Philanthropy grants manager jobs

Strategic Partnerships Manager 

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Are you ready to take on a new challenge at a leading UK charity and help make a real difference for brain tumour patients and their families?

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One in three people in the UK knows someone affected by a brain tumour. Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this. We are the only national charity focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours.

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We are campaigning to increase the national investment in research to £35 million per year and funding sustainable Centres of Excellence across the UK.

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Since the Charity was launched in 2009, we have invested £37.5 million in research into brain tumours, supporting game-changing science that with benefit patients in years to come. We are the leading voice of the brain tumour community, influencing governments and larger charities to invest more in this devastating disease.

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Our last financial year was our most successful fundraising year to date, and we’re building on that momentum and looking ahead with ambition. We are now searching for passionate people to help us achieve the next steps on our journey to get closer to a cure.

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We are recruiting for a Strategic Partnerships Manager to join our team. This role will play a crucial part in the Income Generation and Development team ​and support the wider charity to achieve our strategic aims.

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• Are you passionate about making a difference for brain tumour patients and their families?· Would you like to work for an innovative and influential UK medical research charity?
• Do you live within a commutable distance from Milton Keynes?
• Do you have proven experience in fundraising, partnerships or philanthropy roles?

If you answered yes to these questions and you’re ready to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.

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To learn more about this position, the required skills and experience, and the Charity, please read our Recruitment Pack.

We look forward to receiving your application.

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We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face-to-face second interview, held at our head office in Milton Keynes.

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We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

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Closing Date: 26th June 2026

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We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

Job Title: Development Officer

Reports to: Senior Development Manager

Location: Contracted to Breaking Barrier’ office in London, Birmingham or Manchester, with some expectation of travel 

Terms: 5 days per week (37.5 hours) but open to part-time (minimum 30 hours) and flexible working arrangements

Contract: Permanent

Salary:   £28,000 - £33,500 (Depending on the location and experience)

Purpose of the Role

The fundraising team at Breaking Barriers generates income from a range of sources: trusts and foundations, statutory and lottery, corporate and major donors. We sit within the wider Income and Engagement Directorate, alongside communications and public fundraising, and work closely together to drive income and engagement from funders, partners and supporters who share our vision that every refugee can access meaningful employment and build a new life. 

The Development Officer manages our portfolio of small trusts and foundations (grants up to £10,000), securing income and developing relationships from existing donors and new prospects. The role involves writing compelling funding proposals, delivering effective stewardship, and meeting all reporting requirements to a high standard.

Alongside portfolio management, the post-holder co-ordinates our fundraising events programme, ensuring both online and in-person events deepen engagement with our cause. The role also provides active support across fundraising appeals and the statutory, lottery and major donor income streams, including prospect research. The post-holder will also contribute to the operational efficiency of the fundraising team through effective administration.

This is a varied, fast-paced role that will suit someone with strong writing skills, attention to detail and a genuine commitment to our mission. It offers real scope to develop knowledge and skills across a wide range of fundraising disciplines within a supportive and ambitious team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Income generation (60%)

· Manage and develop a portfolio of trusts and foundations awarding grants of up to £10,000, delivering tailored stewardship and relationship management across both warm relationships and cold prospects.

· Plan, write and submit compelling funding applications based on a clear understanding of Breaking Barriers' programmes, funding needs and funder requirements.

· Manage all reporting requirements within your portfolio, ensuring reports are completed accurately and to deadline.

· Undertake research to identify new prospects, gathering relevant background information including funding interests, grant levels and connection points with Breaking Barriers.

· Ensure all income and pipeline activity is accurately recorded and kept up to date in Salesforce.

· Act as the philanthropy lead for the Big Give Challenge Appeal.

2. Fundraising Events and Stewardship (20%)

· Co-ordinate Breaking Barriers' fundraising events programme, working across the fundraising team and wider Income and Engagement Directorate to shape a calendar that inspires and engages funders, supporters and senior volunteers.

· Manage event logistics including venue sourcing, guest list coordination, on-the-day support and follow-up.

