Senior corporate fundraising manager jobs in Birmingham, west midlands

At Bipolar UK, our mission is simple yet life‑changing: to empower everyone affected by bipolar to live well and thrive.
We work to reduce stigma, improve understanding, and ensure no one faces the condition alone. Our vision is a world where every person affected by bipolar has access to the right treatment and support, an understanding community, and the tools to live well.

About Bipolar UK

We are the only national charity dedicated to supporting people affected by bipolar. Through our peer support line, peer support groups, eCommunity, digital tools, workplace training, research collaborations and awareness‑raising campaigns, we reach tens of thousands of people each year.

Our work improves understanding, reduces isolation and empowers people to stay well. We are a small, ambitious, and fast‑growing team driven by purpose, compassion and innovation. Our culture is collaborative, supportive and rooted in lived experience.

Job Summary

The Senior Partnership Officer will play a pivotal role in building, strengthening and diversifying Bipolar UK’s high‑value relationships, with a particular emphasis on corporate fundraising and identifying strategic, mutually beneficial collaborations that support the charity’s long‑term needs.

Working closely with the Strategic Partnership Manager, you will manage and grow our portfolio of major donors, corporate supporters, and strategic partners. You will provide exceptional stewardship, ensuring partners feel valued, engaged, and inspired to deepen their relationship with us.

A key part of the role will involve proactively identifying and cultivating new corporate prospects, developing compelling propositions, crafting funding proposals, and pitching confidently to decision‑makers at all levels. You will help implement robust cultivation plans and ensure effective monitoring and evaluation across all partnership activity.

You will also work collaboratively across the wider Fundraising Team - including with the Fundraising Officer - supporting campaigns, events, and individual giving where needed.

This is a home‑based position with travel required for meetings and events across the UK. Some evening or weekend work may be required.

Key Responsibilities

1. Growing Corporate and Strategic Partnerships

• Drive the growth of corporate fundraising through proactive identification, research and cultivation of new corporate prospects.
• Develop innovative, mutually beneficial partnership opportunities, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Charity of the Year, sponsorships, staff fundraising, corporate challenge events, payroll giving and cause‑related marketing.
• Create compelling propositions tailored to corporate audiences.
• Lead and support pitches to secure long‑term, strategic and income‑generating partnerships.
• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g. Services, Communications) to co‑design new partnership concepts, projects or services that align with charity priorities.
• Support the development of partnership agreements and ensure expectations, deliverables and benefits are clearly defined.
• Work to a mutually agreed financial target and use the CRM to track and record relevant data to grow our donor pipeline.

2. Strengthening High‑Value Donor & Partner Stewardship

• Deliver excellent relationship management to major donors, corporate partners and strategic allies.
• Provide regular updates on impact and organisational achievements to deepen engagement.
• Organise meetings, briefings, events and engagement opportunities to showcase our work.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of all interactions on Salesforce.
• Create tailored materials, proposals and events to support ongoing partnership activity.
• Represent Bipolar UK through presentations at corporate and partner events.
• Track performance and impact of partnerships, supporting continuous improvement.

3. Supporting Wider Fundraising

• Work collaboratively with the Fundraising Officer, SPM and wider team to maximise fundraising opportunities across all income streams.
• Provide hands‑on support for individual giving campaigns, events and community fundraising when needed.
• Contribute to team planning, cross‑team projects, and organisational initiatives.

Strengths

You will thrive in this role if:

• You are an exceptional relationship‑builder with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders and corporate leaders.
• You bring creativity, energy and ambition to developing powerful partnership ideas.
• You are an excellent communicator - skilled in writing compelling copy and delivering persuasive pitches.
• You are a proficient user of professional social media platforms such as LinkedIn to support your work.
• You are an engaging public speaker, confident at events, in meetings and online.
• You are methodical, analytical and data‑driven, with strong record‑keeping and reporting discipline.
• You are adaptable, organised and calm under pressure - thriving in a small, fast‑paced organisation.
• You enjoy autonomy, value professional development, and proactively shape your own work.
• You are reliable, detail‑focused, deadline‑driven and comfortable working remotely with minimal supervision.
• You have a keen understanding of the charitable sector in the UK.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in major donor fundraising, corporate fundraising or partnership development.
• Proven track record of generating new business at 5 and 6 figure levels - from prospecting through to securing partnerships.
• Experience working to, and achieving, income targets.
• Strong understanding of the corporate sector, CSR and corporate fundraising mechanisms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience delivering pitches and proposals.
• Excellent project and time‑management skills.
• Understanding of ethical fundraising and GDPR compliance.
• Experience using Salesforce or a similar CRM.
• Confident user of Microsoft Office and quick to adopt new technologies.

