Head of Philanthropy

Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns Children’s Hospice is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.

Palliative care for children aged 0–18 is delivered at Acorns’ hospices in Birmingham, Worcester, and Walsall, as well as in family homes and other community settings. Acorns’ holistic, tailored approach is designed to meet each child’s clinical, emotional, cultural, religious, and spiritual needs.

Philanthropy at Acorns is at an exciting moment of growth. With strong foundations and warm networks already in place, the team is well positioned to elevate high-value fundraising. An upcoming appeal, major opportunities in capital and restricted giving, established relationships with influential philanthropists, and a proven track record with trusts and foundations all support ambitious, relationship-led fundraising.

This role offers a senior position within the fundraising leadership team, a collaborative culture, and the opportunity to shape and expand Acorns’ work with major donors and trusts. You will inherit a capable team, a warm donor base, and strong organisational support to focus externally and drive long-term income growth. This is an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impact on philanthropy at Acorns during a pivotal stage in their development.

As Head of Philanthropy, you will:

• Oversee the pipeline for all philanthropic income streams, ensuring regular prospect research and systematic cultivation
• Co-canvass with the CEO and Director of Income Generation, who are both actively engaged in major donor stewardship
• Oversee the restricted income process, ensuring full cost recovery and compelling propositions
• Play a key role on the Care Committee and as part of the fundraising leadership team
• Lead on governance and processes for philanthropic boards and high-value appeals, including the upcoming appeal
• Represent Acorns externally, building credibility and long-term relationships with senior supporters and funders
• Collaborate with colleagues across fundraising, retail and wider departments to maximise opportunities

We are looking for:

• Strong track record in major donor fundraising from HNWIs, ideally including six-figure gifts
• Trusts and foundations experience, including restricted income and bid processes
• Skills in pipeline management, with strong control of the cultivation cycle and ability to use CRM insight to drive action
• An excellent communicator, with the credibility to engage high-net-worth individuals and senior stakeholders
• A proven people manager, able to support and develop a small team while keeping the role externally focused
• Someone resilient and target-driven, who is able to sustain focus and momentum across long cultivation cycles
• A collaborative, strategic individual who is motivated by the opportunity to unlock transformational support for Acorns’ mission

Working arrangements: Hybrid, with 2 days per week rotating across hospice sites (Worcester, Walsall, Selly Oak) and potential for more based on business need, donor meetings etc.

Employee benefits include: 

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