Senior head of philanthropy jobs

Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy and Partnerships)

King George & Queen’s Hospitals Charity

King George & Queen’s Hospitals Charity is entering a pivotal new chapter as it becomes an independent NHS charity, with a clear three-year strategic plan and ambitious plans to grow its impact and income.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy and Partnerships) is a senior, hands-on role responsible for developing high-value fundraising to complement the Charity’s successful community fundraising and events programme. The role will lead the growth of philanthropy, corporate partnerships, and trust income, working closely with Trustees, NHS colleagues, and the fundraising team.

A major appeal is being explored to support the £35m planned development of a new A&E department at Queen’s Hospital. A transformational project with the potential to attract significant philanthropic support. 

This is a rare opportunity to shape and grow a high-value fundraising portfolio at a formative moment, helping secure transformational investment in hospital care for local communities.

The Vacancy

Senior High Value Fundraising Manager

Salary: up to £51,176 (depending on experience) 

Location: Remote with regular travel to London / Downton

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: 12 month fixed-term

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior High Value Fundraising Manager to join our Relationship Fundraising team at Help for Heroes. This senior role will shape and lead one of our most strategically important income streams—ensuring we continue delivering life-changing support for veterans and their families.

This senior role is perfect for a confident relationship fundraiser with experience securing major gifts, running high-value campaigns, and delivering impactful special events.

You’ll lead the development and delivery of our high-value giving strategy delivering in excess of £1.2m over the next 12 months, including the £17m No One Left Behind campaign, major donor income, and a new 3-year Special Events strategy. With responsibility for a talented team, you’ll build a strong major donor pipeline, secure 5- and 6-figure gifts, and deliver exceptional supporter experiences.

You’ll collaborate across the organisation to shape compelling proposals, develop high-value communications, support our 20th anniversary plans, and ensure strong financial management and reporting.

As a senior leader, you will inspire, coach and develop your team, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence and innovation.

About You

We’re looking for a strategic and inspirational leader with:

• Proven experience securing large (6-figure+) gifts from HNWIs
• Successful delivery of multi-million-pound campaigns or major donor programmes
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Strong event leadership experience in income-generating and stewardship events
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and relationship-building skills
• Confidence managing £1m+ targets, budgets and KPIs
• A flexible, calm and collaborative approach
• Passion for supporting veterans and their families
• Regular travel and some evening/weekend events are required.

About the Team

The Relationship Fundraising team is a key driver of sustainable long-term income for Help for Heroes securing income from Philanthropists, Businesses, Trusts and Foundations, Volunteers and Community partners. You will join a collaborative, passionate and expert team who are committed to delivering transformational support for the Armed Forces community.

In return we can offer you:

• Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion.
• 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service — plus your birthday off to celebrate!
• Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year.
• Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade.
• 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.
• A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member.
• Discounts on our branded clothing, including a free Help for Heroes hoody when you complete your induction.

Closing date: 16th January 2026

Please note: We may close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of strong applications.

The University of Oxford aims to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Philanthropy plays a critical role in enabling Oxford to maintain and build on its status as a world-class centre of learning.  The Development and Alumni Engagement Office (DAE) at the University of Oxford has been successful in raising funds from a broad, international range of donors. All support enables the University to achieve its key aims of advancing excellence in research and teaching.

Within DAE, the Foundations and Corporations team is a pan-University fundraising team focused on building and maintaining successful philanthropic relationships for the University’s priorities. Funding secured supports posts and key research areas such as the environment, health and societal challenges, as well as scholarship support for postgraduate students. We work closely with our colleagues in specialist fundraising teams as well as those in business partnerships, innovation teams and research services. 

This is an exciting time to join our Development and Alumni engagement team. The role of Senior Development Executive – Foundations and Corporations will support the University to establish and grow new philanthropic relationships with charitable trusts, foundations and corporations across a range of subject areas and themes, from global health and climate change, to civil society and the role of AI. Funding secured will support capital projects, academic posts, innovative research and enable talented students to undertake further studies at Oxford. To achieve this, you will have the support of excellent colleagues across DAE as well as wider academic, departmental and professional service staff at Oxford.

About you

You are an experienced philanthropic fundraiser with a strong track record of securing major gifts, a confident approach and the ability to think creatively. Your ability to build rapport and relationships swiftly will enable you to lead on major gift fundraising (securing donations of £500k-£1m+), working with a range of donors (corporates, trusts and foundations). Your ability to establish credibility and foster trust across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to your success. Your strong experience of building philanthropic partnerships with organisation donors will be key. Experience of work in higher education is desirable. Above all, you will share Oxford’s mission and be driven to create meaningful impact through philanthropy.

