Head of philanthropy and partnerships jobs in Birmingham

Office overview

Our University has a proud history of philanthropy stretching back to its foundation in 1900. With a clear vision to change the lives of the people of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain raised the funds required to build the University from citizens and corporations based locally and around the globe. Since then philanthropy has continued to play an important role in shaping the University. There have been a number of fundraising campaigns, including a £1m urgent capital appeal after the Second World War and a £1.4m campaign to fund the Vale ‘student village’ in the 1960s. In 2015 we closed the Circles of Influence Campaign, raising £193 million, making it the largest HE fundraising campaign outside Oxbridge and London. 

The University has global reach, including several partnerships with other leading universities around the world, and is grounded in its local community, having opened the first fully comprehensive University secondary school in the country in 2015. We are an ambitious and successful research-intensive University (one of the top 100 research-led universities globally) and have produced 10 Nobel Prize winners, including three who received their awards in 2016. Academics here are exploring the impact of climate change, helping to address global health epidemics, seeking ways to diagnose cancers earlier and create more effective personalised treatments, and changing our understanding of Shakespeare. Our students come from nearly 150 countries and our flagship outreach programmes mean that almost 25% of our student population come from disadvantaged backgrounds: one of the highest proportions in the UK.

DARO (The Development and Alumni Relations Office) exists to support this academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research trials, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships. We are currently at the heart of delivering the Birmingham in Action campaign with goals to raise £600m and generate 1,250,000 volunteer hours.

As an office, we are committed to sustainability and value green working practices. The environment is an integral part of our campaign and we encourage eco-friendly ways of working in order to have a positive impact on our campus and global surroundings. 

Role Summary

We are looking for a Prospect Development Officer to join our highly successful prospect development team, working in partnership with our fundraising team to manage their prospect pools and portfolios. You will provide insight and advice on donors, trusts, foundations, corporations, and other organizations, collating and reviewing data and writing concise and informative reports for the fundraising team and senior stakeholders within the University. You will proactively identify new prospects, ensuring that biographical information is accurate and up to date. Other responsibilities include leading on the improvement and expansion of research processes, supporting with bespoke research requests, supporting the Head of Prospect Development with specialist research projects, and providing support to the philanthropic due diligence process.

 We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. 

We’re looking for an ambitious Partnerships Executive to help drive income by supporting and building profitable, long-term partnerships with individuals and organisations. Working within the Philanthropy and Partnerships team, the role of the Partnerships Executive is to deliver excellent relationship management to maximise income revenues.

To thrive in this position, you’ll need to:

• Manage a portfolio of corporate supporters <£10k ensuring they meet their maximum giving and engagement potential.
• Provide excellent relationship management and customer service support across all key audiences in partnership with the account managers.
• Deliver event support for flagship fundraisers such as our annual Dragon Boat Race, Corporate Sports Day, in-hospital volunteering opportunities and innovative Christmas campaign.
• Create fundraising and marketing materials, in partnership with the marketing and communications team, to drive new supporters and support existing partners. Including leading on a regular external Philanthropy and Partnerships newsletter.
• Provide operational support to the philanthropy and partnerships team, including desk based research and database management and reporting.
• Respond to fundraising queries (email and telephone) promptly and efficiently.
• Manage the philanthropy and partnerships teams’ presence on social media, including creating content which helps to promote impact, the charity and supporters.
• Support the team to deliver remarkable stewardship of all donors, including the management of our banking and thanking process and helping to create bespoke impact reports and materials.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records of activities and communications are captured on our CRM database (Salesforce) along with regular reporting.
• Provide general administrative support to the philanthropy and partnerships team as and when required.
• Build and maintain records of recognition milestones for supporters providing monthly reports to wider team for stewardship activity.

What we offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working to support work-life balance 

• Generous annual leave entitlement with additional leave for long service  

• Enhanced sick pay 

• Enhanced Maternity Pay 

• Employee Assistance Program and Lifestyle Savings

• Free flu jabs 

• Cycle to work scheme 

• Charity events throughout the year 

• Employer enhanced auto-enrolment pension scheme with 8% employer contribution 

• Ongoing commitment to education and professional development 

The Charity is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.  