Desirable:

• Experience within a mental health or health‑related charity.
• Understanding of bipolar gained through lived experience or supporting a friend or family member.

Other Information

The main tasks may be amended from time to time to reflect evolving organisational needs. Changes will be made in consultation with the post holder.

The post holder must comply with Data Protection, Health & Safety, and Equality & Diversity legislation, and follow all organisational policies and best practice.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your application by 5pm 20th February  through Charity Job including your CV and a covering letter. If we receive a high volume of applications we may close applications early.

Your covering letter (max two A4 pages) should outline:

• how your experience matches the person specification
• what you would bring to the role
• why you want to work for Bipolar UK

Interviews will be held w/c 2nd March, either online or in person.

Please note the final appointment is subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

Good luck and thank you for your interest in supporting Bipolar UK’s vital work.

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising Manager to work with management and trustees to lead delivery of a set of practical fundraising priorities while helping to build stronger systems and confidence for the future.

This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced charity fundraiser who is comfortable working in a maturing fundraising function, where tools and ways of working are being developed and income needs stabilising rather than rapidly expanded.

This interesting and varied role will focus primarily on trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, and alumni support, with a strong emphasis on retention, stewardship and proposition clarity.

Join Racing Welfare as Head of Fundraising and Make a Lasting Impact!

Are you an ambitious, results-driven fundraising leader with a passion for making a difference? Racing Welfare is looking for an exceptional Head of Fundraising to join our senior management team and take the helm of a thriving, high-performance fundraising operation. This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to shape the future of British horseracing’s charitable support, driving growth and innovation in a vital sector.

About Racing Welfare:

Racing Welfare is a registered charity dedicated to supporting the workforce of British horseracing – from stud, stable, and racecourse staff to those in related professions. Our mission is to help these dedicated individuals thrive in their careers and lives, offering guidance, practical assistance, and support throughout their journey – from recruitment to retirement.

The Role:

As Head of Fundraising, you will play a central role in Racing Welfare’s strategic direction and growth. You’ll work closely with the Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer to craft and execute an ambitious fundraising strategy that delivers innovative income streams to fund our vital services. You’ll lead, inspire, and develop a talented team, empowering them to deliver outstanding fundraising initiatives and events that drive real change.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop & Deliver Fundraising Strategy: Work with senior leadership to shape the charity’s fundraising vision, ensuring the strategy aligns with our wider goals and drives long-term sustainability.
• Innovative Fundraising Campaigns: Create and implement engaging campaigns, managing budgets and evaluating performance to optimise success.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and motivate a high-performing fundraising team, supporting their professional growth and achieving collective goals.
• Building Strategic Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with trusts, foundations, and corporate partners to build lasting, mutually beneficial collaborations.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Oversee day-to-day fundraising operations, ensuring smooth management of income, expenditure, and compliance.

You Will Bring:

• Proven experience in fundraising or commercial management, with a track record of successfully recruiting donors and sponsors.
• A natural leader with exceptional people management skills, able to inspire and empower teams to excel.
• Solid experience in budgeting, financial planning, and performance management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse stakeholders.
• A passion for innovation and the ability to think strategically about fundraising opportunities.

Bonus: Experience in the horseracing industry is desirable, but not essential.

Why Racing Welfare?

This is your chance to take on a leadership role in a respected and impactful charity. You’ll be part of a passionate team, working in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth. The role offers flexibility with the option to work from home or our Newmarket office, alongside occasional travel across the UK (including evenings and weekends).

As a charity, wellbeing is at the forefront of all we do. We aim to be a leading employer in the industry and make sure everyone at Racing Welfare has the opportunity to thrive.

If you’re ready to make a significant contribution to the future of Racing Welfare and help improve the lives of those who dedicate themselves to British horseracing, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply Today:
 Submit your CV and covering letter to join Racing Welfare and lead our fundraising efforts to new heights.

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. The closing date for this role is 16 February 2026. First stage interviews will be held the week commencing 23 February 2026 in person in Newmarket. We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date if we receive a large number of suitable applications.

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 DOE

Racing Welfare is committed to safeguarding and will always recruit all personnel in line with government guidelines, relevant legislation, and the Charity Commission's best practice guidance.

