33 Senior head of philanthropy jobs
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Love meeting donors, building relationships and securing meaningful funding for a compelling cause?
At Target Ovarian Cancer, we're looking for a talented relationship fundraiser who thrives on connecting passionate supporters with causes that change lives.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced major donor fundraiser who enjoys being out meeting people, uncovering opportunities, securing significant gifts and developing long-term partnerships that make a real difference.
You'll inherit and grow a portfolio of high-value supporters, develop new donor relationships, and work with philanthropists and trusts and foundations who want to help stop ovarian cancer devastating lives.
If you're energised by donor meetings, comfortable leading funding conversations, and motivated by turning warm relationships into transformational gifts, we'd love to hear from you.
About the role
As our Senior Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in growing income from major donors, trusts and foundations, and strategic funding partners.
Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships, Director of Fundraising & Engagement, Chief Executive and Trustees, you'll identify and cultivate new opportunities, develop compelling funding propositions and deliver outstanding stewardship that inspires long-term support.
A significant proportion of this role is externally focused. You'll spend time meeting donors and prospects, building relationships, understanding motivations, presenting opportunities and making asks.
To be successful, you'll be supported by a dedicated Philanthropy & Partnerships Programme Manager who leads on donor events, reporting, stewardship support and CRM optimisation, allowing you to focus on building relationships and generating income.
Why join us?
For the right candidate, this could be a career defining role at an organisation that has the credibility, leadership and propositions to deliver transformational funding growth. Working in a supportive but driven department, with two experienced high value fundraisers within the senior leadership team and a supportive board, this is a real opportunity to make your mark.
We’re targeting what’s important – symptoms awareness, life-saving early diagnosis, better treatments and support



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to be part of a dynamic and innovative fundraising team? Do you want to raise money for some of society’s most pressing challenges and play a key role in an ambitious fundraising and volunteering campaign?
We are looking to recruit a Philanthropy Officer to join us at this very exciting time. The Philanthropy Officer will be responsible for the relationship management of a portfolio of around 100 prospective donors in order to raise funds for a range of key projects. They will be responsible for the entire prospect relationship management process including researching, cultivating, asking and stewarding.
This role will play an integral part in supporting donations to improve student experience and across key areas of research.
As part of an award-winning team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you’ll get the chance to work across the team and wider university to encourage new donors to make long-term, sustainable and significant £10k plus gifts. You will also have the opportunity to work with our senior team on proposals to top donors enabling you to get experience of working with some of the most successful and experienced major gift fundraisers in the UK Higher Education sector.
You will be provided with a robust induction and an ongoing training program that will include support from the University as well as expert external providers.
World-class research and outstanding global education



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a proactive and relationship-focused Senior Marketing and Relationships Officer to help grow membership of the HIV Confident Charter Mark.
The postholder will work to generate interest with prospective member organisations and clearly communicate the value of the programme, resulting in tangible growth in memberships.
They will use their experience in targeted marketing activity, stakeholder engagement and relationship management to nurture relationships with current and emerging networks. In this role, the postholder will demonstrate visible commitment to tackling HIV stigma, improving inclusion and supporting good practice in workplaces.
If you can see yourself contributing to this mission, we’d love to hear from you.
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Closing date for applications: end of day on 27 September 2026
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Interviews for the role will be held week commencing 5 October, either online or in London E1
Diversity and inclusion
National AIDS Trust is committed to becoming a diverse and inclusive organisation. We strive to create a workplace that represents our mission and the people we serve, and where all voices are valued and heard.
To reflect this, we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, disability or religion. As the UK’s HIV rights charity, we particularly encourage applications from those with an understanding of the issues faced by people living with HIV.
At National AIDS Trust, we would like our application process to be as accessible as possible. Please speak to us about any reasonable adjustments that you might require throughout the interview process or the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the team
The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships.
The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.
Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.
About this role
The Head of Engagement is a strategically significant and high-impact role within the Philanthropy team, responsible for leading and developing Impetus’ engagement programme across both volunteering and pro bono support.
At Impetus, volunteering refers to opportunities for employees of our donor firms to engage directly with the young people supported by our portfolio partners, helping to inspire, motivate and broaden horizons through meaningful interactions.
Pro bono support is a core element of our capacity-building approach and a key way in which we strengthen the organisations we back. It involves skilled volunteers and partners contributing professional expertise to address strategic challenges and opportunities within our charity portfolio, helping to build capability, resilience and long-term impact.
The Head of Engagement will shape the strategic direction and lead the delivery of a high-quality programme of volunteering and skilled pro bono support, creating meaningful outcomes for portfolio partners while delivering engaging and rewarding experiences for supporters. The postholder will ensure that engagement opportunities align with Impetus’ investment priorities and organisational objectives, respond to donor interests, and maximise impact for the young people and charities we serve.
The role combines strategic leadership, relationship management, programme innovation and operational oversight. Working closely with colleagues across Philanthropy and Investment, and engaging regularly with Public Affairs and senior leaders, the Head of Engagement will build, steward and deepen relationships with a wide network of corporate partners, major donors, and highly skilled volunteers.
The postholder will also lead and develop the Engagement team, comprising the Engagement Manager and Engagement Officer, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture that enables exceptional delivery, continuous improvement and professional growth.
