Major gifts manager jobs

Senior Development Executive – Chemistry

University of Oxford

Location: Oxford, UK with hybrid working options

Permanent and full-time role

Salary: Grade 8: £49,119 to £58,265 per annum, with a possible extension to £65,336

The University of Oxford aims to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Philanthropy plays a critical role in enabling Oxford to maintain and build on its status as a world-class centre of learning. The University has been successful in raising funds from a broad, international range of donors, whose transformational gifts have made a number of important and globally-impacting projects possible.

The Department of Chemistry is a world-leading centre of research and teaching, and sits within the broader Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences (MPLS) Division of the University. The mission of Oxford Chemistry is to advance the global understanding of Chemistry and to use that knowledge to address major challenges for society.

Recent research breakthroughs in Oxford Chemistry have been groundbreaking. These include a new diagnostic breath test for early lung disease; a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for Oxford alumnus Professor Richard Robson for inventing metal-organic frameworks to store gases and purify water; the mechanochemical recycling of ‘forever chemicals’ into a valuable raw material; and the discovery into how cells sense and absorb oxygen guiding the development of new medicines for cancer, anaemia, and heart disease.

This is an exciting time to join our Development team and to work specifically with the Department of Chemistry. The role of Senior Development Executive – Chemistry is a critical one in enabling Oxford to empower the world’s greatest minds to work on new and emerging research challenges, at the same time as training the leaders of tomorrow in the field of Chemistry. Working closely with the Head of Chemistry, as well as some of the most inspiring scientists in the world, you will forge relationships with existing and new donors to the Department. You will have the support of excellent colleagues across the sciences at Oxford as well as the wider Development & Alumni Engagement office.

About you

You are an experienced philanthropic fundraiser with a strong track record of securing major gifts, a confident approach and the ability to think creatively. Your ability to build rapport and relationships swiftly will enable you to lead on major gift fundraising (securing donations of £100k-£1m+), working with a range of donors (corporates, trusts and individuals). Your ability to establish credibility and foster trust across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to your success. A professional background or personal interest in STEM will be important although you do not need to be a Chemistry or sciences graduate: we are looking for an enthusiast for knowledge!

What We Offer

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

· Flexible hybrid working

· An excellent contributory pension scheme

· 38 days annual leave

· Membership to CASE

· Training and development opportunities

· A comprehensive range of childcare services

· Family leave schemes

· Cycle loan scheme

· Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

· Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loan

You could be helping to deliver philanthropic support that funds breakthroughs in science and improve lives around the world. If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

For a confidential conversation, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 09:00 on MONDAY 24th NOVEMBER 2025

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

We are delighted to be partnering with STEM Learning to find their next Head of Fundraising. 

Fundraising has developed rapidly for the organisation in recent years, with investment, board-level commitment and a growing team driving success. With strong foundations in place and a portfolio of high-value partnerships across corporate, trust, foundation, and major donor income, they are now poised to scale their strategic influence and deepen their impact.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and leading a five-strong team, the Head of Fundraising will shape and deliver the long-term fundraising strategy, strengthen the organisation's positioning as a trusted, high-impact partner, and drive sustainable, multi-year income growth that enables transformational change.

As Head of Fundraising, you will: 

• Lead the development and delivery of a high-level fundraising strategy, securing multi-year six-figure+ partnerships across corporates, trusts, foundations, major donors and HNWIs
• Manage, develop and inspire a team of 5 direct reports (responsibility for 7), fostering a proactive, collaborative and high-performing culture
• Engage senior stakeholders including the CEO, Chair, Trustees and senior partners to unlock networks and open opportunities
• Represent the organisation at senior-level networking events, conferences and sector forums, influencing decision-makers and strengthening brand positioning

Essential skills and experience: 

• A strategic, senior-level fundraiser with a proven track record delivering six-figure, multi-year partnerships from corporates. Experience across trusts, foundations, and/or major donors highly desirable
• A proactive new business mindset, with eagerness to meet with donors and attend events
• Strategic leadership experience, with proven ability to motivate and develop fundraising teams
• An experienced relationship-builder who has used confidence and gravitas to engage CEOs, trustees, C-suite leaders and high-net-worth individuals — and successfuly make compelling asks

STEM Learning offer a sector-leading employee benefits package, which includes 30 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays and up to 15% employer pension contributions. 

