Global director of philanthropy and investment jobs

Job term            Permanent, Part time, three days a week (0.75FTE)

Salary                £86,400 FTE (£64,800 for 24 hours per week) plus attractive benefits

Based                Hybrid. One day in office in London SW4 and two days remote. Fully remote and international candidates will also be considered.

Reports to           Executive Director

Alliance Publishing Trust (APT) aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas among people in philanthropy working for social change. We aspire to contribute to building an effective, accountable and thriving philanthropy field by being a ‘critical friend’ to philanthropy worldwide.

To do this we produce Alliance magazine, the leading quarterly publication for philanthropy and social investment worldwide and respected in the sector for thirty years. Each issue provides a special in-depth feature on a key aspect of philanthropy and social investment, with contributors from around the world and expert guest editors as well as interviews, news and book reviews.

We also produce over 700 items of digital content per year: providing premium interviews and articles published exclusively every Tuesday; daily free-to-read news, conference reports and a space for thinking, debate and peer exchange among philanthropy practitioners worldwide; weekly coverage of climate and gender philanthropy, monthly columns and more. In addition to written content, we convene 24 events a year to discuss the latest topics in philanthropy with speakers and attendees across the globe. 

With a core staff team based in London, valued freelance support and a team of representatives around the world, we work with the leading organisations and practitioners worldwide to deliver our charitable mission. APT aims to create a culture of collective involvement where all team members can contribute to both the direction and processes of the organisation. We aim to be a fluid organisation, being able to introduce new ideas in quick time, enabling us to punch above our weight and deliver impact at a level beyond our size. We have an outstanding team in place and are in a positive period of growth as we continue to deliver our long term strategy for 2030 and begin to create plans for beyond. APT is proud to be both an accredited Living Wage Employer and 4-Day Week Employer.

Opportunity

As Alliance celebrates its 30th anniversary we are currently seeking a curious, motivated and collaborative individual to join us in the new role of Director of Philanthropy Knowledge. This externally-facing senior role would suit experienced candidates with a passionate interest in philanthropy and with a truly global mindset. Candidates should be eager to both learn about and examine philanthropic giving in all forms and in all contexts.

Building on the strong position of the organisation you will play a key role in shaping the organisational strategy and direction  in the years ahead through the knowledge and insights you will develop and maintain. To excel in this role, you will need to be able to forge positive professional relationships with senior leaders, both at large global institutions and small grassroots organisations.

Summary of main duties and responsibilities

The Director of Philanthropy Knowledge’s principal responsibilities are to keep up-to-date with the developments of the global philanthropy sector; be a proactive knowledge resource for the editorial team; build and maintain a strong network of relationships with key individuals and organisations on every continent; and to work with the Executive Director on generating philanthropic funding and support in line with APT’s strategy.

Knowledge

• Develop expansive knowledge of the global philanthropy sector, the people and organisations in that space, and to keep up with the latest trends and developments
• Maintain this knowledge through reading, research and global event attendance
• Ensure that this knowledge is built on hearing from a broad range of diverse voices and perspectives
• Share this knowledge with the in-house editorial team to help shape the editorial strategy, the publication’s understanding of the sector, and the Alliance event programme
• Share this knowledge with the sector through commentary including written contributions for Alliance and speaking at sector events

Relationship building

• Build and maintain a strong network of relationships with key individuals and organisations on every continent
• Be confident and comfortable to meet with the senior leaders of the sector to learn about their work.
• Be able to connect with leaders from a variety of cultures and contexts
• Attend relevant worldwide conferences and events to connect with key individuals and look for opportunities for how they may contribute towards Alliance’s mission. Eg; as guest editors, contributors, members of the Editorial Advisory Council, or in other forms of organisational partnership with Alliance.

Philanthropic funding & support

• Steward existing relationships with key core funders and sponsors of Alliance
• Ensure grant requirements are positively delivered in good time
• Work with the Executive Director to identify and approach potential funders – both core and project - and sponsors of Alliance
• Ensure that APT’s philanthropic support grows in line with APT’s fundraising goals to match its strategy and plans

General

• Manage a personal travel budget  to support the three core areas above
• Meet staff regularly to ensure seamless input into editorial and organisational plans
• Be an active team member, contributing ideas to the long-term development of Alliance
• Work on required tasks relating to any other APT projects

Person specification

Essential

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the global philanthropy sector and the people and organisations active within it
• Strong existing personal network of people and organisations working within philanthropy
• Strong communication skills and a proven track record of building and maintaining positive professional relationships
• Experience of generating philanthropic support for charitable projects and stewarding the associated relationships

Desired

• High levels of organisation and ability to manage own workload
• Experience of public speaking and/or writing in a professional capacity
• Proficiency in a second language

Benefits

Alliance Publishing Trust is committed to a happy and healthy place to work. We offer extensive benefits to UK employees including but not limited to:

• Four-day work week
• Flexible working, both in terms of times and location
• Equivalent of 7 weeks of annual leave (including Bank Holidays) rising to 8 weeks depending on service
• Enhanced pension
• Life assurance
• Enhanced occupational sick pay
• Leading enhanced parental policies
• Critical illness insurance
• Health cash plan for services and items such as dental and opticians
• Monthly physical wellbeing stipend
• Mental wellbeing support app
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Interest free tenancy deposit loan
• Travel insurance
• Employee volunteering day

Application Process

Deadline for application:  Friday 06 February 2026, 17:00pm (UK time)

Please submit your CV and covering letter via the Charity Jobs portal. In your cover letter you should address your suitability for this role based on the relevant skills and experience outlined in this job description. Please also state where you saw the job vacancy.