· Lead on the development of stewardship materials for philanthropy audiences, including impact updates, newsletters and event collateral.

3. Prospect Research and Fundraising Administration (15%)

· Carry out prospect research to support the major gifts, statutory and lottery fundraising pipelines, producing clear, well-structured briefings for senior colleagues.

· Build and maintain funder profiles, recording prospect activity, research findings and pipeline information accurately in Salesforce.

· Support colleagues in the finance team with gift administration and thanking processes.

· Contribute to the directorate's approach to data quality and CRM best practice.

4. Other Responsibilities (5%)

· Participate in cross-team projects to build a thorough understanding of Breaking Barriers' work and wider activities.

· Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required within the scope of this role.

· Demonstrate Breaking Barriers' values of being welcoming, collaborative, mission-led and entrepreneurial.

Person Specification
Essential

· Demonstrable knowledge of and/or interest in the refugee or employment sectors.

· Experience of writing compelling funding proposals or other relevant persuasive content for different audiences.

· Understanding of the principles of trusts and foundations fundraising, whether through direct experience or study.

· Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise information and present it clearly.

· Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

· Strong attention to detail.

· Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative and problem-solve.

· Able to build effective working relationships with colleagues at all levels.

· Confident using Microsoft Office and comfortable learning new systems.

 Desirable

· Experience of trusts and foundations fundraising in the charity sector.

· Familiarity with major donor, statutory or lottery fundraising.

· Experience using Salesforce or another fundraising CRM.

· Knowledge of GDPR and data protection principles as they apply to fundraising.

Other considerations:

· Breaking Barriers is committed to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and for their views, wishes and beliefs to be fully taken into account when deciding action. 

· We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief. 

· Breaking Barriers particularly welcomes applicants with experience of seeking asylum and/or a refugee background. 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, we are committed to offering an accessible recruitment process and guarantee an interview to all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role. 

Trusts & Foundations Executive

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Location: Hybrid working (minimum two days a week on average in Oxford)
• Salary: £28,906 - £35,844 per annum 
• Closing date: 3 July 2026 at 12 noon
• Interview date: 13th & 14th July 2026 afternoons (preferably in person)

The Philanthropy Team are looking for a great communicator to support our Trusts and Foundations fundraising efforts as Trusts & Foundations Executive. You'll be joining the team at an exciting time of growth and ambitious targets, in a varied role which covers a range of skills and opportunities to work across the organisation. 

As Trusts & Foundations Executive you will work closely with the Trusts and Foundations manager in support of prospect research, donor stewardship, and writing grant applications and donor reports. This varied role offers an opportunity to learn and develop your fundraising skills and be part of an important local organisation.  We are looking for someone to take initiative in their role and manage their workload proactively and with attention to detail. If you are looking to grow and develop your fundraising skills, we are keen to hear from those looking to make a real contribution to the team.

We are looking for a proactive, keen communicator, with strong personal skills and a willingness to support the team as needed in a collaborative environment. Strong written communication skills are central to this role. If the role of Trusts & Foundations Executive sounds like the role for you, we would love to receive your application. 

Ready to bring your skills to a role that matters?

We reserve the right to close the advert at any time should we receive sufficient applications, therefore we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible. 

Please note that everyone working for Helen & Douglas House are required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Helen & Douglas House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and value the benefits of a diverse workforce. We positively encourage applications from all areas of the community.

Job Title: Interim Director of Finance (12-18 months) 

Location: London/United Kingdom - Candidates can work remotely with occasional travel to the office

Contract: 12 months Fixed Term contract with the possibility of extension  

Salary: UK £120,000 to £135,000 

Working pattern: Full-Time initially, with the option to go to 4 days after 3 months if required

About FILE
 The Foundation for International Law for the Environment (FILE) is a not-for-profit philanthropic organisation working to accelerate legal action on climate change.
 

Through grant-making and in-house legal expertise, we empower our partners to deliver strategic, innovative legal interventions and we support lawyers in their own countries to bring their own cases.