As a key member of the Philanthropy leadership team, the Head of Engagement will play a central role in expanding and strengthening Impetus' supporter network, developing innovative opportunities for supporters to contribute their time and expertise, and ensuring our volunteering and pro bono programmes continue to evolve in response to the changing needs of young people, charities and partners.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow a critical area of Impetus’ work, harnessing the expertise, networks and commitment of supporters to help more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed in school, work and life.
Key responsibilities
Strategy and Leadership
- Develop and deliver the engagement strategy and operational plan for the pro bono and volunteering functions
- Set and monitor KPIs, targets and budgets for engagement activity in line with organisational frameworks, securing approval from senior leadership where appropriate
- Lead the continued growth and development of volunteering and pro bono activity in alignment with organisational strategy and portfolio partner needs
- Work collaboratively with senior colleagues across Philanthropy and Investment to align engagement opportunities with organisational priorities
- Lead prospecting for the pro bono function, understanding the needs of our Investment Team and portfolio partners, identifying gaps in supporter skills and expertise and onboarding new organisations and specialisms
- As the organisational lead for volunteering and pro bono engagement, advise senior leadership on engagement trends, sharing insights, learning and volunteering best practice internally and externally
- Lead, develop and coach the Engagement Team, creating a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture and ensuring clear objectives, development opportunities and succession planning
- Provide guidance, support and oversight of delivery to the Engagement Team, line managing the Engagement Manager and supporting the development of the Engagement Officer
Volunteering programme
- Lead the strategic development and continuous improvement of a high-quality volunteering programme, ensuring it delivers value for portfolio partners, corporate and donor partners and young people.
- Oversee programme quality and effectiveness across all volunteering activities.
- Build capability and strong relationships with portfolio organisations to support the design and delivery of high-quality volunteering opportunities
- Monitor participation, impact and quality across the volunteering programme, using data and feedback to drive improvements.
- Work closely with account managers in the Philanthropy and Partnerships team to drive and steward donor engagement.
- Develop new models of volunteering in collaboration with the Engagement Team, including governance and trustee pathways, skills-based workshops and intensive challenge clinics.
Pro Bono programme
- Lead the development of the organisation’s pro bono programme and oversee the delivery of activities, ensuring high-quality support for portfolio partners.
- Set annual pro bono targets (including project value, number of projects, and supporter engagement) and lead the team to deliver on these
- Oversee the maintenance of a strong pipeline of projects from portfolio partners and supporters that meet the needs of portfolio partners.
- Source and cultivate new pro bono supporters, including companies and highly skilled individual professionals.
- Oversee and contribute to business development activity including prospect research, outreach, relationship building and partnership development.
- Steward existing strategic supporter relationships and create compelling supporter journeys that communicate impact and strengthen long-term engagement.
- Work closely with the Investment Team to identify, scope and prioritise pro bono projects, and work with the team to improve quality and impact in project delivery.
- Ensure an effective team approach to project identification, prioritisation and matching across the programme.
- For select high-priority projects, directly match portfolio partner needs with appropriate supporters, ensuring an effective and high-quality project experience, with support from the Engagement Manager.
- Support select high-priority project kick-off meetings and maintain oversight of project delivery, stakeholder management and follow-up processes.
- Ensure appropriate evaluation processes are in place to capture project impact, supporter feedback and learning.
- Own quality assurance, review programme outcomes and impact data to drive continuous improvement
- Collaborate with the Events team to design and run relevant supporter engagement events.
Relationship Management and Donor Engagement
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with both new and existing corporate partners, major donors, volunteers, pro bono supporters and charity / sector stakeholders.
- Lead strategic account management of donors and supporters.
- Act as a key Account Manager for strategic engagement partnerships, notably the most high-value Pro Bono relationships.
- Work closely with account managers and senior stakeholders to maximise supporter engagement and long-term partnership opportunities.
- Contribute to the creation of compelling communications and marketing materials that demonstrate the value and impact of engagement activity.
- Represent Impetus externally at meetings, events and networking opportunities building effective and inclusive partnerships.
Operations, Systems and Reporting
- Oversee the effective administration and operational delivery of the engagement function.
- Ensure accurate data management and reporting through Salesforce and related systems by the Engagement team.
- Maintain oversight of engagement pipelines, financial tracking and programme reporting.
- Lead quarterly reviews and reporting processes through the analysis and presentation of engagement data.
- Develop and improve systems, processes and operational efficiency across the engagement function.
- Ensure all activities comply with organisational policies, procedures and best practice.
Cross-Organisational Working
- Form part of the Philanthropy and Partnerships Leads group to lead and drive performance against fundraising targets and strategy.
- Collaborate closely with the Investment Team to identify opportunities for volunteering and pro bono support, especially driving innovation for both programmes.
- Build strong internal relationships to ensure engagement activity is coordinated and effectively communicated across teams.
- Attend and support Impetus events where required.
- Represent the Philanthropy team on internal projects, working groups and committees.
- Support wider team priorities and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive working culture.
Person specification
Essential
- Excellent relationship management skills with experience across a range of sectors, and track record working productively with senior stakeholders in corporate and charity organisations, including internally.
- Strong business development skills, with experience identifying and developing new relationships, partnerships, and engagement opportunities.
- Experience translating strategic priorities into operational plans, objectives and delivery.
- Strong project and programme management skills, including managing multiple priorities, budgets, timelines and stakeholders.
- Experience and understanding of how to design and implement inclusive, accessible and engaging experiences for a range of audiences, including young people and corporate supporters.
- Experience managing line reports or leading teams including coaching, supporting and enabling others to deliver high-quality outcomes.