This post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We only ask applicants to disclose convictions which are not yet spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

Racing Welfare’s Safeguarding Statement of Intent can be found on our website.

Our Time Charity is seeking an experienced Corporate Fundraiser to help grow vital income through meaningful, long-term partnerships with businesses and corporate supporters.

This role plays a key part in delivering our fundraising strategy by connecting purpose-driven organisations with our mission to support children and families affected by parental mental illness. You will build and steward corporate relationships, develop partnership and sponsorship proposals, and represent Our Time Charity to external audiences.

Working closely with the CEO and wider team, you’ll help secure funding that directly supports our KidsTime Workshops and wider programmes – enabling children to feel supported, understood and less alone.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in corporate fundraising, relationship management or partnerships, who enjoys building connections, telling compelling stories, and turning shared values into lasting impact.

To learn more about the role, responsibilities and how to apply, please download the full recruitment pack.

Company - British Safety Council

The British Safety Council is a trusted voice in health, safety, and wellbeing. For over 65 years, we have been working to protect lives and improve workplace wellbeing in the UK and worldwide. As a not-for-profit membership organisation, we campaign, educate, and influence change, supporting organisations of all sizes to achieve the highest health, safety, wellbeing and environmental management standards. Our vision drives everything we do, so that no one should be injured or made ill through their work.

About the Role - Fundraising Manager

We are seeking a motivated and experienced fundraising manager to lead the diversification and growth of our income sources. This is an exciting opportunity to develop and implement fundraising strategies across individual giving, corporate partnerships, events, trusts, and foundations. This role will be key to building meaningful relationships and ensuring sustainable income to support our mission.

We are looking for someone who brings energy, creativity, and a proven track record of fundraising success. The ideal candidate will have:

· Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience within a recognised charity.

· Sound understanding of the charity sector in the UK and its range of cultural dynamics.

· Proven experience in developing and delivering fundraising strategies across multiple income streams.

· Strong relationship-building skills, with a track record of engaging and stewarding donors, supporters, or partners.

· Excellent verbal and written skills with experience preparing compelling funding proposals and impact reports.

· Experience in planning and delivering successful fundraising events or campaigns.

· Understanding of data and fundraising systems (e.g., CRM) to manage donor records and insights.

· Strong project management skills, able to juggle competing priorities and deadlines.

· A collaborative and proactive approach, comfortable working across teams and with senior stakeholders.

· Collaboration with international clients and stakeholders would be a valuable experience.

For full details of the role and responsibilities, please refer to the Job Description available via the application link.

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave, with holiday buying and selling option
• Health cash-plan benefits upon joining
• Private medical and dental cover on completion of the probationary period
• Flexible working
• Attractive family-friendly policies
• Training and Development opportunities
• Life Assurance cover

 What do you need to do next? If you are interested in this role, please click 'Apply' to read a more detailed job description and explanation of the benefits package. You will then be able to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV along with a covering letter explaining why you think you are the right candidate for this role.

Guarantee Interview Scheme - We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you would like to be considered under this scheme, please highlight this clearly in your cover letter.

The Fundraising Managers’ key objective is to identify and develop opportunities, create inspiring funding proposals, and provide excellent stewardship to ensure all funders and partners feel valued, engaged, and motivated to continue their support. 

You’ll also maintain a healthy and active pipeline of our new prospects, supporting the long-term sustainability of our work.

This is a rewarding, hands-on role for someone who loves relationship building, is confident working with funders and corporate partners, and is excited to be part of a charity making a real difference to trans youth across the UK.

Humane World for Animals is committed to creating a better world for animals by tackling the root causes of animal cruelty. We believe in the power of philanthropy to drive change and are looking for someone who shares our vision and dedication.

About the Role

As Fundraising Manager, you will lead the development and stewardship of strategic relationships with key corporate partners, stakeholders, and clients, playing a central role in driving corporate income. You will design and implement strategies that support business growth, strengthen corporate engagement, and deliver revenue and operational targets for the organisation in the UK.

Working closely with senior leaders, you will help expand the organisation’s income and impact through high‑value corporate partnerships. You will also develop strong connections with our HQ corporate team and collaborate with programme staff to ensure they understand organisational priorities and can effectively connect internal work with external partners.

