Director of Philanthropy & Partnership

Job Title: Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships

Location: Hybrid (UK office Cranfield preferred and/or Folkstone, Kent), with UK-wide travel and occasional overseas travel

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £65,000-£70,000

Make a Meaningful Impact

Role Overview: Are you a values-driven leader who thrives on building relationships that leads to lasting, transformative impact? Do you want to transform the lives of isolated people living in some of the world’s most remote places?

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is a not-for-profit Christian organisation that uses aviation and technology to bring help, hope and healing to some of the world’s most isolated communities. Operating a fleet of 120 plus light aircraft across more than 25 countries, we are driven by our Christian faith to serve communities cut off by mountains, jungles, swamps and deserts to deliver critical support like medical care, education, disaster relief, Bible and spiritual support, where it’s needed most. 

We are now looking for a Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to lead our ambitious income growth strategy, championing our mission to high net-worth individuals, trusts, and strategic partners who want to see their generosity truly change lives.

What You’ll be doing

Strategic Leadership:

• Design, drive and deliver MAF’s Philanthropy and Partnerships strategy to significantly grow income and deepen engagement
• Identify opportunities for innovation in donor acquisition, engagement, and retention 
• Contribute to organisational strategy as part of the Senior Leadership Team 
• Support the CEO, Trustees and other senior stakeholders in leveraging their networks and relationships 
• Match donor passions with compelling giving propositions—from medical flights to capital appeals 

Team Leadership:

• Lead, develop and support a dedicated team of fundraisers and administrators 
• Foster a high-performance culture grounded in collaboration, ownership, and Christian mission 
• Build a team known for excellence in donor stewardship and partnership development 

Cross-Organisational Collaboration:

• Work closely with Marketing, Programmes, and International Teams to build powerful cases for support and share donor impact 
• Represent Philanthropy and Partnerships at Board level, offering insight, reporting, and influence 

Donor Management:

• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of significant donor relationships (major gifts of £25,000 to £1 million+) 

·         Develop strategies to increase fundraising support for people related activities, including our need to drive overseas recruitment and take overall accountability for the staff income budget”.

• Ensure your team delivers an excellent donor experience—tailored, proactive, and relational at every stage of the journey 

Who We’re looking for:

We know that diverse teams make smarter decisions, foster innovation, and better reflect the communities we serve. We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those who are underrepresented in the charity and international development sectors.

You’ll Bring:

• A track record of success securing major gifts (six and seven figures) from high net-worth individuals, and ideally from trusts and where appropriate institutional donors 
• Significant team leadership experience, with a strong track record of motivating staff, delivering results, and building capability 
• A strategic mindset, able to build and implement long-term growth plans and donor journeys 
• Exceptional networking, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the gravitas to influence and build lasting partnerships 
• Strong financial understanding, budgeting skills, and up-to-date knowledge of fundraising regulation and GDPR 
• A deep passion for international development and Christian mission
• An understanding of how to frame technical, spiritual, and humanitarian work in ways that resonate with different audiences

• A self-starter who is not afraid to challenge the status quo 
• A team player who leverages individuals’ strengths to complete objectives 

Our Values & Christian Commitment

MAF is a Christian organisation and this role requires commitment to our vision, mission, and values. The role holder will need to be a committed and mature evangelical Christian, able to participate fully in the spiritual life of the organisation, including prayer meetings, and be comfortable representing MAF as a faith-based charity.

We recognise and respect the diversity of Christian traditions and expressions of faith. We encourage applications from all individuals who can demonstrate an understanding of, and support for, our Christian ethos.

Why Join MAF?

• A flexible and supportive working culture
• A generous non-contributory pension scheme (10% of salary)
• 22 days annual leave plus office closure at Christmas and bank holidays
• An opportunity to be part of an inspiring, global mission

Practical Details

• Location: MAF UK, 1st Floor Castle House, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2TN or unit 41 Cranfield Innovation Centre, Wharley End, Bedford MK43 0BT
• Working Hours: Full-time, 36+ hours per week (flexible)
• Probation: 6 months (with 3-month review)
• Notice Period: 3 months

How to Apply

We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and welcoming to all. If you need any adjustments or support during the process, please let us know. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and able to thrive.