Successful candidates will have access to vulnerable beneficiaries therefore the role is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.  

If you think you have the qualities we are looking for and the desire to contribute, please download the Job Vacancy Pack and then send us a CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria for the role and making clear why you would like to be considered for it. 

We will be interviewing for this role on Thursday 16th April at our Charity Office based in Birmingham City Centre.

Senior Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager

We are seeking an experienced Senior Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager to lead high value fundraising and build transformational relationships with major donors and partners.

Position: Senior Manager, Philanthropy & Partnerships
Salary: £46,000 per annum
Location: Remote within the UK with occasional travel
Hours: Full time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 5:00pm on Thursday 2nd April 2026. (We reserve the right to close the role early should a suitable applicant be found)
 

About the Role

This senior fundraising role leads the strategy and delivery of high value income including major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporate partnerships.

You will manage key relationships, develop compelling funding proposals and lead strategic collaborations that generate significant income and long term impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering strategy for high value fundraising streams
• Managing and growing a portfolio of major donors, trusts and corporate partners
• Developing partnership proposals and cases for support
• Leading stewardship plans to secure long term partnerships
• Identifying and pursuing new high value funding opportunities
• Leading and developing colleagues within the fundraising team
• Working with senior leadership to support organisational income strategy
• Ensuring effective reporting, compliance and pipeline management

About You

You will be a senior fundraiser with a strong track record in securing major gifts and developing strategic partnerships.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in high value fundraising or partnerships
• Proven success securing large gifts or strategic partnerships
• Strong relationship management and influencing skills
• Experience developing fundraising strategy and income plans
• Ability to lead and develop teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

About the Organisation

This organisation works in partnership with Indigenous and local communities to protect rainforests and tackle the climate crisis. By supporting community led conservation and providing practical resources, they help protect vital ecosystems while strengthening resilience against environmental threats.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Head of Philanthropy, Major Gifts Manager, Partnerships Manager, Trusts and Foundations Manager, Head of Fundraising, Development Manager.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

This is a Remote Role however candidates must be based in Scotland.

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

We’re looking for a Head of Scotland to become a senior ambassador and strategic leader for Mary’s Meals across the nation. As Head of Scotland, you will combine a deep understanding of fundraising in local communities – including the faith landscape, education system, and community networks – with strong strategic leadership. By building trusting, long‑term relationships, you will champion the charity’s vision and inspire people, churches, schools, businesses, and local partners to join us in feeding the next hungry child.

You will lead a small team, foster volunteer leadership, and collaborate with colleagues across MMUK so that national campaigns, storytelling, and supporter journeys land meaningfully within the local context.

You will be a highly visible presence across Scotland, spending considerable time externally to open doors, build alliances, and make confident, values‑led asks. You will guide how Mary’s Meals is seen, understood, and felt in Scotland – shaping our public profile, driving sustained income growth, and building the partnerships and grassroots energy needed to grow our movement.