Interviews will be held on the week beginning Monday 16 February (in-person preferred but remote options available). Shortlisted candidates will be notified and invited by email prior. We are a small organisation and only successful interview candidates will be contacted.

Anticipated start date: 11 May 2026 but open to an earlier start date should availability allow. A job offer will be subject to a right to work check and the receipt of at least two satisfactory references.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during application process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best. As part of our ongoing commitment to an accessible recruitment process, applicants are encouraged to contact APT to discuss any support or assistance they may have during the application process. Please email vanessa at vanessa@alliancemagazine dot org in the first instance.

Founded in 1927, the University of Hull has a long and proud history. Through our teaching, research and civic engagement, we are helping to shape and deliver the future prosperity of our region and far beyond. 

Leading the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team, the Director will drive the design and implementation of the University’s inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign, launching it at the culmination of our centenary celebrations in summer 2028. Building on progress made to date, the Director will leverage the centenary to elevate the roles of philanthropy and alumni engagement in support of the University’s future ambitions. 

Person specification: 
- Extensive knowledge of philanthropy, preferably within higher education, including fundraising best practice
- Extensive knowledge of alumni engagement and its role in building connections and supporting wider institutional priorities
- Demonstrable track record of building relationships and working with prospects to secure gifts at the six-figure level and above
- Experience of leading philanthropic campaigns and exceeding fundraising targets
- Experience of leading and managing teams carrying out philanthropic and/or engagement activities 
- Experience of strategic and data-driven operational planning and performance management

Dixon Walter is leading the candidate search on behalf of the University. For more information and details of how to apply by 15 February, please see the candidate brief.

#Director
#DirectorPhilanthropyandAlumniEngagement
#UniversityofHull

Since opening its doors in 1871, Royal Albert Hall has stood at the heart of the nation’s cultural life. From the Suffragettes to Stormzy, Elgar to Einstein, the Beatles to Shirley Bassey, the world’s most influential voices have shaped moments of history on its iconic stage.

A £50 million capital appeal was launched in late 2025, which will fund improvements of facilities for artists, audiences and young people taking part in engagement activities at the Grade I listed concert hall. This 15-year estate plan represents a significant evolution in the Hall’s fundraising approach, creating an exceptional opportunity to expand its philanthropic reach, deepen relationships with supporters and secure transformational investment in the future of this much-loved institution.

The Senior Philanthropy Manager (Maternity Cover) will play a pivotal role in the delivery of its major donor programme. Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, this role sits at the heart of the philanthropy team, combining hands-on major gifts fundraising with oversight of systems, processes and pipeline management. The postholder will shape and steward a growing portfolio of high-value supporters during a critical phase of the Hall’s capital appeal, while ensuring that donor engagement activity is coordinated, consistent and effective.

Please note that interviews will occur on a rolling basis. To discuss the role in more detail and make an application, please apply ASAP with a copy of your most recent CV plus any additional information that aligns with the person specification below.

As Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will:

• Report to the Head of Philanthropy and line manage two direct reports – Senior Prospect Researcher and Philanthropy Coordinator – fostering clarity, structure and confidence within your team.
• Manage a personal portfolio of major donors, stewarding relationships typically in the £20,000–£500,000 range.
• Work to a team income target, generating funds from HNWIs through major gifts, mid-value gifts and legacies.
• Own and drive the major donor pipeline, ensuring clear next steps, momentum and follow-through across cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Be donor-facing, through regular face-to-face meetings, cultivation activity and events, including evening engagement as part of stewardship.
• Ensure robust processes are in place for tracking, thanking and income processing, with delivery support from the Philanthropy Coordinator.
• Act as a central coordinating figure for major donor activity, working closely with the Head of Philanthropy, Development Director and selected Philanthropy Board members.
• Lead on the rollout of donor communications, including tailored donor stewardship and wider impact reporting.
• Work closely with other development colleagues who focus on the Hall’s Friends and Patrons programmes, Trust and Foundation approaches and Events.

Essential skills and experience:

• Demonstrable experience of managing and stewarding high-value individual donors, ideally within a major gifts or upper mid-value context.
• Experience of personally securing c.£50K+ donations from HNWIs – please ensure that examples of personally secured gifts from HNWIs, including £value, are included on your CV. It would also be helpful to include context e.g., uplift, new donor
• Confidence working with fundraising databases and systems (ideally Tessitura), and a strong understanding of GDPR and DPA 2018.
• Strong organisational and process skills, with the ability to keep complex, multi-strand activity moving and well-tracked.
• Experience of working collaboratively in a matrixed environment with senior stakeholders and volunteers.
• Some line management or mentoring experience, with the ability to provide clear direction and practical support. However, this is not a heavily people-management-focused role
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging donors in a range of settings.
• A proactive, detail-oriented approach, combined with sound judgement and professionalism.

Desirable:

• Arts, culture or heritage fundraising experience.
• Experience of working on or alongside a capital appeal.

Employee benefits include: 

• 25 days per year annual leave (pro rata for part-time employees), with the opportunity to buy or sell up to five days holiday per calendar year
• Life assurance of 6 x basic salary
• RAH’s canteen offers free hot and cold meals, including vegetarian options, to staff whilst at work
• Employee Assistance Programme