What We Offer

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

· Flexible hybrid working

· An excellent contributory pension scheme

· 38 days annual leave

· Membership to CASE

· Training and development opportunities

· A comprehensive range of childcare services

· Family leave schemes

· Cycle loan scheme

· Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

· Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loan

You could be helping to deliver philanthropic support that funds breakthroughs in science and health, enables new public policy and interventions, or facilitates education for the next generation of leaders in their fields. If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

Application process:

· Click the link to ‘Apply’ and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be taken to our online Applicant portal.

· Applications should consist of a full CV and a letter of application in your own words, in PDF format (maximum of 2 pages; no AI-written applications, please) outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 13 January 2026 can be considered.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on Wednesday 21 January 2026, in person in Oxford.

Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

In September 2025 Oxford opened its new home for humanities, the state-of-the-art Stephen A.  Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. Building on our successes in recent years, we are growing the team with a new senior fundraising role that will work with world-class academics and artists in our faculties and in the Centre’s cultural programming.

In addition to housing a Humanities Library and 7 academic faculties, the Schwarzman Centre includes a world-class, purpose-built concert hall space, theatre, cinema and ‘black box’ performance space, creating a new home for music, film, performing arts and visual arts in Oxford and transforming the experience for students, academics and the local community. The building will create a step change in the visual and performing arts in Oxford, establishing a central base for the Music faculty and History of Art department while offering exciting potential for collaboration with the Ruskin School of Art.

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. We are looking for a new senior fundraiser to join our energetic team to raise major gifts for a range of posts, scholarships and other priorities across the Humanities Division.  Oxford is the world’s leading university for humanities teaching and research. The University’s scholarship in languages, literature, history, philosophy, religion, and the arts – from the earliest civilisation to the present day – enriches our understanding of humankind. Our research informs how we engage with historic issues and contemporary concerns, and contributes to our understanding of – and solutions to – some of the most complex global challenges, from climate change to the impacts of Artificial Intelligence.

 About the Role

This fundraiser will work closely with senior academics in the Humanities Division. The post will focus primarily on funding for posts and scholarships in the academic faculties as well as securing support for the activities of the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, including the programme of public events that will start taking place in the building from spring 2026. An interest and appreciation for the arts and humanities is essential. 

To Be Successful You’ll Need:

· To be an experienced development professional with a strong track record of securing major gifts and the ability to secure gifts in the range of £100k-£1m+

· Confidence to work with people from a range of backgrounds, both internally and externally

· The ability to think creatively in prospecting, cultivation and stewardship by identifying and maximising opportunities

· To work well as part of a team, with the capacity to work independently on projects and priorities

· A passion for the arts and humanities, and an awareness of the funding landscape in the UK and internationally

What We Offer

As an employer, we value the wellbeing and development of all our employees. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

· 38 days annual leave (including public holidays)

· Hybrid working arrangements for a healthy work-life balance

· Extensive personal and professional development opportunities

· Membership to CASE to support your professional development as an educational advancement professional

· Supportive childcare services and other family-friendly leave schemes for working parents, guardians and those with caring responsibilities

· Generous family leave for maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave

· Excellent contributory pension scheme for your financial future

· Salary sacrifice scheme for additional savings

· Subsidised sports centre membership to promote well-being

· Cycle loan scheme to encourage sustainable commuting

· Discounted bus and transit travel

In addition, you will have access to a vibrant community with social groups and sports clubs fostering an inclusive atmosphere.

 Application process:

· Click the link to ‘Apply’ and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be taken to our online Applicant portal.

· Applications should consist of a full CV and a letter of application in your own words, in PDF format (maximum of 2 pages; no AI-written applications, please) outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon on Monday 19 January 2026 can be considered.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on Tuesday 27 January 2026, in person in Oxford.

 Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

Salary: £38,999 - £43,105

Contract: Permanent contract

Reports to: Head of Digital Fundraising, UK for UNHCR 

Office location: Shoreditch, London EC2A 4EG (Hybrid Working Model with at least 1 day in the office per week)

Key relationships: Digital fundraising and Communications Teams, UNHCR Google and CRO teams

JOB PURPOSE

We are looking for a creative, ambitious, and data-driven individual to join us as Senior Officer Digital Optimisation, specialising in UX/UI to lead on the development and delivery of UK for UNHCR’s testing and optimisation strategy to improve conversion rates and user experience online, including our donation pages, virtual gift shop, website and various subdomains. The role reports to the Head of Digital Fundraising and manages all donation pages, digital testing and tracking, as well as a range of Google and optimisation products.

The primary purpose is to optimise digital performance through A/B testing across our websites and supporting teams to adopt and implement a test-and-learn framework in their digital channels to raise more funds for refugees.

An existing A/B testing roadmap has been developed and is ready for your input and ideas. However, testing and optimisation is not limited to fundraising and will aim to improve digital conversion and performance across teams, channels and platforms – playing a key part in UNHCR’s annual fundraising programme to enable UNHCR to deliver its vision of a world where every person forced to flee can build a better life.

You will work very closely with the digital fundraising team and wider Individual Giving team, as well as Communications and Philanthropy/ Corporate Partnership colleagues, our digital agency and international fundraising teams.

Passionate about UX/UI and fundraising, you will be a skilled communicator, tech-savvy and an experienced project manager. You will have strong problem-solving skills, a test-and-learn approach and a track record of meeting deadlines and meeting/ exceeding set KPIs.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO  

United Kingdom for UNHCR is the United Nations Refugee Agency’s national charity partner for the United Kingdom. We generate public awareness of the plight of refugees and raise funds to help protect them through UNHCR’s humanitarian operations across the world.

Our supporters include UK private individuals, communities, corporate partners, trusts and foundations. Thanks to our UK supporters, UNHCR teams in over 130 countries can deliver humanitarian relief to families left with no one else to turn to. From rushing life-saving aid to civilians fleeing the frontlines of conflict, to ongoing support, such as education and healthcare, for families whose lives may remain in limbo for years. When it is safe to do so, UNHCR helps refugees return home voluntarily so they can rebuild their lives, homes and communities.

Nobody chooses to be a refugee, but we can all play a part in their protection, and we want those who work with us to share our values and passion for the cause.

Role Responsibilities  

• Develop and lead strategy for conversion rate optimisation, including the management of a testing roadmap to regularly execute A/B and multivariate tests and the use of new and existing technology, e.g. heatmapping to reduce friction rates and continuously improve and optimise conversions.
• Lead UX/UI across organisation, overseeing and implementing tests and analysis across teams to improve web experience and achieve required KPIs and objectives.
• Manage Google suite of tools and relevant relationships, ensuring everything is up to date and operating as necessary.
• Manage all donation pages and fundraising landing pages, building new pages, maintaining existing pages and closing pages; identify areas for improvement and work with relevant stakeholders to test and optimise.
• Utilise and manage suite of third-party platforms, e.g. Optimizely, Mouseflow, iRaiser, Sleeknote, Typeform to improve user experience and increase donations and conversions.
• Remain flexible and quickly respond to emergency situations, identifying fundraising opportunities and develop relevant comms and journeys as needed, collaborating with colleagues from across the organisation.
• Use data and insights to produce regular reports on performance against KPIs; use analytics to identify trends and optimise activities based on user behaviour.
• Manage and maintain vanity and tracking links across the organisation, utilising Google Tag Manager and UTMs to monitor performance and results.
• Stay up to date with digital best practices and technology, including sector trends, follow industry policies, including GDPR, PECR regulations, attending training and optimising plans accordingly.
• Stay up to date with issues affecting displaced communities, campaigns from international, content and reports from the field.
• Share creative and insights with UK colleagues, global teams, and HQ.
• Participate in training seminars, workshops, and skill shares where applicable. 

The above list is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to perform duties that are not detailed above.

Personal Attributes and Experience

Essential Experience

• Experience of implementing and optimising digital marketing campaigns across channels, including paid and organic social, search and display; preferably within the charity sector.
• Experience of developing and delivering strategies for conversion rate optimisation and user experience/user interface. 
• Experience of using digital channels for lead acquisition and conversion to grow income.
• Experience of measuring, evaluating and reporting on digital activity and performance across multiple channels and digital campaigns, paid and organic.
• Experience of working with external agencies and suppliers.