This role requires an ambitious self‑starter with strong business acumen and confidence operating within the corporate sector. You should be skilled at presenting a compelling business case for partnership and securing high‑value contracts and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

1. Develop and implement strategies for the organisation’s growth in the corporate sector, ensuring a strong ROI and setting appropriate KPIs to monitor progress and measure success.

2. Build the UK corporate partnership portfolio: identify, cultivate, and secure significant relationships and business opportunities.

3. Formulate and implement individual strategies for developing key partnerships and initiatives around business priorities, mobilising necessary internal and external resources to ensure all partnerships are effectively executed and partners’ needs are fully met. Includes proposal and contract development.

4. Contribute to internal collaboration on innovative solutions that can deliver business impact at scale for complex corporate relationships.

Program Management

5 Develop working relationships with programme staff to identify business opportunities and access information that can be used to cultivate and steward corporate partners with the aim of attracting multi-year partnerships.

Influence and Representation

6 Effectively represent the organisation to external audiences for both business development and profile elevation.

7 Engage strategically with senior stakeholders to support corporate engagement.

What We're Looking For:

Education and experience

1 Demonstrated experience in high-level corporate management or business development, including at least five (5) years of direct frontline experience withing the corporate/corporate charity sector.

2 Demonstrated track record of success at a high-value level, including building strategic partnerships that maximise value for both the organisation and external partners, and building profile with external audiences.

Necessary knowledge, skills and abilities

3 Knowledge of the corporate charity and business development sectors.

4 Experience mobilising executives and senior stakeholders for strategic engagement.

5 Strategic and forward-thinking, with the ability to develop and lead an ambitious growth strategy.

6 Demonstrable success in proposal preparation and securing business contracts.

7 Strong experience in collaboration to develop business proposals and other partnership opportunities.

8 Degree-level or equivalent education in business, finance, management, or related disciplines preferred.

Why Join Us?

At Humane World for Animals, you'll be part of a passionate and dedicated team working towards a common goal. You'll have the opportunity to make a real impact on animal welfare and be part of a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and collaboration.

If you're ready to take on this exciting challenge and help us drive change, we want to hear from you!

Apply now and be a part of something truly meaningful.

Humane World for Animals is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Fundraising Manager (Part-time)

Salary: £26,400 for 3 days per week (£44,000 FTE)
Hours: 3 days per week (0.6 FTE)
Location: Home-based (UK-wide, with some travel)
Contract: Permanent

For the past 8 years, we’ve been delivering financial education programmes that set children up for life. But we have so much more to do to ensure no child misses out.

Our plan for 2025 to 2027 focuses on strengthening our commitment to working with schools, families, and communities. We want to help people feel more confident talking about money. We will prioritise financial literacy in education and aim to increase funding for financial education programmes. Our goal is to ensure all children can make informed financial decisions as they grow up.

Our efforts also concentrate on expanding and strengthening our collaborations and partnerships with educational institutions, advocates, financial partners, and supporters.

We are looking for an experienced and driven Fundraising Manager to play a senior role in growing our income and supporting our mission to improve financial education across the UK.

This role has a strong focus on new business development, particularly across corporate partnerships (all sectors) and trusts and foundations. Alongside developing new funding relationships, you will also be responsible for managing and stewarding existing trusts and foundations, including delivering high-quality funder reporting.

You will be income-focused, proactive and confident building relationships, while also being a collaborative team player who is willing to support existing relationships and wider fundraising activity when needed.

The role is home-based and open to candidates anywhere in the UK, with some travel required for meetings and events.

Key responsibilities

• Lead on new income generation across corporate partnerships and trusts & foundations
• Develop and manage a strong pipeline of new funding opportunities
• Manage relationships with existing trusts and foundations, including reporting
• Write high-quality funding applications, proposals and reports
• Track income, pipelines and forecasts using Salesforce
• Contribute senior fundraising expertise and support to the wider team

About you

• Significant experience in fundraising, with a strong track record of securing new income
• Proven experience in corporate fundraising and/or trusts & foundations
• Experience managing funder relationships and reporting
• Confident using Salesforce (or a similar CRM) for pipeline and reporting
• Highly organised, income-driven and collaborative
• Experience with financial services organisations is desirable but not essential

How to apply:

For an informal conversation about this role and for more information, please contact: James Woodcock

To Apply, please send your CV and a cover letter (only CV’s accompanied with a covering letter will be considered for shortlisting) of no more than 2 pages and no later than 5:00pm Thursday 5th February. First interviews will be held virtually week commencing 9th February, with second interviews in person (London) week commencing 16th February.