- Strong analytical and organisational skills.
- Ability to identify opportunities, solve complex problems and contribute innovative and creative ideas.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences internally and externally through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
- A collaborative and flexible working style with the ability to work cross-functionally.
- Commitment to the mission and values of Impetus.
- A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Experience working in, or closely with, the charity, youth, education or employment sectors.
Desirable
- In depth understanding of the corporate donor and philanthropy landscape.
- Experience in corporate fundraising or donor engagement, in particular with the financial services and investment sectors.
- Significant experience overseeing either a large corporate volunteering programme or a pro bono programme (e.g. 50+ projects).
- Experience working with Salesforce.
- Expertise in evaluation or impact measurement.
- In-depth understanding of the education and/or youth employment sectors in the UK.
About Impetus
At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.
We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:
- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment
We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.
Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.
We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
Our Values
In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We are brave and curious
We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.
We bring high trust, high challenge
We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.
We are evidence led and results driven for young people
We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.
We thrive through diversity
We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.
We always seek collaboration
We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.
We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.
We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.
Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.
Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Our employee benefits
Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.
How to apply
Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.
You will need to:
- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.
You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.
As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.
Interviews:
1st Interviews will take place on w/c 28th September 2026.
2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.
You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you an exceptional philanthropy leader with a track record of securing transformational seven-figure gifts? Do you combine outstanding relationship-building with the ability to lead talented fundraising teams and turn ambitious strategy into results?
We’re creating two new Principal Philanthropy Lead roles at GOSH Charity: Principal Philanthropy Lead – Best Chance and Principal Philanthropy Lead – Best Childhood.
These pivotal new positions will strengthen the leadership of our growing Philanthropy programme as we enter an exciting new chapter for fundraising at GOSH Charity.
As a Principal Philanthropy Lead, you’ll join the Philanthropy leadership team, lead a team of eight colleagues including three Senior Managers, personally secure significant philanthropic investment and act as a deputy to the Head of Philanthropy.
Principal Philanthropy Lead – Best Chance will lead philanthropy across pioneering medical research, innovation and new treatments, as well as our growing US Giving programme. The role will help shape our next major fundraising campaign, significantly increasing our ambition for philanthropic investment in research and innovation. It will also offer senior leadership for Fundraising Research, our prospecting, insight and due diligence service across Relationship Fundraising.
Principal Philanthropy Lead – Best Childhood will lead philanthropy across our hospital environment, capital infrastructure and patient and family experience, including senior leadership of the final phase of our £300m Build It. Beat It. appeal and the transition towards our next major campaign. The role will also offer senior leadership for Stewardship across Relationship Fundraising, supporting exceptional supporter experiences, impact reporting, recognition and engagement.
Salary
The salary for these positions is £71,831 per annum.
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.
We operate a hybrid working policy of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office with Monday as the fixed in-person Philanthropy team day.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead philanthropy fundraising across Best Chance or Best Childhood, shaping strategy and securing transformational support for GOSH Charity’s most ambitious priorities.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of eight colleagues, including three Senior Managers, fostering collaboration, ambition and exceptional performance.
- Personally deliver an annual fundraising target of £2m+, managing high-value relationships and securing significant gifts from philanthropists, trusts and foundations.
- Act as a deputy to the Head of Philanthropy, contributing to overall philanthropy strategy, business planning and performance, while building influential relationships with senior volunteers and stakeholders.
- Provide senior leadership for key strategic priorities:
For Best Chance: the transition to our next major campaign, US Giving and Fundraising Research across Relationship Fundraising;
For Best Childhood: the final phase of Build It. Beat It., transition to next campaign and Stewardship across Relationship Fundraising.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Significant experience leading philanthropy, major gifts or principal gifts fundraising, with a proven track record of income growth and securing seven-figure+ gifts.
- Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience engaging philanthropists, high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, senior volunteers and executive stakeholders.
- Strong strategic and people leadership, with experience developing high-performing teams and translating organisational priorities into ambitious fundraising plans.
- Experience managing and soliciting a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects, alongside strong judgement, resilience and the ability to lead through complexity and change.
- Relevant large-scale fundraising experience: for Best Chance, research fundraising, international philanthropy or similar programmes; for Best Childhood, capital or major fundraising appeals.
About the team
You’ll join our ambitious Philanthropy team, working with high-net-worth individuals, charitable foundations and other influential supporters to secure transformational investment in the research, innovation, capital and patient experience projects at the heart of GOSH Charity’s work.
The team secures a significant number of £1m+ gifts and is at the forefront of delivering some of the Charity’s most ambitious fundraising priorities.
This is a particularly exciting time to join us. Alongside completing the £300m Build It. Beat It. appeal to help deliver the world-leading Children’s Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital, we are shaping the next chapter of philanthropy fundraising.
Our new strategy is centred around two pillars – Best Chance and Best Childhood – which will form the foundation of an exciting new fundraising appeal. Our Philanthropy team will play a central role in bringing this ambition to life and securing the transformational support that helps give every seriously ill child the best chance, and the best childhood, possible.
The creation of these two Principal Philanthropy Lead roles represents an important investment in the team’s future: increasing our leadership capacity, strengthening day-to-day leadership and creating clearer development and succession pathways as our programme grows.
DBS - note a basic DBS check is required for this role
How to Apply
Please click on the apply button in the top right-hand corner where you will be taken to a short application form to complete.