Essential Skills/Knowledge

• Experience of using Google Analytics or other web behavioural analytics tools.
• Experience with experimentation tools like Optimisely or similar.
• Strong project management and stakeholder management experience.
• Excellent written communication skills: able to produce compelling, persuasive, and concise copy for a range of specific target audiences.
• Attention to detail and proofreading skills and an ability to give clear and constructive feedback on creative and copy.
• Proven proficiency with design principles and tools (Canva/Adobe suite).
• Able to demonstrate flexibility and do what it takes to get the job done.
• Understanding of HTML and other coding languages.
• Able to juggle and prioritise multiple tasks and meeting programme deadlines.
• Strong presentation, communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent stakeholder and relationship management.
• An understanding of GDPR, PECR and other regulatory compliance for fundraising and electronic communication.

 Desirable Skills/Experience

• An understanding of digital fundraising practices and principles
• Experience with Google Tag Manager or other tag management platform is a plus, but not a requirement
• Experience of working across a broad channel mix (social, web, email, SEO, SEM and other Direct Marketing channels would be advantageous).
• Knowledge or experience working with Salesforce (or similar CRM platform).
• Knowledge or experience working with Wordpress and iRaiser (or similar CMS / ecommerce platforms).
• Experience of, or a passionate interest in the charity sector, and the drive to further their fundraising knowledge.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING

We strongly value diversity and recognise that it is critical to our success and the cause that we serve. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all who work with us and strongly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of being a refugee, asylum seeker, internally displaced person, or a stateless person.

UK for UNHCR is proud to have Diversity & Inclusion Working Group. The Diversity & Inclusion Working Group is a group of colleagues focusing on tasks that drive action in the implementation of our D&I Approach. The group also works to create safe spaces that brings colleagues together for events, discussions and learning experiences that celebrate and support diversity and tackle barriers to inclusion.

We are also open to flexibility in many ways, including flexible hours. Please don’t be afraid to speak to us about this during initial conversations, so we can explore what’s possible.

WHY JOIN UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR?

You will be part of a high-performing agile team of talented people; all committed to build solidarity and raise funds for refugees and displaced people worldwide. You will be working in a flexible, supportive, and inclusive environment, where your work will be recognised and appraised.

What else?

Wellbeing

• 28 days’ annual leave per annum plus 8 bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time working).
• ‘WeCare’ Employee Assistance programme providing 24/7 access to online GP, mental health support, get fit programmes, virtual wellbeing support and much more.
• Hybrid home-working model with dedicated Team Days in the office.
• Toothfairy dental app.
• Access to 100s of perks with discounts on everyday purchases.
• Office wellness perks.
• Staff socials.

Financial

• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8%.
• Non-contributory group life assurance scheme.
• Non-contributory Income protection scheme.
• One-off contribution towards homeworking set-up.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Enhanced sick pay scheme.
• Financial wellbeing support.

Development

• Comprehensive training and continuing development opportunities.

HOW TO APPLY

If you have the relevant skills and the passion to use them to support refugees, please apply by completing our application form which is available in the documents section.

Closing date: Sunday, 18 January 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a virtual interview in the week of 26 January 2026.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation. We will make every effort to respond to your request for assistance as soon as possible.

 United Kingdom for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is registered with the Charity Commission (England & Wales), charity no. 1183415. It is the UK national partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency.

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to drive the growth of our philanthropy programme as we deliver our most ambitious strategy yet including a new £200m Global Cancer Appeal for a major development in Chelsea. You’ll lead and motivate a high-performing team, while also managing a personal portfolio and securing large value gifts. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference for people affected by cancer, working alongside passionate colleagues and dedicated supporters.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the Philanthropy strategy and drive growth across all high‑value income streams
• Identify, cultivate and solicit major supporters to secure high value donations aligned to agreed targets, including the £200m Global Cancer Appeal.
• Recruit and work with Appeal Board members, senior volunteers and trustees to progress prospects and secure transformational gifts.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior clinical leaders, to shape compelling fundraising priorities and packages.
• Work with the Head of Philanthropy & Special Events and the Head of Trusts, Stewardship and Philanthropy Communications to lead, motivate and inspire our high-performing teams
• Contribute to charity‑wide leadership, governance and risk management; deputise for the Associate Director as appropriate.