Potential Applicants: If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we’d still love to hear from you. We don’t expect everyone to meet all the criteria listed.

JFF is an inclusive organisation and we welcome all applications. We want our workforce to be truly representative of the communities we serve. Diversity is an asset to our organisation and helps us create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all.

While the role will work solely for the Just Finance Foundation, please note that the Church Urban Fund, as the parent charity, will be the legal employer.

World Veterinary Service – Corporate Partnerships Manager
Location: Remote or hybrid, with monthly meetings at Dorset office and regular travel for meetings with donors.
Salary: £40,000-£45,000 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

Worldwide Veterinary Service – which helps animals in places where no one else can - is seeking an experienced Corporate Partnerships Manager to support the growth of their corporate fundraising programme.

Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) champions animal welfare around the world, sending vets where they are needed most, providing expert veterinary training in hard-to-reach places, and shipping urgent aid supplies worldwide. Last year they treated over 103,000 animals, trained over 2,800 vets and vaccinated over 1.2 m dogs against rabies.

Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, the Corporate Partnerships Manager will lead on the development and delivery of the charity’s corporate fundraising strategy, shaping a high-potential income stream to create impactful partnerships with businesses that align with WVS’s mission and values. The role will be responsible for identifying, research and approaching prospective corporate partners to build a strong new business pipeline and managing and nurturing existing corporate relationships to ensure long-term engagement and growth. The post holder will also work with partners to deliver engaging employee and customer campaigns, sponsorships and strategic alliances.

The ideal candidate will be a natural networker, commercially savvy, and motivated by making a positive impact through business partnerships. You’ll have experience building mutually beneficial corporate relationships and will thrive on identifying shared value opportunities. While the primary focus is on corporate partnerships, the post-holder will also provide support across other philanthropic income streams - particularly major donors and trusts and foundations - contributing to ambitious fundraising goals. Finally, candidates for this role must be adaptable and comfortable working with ambiguity and the dynamic, fast-moving environment of this growing charity.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced fundraising professional who wants to make lasting improvements to the lives of animals around the world.

Job Title: Regional Fundraising Area Manager

Location: Home Based covering the North of England, with frequent travel around the region and the UK including our London office and Teenage Cancer Trust units. 

You will be required to attend fundraising events which may take place in the evenings and/or weekends and may occasionally be in areas with limited public transport options therefore we ask that applicants have access to a vehicle and a valid UK driving licence.

Hours: 35 hours per week                             

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £46,979 per annum 

What we do: We help young people through cancer

How we work: We’re Determined, United, Spirited and Kind

What we’re looking for:

• Someone with strong knowledge of Community Fundraising. 

• A strategic leader with a proven ability to grow income and inspire teams. 

• Someone with experience of leading, inspiring and managing a regional dispersed fundraising team to deliver and grow income.

• Someone with experience of leading projects that drives efficiency and continuous improvement of fundraising activities. 

How to apply:

You’ll need to register on our portal, complete a short application form and answer questions about your skills and experience in relation to the role. 

Key dates:

Applications by 07 February 2026, 1st stage interviews on 17 February 2026 online and 2nd Stage interviews on 25 February 2026 (location to be decided).

Reporting to, and working closely with, the Head of Fundraising and Engagement, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will shape and implement innovative strategies, driving growth in philanthropic giving, secure corporate partnerships and obtain critical funding. With a focus on cultivating mutually beneficial, long-term relationships, you’ll craft compelling proposals, develop tailored stewardship plans, and create sponsorship opportunities that inspire ongoing support.

You’ll lead the way in securing multi-year corporate partnerships and nurturing donor relationships to meet ambitious income targets. As a key player in the senior fundraising team, you’ll contribute to strategic planning, represent the charity at events, and champion new approaches to fundraising.

With our newly formed Development Board, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will identify and utilise key networks to grow our philanthropic supporter base across corporate and major donor income streams. With strong writing skills, this person will also craft tailored and compelling corporate proposals and trust and foundation applications.

Who are we looking for?

To support our vision and ensure the achievement of ambitious income targets to support children and families affected by neuroblastoma, we are looking for a strategic and results-driven high-value fundraiser to join our team.

We are particularly keen to speak with interested candidates who enjoy cultivating high-value relationships from scratch and stewarding five- and six-figure corporate partnerships, and/or major donor relationships.