Key responsibilities include

• Working cross-directorate to create and deliver a fundraising growth strategy for Scotland, rooted in regional insight, cultural understanding, and community needs, and aligned with the global and national strategy.
• Working with the Communications team, shape a clear and compelling narrative, respecting the nation’s strong identity, and acknowledging our brand is most recognised in Scotland.
• Identify emerging opportunities across Scotland, including diocesan networks, local relationships, high-growth business sectors, and regional giving patterns, adjusting plans quickly to drive maximum impact.
• Serve as the senior MMUK representative in Scotland, ensuring activity aligns with the national organisational strategy.
• Act as the leading spokesperson for Mary’s Meals in Scotland, representing the charity to churches, schools, local authorities, individuals, universities, and civic or business networks.
• Spend focused time externally; networking, nurturing partnerships and driving growth through representing the charity at events, meetings, faith gatherings, conferences, and civic forums.
• Build alliances with leaders across churches, schools, businesses and community groups.
• Confidently deliver values‑led presentations and public speaking engagements that inspire trust, generosity, and long‑term commitment.
• Lead by example and work closely across the organisation to ensure that all Scottish activity is fully aligned with Supporter Experience, so that journeys, thanking and stewardship feel warm and seamless, with Communications to deliver compelling campaigns and storytelling, with Philanthropy & Partnerships to coordinate major donor and corporate engagement, and with the Volunteer Manager to strengthen volunteer mobilisation and development.
• Play an active role as a member of the Extended Leadership Team (ELT), contributing to organisational strategy and direction, playing an important role in the wider leadership of the organisation.
• Proactively cultivate, pursue, and develop fundraising opportunities via networking and outreach with the aim of securing support for our school feeding programme.
• Develop and maintain a robust national growth pipeline, ensuring proactive identification, cultivation, conversion, and stewardship of opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with Philanthropy and Partnerships, co‑owning major donor and corporate pipelines with clear roles and handovers.
• Make bold, relationship‑led asks, tailored to supporters’ motivations and capacity.
• Ensure that all donor journeys, from first engagement to long‑term stewardship, are warm, timely, and mission‑driven.
• Serve as a trusted media spokesperson for press, broadcast, and faith media when required.
• Work closely with the Communications team to provide compelling Scottish supporter stories, impactful moments, and local activity to showcase.
• Shape national‑to‑local messaging so that campaigns resonate with Scottish audiences.
• Work with your regional team and support appropriate local media coverage to raise profile and strengthen regional engagement.

To apply for the role of Head of Scotland based at Mary’s Meals UK, please follow instructions on Charity Job.

Applicants must hold full right to work in the UK and be based in Scotland.

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

Closing date for applications is Friday, 3 April 2026.

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

Job Title: Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnership
Reporting To: Deputy CEO/Director of Fundraising and Communications
Manages: Head of Trusts and Foundations, Head of Corporate Partnerships
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (36 hours per week, flexible)
Salary band: £58,000 - £66,000 per annum
N.B. To ensure fairness and consistency across Home-Start UK, new colleagues usually join at the first point of the pay band for their role. This helps us maintain a clear and equitable approach to pay for everyone joining our team.

Location: Remote – with regular travel to meetings with donors, for events and to our central office in Leicester for collaborative meetings and team activities.

About Home-Start UK

Home-Start is a federated charity consisting of a central national office – Home-Start UK - and over 170 geographically dispersed local Home-Start organisations, all working together under the same identity.

We recognise that being a parent has never been easy. Every Home-Start volunteer is trained to work alongside parents to overcome the challenges they are facing. We work with parents to build on their strengths and give them the support that they tell us they need. We offer no judgement – just compassionate, confidential help and expert support. This peer-to-peer support is key to the difference Home-Start makes and often our volunteers have lived experience of the challenges their families are facing themselves.

About The Role

This is an important moment for us and for the families we support. Parents of babies and young children are facing huge pressures, and strong, values-driven partnerships matter more than ever. We’re looking for a senior leader who can help us meet this moment with confidence and ambition.

As Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships, you will help shape the future of our national work and support our federation of 170+ local Home-Starts working in communities across the UK. You will lead a talented team, build long-lasting relationships, and help make sure Home-Start has the funding, partnerships, and influence it needs to give every child the best possible start in life. This role will suit someone who is motivated by purpose, who values people and relationships, and who is comfortable working across a large and varied network.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record, someone who has already delivered high-value fundraising and partnerships at a senior level and is ready to take on a role with significant national influence. With responsibility for an annual income portfolio of circa £4 Million – with strong potential to grow this over the next 3-5 years to between £6Million-£8Million plus, you will work with a supportive Leadership Team and Board, who have already engaged external philanthropy expertise to develop a strategy and roadmap that you can build on. You’ll need to be confident working with high-value supporters: able to build trust, communicate clearly, and nurture long-term relationships with people who want to invest in families and early years support. You’ll bring the skills and confidence to grow a portfolio that is already strong and take it further, along with the ability to work well with others in a fast-moving environment.

You will be joining a warm, collaborative organisation that believes in the power of community, the strength of families, and the importance of early help. If you feel excited by the chance to make a national difference, to build partnerships based on trust and shared purpose, and to help shape the next chapter of Home-Start’s impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The people at Home-Start are its most important resource. Home-Start UK has been accredited with Investors in People since March 2005, which recognises the commitment we give to developing our staff.