Closing date: 23 September 2026
First interviews will be held: Tues 6 / Wed 7 October
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and we reserve the right to close the roles prior to the closing date should suitable applicants be found. Therefore, you are encouraged to apply early to avoid disappointment.
We are Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. We stop at nothing to help give seriously ill children childhoods that are fuller, funner and longer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the team
The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships.
The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.
Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.
About this role
The Development Director (Philanthropy) provides strategic leadership across Impetus’ philanthropy and stewardship portfolio, with responsibility for relationship management, renewal, growth and selected new business activity. The postholder will work with high-value funders, including corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.
In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in pro bono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus’ growth ambitions, supporting the increase in philanthropic income to £14m by 2029.
Working closely with the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear stewardship, renewal, relationship-growth and selected new business plans, ensuring strong donor retention, high-quality engagement and sustainable growth in high-value income.
Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will oversee the donor lifecycle across the philanthropy portfolio, with particular focus on strategic stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and the effective transition of selected prospects into long-term donor relationships. They will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure donor relationships and selected funding opportunities, while working with colleagues to ensure the philanthropy pipeline, stewardship plans and account management disciplines are strong.
Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and selected donor acquisition, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.
Key responsibilities
Strategic Relationship Management & Growth
- Own and oversee strategically significant donor and partner relationships at six and seven-figure levels, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
- Set and embed best practice stewardship standards, ensuring donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
- Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
- Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
- Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Philanthropy and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.
New Business: Pipeline & Conversion
- Personally lead on select six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
- Work with trustees, senior volunteers and networks to support warm introductions, relationship development and follow-up, in line with agreed new business and stewardship priorities.
- Work with colleagues to translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for donors, prospects and priority audiences.
Performance and KPI Reporting
- Accountable for ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of fundraising performance frameworks, KPIs and reporting disciplines.
- Use performance data and insight to improve team effectiveness, inform portfolio planning and resource recommendations, and identify opportunities for retention, renewal and growth.
- Oversee philanthropy portfolio data quality, reporting and forecasting, ensuring robust systems and processes.
- Ensure robust systems, processes and performance disciplines are in place to support delivery of agreed philanthropy portfolio objectives and wider fundraising goals.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and evidence-led decision-making across the philanthropy portfolio and direct team.
Donor Communications
- Provide strategic oversight of donor communications for the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring messaging is clear, compelling, timely and aligned to Impetus’ voice, values and evidence base.
- Work with Communications and Philanthropy colleagues to design and continuously improve philanthropic communications, including cases for support, proposals, pitches, stewardship materials and donor updates.
Leadership and Team Performance
- Line manage and develop the Head of Philanthropy, providing direction, coaching and performance oversight within agreed strategy and priorities.
- Develop the Head of Philanthropy as the operational lead for stewardship, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across their team.
- Set clear objectives and success measures for stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and portfolio delivery, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
- Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, balancing pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
- Build fundraising and stewardship capability across the team through coaching and consistent, fair and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.
Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value
- Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen donor relationships, partnership value and long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.
Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk
- Ensure philanthropy and selected new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
- Oversee accurate philanthropy pipeline reporting, forecasting and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insight informs portfolio planning and decision-making.
- Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
- Identify and escalate strategic, financial or reputational risks associated with donors, prospects and partnerships.
Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation
- Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
- Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
- Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are well managed and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
- Model Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across the philanthropy portfolio.
Strategic Leadership
- Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
- Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring stewardship, renewal and relationship growth contribute to organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
- Provide strategic oversight of philanthropy portfolio forecasting, budgeting input, pipeline performance and resource recommendations, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and escalated proactively.
- Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support donor stewardship, relationship growth and selected new business development.
- Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen philanthropy portfolio performance and wider fundraising capability.
- Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
- Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, modelling Impetus’ values and supporting continuous improvement.
Person specification
Essential:
Fundraising & new business leadership
- Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
- Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
- Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
- Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.
Senior stakeholder engagement
- Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
- Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
- Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.
Leadership & people management
- Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
- A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
- Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
- Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
- Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.
Strategic & intellectual capability
- Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
- Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
- Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.
Financial, operational & delivery capability
- Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
- Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
- Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.
Communication, values & ways of working
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
- Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
- A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
- A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.
Desirable
- Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
- Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
- Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
- Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
- Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.
About Impetus
At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.
We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:
- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment
We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.
Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.
We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
Our Values
In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We are brave and curious
We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.
We bring high trust, high challenge
We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.
We are evidence led and results driven for young people
We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.
We thrive through diversity
We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.
We always seek collaboration
We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.
We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.
We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.
Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.
Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Our employee benefits
Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.
How to apply
Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.
You will need to:
- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.
You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.
As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.
Interviews:
1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.
2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.
You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with Wellbeing of Women to recruit a Head of Philanthropy and Community Fundraising. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraising leader to join the charity at an important stage of its growth and play a key role in delivering its ambitious fundraising strategy.
About the organisation
Wellbeing of Women is a leading women's health charity dedicated to saving and changing the lives of women, girls and babies. Its ambition is to ensure that women's lives are not limited by their gynaecological and reproductive health.
You will be responsible for stewarding existing income while identifying and developing new opportunities to deliver ambitious growth targets.
Key responsibilities
Leadership & management
- Lead, inspire and develop a team of four, including three direct reports, setting clear objectives and supporting professional development and wellbeing.
- Share leadership and management of the Development Advisory Group with the Director of Income and Engagement.
- Monitor team performance and ensure high standards, accountability and collaborative working.
- Work closely with colleagues across fundraising, communications and research to maximise opportunities and impact.
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative and values-led fundraising culture.