Person specification:

• Demonstrable significant experience working in corporate fundraising (experience in major donor and trusts & foundations fundraising would also be of benefit).
• Strategic thinker with significant experience at a managerial level, developing strategic plans to grow and optimise high-value fundraising.
• A proven record of being results-driven and working to achieve income targets, KPIs and outcomes.
• Proven ability to proactively identify, cultivate and secure new corporate relationships, demonstrate strong new business development acumen and confidence opening new opportunities.

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

Location: Home-based within England with regular travel to London and elsewhere in the UK as required
First stage interviews: Thursday 26th February
Second stage interviews:  Wednesday 4th March

As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.

We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Spurgeons, who believe in creating brighter futures for children, young people, and families. As one of the UK's leading children's charities, firmly supported by Christian beliefs and values, Spurgeons helps vulnerable children and their families by delivering projects that support them and their communities to find long-lasting solutions to the challenges they face.

We are seeking a Senior Philanthropy Manager to secure transformational income through high-value giving strategies across major donors, legacies, trusts, foundations, and corporate partnerships. By building meaningful relationships and inspiring generosity, you'll create long-term partnerships that deliver life-changing support for children, young people, and families.

As a member of the fundraising management team contributing to shaping and delivering the overall Fundraising & Engagement strategy, you'll provide supportive line management to two direct reports. You'll develop and implement high-value donor giving strategies to drive sustainable year-on-year income growth, while building and nurturing meaningful relationships with high-value donors and managing your own portfolio with robust cultivation and stewardship plans.

Working with the Director of Fundraising & Engagement, you'll collaborate with senior leaders and trustees to identify new income opportunities. You'll implement and drive the Legacy and In-Memory strategy, oversee stewardship programmes for legacy pledgers, lead strategic pipeline development for Trusts and Foundations, and develop and deliver a Corporate Fundraising strategy. Conducting in-depth research and wealth screening, you'll identify and evaluate prospects while monitoring KPIs, budgets, and ROI against strategic plans.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience of line management and team leadership
• Proven experience of donor management, demonstrating the ability to build and steward high-value, income-generating relationships
• Demonstrable experience of achieving or exceeding income targets, delivering year-on-year net income growth
• Track record of developing, managing and growing high-value pipelines across major donors, trusts and foundations, legacies and corporate partners
• Proven success in major gift fundraising, including securing five or six figure gifts through face-to-face asks

By month 3, you'll have reviewed current high-value fundraising strategies and met key internal stakeholders including the Director of Fundraising, SLT, and Trustees. By month 6, you'll have launched refined Major Donor and Legacy strategies, developed a robust prospect pipeline, and initiated at least one new corporate partnership. By month 12, you'll have delivered a measurable increase in high-value income across all streams, embedded legacy messaging across all fundraising channels, and secured multi-year commitments from at least two major donors or trusts.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team that isn't just goal-driven, but fuelled by creativity, passion, and a love for bold ideas to drive positive change! You'll be part of a team that celebrates successes and believes in fostering a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to do their best work.

For more information, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Location: Home based

Closing date: Sunday 8th February 2026

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by Tuesday 10th February 2026

1st round interviews with Spurgeons: w/c 16th February 2026

Final round interviews with Spurgeons: w/c 23rd February 2026

About the Trust 

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you? 

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year. 

Join Our Team: Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships 

We’re excited to welcome a new strategic leader to shape and deliver transformational income growth and strategic partnerships for the Trust.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Working Hours & Location 

This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. This is a home-based role, requiring regular travel to meetings with donors, events and to our main hubs for collaborative meetings and team activities.

Role Overview 

In this pivotal role, you will lead the refinement and delivery of the Trust’s high value giving strategy, building and sustaining relationships with philanthropists, statutory funders, trusts and foundations, and corporates. You’ll inspire, lead, and manage a diverse team to achieve ambitious income targets and strengthen strategic partnerships that support the Trust’s vision. You will actively demonstrate desired behaviours - enthusiastically engaging with external partners, taking initiative to strengthen the team, and fostering a culture within the Trust that supports high level giving. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Implement and refine the Fundraising Strategy to deliver significant and sustainable income growth and impact.
• Lead, inspire and develop a diverse team, fostering a culture of delivery, collaboration, accountability, and innovation. 
• Personally lead on cultivating and stewarding transformational relationships with corporates, trusts, foundations, high-net-worth donors and some statutory sources while empowering your team to build profitable, multi-year relationships, a robust pipeline and secured income.
• Prepare, monitor, and deliver the annual business plan and income budget (currently £5m with significant growth planned).
• Represent the Trust externally at a senior level and maintain awareness of sector trends.
• Maintain best practice in fundraising compliance, risk management, and reporting, maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
• Embed diversity, inclusion, and safety responsibilities in all activities.