Benefits of working for Home-Start

• Flexible working
• Family friendly policy
• PayCare health cash plan
• Enhanced employer contribution pension
• Learning and development
• DAS Employee Assistance

If it sounds like your type of challenge, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The closing date for applications is Friday 27th March at 4pm.
As part of our recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a full-day assessment centre at our Leicester office on Tuesday 14th April.
The assessment centre will include a mix of individual and group activities designed to understand your strategic thinking, relational approach, and leadership style.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Home-Start UK is committed to Equality of Opportunity and Diversity. We wish to encourage applications from all parts of the community irrespective of gender, race, colour, age, sexual orientation or disability. 

No agencies please.

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

We are looking for a Regional Development Officer for Glasgow. In this role, you will be a warm, visible ambassador for Mary’s Meals – igniting enthusiasm, inspiring action, and helping people across your region join our mission and help feed more children. We require someone to be based in or a short commutable distance to cover the region.

By building genuine, values‑driven relationships and using insight to guide your priorities, you’ll nurture local networks, identify high‑potential opportunities, and confidently grow income, participation, and supporter engagement. Through strategic, outward‑facing work, you’ll turn first conversations into committed, long‑term support that strengthens our movement and fuels our mission.

Working closely with the Head of Scotland you will co-create and deliver a tailored local growth plan that reflects your region's communities and opportunities. You will represent Mary’s Meals across schools, churches, corporates and community partners and playa pivotal role in activating supporters, mobilising volunteers, and sharing compelling local stories.​

Operating with high autonomy, you will use insights and data to focus on high potential and growth areas, and collaborate closely with our Philanthropy & Partnerships, Supporter Experience and Communications teams to deliver seamless supporter journeys and strong storytelling. Everything you do will reflect Mary’s Meals’ warmth and dignity, helping us reach more children through relationship-led growth.

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

Applicants must hold full right to work in the UK.

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

Closing date for applications is Thursday, 2 April

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

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

This role is remote however we require someone to be based in or a short commutable distance to cover the region.

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

We are looking for an enthusiastic Regional Development Officer for North East Scotland. A recent reshaping of our Regional teams means this role will sit under our newly appointed Head of Scotland and be part of an exciting new chapter in Mary's Meal UK's fundraising vision.

You will be a warm, visible ambassador for Mary’s Meals – igniting enthusiasm, inspiring action, and helping people across your region join our mission and help feed more children. By building genuine, values‑driven relationships and using insight to guide your priorities, you’ll nurture local networks, identify high‑potential opportunities, and confidently grow income, participation, and supporter engagement. Through strategic, outward‑facing work, you’ll turn first conversations into committed, long‑term support that strengthens our movement and fuels our mission.​

Working closely with the Head of Scotland, you will co-create and deliver a tailored local growth plan that reflects your region's communities and opportunities. You will represent Mary’s Meals across schools, churches, corporates and community partners and play a pivotal role in activating supporters, mobilising volunteers, and sharing compelling local stories.​

Operating with high autonomy, you will use insights and data to focus on high potential and growth areas, and collaborate closely with our Philanthropy & Partnerships, Supporter Experience and Communications teams to deliver seamless supporter journeys and strong storytelling. Everything you do will reflect Mary’s Meals’ warmth and dignity, helping us reach more children through relationship-led growth.

Key responsibilities include

• Work with the Head of Scotland to design and deliver a clear, insight‑driven local growth plan with defined priorities, income drivers, volunteer mobilisation efforts, and visibility activities.​

• Use data, local insight, and (Region-specific) understanding to focus your time where growth potential is strongest.​

• Balance relationship‑building with a proactive, opportunity-led approach, identifying new supporters, networks, and partnerships and developing them from prospective supporters into committed donors.

• To create the conditions for a volunteer Deputy and a motivated volunteer network to confidently lead talks, events, introductions and other activities that broaden our reach​

• Empower volunteers through clear delegation, coaching, and recognition, ensuring they feel confident and aligned with Mary’s Meals’ mission and values.​​

• Inspire and back volunteers to own the mission. Spot people with energy and networks, invite their ideas, give light-touch support and tools, and celebrate their impact so they bring others into our movement.