Philanthropy & fundraising
- Develop and manage a strong pipeline of major donor prospects.
- Personally manage and develop a portfolio of major donor relationships.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with high-net-worth individuals and senior stakeholders.
- Identify and develop opportunities to grow five- and six-figure income.
- Work with the Community Engagement Manager to grow community fundraising and challenge events.
- Lead the fundraising element of key major donor events throughout the year.
- Use data, insight and CRM systems effectively to support fundraising activity and income growth.
- Ensure fundraising activity follows appropriate due diligence, contracting, data protection and fundraising standards.
About you:
You will be an experienced fundraising professional with a strong understanding of relationship fundraising and a proven ability to generate significant income.
You will have:
- Significant experience across a range of fundraising income streams, ideally including major donors, trusts, individual giving and community fundraising.
- A strong track record of growing major donor income, ideally at five- and six-figure level.
- Extensive experience of relationship fundraising and managing donor relationships.
- Experience of leading successful fundraising events.
- Experience engaging and stewarding high-net-worth individuals and senior stakeholders.
- Experience using and managing CRM databases.
- Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and storytelling skills.
- Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
- The ability to prioritise effectively and manage multiple projects and competing demands.
- A good understanding of fundraising processes, including due diligence, the Fundraising Code of Conduct, contracting and data.
- Strong leadership skills and the confidence to motivate and drive a team.
- Confidence presenting and speaking to a wide range of audiences.
- A proactive, self-starting approach, with the ability to use initiative and intuition.
- A collaborative and supportive leadership style that encourages trust and autonomy.
Salary:
- Salary of circa £50,000
- Permanent, full-time position
- Hybrid working, with a minimum of 2 days per week at the London Bridge office
- Deadline: Monday 21st September
- Interview: 1st Interview: 28th September
2nd Interview: 7th October
- Recruitment Process: Cv and Supporting Statement to
The Senior Philanthropy Officer will work closely with our Philanthropy Managers, Head of Philanthropy and colleagues across the organisation to lead complex funding proposals and manage a portfolio of higher-value donor relationships and grants, ensuring that our policies and procedures are followed.
As YoungMinds’ Senior Philanthropy Officer, you will play a key role in our Philanthropy team, providing an intermediate level of seniority between our Philanthropy Officer and Philanthropy Managers. You will take ownership of prospect pipeline development and lead or support stewardship of a range of major donor and Trust and Foundation partners and prospects, acting as a bridge between operational fundraising delivery and strategic partnership development. It’s a role that engages with colleagues across the organisation, at all levels, and will give you the opportunity to work closely with them to maximise income from major six- and seven-figure partnerships.
You will build excellent, trusting relationships with trusts, foundations and major donors, developing compelling, cause-led propositions and providing proportionate, high-quality account management and stewardship. You will identify and develop larger-scale funding opportunities, think creatively about stewardship opportunities and events, and manage risk and sensitivity in donor relationships with confidence.
To make sure all young people get the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Senior Philanthropy Lead
We are seeking an experienced relationship-led fundraiser to grow high-value support, develop major donor relationships and help drive ambitious income growth.
Salary: £40,000-£44,000pa
Location: Remote – Travel required for donor meetings and events
Hours: Full time – Compressed Hours, 9 day fortnight also considered
Closing date: 24th September 2026 – CV’s will be reviewed on a rolling basis
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced major donor, philanthropy or partnership fundraiser to take a leading role in developing high-value relationships for a national Christian charity tackling poverty across the UK.
Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, you will help shape and deliver the major donor strategy, driving sustainable, multi-year income growth and managing some of the charity’s most significant supporter relationships, including gifts of £10,000 to £100,000+.
You will lead and develop a small philanthropy team while building meaningful relationships with existing and prospective supporters and partners.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and delivering major donor strategy, growth plans, pipelines and KPIs
- Managing and growing a portfolio of high-value relationships
- Identifying and cultivating new donors, supporters and opportunities
- Creating compelling proposals, funding opportunities and personalised engagement plans
- Leading face-to-face meetings and representing the charity at high-level events
- Working with senior colleagues, including the CEO, to deepen supporter engagement
- Line managing and developing members of the philanthropy team
- Using CRM data and insight to track performance and identify opportunities
- Delivering agreed annual philanthropy income and engagement targets
About you
You may already be working in major donor fundraising or philanthropy, or you could bring strong partnership fundraising experience with the relationship-building and income-generation skills to make the move into this role.
You will bring:
- Strong major donor, philanthropy or partnership fundraising experience
- A track record of securing significant income through major gifts, partnerships or high-value relationships
- At least three years’ experience in fundraising, partnerships or relationship management
- The ability to build trusted, long-term relationships with people of influence
- Excellent communication, influencing and presentation skills
- Line management or people development experience
- Strategic thinking and the ability to manage pipelines, budgets and income forecasts
- The confidence to engage senior stakeholders and develop new opportunities
- Flexibility to travel across the UK, including occasional evening and weekend commitments
Above all, you will be a natural relationship builder who can inspire people, understand what motivates them and turn strong relationships into meaningful long-term support.
About the organisation
You will be joining a national Christian charity committed to tackling poverty and transforming lives. The organisation works alongside churches, supporters and communities to help people facing financial crisis and build a growing movement for change.
This is a collaborative, ambitious and deeply relational organisation where Christian faith is central to its mission and culture.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Major Donor Manager, Philanthropy Manager, Partnerships Manager, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Major Gifts Manager, Senior Philanthropy Manager, High Value Relationships Manager, Major Donor Fundraiser, Strategic Partnerships Manager or Senior Fundraising Manager.