This is a mostly home-based role, with travel to N.England and London for office time and meetings. There are travel-cost reimbursements available - please discuss. 

Detailed briefing notes and full support with CV and cover letter will be provided for suitable applicants. 

About LMK

Good relationships shape our health and happiness, yet we are taught so little about them. LMK (Let Me Know) is on a mission to change that. We are a young and thriving charity providing education about healthy and unhealthy behaviours so that young people have the knowledge and skills to avoid abuse and thrive in their relationships. We work in schools, community organisations and workplaces across London. 

We’re looking for an experienced and inspiring fundraising leader to take LMK’s income generation to the next level. You’ll shape our fundraising strategy, lead a small, dedicated team, and grow income from trusts and foundations, major donors, corporates and individual giving.

You’ll be strategic, collaborative and passionate about LMK’s mission — ready to use your skills to drive real, lasting change.

Working from home, but with occasional travel to London. 

Application Instructions

Please use your cover letter to give us specific information and examples of your experience against each part of the person specification of the role.If you prefer, you can provide us with a video of no longer than 3 mins rather than a cover letter. Please share your video via email.

Please note:  Interviews will be held online on Thursday, November 13th and in person on Friday, November 14th 

We are looking for a bold, creative, and strategic fundraising leader to work alongside the CEO to rebuild and grow our income — securing existing partnerships while opening up new streams of support. 

Like many UK charities, Opportunity International has faced a challenging few years. Shifts in government funding, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and periods of leadership transition have all affected our income since 2018. Yet, out of this challenge comes great opportunity. We are now entering an exciting phase of renewal — revitalising our brand, re-energising our supporter base, and reimagining how we engage with donors.

Historically, our private income has been driven by generous major donors, and while this will continue to be a core pillar, our strategy is focused on diversification and long-term sustainability. In the short term, we’re deepening our relationships with trusts and foundations and growing our individual giving, particularly through digital channels. Looking ahead, we plan to strengthen our legacy programme and build meaningful corporate partnerships. With our refreshed brand and vibrant new visual identity, we’re well-positioned to reach new audiences and inspire fresh support. Our Royal Patron and emerging ambassadors will help us to do this.

The successful candidate will have the exciting opportunity to help shape our organisational strategy for the next 3–5 years (to be finalised in early 2026) and to lead the design and delivery of a dynamic fundraising and communications strategy. A major appeal or capital campaign is expected to be a cornerstone of this work.

If you'd like to have an informal conversation about this role then please contact Mary Oakes, CEO, to arrange.

DUTIES

Production of sales invoices

Organising bank payments

Day to day bookkeeping, running purchase and sales ledgers, bank reconciliations, cash reconciliations via Sage

Management of restricted funds

Reconciliation of investment reports

Production of monthly management accounts and reporting

Production of annual budgets,
cash flow forecasts, any financial / business plans as required

Preparation and submission of gift aid claims

Preparation and submission of VAT returns

Running the weekly and monthly payroll

Submission of Companies House returns

Preparation of trading company accounts

CORE COMPETENCIES / QUALITIES / EXPERIENCE

Recognised accountancy qualification

Employment history / experience of bookkeeping and preparation of monthly management accounts

Experience of Sage Accounting

Competent in MS Office especially Excel

Organisational skills

Ability to plan and prioritising work

Ability to meet filing deadlines.

Ability to prepare accurate, timely, and clear information to enable the trustees to make decisions.

Ability to present material graphically

Ability to analyse and comment upon medium and long term trends

DESIRABLE

Knowledge of gift aid

Knowledge of charity accounting

Knowledge of relevant VAT rules
(e.g. de minimis rules).

Experience with financial processes and financial governance.

Our client in Cirencester is an award-winning producing house charity renowned through the UK for its unique and innovative approach to theatrical excellent and problem-solving. They deliver the life-changing magic of live performance and will now hire a new Head of Development and Fundraising.

The Head of Development and Fundraising will drive their mission forward with creativity, energy and passion. The postholder will principally cultivate relationships and secure funding with major donors – both existing and new to the organisation – exciting and delighting those philanthropists to give significant gifts at the five-figure level and above. The role attracts a position on the committed management team while also managing a small team responsible for donors, sponsors, friends and partners to the organisation.