Legal action can unlock the systemic changes in finance, policy and social systems needed to protect all of us from climate change. The power of the law is both direct (changing policy and practice) and indirect (signalling the wider shifts taking place across these systems).  

FILE is a ‘regrantor’ - this means we do not bring legal action in our own name. We receive grants from our philanthropic donors and make onwards grants to partners who align with FILE’s charitable aims and purposes. We do not seek to make any profit from our activities either in a relevant financial year or in the longer term.  

The Role

We are looking for an exceptional interim finance leader to join FILE during a period of organisational transition, as we shape our strategy for the next three years and review our long-term leadership structure. 

This is a strictly interim appointment, created to provide visible senior leadership across our Finance function while FILE undertakes a wider review of its long-term organisational design and permanent leadership arrangements. 

As Interim Director of Finance, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, partnering closely with the Executive Director, Supervisory Board, and senior leaders to ensure strong financial stewardship and sharp strategic insight. You will lead a talented finance team and help build the foundations for our future operating model. 

This is an opportunity for a senior finance leader who enjoys combining financial rigour with strategic influence, is energised by complexity, and is motivated by helping an ambitious organisation maximise its impact on climate justice and environmental law. 

The role spans across four core areas: strategic and team leadership, financial strategy planning and analysis, finance operations and systems, and risk and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Team Leadership (20%) 
As an interim Senior Leadership Team member during a period of organisational change, you will ensure the development, delivery and assessment of FILE's Strategic Plan, supporting collective SLT decision-making and accountability. You will advise the Executive Director and boards on financial governance, lead a high-performing finance team, provide independent challenge to strategic decisions, and represent FILE with auditors, banks, donors and other external stakeholders. 

Financial Strategy, Planning and Analysis (30%) 
You will hold overall accountability for FILE's long-term financial planning, budgeting, scenario modelling and reporting, ensuring financial sustainability and acting as a thought partner to senior leadership and boards. This includes supporting fundraising and grantmaking with high-quality financial insight, stewarding donor funds effectively, and maintaining a reserves strategy aligned to FILE's mission and risk appetite. 

Finance Operations and Systems (20%) 
You will hold overall accountability for finance operations including compliance, taxation, audit and treasury management, with day-to-day execution delegated to the Head of Finance. Responsibilities include cashflow forecasting, foreign exchange and banking relationships, and supporting the development of a finance systems roadmap to harmonise platforms across the FILE network. 

Risk and Compliance (30%) 
You will lead financial risk identification, assessment and mitigation across the organisation, overseeing the development, implementation and evaluation of finance policies and procedures to ensure consistent compliance with relevant local laws, tax regulations and donor requirements, underpinned by strong internal and external assurance including statutory and donor audits. 

Key Outcomes

• FILE's finance function enables the delivery of the Strategic Plan, delivering prompt, high quality insights, business partnering and innovative financial modelling.  

• FILE's Senior Leadership Team, Board and donors receive accurate, timely and insightful financial reporting that supports strong decision making.  

• An effective compliance and controls environment is maintained across all financial management, donor funds and statutory requirements, with all obligations met on time.  

• FILE's long term financial planning and annual budgeting processes are robust, well governed and aligned to strategic priorities.  

• Finance policies and procedures are efficient, consistently applied and compliant with relevant legislation across all jurisdictions in which FILE operates.  

• The Finance team is high performing, collaborative and viewed as a valued partner across FILE functions.  

• FILE's Senior Leadership Team is viewed as effective, collaborative and thought leading, with the Director of Finance contributing meaningfully to collective SLT accountability and decision making.  

• JEDI principles are championed and embedded across FILE, with the Director of Finance modelling and advancing these values in all aspects of their leadership  

About you

We know that long lists of criteria can be discouraging and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the essential criteria, we still encourage you to apply. 

We also recognise that skills and experience can be gained in unexpected places, so we welcome applications from candidates who feel they have relevant skills for the role, gained from a wide range of professional, lived and learned experiences. 

Essential criteria 

Technical Skills 

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or qualified by experience at an equivalent level. 

• Significant experience leading finance functions within an international organisation of comparable scale and complexity (£60m+ annual income/expenditure). 