Please note: The charity can only consider applicants who presently have the right to work in the UK and all candidates must be personally committed to the Christian faith and be able to respect, uphold and work within our client’s Christian mission, values, culture and faith statements. This individual will represent and speak on behalf of a Christian charity and as such the Occupational Requirement for an active Christian faith is justified under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1, clause 3.
#INDNFP
About the team
The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships.
The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.
Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.
About this role
The Development Director (New Business) provides strategic leadership for Impetus’ new business development, prospect pipeline and high-value funding opportunities. The postholder will have responsibility for identifying, cultivating and converting new corporate, trust and foundation, and high-net-worth donor relationships, as well as continued relationship management for key, established relationships.
In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in probono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus' growth ambitions, helping to increase philanthropic income to £14m by 2029.
Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear new business priorities, pipeline plans and prospect engagement approaches, ensuring a strong flow of qualified opportunities and sustainable growth in high-value income.
Working closely with colleagues across Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure prospects and strategic funding opportunities, while overseeing the stewardship and retention of current partners.
Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor acquisition, pipeline development, prospect conversion and stewardship, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.
Key responsibilities
New Business, Pipeline & Conversion
- Personally lead on six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
- Work with trustees, senior volunteers, and networks to unlock introductions and new opportunities, providing clear support and follow-up to maximise success.
- Evolve Impetus’ new business strategy, driving the identification, cultivation, and conversion of new high-value donor and partner relationships.
- Translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base, and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for new audiences and sectors.
Strategic Relationship Management & Growth
- Own and oversee select donor relationships at six and seven-figure levels within the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
- Ensure your donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
- Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
- Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
- Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Development and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.
Research, Insight & Pipeline Development
- Provide strategic leadership for the Research & Insights function, ensuring prospect research, donor intelligence and market insight inform fundraising strategy, pipeline development and organisational planning.
- Lead the strategic development of fundraising pipelines, ensuring focus on opportunities with the greatest potential for long-term income growth, impact and strategic fit.
- Ensure donor intelligence and prospect research are used effectively to identify, qualify and prioritise new funding opportunities.
- Maintain oversight of gift acceptance, due diligence and fundraising compliance in relation to fundraising opportunities, ensuring adherence to relevant regulatory requirements and organisational policies.
- Identify and escalate strategic, reputational or compliance risks associated with donors and partners.
Leadership and Team Performance
- Line manage and develop the Head of Development, providing strategic direction, coaching and performance oversight.
- Establish the Head of Development as the operational lead on new business, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across the wider team.
- Set clear objectives and success measures for new business growth, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
- Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing team culture that balances pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
- Build fundraising capability across your team through leadership, coaching and consistent, fair, and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.
Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value
- Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen strategic partnerships and support long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.
Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk
- Ensure new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
- Oversee accurate pipeline reporting, forecasting, and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insights inform decision making.
- Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
- Identify and escalate strategic or reputational risks associated with prospective partnerships.
Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation
- Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
- Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
- Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are leveraged and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
- Back Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Philanthropy team.
Strategic leadership
- Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
- Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring new business delivers against organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
- Provide strategic oversight of annual forecasting, budgeting, pipeline performance and resource planning, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and addressed proactively.
- Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support strategic relationship building and new business development.
- Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen organisational fundraising performance and capability.
- Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
- Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the Philanthropy team, modelling Impetus' values and supporting continuous improvement.
Person specification
Essential:
Fundraising & new business leadership
- Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
- Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
- Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
- Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.
Senior stakeholder engagement
- Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
- Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
- Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.
Leadership & people management
- Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
- A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
- Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
- Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
- Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.
Strategic & intellectual capability
- Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
- Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
- Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.
Financial, operational & delivery capability
- Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
- Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
- Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.
Communication, values & ways of working
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
- Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
- A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
- A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.
Desirable
- Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
- Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
- Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
- Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
- Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.
About Impetus
At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.
We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:
- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment
We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.
Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.
We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
Our Values
In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We are brave and curious
We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.
We bring high trust, high challenge
We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.
We are evidence led and results driven for young people
We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.
We thrive through diversity
We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.
We always seek collaboration
We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.
We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.
We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.
Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.
Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Our employee benefits
Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.
How to apply
Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.
You will need to:
- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.
You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.
As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.
Interviews:
1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.
2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.
You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Head of Philanthropy
Prostate Cancer UK
Location: Hybrid – a combination of remote and in-person working at our London Bridge office at least 4 days a month.
Permanent and full-time role
Salary: Band 6 range of £60,250 - £70,750 pa
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK - stealing over 12,000 of our dads, grandads, brothers and friends every year.
As the largest men’s health charity in the UK, our ambition is clear: to create a world where no man dies from prostate cancer. And this is how we’re making that happen. We are the biggest public funder of prostate cancer research, investing millions to revolutionise testing, treatment, and care. We’re blazing a trail to a screening programme that could save thousands of lives with regular, accurate tests for all men at risk. And we work tirelessly to spread the word about risk and offer specialist support to people living with the disease.
This is an exciting and pivotal moment for high value fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK. Through our £100 million Raise the Game appeal, we are accelerating our progress over the next 5 years, to transform how men and their families navigate prostate cancer. We are now seeking a new Head of Philanthropy to lead the strategic direction and performance of the philanthropy team, ensuring that we deliver ambitious, long-term and sustainable income growth in line with our priorities. You will also cultivate your own major donor portfolio, and work with other senior leaders across the Philanthropy, Appeals and Partnerships team, to ensure a coordinated approach in driving a culture of excellence, accountability, and donor focus across all fundraising activity.