About you

You bring a well‑established, highly successful career in high‑value philanthropy, with:

• A proven record of securing seven‑figure and above gifts, and developed expertise in high‑value acquisition and relationship management.
• Experience in identifying, recruiting and managing senior volunteers, and working credibly with donors, board members, VIPs and ambassadors.
• Strategic leadership of senior fundraisers and teams, driving performance, culture and process change.
• Significant budget accountability (c.£1m+), high numeracy and the ability to interpret financial reports and KPIs.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills; confident handling complex, sensitive and confidential information.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, embedding inclusive practice across fundraising.

What we offer:

• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton.
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm
• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service
• Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service)
• Training, support and development opportunities
• Access to the blue light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities
• Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more
• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes

Inclusion Matters

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.

Starlight has a long and successful track record of delivering high-profile, high-value special events, including the prestigious Blenheim Ball, Newbury Race Day, and until recently, the Highclere Clay Pigeon Shoot. These events are supported by influential committees and play a critical role in raising income, stewarding donors and connecting supporters with our purpose.

With a gap in our Philanthropy team and maternity leave expected to begin in March, this 18-month fixed-term role exists to lead and deliver Starlight’s flagship events at a senior level, with immediate responsibility for the Blenheim Ball (April) –  the event Tatler refers to as “ society’s smartest ball “chaired by Lady Alexandra Spencer Churchill; and Newbury Race Day (May) – one of Starlight’s longest-standing and most successful supporter events, hosted by Nicky Henderson and his Committee.

This is a senior, delivery-focused role designed for an experienced events professional who can hit the ground running and immediately take ownership of two flagship events. Working closely with the Committees, you will bring leadership, strategic judgement and outstanding project management to ensure these events continue to excel in reputation, income and supporter experience.

We are specifically looking for talented individuals who have a short notice period and are available to start in January. Candidates need only apply if available through to April 2026 with no planned significant periods of leave.

Join us in the ambitious ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, which commits to raising over £600 million of charitable funding and 1 million volunteer hours, positioning the University of Birmingham as one of the leaders in philanthropy in the UK. To fulfil our exciting campaign ambitions, we are recruiting a Head of Philanthropy – Global, to maximise philanthropic funding and to take our campaign to the next level.

A key member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office’s (DARO) Philanthropy team, you will be responsible for growing major gifts opportunities and building a sustainable pipeline of future donations from global philanthropic markets. You will have experience of delivering against financial targets, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling ask in both verbal and written form. As the Head of Philanthropy - Global, you will be responsible for growing our international major gifts programme. In collaboration with the Associate Director of Philanthropy you will develop and implement fundraising strategies to increase major giving in Asia and North America as well as emerging areas of focus. You will manage a personal portfolio of six figure + (GBP) potential supporters and personally raise gifts in excess of £1m p/a. You will manage the international philanthropy team of two individuals and support them to deliver their annual fundraising and supporting targets.

As a senior fundraiser in DARO, you will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising opportunities. As part of a dynamic team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you will work across the University to generate significant gifts for amazing philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make long-term, sustainable gifts. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships, the skill to interact with high-level donors and supporters, and the ability to showcase the game changing work of our academics and clinicians.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are and how we work.

As the Head of Philanthropy, Asia you will be responsible for growing our major gifts programme in the Asia-Pacific region. The focus will be on increasing six figure + (GBP) giving through the University of Birmingham Hong Kong Foundation, and from the wider region. Most of our warm donors are based in Malaysia and Hong Kong but there is an active community of alumni in Singapore and scoping to be done across Asia to drive the next phase of our strategy forward beyond alumni donors and to build on a recent seven figure donation as a catalyst for further giving. 

As a University we established our Hong Kong Foundation in 2019 and giving is off to a strong start. Continuing on this trajectory you will work to make it financially sustainable, aiming to have multi-year commitments lined up. You will steer and develop the Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors, increasing giving from their networks, and working with them to distribute funds to programmes at the University that will also benefit Hong Kong. 

As a senior fundraiser in DARO, you will be expected to be innovative, self-motivated, and to take ownership of fundraising in this region. As part of a dynamic team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you will work across the University to generate gifts to key philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make significant gifts. You will also have the opportunity to work with the senior leadership across the University to travel, drive income and develop innovative funding proposals for the region. 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.

Are you an exceptional fundraiser who excels at cultivating high-value relationships and securing transformational gifts? Do you enjoy working with senior volunteers and philanthropists who are deeply committed to changing children’s lives?

Step into a pivotal role within one of the UK’s leading philanthropy teams as you lead our flagship Tick Tock Club appeal — inspiring major donors and volunteers to drive extraordinary impact for seriously ill children.