About You 

As an accomplished fundraising leader with a proven track record of delivering high-value income and building strategic partnerships, you thrive in complex stakeholder environments and bring a blend of vision, resilience, and hands-on expertise. You’ll be confident influencing at Board level, adept at navigating ambiguity, and passionate about making a lasting impact.

Skills & Qualifications 

• Proven experience in leading a team – skilled at building, inspiring, and motivating teams to achieve fundraising goals.
• Comprehensive expertise in major donor fundraising, corporate partnerships, and trust and foundation giving, alongside a working knowledge of statutory giving. 
• Demonstrated expertise in high-value fundraising and partnership development, with a proven ability to create, cultivate and steward long-term relationships while influencing internal stakeholders to secure and sustain transformational support.
• Proven success in securing transformational gifts and multi-year partnerships.
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills, able to influence inside and outside the organisation.
• A proven ability to develop and write persuasive and successful funding applications and partnership proposals for major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporates.
• Exceptional communication and networking skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Experience managing significant budgets and delivering income growth.
• Knowledge of fundraising compliance and sector trends.  
• A collaborative and innovative approach, able to lead and motivate a diverse team while working cross-functionally.
• Personal resilience and adaptability, with the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

What We Offer 

We offer an annual salary of £78,000, plus £520 cash car allowance per month. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: 

Our values

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Shieldfield Art Works (SAW) is a project of the Methodist Church in Newcastle upon Tyne which is seeking the wellbeing of the city through creative practice. We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic individual to build up Shieldfield Art Work’s fundraising programme and contribute to our strategy. This is a vital part of our work as we seek to become more sustainable and resilient in an ever challenging climate. 

Our ideal candidate will have good experience in developing and implementing a robust fundraising strategy in order to take the strategic fundraising work of our community arts hub into a new chapter. You will also be able to articulate your active Christian faith, be able to explain SAW's Christian ministry and show ability to be able to write for both Christian and secular funders with different priorties.

You will need to be self-motivated and confident in your expertise. The role is suitable for candidates who are experienced in larger and multi-year applications to trusts and foundations (ideally in the cultural sector), developing individual giving campaigns and CSR channels, cultivating donor relationships and a good storyteller, to tell the story of and champion SAW. You must be motivated particularly by the social impact and outreach work that we deliver.

Closing Date: Tuesday 10th February, 10am

Location: At SAW/remote working

Contract Type: 12-month fixed-term

Period of work: March 2026 - February 2027

Rate of pay: £41,600 - £52,000 pro rata at 40 hours per week (£20-£25 per hour) based on experience

Number of days: 52 days, 8 hours per day

For full information on this role, including key responsibilities and person specification, please view the job pack.

About SAW

Shieldfield Art Works (SAW) is a project of the Methodist Church in Newcastle upon Tyne which is seeking the good of the city through creative practice. We are a team of artists who support others to be creative, and use our creativity to support others. We believe that the arts help us to articulate what it is to be human and that arts participation enables joy and flourishing in unique and unexpected ways. We are blessed with a gallery, workshop room and garden on our site in Shieldfield and so try to organise ways for these assets to be a blessing to our local community.

As a Christian organisation we believe each and every person has inherent worth, bearing the image of our creator. This motivates us to listen to and seek out those whose stories may not be being heard, so that we may better understand and love those around us.

We are particularly committed to our area of Newcastle, Shieldfield, just east of the city centre. We devise and commission art projects that tell Shieldfield’s story, and consider how stories from our local area relate to life outside of Shieldfield. In attempting to reflect a God who is interested in all areas of life, we are interested in the micro to the macro – art that speaks truths about the human condition, to art which speaks to the condition of our planet, and everything in between.

Our site in Shieldfield comprises a gallery, workshop room and community garden, from which we run:

• Four sessions of Painting for Fun each week

• Twice monthly Craft Action Collective sessions

• Gardening sessions (Shieldfield Grows) every week, with a pause in winter

• SAW Reflects events which provide time and space for deep thinking and conversation

• A programme of exhibitions in our gallery that changes throughout the year

• Our community garden is open to visitors all year round.