About you
You are an experienced, collaborative fundraiser and people leader, who thrives in ambitious organisations and the major gifts arena. You’ll bring a strong track record of securing six-figure gifts and above, alongside the experience of designing and activating robust strategies and overseeing operational excellence that turns ambition into impact. A skilled and compelling communicator, you build trusted relationships easily and confidently with donors, colleagues and partners alike. You’re comfortable navigating the new and uncertain, bringing flexibility, curiosity and adaptability to a changing environment.
These qualities will be key to building credibility and strong relationships across the organisation and beyond. Experience in health or medical fundraising would be valuable, but it’s not essential. What is essential is your ability to interpret complex, specialist information into compelling funding propositions. Underlying this all is your passion for driving positive change and belief in the power of philanthropy to make it happen.
What we offer
Join our team and be part of an award-winning charity. We’ll support you to develop your skills and expertise.
We offer a competitive benefits package, including:
- Generous leave entitlements that increase with service
- One ‘development day’ a month to use for training or personal development
- Enhanced contributory pension scheme
- Life insurance and group income protection
- Health Cash Plan
- Life and wellbeing advice and support via our Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounted gym membership and high street shopping discounts
- Loans for season tickets or cycles
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
At Prostate Cancer UK we’re committed to righting health inequalities across the UK, starting with those faced by Black men. This includes ground-breaking research into Black men's risk and working with communities directly to overcome barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. To make this happen, we're dedicated to being an inclusive, proactive organisation, as we strive to be Allies to Black communities. We’ll achieve this by advocating and working alongside those communities to promote change. We're also working to be Allies to each other, not only protected groups. In 2024, we launched our New Allyship Training Programme. All colleagues at Prostate Cancer UK will be trained to act and identify as an Ally.
We've also signed Business in the Community’s Race at Work Charter, as a dedication to our Black health equity work and wider EDI priorities. As a signatory, we're responsible and accountable for driving positive change.
Our people networks
We’re continuously learning more about the needs of our colleagues, and have three amazing People Networks, sponsored by our Leadership team:
- Pride – A safe space where LGBTQ+ colleagues – and our allies – can share their diverse lived experiences, celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and history, and create new ideas about how our organisation can be more inclusive and representative of LGBTQ+ people
- Mind and Body – Here to increase awareness, promote wellbeing and support colleagues affected by neurodiversity, mental health problems, disability and long-term illness
- Culture Club – Here to increase awareness and celebrate the different cultures and beliefs that we have in the organisation, so that we all have our cultures felt and feel welcomed
This is a career defining opportunity to work with us and you’ll see your efforts pay off as we give men and their families the power to navigate prostate cancer. We are partnering with Richmond Associates for this search. To request a copy of the candidate information pack or to apply, please visit their website by following the Application button, or contact Sonja Dunphy, the Managing Director or Nicola Reames, Senior Consultant for more details.
Closing date for applications is 9am FRIDAY, 18 SEPTMEBER 2026
Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on 2nd October 2026.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Philanthropy, which covers Trusts & Foundations, Major Donors and Mid-Value Donors , is pivotal to Noah’s Ark – typically accounting for around 46% of the charity’s overall income. In real terms, that is c. £2.2m of our £4.7m fundraising target for 2026-27. This role also has a lead role in managing our Philantropy & Corproate Board of influential volunteers that support our philanthropy programme. Philanthropy is a real area of expertise for Noah’s Ark and we have seen considerable success over the past 10 years. However, there is much scope for further, exciting growth. Specifically, there is much to do to re-engage lapsed donors and to build a healthy pipeline to ensure a steady flow of new donors join our programme. Our mid-value donor programme also requires further development to enable the cultivation of future Major Donors. The Head of Philanthropy will work closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications to dedicate time and attention to a strong portfolio of donors, and will contribute to the wider development of fundraising and communications strategies through senior team forum and all-staff forums. The post-holder will be key in taking our Philanthropy programme to the next level, building on key existing relationships, increasing income and opportunities generated by our team’s augmentation and growth and elevating the experience of supporting Noah’s Ark.
ABOUT YOU
You will have considerable experience and success in high-value / major donor fundraising, at managerial level. You will be a dynamic, agile, highly organised, dedicated and reliable individual, ready to play a significant role in income generation. An exceptional and eloquent communicator, excellent at managing your time and a natural relationship builder. You will have a collaborative mindset and enjoy working with and managing team members with different personalities, styles of working and approaches to amitious goals. You will feel at home being a key person with whom colleagues across the fundraising and wider charity teams liaise, in order to create the greatest outcomes for the children and families we support. You will have strong line-management skills and show excellence in donor stewardship.
We encourage you to apply if:
- You have proven skills in Major Donors fundraising and (ideally) Trust fundraising
- Have proven yourself to be an incredibly effective manager of people
- Believe you can build a strong pipeline of donor prospects
Please note - we are only accepting direct applications for this role
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, we kindly advise you to submit your application as early as possible.
We help children who are seriously unwell make the most of every day



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you interested in playing your part in making a difference to our world? Come and join our team as a Philanthropy Manager - we are hiring here at ClientEarth!
This role offers the chance to join a high‑performing, deeply collaborative Philanthropy Team within ClientEarth’s Development Department, working closely with major donors, trusts, and foundations across multiple countries.