Salary

The salary for this position is £52,526 per annum and we operate a hybrid working policy of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office. 

In line with our EDI strategy and Total Reward policy, we calculate our salaries based on benchmarking data across the charity sector. To ensure fairness for existing staff and new joiners, we do not offer salaries above the advertised rate.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a personal fundraising target of £1.5m+, securing six- and seven-figure gifts and multi-year commitments from high-net-worth individuals and charitable trusts.
• Lead the £20m Tick Tock Club appeal, shaping strategy and driving one of GOSH Charity’s flagship philanthropic initiatives.
• Recruit, inspire and collaborate with senior volunteers, campaign boards and influential supporters to accelerate high-value fundraising.
• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, using insight-led approaches to build long-term engagement and maximise impact.
• Oversee campaign events, communications and tailored proposals, ensuring activity aligns with income targets and delivers an exceptional supporter experience.
• Provide motivating line management to a small team, fostering professional development, wellbeing and high performance.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A strong track record of securing six- and seven-figure philanthropic gifts.
• Experience partnering with senior volunteers and campaign boards on major fundraising initiatives.
• Strategic leadership skills with the ability to galvanise a team around ambitious goals.
• Exceptional relationship-building, influencing and presentation abilities.
• A creative, solutions-focused mindset with resilience under pressure.

Please refer to the full job description below for more information.

About the team
 

You’ll join our sector-leading Philanthropy team — recognised as one of the most high-performing and respected in the charity sector. We partner with some of the most generous and committed philanthropists in the UK and beyond to transform the lives of seriously ill children.

Our talented and supportive team of 20+ works closely with colleagues across fundraising, clinical, and research teams to create inspiring, high-impact opportunities for supporters. In partnership with senior volunteers and committees, we drive landmark campaigns including the £300 million Build It. Beat It. appeal and the Tick Tock Club, with exciting plans for a major new research-focused campaign on the horizon.

The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.

The Royal Opera House describes the place we work, not who we are. The whole is always more than the sum of its parts – we may be a House, but three quarters of our audiences experience what we do outside this building. While our Covent Garden theatre is the nerve centre, the impact and influence of the organisation can be felt in every corner of the country, and around the world.

The Development and Advocacy Department are looking to appoint an experienced fundraising professional who will work closely with the senior team on strategy development, generating opportunities to increase philanthropic giving by attracting new and lasting relationships and high value donors. Individually, you will make a substantial contribution to the current targets by managing and developing a portfolio of significant relationships, working to department best practice.

The ideal candidate for this post will be a team player with excellent communication and relationship management skills. You will play an active role in mentoring and developing junior members of the team and show your potential as a future leader. You will be able to demonstrate:

• A proven track record of securing major gifts and managing high-value donor relationships.
• Experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies, prospecting plans, proposal writing and project management.
• Strong people management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly at senior levels.
• Strong understanding of fundraising compliance, tax-efficient giving, and donor stewardship best practices.
• Credibility and gravitas to engage confidently with senior stakeholders and donors.
• Strong relationship-building, networking, and influencing skills.

A background in the arts is not essential, though an interest in/the aptitude to upskill quickly in our art forms will be highly regarded. A firm understanding of the UK Philanthropic community and landscape is critical.

To submit your application, please provide a supporting statement that outlines how your skills and experience match the essential criteria listed above. Your supporting statement will be reviewed by the shortlisting panel, so please do take the time to consider your response and use this to highlight your suitability for, and interest in, the role. 

We recommend drafting your response in a separate document and then copying the final version into the application form. Please note that as part of our commitment to anonymised shortlisting, panels do not view CVs during the recruitment process. If you choose to upload your CV, our system will automatically pull information from your CV into our application form. 

The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the UK’s leading arts organisations and our aim is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion underpin all that we do. We want our people to be representative of the diversity in the UK. We understand the creativity and innovation that diversity can bring and strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive.

We encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills to join our teams. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation.

We are a Disability Confident Employer, which means that we are actively working to ensure that candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We will endeavour to offer an interview to candidates who tell us they wish to participate in the scheme and who demonstrate in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role, though sometimes due to the volume of qualified candidates with declarations this is not possible.

The RBO is also committed to safeguarding and protecting all children, young people, and adults and we implement robust safer recruitment practices. Due to our safeguarding promise, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check before commencing employment with us, which will be indicated in the advertising.