The selected candidate will have a proven track record of accomplishment in fundraising and will be able to demonstrate strategic thinking ideally within an arts fundraising setting. The fundraising experience and knowledge will be key too, with the postholder able to demonstrate a track record of telling compelling stories to captivate donors for revenue and capital fundraising asks.  Above all, the selected candidate will be a creative, out-of-the-box thinker, to match the ambitions and approach this organisation and its leadership takes.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Ryan Burdock at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.      
 
 In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon. 

We are working in partnership with Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) to secure their new Head of Fundraising & Communications. SWT provide expert advice and guidance to landowners and managers, while inspiring and educating people and organisations across the county on what they can do to help tackle the ongoing climate emergency, while supporting the health and wellbeing of all who live in Surrey. By doing this, SWT will create a county that is full of diverse and abundant wildlife, where nature is at the heart of individual choices, corporate decisions, and local economic and policy making.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a driven, passionate and experienced senior fundraiser to lead transformational fundraising and communications across the organisation. As Head of Fundraising & Communications, you will lead a dynamic and talented team to develop and deliver a powerful fundraising strategy that expands and diversifies income. From major donors to corporate partnerships, membership growth to trusts & foundations, you will ensure SWT have the financial strength to support their ambitious conservation goals.

You will also drive their mission-led communications, engaging a wide range of audiences through PR, marketing, digital, and social media to enhance awareness and inspire action through compelling campaigns and appeals.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in fundraising leadership, with expertise across multiple income streams
• A track record of securing major gifts and partnerships
• Strong strategic leadership skills, able to inspire and motivate teams
• Excellent relationship-building abilities with donors, corporates, and key stakeholders
• Experience in marketing, PR, and digital communications to enhance engagement

A passion for wildlife, conservation, and nature recovery, a creative, storytelling mindset and the ability to inspire others to maximise their potential, will be essential.

Are you ready to play a key role in protecting and restoring Surrey’s wildlife while ensuring a financially sustainable future for nature?

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

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.

SWT are committed to having an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourage applications from backgrounds which may be underrepresented in our sector, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. 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 the Charisma 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.

Hours: Full time (4-day week and flexible working all considered), permanent

Location: Pirbright, Surrey / hybrid (2 days a week onsite preferred)

Closing date: 9 November 2025

Charisma will review applications on a rolling basis, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment. 

Concern Worldwide (UK) is looking for a Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships to join the team on a fixed term, maternity cover contract.
 
About us:
 
We are an international humanitarian organisation that strives for a world free from poverty, fear and oppression. We deliver lifesaving and life-changing interventions to the world's poorest and most vulnerable people. From rapid emergency response to innovative development programming, we go to the hardest to reach places to make sure that no-one is left behind. With almost 4,500 staff of more than 50 nationalities, Concern operates in 25 of the world’s poorest countries, helping people to achieve major and long-lasting improvements in their lives.
 
Benefits
 
• 25 days’ annual leave, pro-rated for part-time employees.
• Office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
• Flexible hours and hybrid working
• Annual leave purchase scheme
• Enhanced parental leave pay
• Stakeholder pension
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle scheme
• Life assurance
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
 
About the role:
 
The Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships will lead a newly formed Philanthropy and Partnerships team to growth and success. Concern Worldwide UK are investing in Philanthropy and Partnerships, and the head will set the agenda for this team, own and develop the P&P strategy, build excellent internal relationships with the UK team, Republic of Ireland, US and South Korea, trustees and develop long term relationships with donors and prospects.
 
The Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships will lead their team in creating and implementing a strategy for high-value fundraising in the UK. This new strategy will aim to create highly impactful partnerships with philanthropists, trusts, foundations, and the private sector in support of Concern’s mission.
 