• Represent Mary’s Meals throughout your region with confidence and authenticity, engaging schools, parishes, community groups, businesses, and local networks.​

• Deliver talks, small events, parish visits, school assemblies, partner meetings, local networking engagements, and other targeted activities that grow income, participation, and visibility.​​

• Make confident, values-led asks that move supporters from interest to action across giving, volunteering, and awareness raising.​

• Actively network across your region to identify new prospects, initiate first meetings, and follow up quickly and purposefully.​​

• Collaborate closely with the Philanthropy & Partnerships team on key opportunities and ensuring the donor is at the heart of each stewardship decision.​​

• Build a diverse pipeline of leads, opportunities, and partnerships reflective of your regions communities and faith landscape.

• Work closely across the organisation to ensure your regional activity feels seamless and aligned, collaborating with Supporter Experience so that journeys, thanking and stewardship feel warm and timely; with Creative Communications to deliver compelling local storytelling; with Philanthropy & Partnerships to coordinate opportunities for major donors and corporates; and with the Volunteer Manager to strengthen mobilisation and development across your region.

To apply for the role of Regional Development Officer (0.6 FTE) based at Mary’s Meals UK, please follow instructions on the Charity Job website.

Applicants must hold full right to work in the UK and be based in the North East of Scotland.​

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

Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

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

Interviews will commence week of 30 March. If you have any special requirements or adjustments before an interview, please let us know. 

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 strengthened collaboration and innovation across the charity and embedded an organisation-wide fundraising culture. With an integrated fundraising structure and an ambitious £5m appeal ahead, Acorns is continuing to invest in the systems, insight and stewardship that will deepen relationships with supporters and grow long-term income.

Acorns is now seeking a Donor Experience Manager to play a key role in delivering an exceptional supporter experience across the fundraising directorate. Reporting to the Head of Donor Experience, the Donor Experience Manager will lead the delivery of engaging, insight-led donor journeys across multiple fundraising channels.

You will work closely with fundraising, marketing and care teams to ensure that every supporter interaction – from initial engagement through to long-term stewardship – is consistent, personalised and meaningful. Through effective stewardship, compelling communications and strong operational delivery, you will help strengthen supporter relationships and drive long-term retention.

The role will also oversee supporter care operations, ensuring high standards in donation processing, thanking, pledge management and supporter communications. Using CRM data (Donorfy), supporter feedback and insight, you will continuously refine stewardship activity and donor journeys to improve engagement and lifetime value.

As Donor Experience Manager, you will:

• Line manage and develop the Donor Experience Officer, ensuring high standards of supporter care and operational delivery
• Design and deliver multi-channel donor journeys that strengthen engagement, retention and supporter lifetime value
• Manage the annual fundraising communications plan and identify meaningful stewardship opportunities across fundraising activity
• Develop and maintain a central fundraising content library including case studies, stories and impact materials
• Work with fundraising, marketing and care teams to produce compelling supporter communications and impact reports
• Support bespoke stewardship and recognition activity for major donors and high-value supporters
• Champion digital engagement, automation and personalisation across supporter communications
• Lead supporter satisfaction surveys and use insight to continuously improve donor journeys
• Oversee supporter care processes including donation processing, thanking, pledge tracking and supporter enquiries
• Use CRM data (Donorfy) and insight to monitor engagement, retention and supporter behaviour and inform fundraising activity
• Support the delivery of supporter events and contribute to financial monitoring and campaign reporting.

About you

You will bring a strong commitment to excellent supporter care and a passion for delivering meaningful donor experiences.

Organised, collaborative and creative, you will be confident working across teams to deliver engaging stewardship activity while maintaining high operational standards.

Essential skills and experience include:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing engaging supporter communications
• Experience planning and managing projects or complex workloads across multiple stakeholders
• A strong commitment to delivering outstanding supporter care
• Experience working within a fundraising or supporter-focused team
• Understanding of donor motivation, stewardship and supporter retention
• Experience using CRM systems such as Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, Donorfy or similar
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively across teams
• An analytical mindset with the ability to use insight and feedback to improve supporter engagement.

Employee benefits

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