• Proven strategic and operational leadership of finance, spanning financial planning and analysis, operations and systems, and risk and compliance. 

• Strong working knowledge of statutory and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, treasury management, and donor financial compliance across private philanthropy and institutional funders. 

• Exceptional long-term financial planning, modelling and budgeting skills, with a track record of translating complex financial data into clear strategic insight. 

Power Skills  

• A visible, values-driven leader who leads through change with confidence, coaches and enables their team, and fosters a culture of collaboration and transparency. 

• Communicates with clarity and confidence at all levels, including Board and executive level, adapting style and language to the audience. 

• Strategic thinker who connects financial insight to organisational decision-making and applies sharp analytical thinking to complex problems. 

• Highly collaborative and adaptable, building trusted relationships across functions and remaining effective during periods of ambiguity and change. 

• Acts with integrity, exercises strong professional judgement, and actively champions JEDI principles across all aspects of their leadership. 

Working for FILE

FILE is a collaborative community of individuals who share a passion for climate, nature, and justice. We bring together knowledge and experience to support our mission.  

Our people are empowered to lead their work both individually and as part of a wider team in order to make impactful change. As a relatively young organisation with the ambitious mission to change global systems, our roles are ideally suited to those who are strategic, innovative and collaborative, and open to growing in line with the Foundation.  

FILE is committed to challenging systemic injustice. Our ability to do so is strengthened by the diversity of our partners and staff. Our mission, work and impact is global, with staff and partners from across the world and a range of lived experiences. We are actively working to create a culture where colleagues feel welcomed, heard and supported to succeed and thrive.  

How FILE supports its staff

FILE is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. FILE offers a generous annual leave policy and additional time-off work to support wellbeing. Amongst other benefits, FILE offers private healthcare, enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave, enhanced sick leave, flexibility working remotely and also abroad and a matching contribution to a pension scheme.  

Applications

Please apply on our website and upload your CV and Cover Letter. This role is open for applications immediately and we accept applications on a rolling basis but we will not accept any applications after 01 July 2026. If you are interested, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. 

Representation and Culture

FILE recognises the under-representation of historically marginalised communities and individuals in climate, nature and philanthropy spaces. We are committed to developing an organisation that represents the world we are looking to protect, and building a culture that supports this.

We are keen to hear from people belonging to communities that are often under-represented in climate justice and philanthropy, including those from the Global Majority, LGBTQIA+ communities, and Disabled communities, as well as others with experience of marginalisation and those belonging to more than one of these communities.

FILE is committed to building policies and practices that ensure no current or prospective employee is discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

Salary: £65,000-£68,000 per year

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: UK (minimum 2 days per week in the London office)

Work Pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week with the opportunity for flexible working hours

Reporting To: Chief Engagement Officer

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit an anonymised CV and covering letter (please remove any identifying details such as name, address, or photos) by midnight on 1st July via the Workable link.

In your covering letter, please demonstrate your motivations for applying for the role, how the position aligns with your career plans, and the experience (professional, voluntary, or lived) that makes you a strong fit for the role in line with our values and the criteria outlined in the job description.

We encourage candidates to ensure their responses reflect their own skills, experiences, and personal voice. If AI tools are used, candidates should also explain how and why they used them.

Please use see our AI guidance for Job Applicants.

INTERVIEW STAGES

The selection process will consist of three stages (dates will be confirmed with shortlisted candidates):

• First-round interview w/c 13th July
• Second-round interview w/c 20th July

Candidates will be asked to prepare a presentation (10–12 minutes maximum) on a major donor stewardship communications plan. Candidates should allocate no more than 3 hours to prepare this task.

• Final interview with the CEO w/c 27th July

ABOUT THE ROLE

Mission 44 exists to drive change and build a fairer, more inclusive future for young people around the world. As our work and partnerships continue to grow, so does our ambition to tell powerful stories that shine a light on the barriers young people face, champion solutions, and inspire meaningful action. 

The Head of Major Donors will play a critical role in strengthening and stewarding Mission 44’s relationships with high-value donors, philanthropists, and strategic supporters.