About You:
 
ESSENTIAL
 
• Extensive high value partnership experience in a charitable context, including 6 and 7 figure gifts.
• Proven experience of growing income and providing excellent stewardship, in at least two of the following areas, Trusts and Foundations, Corporates and Major Donors.
• Proven experience of identifying and cultivating new supporters and developing these into sustainable relationships.
• Proven experience of writing effective fundraising strategies, across a range of fundraising streams, including Major Donors, Trusts and Foundations, Corporate Partnerships, to achieve significant income growth.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering complex and diverse multi million pound annual and long-term budgets.
• Demonstrable experience of working with senior volunteers and colleagues to grow a high value program.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and stakeholder management skills and the ability to build good relationships both internally and externally.
• Excellent knowledge of the legal and regulatory environment, including ethical standards and relevant regulations.
• Strong leadership, communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Driven to achieve continuous improvement, highly proactive, able to work on own initiative as well as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
 
DESIRABLE
 
• Experience of working at a strategic level implementing organisation wide plans and procedures.
• Experience of High Value fundraising in an International Development context.
• Experience of working within a global fundraising environment.
• Experience of using a CRM database in a high value partnership programmes.
 
Concern Worldwide encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, ethnicity and origin, disability, political beliefs, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status to apply to become a part of the organization. Concern is against all forms of discrimination and unequal power relations and is committed to promoting equality.
 
TO APPLY
 
Please upload your CV and cover letter explaining how you match the job criteria by 9th November 2025.
All candidates who are short-listed for an interview will be notified via email.
Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the UK at the time of application.
 
Conditions of Appointment:
 
Job Location: London (Hybrid)
Salary: £59,784 - £66,427, based on full time hours (35 hours per week)
Contract Type: Fixed term Contract
Hours: Full Time
 
The successful post holder will be required to complete a criminal records self-declaration form and a Basic DBS check.
 
Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with Concern Worldwide. This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences.
 
You may also have experience in the following: Head of Partnerships, Partnership Management, Philanthropy Manager, Special Events Coordinator, Donor Relations Manager, Fundraising Events Manager, High-Net-Worth Donor Manager, Development Events Specialist, Charity Fundraising Manager, Major Gifts Coordinator, Special Events Fundraiser, etc

REF-224 823

Coeliac UK is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Head of Philanthropy to lead the growth of high-value income streams and help secure the charity’s long-term financial sustainability. Reporting to the Chief Engagement Officer, this pivotal role will focus on cultivating and stewarding transformational relationships with major donors, trusts and foundations, legacies, and strategic corporate partners. Working closely with the Head of Fundraising, you will shape and deliver a data-driven, relationship-focused philanthropy strategy that deepens engagement and drives meaningful impact for people living with coeliac disease.

Job Title: Head of Philanthropy
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time 35 hours per week
Location: Head Office, High Wycombe (hybrid working available, minimum of 2 days in the office)
Salary: Specialist (SP2.3) £51,500 per annum
Benefits: 36 days holiday (including bank holidays), enhanced parental leave, flexible working, private counselling service, professional development opportunities

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and deliver Coeliac UK’s philanthropy strategy, securing and stewarding high-value relationships with donors, trusts, and partners.
• Develop compelling, impact-focused funding proposals aligned with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Champion a data-led approach to income generation, using insight to inform donor journeys, monitor performance, and optimise results.
• Act as an ambassador for philanthropy across the organisation, equipping colleagues and trustees to engage effectively with supporters.
• Manage budgets, track income targets, and provide clear reporting on progress and performance.
• Drive innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the fundraising function.

About You:

We are looking for an inspiring and strategic fundraising leader with strong relationship-building and analytical skills. The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant experience securing high-value gifts from major donors, trusts, legacies, and corporate partners.
• Strong leadership experience and a proven track record of developing and motivating teams.
• Excellent communication, bid-writing, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrable experience using CRM systems and data insights to inform strategy and track performance.
• A creative and strategic mindset with the ability to balance hands-on delivery and big-picture thinking.
• Flexibility to support our mission during the evenings and weekends as required for this role

About Coeliac UK:

Coeliac UK is the charity for people who need to live without gluten. For over 50 years we've been helping people with coeliac disease and other gluten-related conditions live happier, healthier lives. We campaign for better food access, fund medical research, and provide trusted support to our community.

Closing Date: 14th November 2025 (early applications may be reviewed as received)

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.

Candidates may also be searching for similar roles such as: Head of Fundraising, Senior Philanthropy Manager, Head of Partnerships, or Head of Development, Head of Major Donors, Trusts and Grants Manager, Head of Legacy, Income Generation Manager, Head of Income Generation.

No agencies please.

