewarding Supporters: you will ensure that all Queer Britain supporters understand the impact of their donation with a stewardship programm that entertains, engages and encourages renewal.
Our ideal candidate would be:
- an outstanding fundraiser with a track record of securing four and five figure donations
- a fundraising professional experienced in working within at least one of the main areas of fundraising, membership, individual donors, grant makers or corporates.
- someone committed to providing outstanding, engaging and exciting donor and sponsor stewardship.
- someone able to build positive relationshipswith internal and external stakeholders, inclusing museum staff, guest artists, visitors,volunteers and Board members.
- someone excited about the prospect of working in a cultural organisation with inclusive storytelling at the heart of everything we do.
- a dynamic individual with the ability to work independently, yet collaboratively accross the entire organisation.
- someone committed to their own professional development, willing to share their knowledge, skills and experience.
- an excellent communicator, confident with technology.
Queer Britain is the UK's first and only LGBTQ+ Museum, for all, and we opened in our beautiful heritage space in Kings Cross, London in 2022.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Reporting to: Head of Business Development
Direct reports: None
Location of work: Home based in Scotland. This post holder will be based at home with regular travel across Scotland. The role will involve some irregular travel across the rest of the UK. Travel expenses will be paid in line with our Travel Expenses Policy.
Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week, flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work
Contract Length: Permanent
Salary: £37,500
BACKGROUND
The latest research suggests that 2.7 million children are at risk of hunger, meaning one in five children don’t have enough to eat. When a child is too hungry to learn, they struggle to concentrate, absorb information, and manage their emotions, causing them to fall behind in their studies.
Magic Breakfast provides a nutritious breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma. We are now at an exciting point in our journey as we launch Nourishing Futures, our long-term strategy, which capitalises on market changes and government commitments to scale our work, while redefining breakfast spaces not just as places to eat, but as places to thrive.
To support the delivery of this strategy, we are evolving our Business Development function and creating a new Business Development Manager – Scotland role. This role will unlock opportunities in Scotland across public funding, trusts, foundations, philanthropy and partnerships, ensuring Magic Breakfast grows its income sustainably across devolved nations.
JOB PURPOSE
The Business Development Manager – Scotland will drive income growth and strategic partnerships in Scotland. Reporting to the Head of Business Development, this role will take a lead in developing both public funded income and philanthropic support (trusts, high-net-worth individuals and corporate partnerships).
The postholder will work closely with the Head of Major Giving (Trusts & Philanthropy) and Head of Partnerships in England to ensure joined-up approaches, while developing extensive networks and relationships across Scotland’s funding and commissioning landscape.
This role is both externally focused — cultivating relationships with commissioners, funders, and partners — and internally collaborative, aligning with colleagues across Magic Breakfast to maximise opportunities and deliver against the organisation’s strategic plan.
Key responsibilities:
Leadership and Strategy
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With support from the Head of Business Development, lead the development and delivery of the Scotland Business Development and Fundraising Strategy, ensuring alignment with Magic Breakfast’s UK-wide income priorities, wider organisational strategy, and any Scotland-specific plans across Service Delivery and Policy & Engagement.
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Act as the lead advisor on business development in Scotland, providing insight, guidance and recommendations on market trends, risks and opportunities.
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Build and maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities across public and philanthropic income streams, ensuring accurate forecasting and reporting.
Public Funding
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Identify and secure public funded service contracts in Scotland, particularly with local authorities, education commissioners, and government departments.
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Work with the Policy and Engagement team to develop opportunities with national and regional agencies (e.g. Public Health Scotland, NHS boards, Integrated Joint Boards, Community Planning Partnerships) to embed breakfast provision into wider public health, wellbeing and education strategies.
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Engage with local authority frameworks, grants and tendering processes, positioning Magic Breakfast as a trusted delivery partner for both statutory and discretionary funding streams.
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Build strong partnerships with consortia, third sector networks, and intermediary bodies to access collaborative commissioning opportunities and joint delivery models.
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Monitor and respond proactively to changes in the Scottish Government’s commissioning priorities (e.g. child poverty, attainment challenge, early years and family support, wellbeing economy), aligning proposals with policy drivers.
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Lead the preparation of tenders, bids and commissioned service proposals, ensuring they are compelling, evidence-led and costed appropriately to reflect the value of Magic Breakfast’s offer.
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Ensure clear processes for the qualification, negotiation, contracting and reporting of income agreements, working closely with Finance, Service Delivery and Policy colleagues.
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Collaborate closely with the Business Development Manager responsible for public funded income in England and Wales to ensure a joined-up UK-wide approach to opportunities, share intelligence on successful models, avoid duplication of effort, and apply lessons learned from to maximise income growth.