This role will work alongside the Chief Engagement Officer to lead the development and delivery of a thoughtful, personalised and impactful Major Donors programme that deepens donor pipeline and engagement, increases contributions, strengthens long-term relationships, and inspires continued investment in Mission 44’s mission and impact.

The successful candidate will combine exceptional relationship management skills, a solid network of donors, strong project coordination and communications, with strategic thinking.

They will work closely across fundraising, communications, programmes and leadership teams to ensure donors experience meaningful engagement with Mission 44’s work, values and community.

Requirements

MAJOR DONOR CULTIVATION AND RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT (70%) 

• Lead the organisation’s cultivation of new donors and deepening of the major donor pipeline. 
• Personally lead the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors and prospects for six/seven-figure gifts.
• Lead the implementation of Mission 44’s global major donor stewardship strategy, ensuring all major donors feel engaged in and inspired. 
• Manage and coordinate stewardship plans for high-value donors and philanthropic partners
• Build trusted, long-term relationships with major supporters through thoughtful and personalised engagement
• Develop tailored donor journeys that reflect supporter interests, motivations and impact priorities
• Identify opportunities to deepen donor engagement and increase long-term support
• Provide administrative support for the Global Growth Committee
• Work with Head of Engagement and Events to plan and deliver donor engagement opportunities at events, briefings, roundtables and programme visits to bring donors closer to our work 
• Support leadership engagement with major donors and key stakeholders
• Coordinate donor experiences linked to Mission 44 campaigns, partnerships and strategic moments
• Help create meaningful opportunities for supporters to connect with Mission 44’s mission, young people and impact

DONOR COMMUNICATIONS AND IMPACT REPORTING (20%)

• Ensure donors receive timely, high-quality communication and reporting
• Coordinate the creation of bespoke donor updates, reports and impact communications
• Work collaboratively with programme and communications teams to translate impact into compelling donor narratives
• Work with the communications team to ensure stewardship materials are high quality, aligned to brand and reflective of Mission 44’s values
• Support the development of case studies, impact stories and donor-facing content

SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION (10%) 

• Maintain accurate donor records, engagement tracking and stewardship activity within CRM systems
• Monitor stewardship activity, timelines and reporting commitments
• Contribute to donor analysis, segmentation and fundraising insights
• Work closely with wider fundraising colleagues, communications and impact teams to deliver integrated supporter engagement
• Support senior leadership and ambassadors with donor preparation, briefing materials and relationship management
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing fundraising culture

ABOUT YOU: SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL 

• Significant experience in major donor cultivation, stewardship, philanthropy or high-value relationship management
• Proven track record of managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, philanthropists or strategic supporters
• Experience developing and delivering donor stewardship plans and engagement strategies
• Proven success in the direct solicitation and stewardship of six- and seven-figure philanthropic contributions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience producing high-quality donor reports and communications
• Strong project management and organisational skills
• Experience working with CRM systems and donor databases
• Some travel, particularly to the US 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively

DESIRABLE

• Experience of major donor management at a global level 
• Experience of Fundraising for a grant-making / campaigning organisation
• Experience with Principal Gifts processes   
• Experience supporting fundraising campaigns or major gifts programmes
• Understanding of education equity, youth opportunity or systems change work
• Experience working within high-profile or fast-paced organisations
• Event management and donor engagement experience

PERSONAL QUALITIES  

• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Emotionally intelligent and discreet
• Strategic and proactive thinker
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to communicate impact in a compelling and authentic way
• Passion for equity, inclusion and social justice
• Commitment to Mission 44’s values and mission
• Resilient with demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Enjoy 28 days annual leave, plus a day for your birthday
• Use our cycle-to-work scheme and free gym access
• Save for retirement with our generous pension package
• We finish every Friday at noon in August
• Optional health insurance and acccess to an EAP
• Professional development budget of £1k
• Unlimited volunteering leave, as agreed with your manager
• Wellbeing allowance to spend in whatever way works for you
• Competitive parental leave package