Job Title: Head of Philanthropy

Location: Hybrid with 2-3 days a week at our Head Office (Vauxhall) for donor meetings
Salary: £60,066 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)

Contract type: Full Time, Permanent 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as our next Head of Philanthropy to provide strategic leadership to grow and diversify philanthropy income, delivering an ambitious growth plan across trusts and foundations and major donors.

The post holder will provide stragetic leadership to grow and diversify philanthropy income, delivering an ambitious growth plan across trusts and foundations, and major donors. You will strengthen existing relationships to deepen engagement and secure increased support, while proactively driving new business and developing robust pipelines to secure the long‑term sustainability and impact of Refuge’s work. 

Closing Date: 09:00am 17 November 2025

First Interview Stage Date: 26th and 27th November 2025 via video conference

Second Interview Stage Date: 3rd / 4th December in person 

Corporate Partnerships Lead

Salary: £45,000 to £50,000 per annum
Location: Midlands-based with travel across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire
Contract: Permanent, full-time

Drive high-value corporate partnerships that help save lives

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is recruiting a Corporate Partnerships Lead to head up a successful and growing team. You will be responsible for building, managing and growing relationships with businesses across the region, securing significant five- and six-figure gifts that directly fund our lifesaving service.

This is a senior role for someone with strong experience in corporate fundraising who wants to step into leadership. You will manage a small, motivated team, oversee a healthy pipeline, and be responsible for both new business and stewardship of existing partnerships. With the chance to shape our approach to philanthropy in the future, you’ll also have opportunities to grow your skills in major donor fundraising.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading and developing the Corporate Partnerships team to meet ambitious income targets
• Securing and managing partnerships with businesses across our six-county operating region
• Creating tailored proposals, sponsorship opportunities and employee engagement activities that align with business objectives
• Ensuring excellent stewardship through impact reporting, supporter engagement and regular communication
• Supporting the Head of Fundraising and Engagement to grow our philanthropy programme and engage high-net-worth individuals
• Representing the charity at meetings, pitches and events, inspiring stakeholders to back our mission
• Monitoring and reporting on the corporate pipeline and income performance to senior leadership

What we’re looking for

• Extensive experience in corporate fundraising with a track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts
• A confident leader, able to motivate a team and develop their potential
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, comfortable engaging senior executives
• Excellent communicator with strong presentation and negotiation skills
• Strategic thinker who can identify opportunities and deliver results
• Organised, resilient and able to balance multiple priorities
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle, with flexibility to travel across the Midlands

Why join us

• Play a leading role in one of the UK’s busiest and most respected air ambulance charities
• Work with a strong portfolio of supporters while also unlocking exciting new opportunities
• Be part of a values-driven organisation committed to saving lives every day
• Salary of £45,000 to £50,000 with flexible working and the chance to shape the future of corporate and major donor fundraising at the charity

This is a fantastic opportunity to step up, lead a talented team, and play a central role in funding a lifesaving service for thousands of people across the Midlands.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Do you have a strong appreciation for the role of philanthropy in the arts? Do you have experience developing and delivering individual giving and philanthropy strategies? If so, you could be our new Head of Philanthropy.

The Head of Philanthropy will lead on day-to-day fundraising across individual giving, memberships, appeals and campaigns for Leeds Playhouse. This role is central to building and sustaining a robust philanthropic programme, with a particular focus on developing a strong pipeline of mid- and high-level donors, cultivating and stewarding High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI), and driving engagement through compelling communications and events.

We are seeking an excellent communicator and strategic fundraiser who is creative, resilient, and highly motivated. The Head of Philanthropy will play a key role in shaping and delivering sustainable income growth through individual giving, and major donor engagement—ensuring our work is resourced for the long term.

The post-holder will report to the Strategic Director of Fundraising & Development, deputising as required, and will line manage the Development Administrator. This role is predominantly based at Leeds Playhouse with some scope for hybrid working, complementing the Strategic Director role (a part-time role, mostly working remotely).

This is a permanent, full time contract. We would like to fill a requirement for 35 hours per week, which is full-time for this role, with some flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required. However, we are open to hearing from people interested in part-time work or job sharing. Pay for the role is £35,700 per year based on 35 hours per week.