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Align Scotland’s approach with national frameworks, campaigns, and strategic priorities, ensuring that proposals, tenders, and partnerships complement work happening in other devolved nations.
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Explore blended income opportunities, integrating public funded income with potential corporate partnerships or philanthropic support to maximise funding and sustainability.
Philanthropy and Partnerships
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Develop and manage a pipeline and portfolio of Scottish-based trusts, foundations, family foundations, high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), and philanthropists, including those with devolved nation-specific remits. This will include working closely with the Prospect Research Manager and Major Giving colleagues to identify and qualify new opportunities, and to re-engage lapsed supporters in Scotland,
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Take responsibility for cultivating relationships, preparing compelling cases for support, and personally soliciting major gifts (five- and six-figure level), securing multi-year, transformational commitments.
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Work collaboratively with the Major Givings Leads and the Head of Major Giving to integrate Scottish funders into the UK-wide prospecting and stewardship framework, maximising opportunities for uplift and avoiding siloed engagement.
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Deliver high-quality, values-driven donor journeys for Scottish prospects and supporters, including bespoke engagement opportunities such as school visits, events, and briefings that connect funders directly with impact.
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Build relationships with corporates headquartered or operating in Scotland, coordinating with the Head of Partnerships to ensure Scottish corporate engagement complements and aligns national partnerships, avoid duplication, and develop bespoke proposals and stewardship plans where appropriate.
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Contribute to the design and delivery of fundraising campaigns or initiatives with a Scottish focus, ensuring they complement national activity and align with the organisational fundraising strategy.
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Collaborate with the Prospect Research Manager and Major Giving colleagues to identify and qualify new opportunities, and to re-engage lapsed supporters in Scotland,
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Represent Magic Breakfast externally within Scotland’s philanthropy and fundraising networks (e.g. Scotland Fundraising Conference, Association of Charitable Foundations Scotland, SCVO events), raising profile and building new connections.
Collaboration and Internal Contribution
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Work closely with colleagues across the wider fundraising department to ensure Scottish funders and opportunities are aligned with team specific strategies and the overall fundraising goals and objectives
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Share intelligence and relationships with colleagues in England to strengthen organisational-wide fundraising and business development.
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Collaborate with Policy & Engagement colleagues to ensure business development opportunities are aligned with advocacy and campaigning priorities.
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Contribute to a culture of openness, collaboration and innovation across the Business Development team.
Financial Processes, Reporting and Compliance
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Contribute to business development planning, budgeting and forecasting processes, highlighting risks and opportunities to income.
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Ensure accurate recording of pipelines, income and activity in Salesforce, with robust monitoring and reporting.
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Ensure all donor and organisational reporting requirements are met and high-quality reports are delivered in a timely manner.
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Ensure all activity is compliant with ethical fundraising standards, safeguarding, GDPR and Magic Breakfast’s policies.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:
Knowledge and Experience
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Strong knowledge of the Scottish funding and commissioning landscape, including key trusts, foundations, government bodies and corporate networks.
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Excellent practical understanding of procurement rules and policies as well as tender and budget cycles.
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Proven track record of developing and delivering income growth from a variety of sources, including public funding, philanthropy and partnerships.
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Demonstrable experience of managing the full fundraising pipeline — from prospect research and qualification, through cultivation and solicitation, to long-term stewardship and renewal.
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Hands-on experience of securing and soliciting significant gifts (five- and six-figure level) from high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, with evidence of personally closing gifts at this scale.
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Demonstrable experience of building and stewarding high-level relationships with commissioners, funders and corporate partners.
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Experience of preparing successful tenders, bids and proposals, ideally within education, social impact or the charity sector.
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Experience of cross-team collaboration within a UK-wide or devolved nations context (desirable).
Skills and Abilities
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Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders confidently.
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Strong pipeline management and analytical skills, with a track record of meeting or exceeding income targets.
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Strategic thinker with the ability to evaluate opportunities, prioritise effectively and translate plans into action.
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Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver high-quality outputs under pressure.
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Strong team player with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
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Proficient in Microsoft Office and fundraising/CRM systems (ideally Salesforce), as well as ability to use project management systems (such as Asana).
Other
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Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s aim of alleviating child morning hunger as a barrier to learning.
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Commitment to Magic Breakfast’s values and to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion.
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Willingness to travel across Scotland and the UK, with occasional out-of-hours working for events.
WHAT WE OFFER
At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.
APPLICATION PROCCESS
Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, hr @magicbreakfast. com
Shortlisting - w/c 19th January
Interview 1 - w/c 26th January
Interview 2 - w/c 2nd February
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.