Important dates to note:
- Deadline to submit an initial application: 21 September 2026
- If your profile passes initial screening, you will be asked to submit additional information in the form of three additional questions.
- The deadline to submit your answers is the 24th of September
- If we do not receive a response to these questions by the deadline we will assume you are no longer interested in the role.
- Interviews will take place the from the 28th of September
Please also review the "Our Hiring Process" section at the bottom of this advert to learn more about the stages involved for this specific role.
Key Responsibilities
- Build a resilient donor pipeline and manage prospects and donors through each stage of the pipeline.
- Actively solicit and manage donor relationships across assigned portfolio to achieve global philanthropy income target with a focus on building new income and unrestricted income
- Work with the Global Head of Philanthropy and Lead to implement agreed fundraising strategies across geographies
- Collaborating with the team to implement the Philanthropy strategy as part of the overall Global Fundraising strategy, liaising with leadership, programme leads, communications and finance to ensure ClientEarth maximises potential income from corporate, restricted and unrestricted income streams
See the job description for a full list of duties for this role.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Fundraising management experience working in major donor fundraising.
- Demonstrable experience of securing five (or higher) figure gifts as well as multi-year commitments including unrestricted income.
- Good knowledge of donor and pipeline management, and financial processes
- Previous line management experience
See the job description for a full list of duties for this role.
Job Benefits
Flexible working: We are proud to be a Flexa accredited Employer. Visit our Flexa Employer page for more information on our approach to flexible working. Our flexible working policy allows our people the choice to decide to work from home/another location in the country where their contract of employment is issued for 80% of their month, with the other 20% of their month being office-based. See our benefits page for more: Benefits | ClientEarth Careers as well as our flexible working FAQ.
ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. See our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at ClientEarth | ClientEarth journey page for more.
Please note that ClientEarth is only able to employ those who have the pre-existing legal right to work in the UK or Belgium.
ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services to third parties.
Using the power of the law to protect life on Earth.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are recruiting for a Philanthropy Manager to join our team in London; the scope on this job involves….
Job Title: Philanthropy Manager
Location: Hybrid working with the requirement to work from our Head Office and to attend meetings, events and networking opportunities in London and other locations as required.
Salary: £45,529.83 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5
This is an exciting time to join Refuge, as we grow our philanthropy programme and expand support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. As Philanthropy Manager, you'll lead relationships with major donors and trusts and foundations, securing significant funding that directly supports life-changing services and campaigns. With flexible hybrid working, a genuinely collaborative culture and ambitious plans for growth, this is an opportunity to make a real impact while developing your career.
You'll manage and grow a portfolio of high-value supporters, develop compelling funding proposals and reports, identify new funding opportunities, and contribute to a growing programme of supporter engagement opportunities. We're looking for an experienced fundraiser with a track record of securing high-value gifts, excellent relationship-building skills, and the confidence to spot opportunities and turn them into long-term partnerships.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape a growing area of fundraising within one of the UK's leading charities. You'll benefit from genuine flexibility, exposure to senior stakeholders, excellent development opportunities, and the chance to see the direct impact of your work while helping to create a future free from domestic abuse.
Closing Date: 9.00am on 21 September 2026
Interview Date:
Stage one: 29 September 2026 (Virtual)
Stage two: 5 October (in person at our Head Office, in Vauxhall, London)
Benefits
Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.
Location: London, with a minimum of two days per week in the Haig House hub, Borough High Street
Salary: £53,381-£58,818 per annum (inclusive of London Supplement)
Contract: Permanent, full-time, 35 hours per week
The Royal British Legion is looking for an experienced and data-minded Senior Growth Manager to lead its supporter growth activity and help turn engagement into long-term income and loyalty.
This is a senior role focused on one of the biggest opportunities within RBL’s mass fundraising programme. You will lead the strategy for Growth, using data and supporter insight to shape targeted cross-sell, upsell and reactivation activity across individual giving. The focus will be on understanding what supporters need, when they are most likely to engage and how communications can strengthen the individual giving supporter experience while increasing lifetime value.
Reporting to the Head of Acquisition and Development, you will define Growth plans, set priorities and use performance data to understand what is working and where there is potential to improve.
Working closely with colleagues across Acquisition, Welcome, Retention, Planning, Data, Events, Legacies and other areas of Fundraising, you will help create a consistent supporter experience and ensure Growth activity contributes to wider fundraising objectives.
You will also lead and develop a Growth Manager and two Growth Officers, creating clarity, supporting high performance and ensuring the team has the insight and focus needed to deliver. Strong stakeholder management will be important, as you build effective relationships across RBL and with external agencies, bringing together different teams and priorities to deliver joined-up supporter journeys.
The ideal candidate will bring significant experience of developing and delivering mass fundraising or customer communication strategies, with a strong understanding of individual giving, supporter experience and how data can be used to improve engagement and income.
You will have proven experience managing teams, working with complex programmes and budgets, and using insight to make informed decisions about audiences, communications and performance. You will be comfortable translating strategy into clear plans and measurable outcomes, while influencing stakeholders across a large and complex organisation.
This is an opportunity to shape how RBL builds stronger relationships with its supporters beyond their initial engagement, using data, insight and a clear understanding of supporter needs to increase loyalty, sustainable income and long-term value in support of the Armed Forces community.
Please download the candidate pack [PDF] for full details and how to apply.
Closing Date: Monday, 14th September
We provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. Our support starts after one day of service and continues through