Benefits at Leeds Playhouse include 5 weeks holiday entitlement (plus 1.6 weeks of bank holidays), that increases with length of continuous employment; 2 wellbeing days a year; and discounts across our food and drinks, free show tickets and a local gym and swimming discount. Please see our job pack for more benefits we offer.

To find out more about this role, please download our job pack on our website.

To apply, please fill in both of the forms linked on our website listing before the deadline.

The closing date for applications is 10am Wednesday 12 November 2025.

Interviews are currently scheduled for 19 November 2025.

About Dreams Come True

We deliver moments of magic with lasting impact to children living in poverty who have a serious illness, disability, or life-limiting condition. We are the only wish granting charity focused solely on children living in social deprivation in the UK.

About the Role

Dreams Come True is seeking an ambitious, strategic and highly skilled Head of Fundraising to lead and expand its income generation and manage and drive a high performing team. This senior role prioritises the development and delivery of an ambitious major donor and individual giving strategy - cultivating, stewarding, and upgrading supporters, including high-net-worth individuals and regular donors. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you will diversify income streams, maximise philanthropic support, and ensure the charity's long-term sustainability whilst leading, managing, motivating and inspiring the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a growth-oriented fundraising strategy, with a strong focus on major donor fundraising and individual giving (regular giving, donor journeys, legacy giving).
• Build a robust pipeline of major donors, personally managing relationships with high-value supporters, cultivating new prospects, and maximising lifetime value through tailored stewardship.
• Oversee the design and execution of engaging campaigns and supporter journeys for individual and legacy donors.
• Direct and support building other fundraising streams (trusts & foundations, events, digital, community), setting ambitious yet achievable income targets.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on fundraising performance, using data-driven insights to identify opportunities and refine approaches.
• Inspire, manage, and develop the fundraising team, fostering a culture of collaboration, high performance, and innovation.
• Ensure policy, governance and compliance with all relevant fundraising legislation and sector regulation.
• Represent the charity in external meetings, building networks and leveraging senior volunteers and Trustees to extend philanthropic reach.
• Translate complex beneficiary needs into compelling cases for support, proposals, and stewardship reports that resonate with donors and partners.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Demonstrated success in major donor fundraising, including personally securing substantial gifts (five and six figures); proven ability to build from scratch, cultivate and maintain relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
• Proven expertise in individual giving, including donor journeys, donor retention and engagement, and developing bespoke campaigns.
• Strong leadership skills, with a track record of building, motivating, and developing high-performing fundraising teams.
• Up-to-date understanding of the fundraising compliance environment (Fundraising Regulator's Code, GDPR, PECR).
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Analytical mindset and the ability to use data to inform strategy, track performance, and drive growth.
• Creative approach to stewardship, recognising, thanking, and meaningfully involving supporters at all levels.
• Passion, resilience, and integrity aligned with the charity’s mission.
• A recognised fundraising qualification (e.g. Certificate/Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising or equivalent).
• Inspiring and experienced team leader.

Desirable:

• Experience with innovative donor engagement, digital tools, and CRM/database systems.
• Background in a similar scale or mission-driven UK charity.

How to Apply

Apply by submitting a CV and covering letter via CharityJob.

Head of Philanthropy

Department: KCL Philanthropy
Grade and Salary: £65,091 - £74,613 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 128746

About Us

Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (P&A) provides a fundraising and alumni engagement function in support of King’s College London. We are proud to work with colleagues across the university and its health partners to help them serve society through world-leading education, research and healthcare.  Our work also includes a partnership with the Maudsley Charity in support of children’s mental health initiatives between the university’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and the South London & Maudsley NHS Trust. 

We are a committed team that brings together fundraisers working across different channels, alongside colleagues who promote King’s College London’s engagement with its worldwide alumni community. Our work is underpinned and enhanced by a range of dedicated professionals in supporting areas covering proposition development, supporter engagement, supporter operations and business operations.

We have an impressive, well-established track record of success in securing support that allows the university and partners to deliver on their missions. This includes our global, award-winning World Questions: King’s Answers campaign, which set the standard in the sector and enabled us to raise substantial funds to help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. Ambitious and innovative, the team has won awards such as a CASE Platinum Award for Fundraising and a CASE Gold Award for Donor Relations and Stewardship. We are strongly values-driven with a focus on sustaining an excellent and supportive culture, which we see as key to creating a successful team that can support the university and its partners in making a real and positive difference to the world we live in.

