Co-Head of Development

Co-Head of Development (Job-Share) 

Part-time | Permanent | Hybrid Working

Salary: £49,774 FTE (pro rata)

Help grow local philanthropy across Kent and Medway 

Kent Community Foundation believes in a Kent and Medway where every community has the opportunity to thrive. 

For 25 years we have connected generous people with grassroots organisations creating change in their communities. By working with individuals, families, businesses and professional advisers, we help ensure funding reaches the local charities and community groups that need it most. 

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary and look ahead to the future, we are seeking a Co-Head of Development to help grow philanthropy across the county. 

Working in partnership with an existing Co-Head of Development, this role will focus particularly on developing new philanthropic relationships and opportunities - building partnerships with professional advisers, corporates and prospective donors to support communities across Kent and Medway. 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is highly skilled at building trusted relationships, developing partnerships and connecting people with issues that matter. This role would particularly suit someone who enjoys developing new partnerships and opportunities rather than managing established fundraising programmes. 

About Kent Community Foundation 

Kent Community Foundation is a grant-making charitable foundation dedicated to funding and strengthening communities across Kent and Medway. 

We partner with individuals, families, businesses, trusts and foundations to fund grassroots organisations creating positive change across the county. 

Since our founding in 2001 we have distributed more than £60 million to thousands of charities and community groups, supporting projects that tackle local challenges and help communities thrive. 

Our work is guided by three core values: 

Community first 
Listening to and supporting grassroots organisations who know their communities best. 

Partnership 
Working collaboratively with donors, charities and partners to create lasting change. 

Purposeful giving 
Ensuring funding reaches where it is needed most and creates meaningful impact. 

Together, we are helping communities across Kent and Medway thrive now and in the future. 

The Role:

This is a strategic and outward-facing leadership role focused on growing philanthropic income. 

Working closely with the Chief Executive and your Co-Head of Development, you will help drive our fundraising strategy and develop a strong pipeline of new funding opportunities, with a particular focus on professional adviser engagement. 

You will also play a key role in developing our approach to legacy giving, helping to build long-term relationships and position Kent Community Foundation as a trusted partner for planned giving. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Identifying and developing new philanthropic opportunities across Kent and Medway 
• Building relationships with professional advisers, including solicitors, accountants and wealth managers 
• Developing and stewarding relationships with professional advisors involved in estate planning, to strengthen the pipeline of potential legacy pledgers and legacy income 
• Developing corporate partnerships with businesses 
• Growing and managing a pipeline of prospective donors and fundholders 
• Representing Kent Community Foundation across networks, events and professional forums 
• Developing proposals and conversations that lead to new charitable funds, legacy pledges, and long-term partnerships 
• Contributing to the strategic leadership of the Foundation’s development work 

We are looking for someone who enjoys connecting people with purpose and who is motivated by the opportunity to grow philanthropy locally. 

You might currently work in philanthropy, partnership development, professional adviser engagement, or business development. 

We would also welcome applications from candidates working in professional services, financial services or other relationship-led roles who are interested in applying their skills to growing local philanthropy. We are looking for someone who is:

• A confident relationship builder and natural networker 
• Strategic and proactive in developing opportunities
• Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and philanthropists 
• Motivated by supporting communities across Kent and Medway 

Why Join Us? 

• Be part of an organisation making a real difference across Kent and Medway 
• Work with generous donors and partners to support local communities 
• Join a friendly and collaborative team 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements 
• Help shape the future of philanthropy in Kent 

Location 

Our office is based in Smeeth near Ashford, with hybrid working available. The role will involve meetings and events across Kent and Medway.