Closing date for applications: Midnight, 5th January 2026.

Interviews will be held across 2 stages - the first online via MS Teams and the second in person at the ROH Covent Garden. 

Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK.  No agencies.

Salary: £52,000 - £60,000
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Closing date: Review on a rolling basis
Location: Hybrid, based in either London or Manchester office
Benefits: 5% Employer pension contribution, Private medical insurance, Healthcare cash plan, income protection

We are thrilled to be working with an amazing national youth charity as they search for a passionate Senior Philanthropy Manager to join their incredible team. 

The Senior Philanthropy Manager will lead the Philanthropy function, driving the team forward as they embark on the cultivation of a strong new prospect pipeline. As part of the role, you will be responsible for a team bringing in income of over £1.3m per year, with a view to double income over the next 3 years.

Working closely with the Head of Relationship Fundraising, you will lead the development of team plans, ensuring that they are diversifying their high value donor portfolio, and delivers sustainable unrestricted and restricted income.

This is a great opportunity to lead a high performing team, and spearhead an exciting Philanthropy Programme with buy-in and investment from stakeholders across the organisation.

To be successful in the role of Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will need:

• Proven experience of working with high value donors as a leading professional in the area of philanthropy.
• Demonstrable experience of securing major donor gifts at £100k, with excellent writing skills to support the delivery of proposals.
• Proven experience of developing effective donor relationships and provision of excellent stewardship, with knowledge of the changing philanthropic landscape.

If you would like to have an informal discussion, please call and ask to speak to Jake. CV's are being reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, we use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable roles. We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment, working ethically, supporting people to find their perfect role within the not-for-profit sector. 

We are passionate about improving equality across the sector, you can read more about our commitment to diversity here. 

If enough applications are received the charity reserve the right to end the application period sooner. 
 

Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company and the country’s largest performing arts organisation. Founded in 1962 to make opera accessible to all, the company presents productions of international acclaim, from early works to world premieres. Performances are designed to be inclusive, with supertitles, audio-described and dementia-friendly shows, free and discounted tickets for under-26s, refugees, asylum seekers and schools, and touring productions reaching communities across Scotland. 

The charity is looking for an experienced fundraiser to lead the team across a period of maternity leave. The Individual Giving team look after donors across philanthropy, corporate, members and legators. Internally this role is called the Head of Individual Giving, the job title has been amended for this selection process to reflect the broader remit of the role beyond regular donors.

The post holder will, in conjunction with the Director of Development, set and embed Scottish Operas Individual Giving strategy and will personally solicit gifts and steward key donors, whilst supporting and overseeing the work of the Individual Giving team. 

There are some fantastic projects in the works that Scottish Opera can use to engage donors, and there is brilliant internal buy in and understanding of fundraising. Income performance is strong, so there are solid foundations from which to test and trial new ideas.

This role has wide ranging appeal. Scottish Opera are happy to consider candidates for whom this role might be an exciting step up to managing multiple income streams beyond one specialist area, but equally this would be an engaging role for an experienced Head of looking to work in an exciting arts charity, taking their income success to the next level.

Working within an arts and culture charity would be helpful for the candidate to have but isn't essential.

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact Jo at THINK Recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please contact our team and we will support you.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Monday 12th January 

Are you a creative relationship builder with a passion for building impactful partnerships and leading high-performing teams? Earth Trust is seeking a dynamic Senior Philanthropy & Corporate Partnerships Manager to cover maternity leave and play a pivotal role in driving fundraising growth through major gifts and corporate partnerships.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine strategic vision with hands-on relationship management. You’ll lead a talented fundraising team, secure five- and six-figure gifts, and develop mutually beneficial corporate partnerships that help nature and people thrive together.

What you’ll do

• Lead and grow high-value corporate partnerships and major donor relationships.
• Craft compelling proposals and pitches that inspire 5-6 figure gifts and multi-year partnerships.
• Lead a high performing fundraising team.
• Collaborate across departments and represent fundraising at senior leadership level.
• Set and monitor targets, budgets, and performance metrics.

What we’re looking for

• A persuasive communicator and relationship builder with proven success in securing multi-year, high value partnerships.
• Strong understanding of corporate social responsibility and partnership development.
• Experience leading fundraising teams and managing budgets.

This role is a maternity cover role, so there is flexibility on the start date. The current postholder is due to be on maternity leave from mid-April 2026 until the start of February 2027.