More on King’s College London 

King’s College London is an internationally renowned university delivering exceptional education and world-leading research. The university is dedicated to driving positive and sustainable change in society and realising our vision of making the world a better place.  Through its commitment to exceptional education, impactful research and genuine service to society, King’s College London is creating positive change in its communities, both in London and on the world stage. The Strategic Vision 2029 looks forward to King’s College London’s 200th anniversary in 2029 and sets out ambitious plans in five key areas: 

1. Educating the next generation of change-makers
2. Challenging ideas and driving change through research
3. Giving back to society through meaningful service
4. Working with our local communities in London
5. Fostering global citizens with an international perspective

About the role

We are looking for two exceptional Heads of Philanthropy to join our team to significantly increase philanthropic income for faculty fundraising priorities across King’s College London.Within your application, please indicate which position you are applying to, or if you are happy to be considered for both positions.

One role will lead the Health, Science & Technology philanthropy team, and the other will lead the Arts & Social Sciences philanthropy team. Candidates will need to demonstrate curiosity and genuine interest in the academic areas that fall within the role, and work in partnership with King’s experts and other stakeholders to be successful.

King’s has an ambition to significantly scale philanthropic income for Faculties as we prepare to launch our next major fundraising and engagement campaign in 2027 and mark the university’s bicentenary in 2029. There is currently at least one major gift fundraiser working in each Faculty. Working closely with the Associate Director, Faculty Philanthropy, the postholder will play a pivotal role in developing and growing the major gift fundraising function. They will be responsible for leading and nurturing a team of high value fundraisers to secure gifts at the £50k level and above.

We are looking for someone with a proven track-record of developing new, high value relationships, with experience of closing gifts at the six- and seven- figure level. They will need to demonstrate that they understand what is required to build and scale prospect portfolios. They should be intellectually curious and energised by the depth and breadth of King’s academic expertise, with particular interest and passion to work with senior university leaders and academics to secure funding for a range of priorities across either the Arts and Social Sciences, or Health, Science & Technology portfolio.

Working closely with the Associate Director, Faculty Philanthropy, the postholder will play a pivotal role in developing and growing the major gift fundraising function in advance of the launch of the university’s next public fundraising campaign. They will be responsible for leading and nurturing a team of high value fundraisers to secure gifts at the £50k level and above.

This is a full time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite  contract. P&A has a hybrid working approach, with a minimum of 40% of time in the office, on King’s campuses or meeting donors externally. Typically, this equates to two days per week, but we’re very happy for colleagues to be in more frequently if they so wish.

We welcome applications from those seeking part-time and flexible working.

Please indicate if you are applying for either the Health, Science & Technology role or the Arts & Social Sciences role in your supporting statement or if you are happy to be considered for both positions.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. A proven track record of identifying, cultivating and securing six- and seven- figure gifts from major donors
2. Strong leadership skills, with experience of managing a high-performing fundraising or major gifts fundraising team
3. The ability to negotiate throughout a large, complex environment with multi-dimensional points of view
4. Ability to plan strategically and implement those plans
5. Proven track record in establishing, monitoring, and achieving demanding targets, including income and activity metrics
6. Confidence and experience of working effectively with, and influencing, senior stakeholders
7. Excellent communication skills, including an ability to write and speak eloquently and to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders of all backgrounds
8. Willingness to attend or work at, where necessary, commitments outside of normal working hours

Desirable criteria

1. Experience of working within, or working knowledge of, higher education sector in the UK
2. Experience of working in the public or voluntary sectors
3. Experience of working with a CRM or fundraising database

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including part-time, compressed hours and/or job shares, as appropriate and in the context of the business needs associated with the role.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.Please indicate if you are applying for either the Health, Science & Technology role or the Arts & Social Sciences role in your supporting statement or if you are happy to be considered for both positions. 

Closing Date: 17th November 2025

These roles will have three interview stages, a first-stage standard skills-based interview followed by a more in-depth second-stage interview and presentation, and (for up to two appointable candidates) a Core Values interview.

First stage interviews are due to be held on Tuesday 25th November.

 Second stage interviews are due to be held w/c 1st December.

Core Values interviews are due to be held on w/c 8th December.