Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

At Buttle UK, we believe poverty and crisis should never define a child’s future.

For more than 70 years, Buttle UK has supported children and young people across the UK facing poverty, trauma and complex challenges. Now with an ambitious new 2025–2030 strategy, they are entering an exciting new chapter, growing their impact, amplifying their voice and investing in the partnerships that will help change children’s lives for the long term.

This is a rare opportunity to join the organisation at a pivotal moment as their new Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships.

Working closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications, you’ll lead high-value fundraising across major donors, trusts and foundations and corporate partnership, shaping the future of income generation at Buttle UK while leading and inspiring a talented team.

If you’re someone who combines strategic thinking with exceptional relationship-building and you’re motivated by creating meaningful change for children and young people, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll lead the development and delivery of ambitious fundraising strategies designed to drive sustainable income growth and deepen supporter engagement.

You’ll personally manage a portfolio of high-value supporters and partners, cultivating transformational relationships with high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations and corporate organisations.

Alongside this, you’ll:

• Lead and develop a team of four fundraisers
• Build innovative stewardship and cultivation journeys
• Identify and secure new strategic partnerships
• Develop fundraising systems, pipelines and KPIs
• Work closely with senior leadership to shape organisational strategy
• Champion collaborative, values-led fundraising
• Help embed co-production and safeguarding within fundraising activity

This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing strategy with hands-on relationship management and who thrives in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

What we’re looking for

We know great candidates don’t always tick every box, and we’d still encourage you to apply if this role excites you.

That said, we’re particularly keen to hear from people who bring:

• Significant experience managing high-value fundraising relationships
• A proven track record of securing six and seven-figure gifts
• Experience across major donors, trusts/foundations and/or corporate partnerships
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing high-performing teams
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities
• Strategic thinking alongside strong operational delivery
• A collaborative and compassionate approach
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people experiencing poverty

Why join Buttle UK?

This is an organisation that genuinely lives its values: child-focused, empathetic, responsive, collaborative and accountable.

You’ll be joining a team deeply committed to creating equitable opportunities for children and young people while also creating a supportive, inclusive and flexible working environment for staff.

Benefits include:

• Hybrid working
• 25 days annual leave plus Christmas closure and bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and sick pay
• Employer pension contribution
• Employee assistance programme
• Life assurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Strong commitment to learning and development

Accessibility & Inclusion

Accessibility matters deeply to both Buttle UK and Valued Recruitment.

We’re committed to creating an inclusive and supportive recruitment process and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

If you need any adjustments or support at any stage of the application process, please let us know, no request is too big or too small.

Interested?

Buttle UK is partnering exclusively with Valued Recruitment for this search.

To apply, please send your CV along with a covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining:

• why this role interests you
• what you would bring to Buttle UK

Key dates

• Closing date: 9am, Monday 22 June
• First interviews: Monday 29 June and Tuesday 30 June
• Second stage interviews (London): Monday 6 July