Senior head of philanthropy jobs
Senior Philanthropy Manager
Permanent
Full time (34.5 hours)
Split between home and our London Office
Salary: £54,000 - £59,000
About the Role
At Macmillan, we do whatever it takes to ensure everyone affected by cancer gets the best possible support today—and we’re committed to driving a revolution in cancer care for the future.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our ambitious Philanthropy team, a major growth area within the charity. In this role, you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing philanthropists into the heart of Macmillan, unlocking significant support to drive our ambitions for growth and impact - enabling us to tackle some of the most complex challenges facing people living with cancer, and reshaping the wider cancer care system for generations to come.
The role sits within our new-look Partnerships Directorate, created to build impactful, long-term relationships with philanthropists, corporate partners and healthcare leaders.
Join us at a pivotal moment – with a bold new strategy, exciting funding opportunities and a renewed sense of purpose, there’s never been a better time to make an impact.
We’re looking for a strategic and driven Senior Philanthropy Manager to lead on some of Macmillan’s highest-value philanthropic relationships. You’ll manage a portfolio of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, securing 6- and 7-figure+ gifts that deliver life-changing impact for people living with cancer.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Cultivating and managing a portfolio of major donors, building long-term, high-impact relationships.
- Securing new business through strategic networking and cross-team collaboration.
- Creating bespoke cultivation plans and compelling donor communications.
- Leading senior stakeholder engagement and leveraging networks to deepen donor relationships.
- Delivering exceptional stewardship experiences that inspire and retain support.
- Supporting leadership in co-canvassing prospects with 7- and 8-figure capacity.
- Mentoring colleagues and contributing to a culture of innovation in major gift fundraising.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven success in securing 6- or 7-figure philanthropic gifts or equivalent experience.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and gravitas to engage senior stakeholders.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication, with a flair for storytelling.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a results-driven approach.
- Strong influencing and negotiation skills across complex stakeholder groups.
- Experience working with senior leadership in a fundraising or similar environment.
- Excellent project management and CRM (ideally Raiser’s Edge) skills.
- A collaborative team player with a passion for Macmillan’s mission.
Who You’ll Work With:
- Principal and major gift supporters
- Senior volunteers, ambassadors, and Trustees
- Macmillan’s Executive Directors and Heads
- Service and Partnership teams
- Philanthropy advisors, family offices, and corporate partners
- Press, Policy, Advocacy, and Finance teams
What You’ll Achieve:
- A thriving portfolio of philanthropic donors and prospects
- A strong internal and external network to drive transformational giving
- Unique opportunities to engage and inspire philanthropists
- A step-change in philanthropy income for Macmillan
In return, we offer a range of benefits including:
- 25 days holiday plus flexible bank holiday options, increasing by 1 day every year of service up to 30 days
- Pension matched up to 7.5%
- 120+ learning and development offers, with access to external professional qualifications
- Flexible working patterns, such as compressed hours, flexibility to work earlier or later around our core working hours of 10am-4pm
- Holiday buying and selling scheme, life insurance, free wills, retail discounts and much more
Recruitment Process
Application deadline: Wed 24th Sept 2025
First interview dates: Wc 6th Oct 2025 (TBC)
To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed.
At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join National AIDS Trust, the UK’s leading HIV rights charity, and help us stop HIV from standing in the way of health, dignity and equality - and end new transmissions for good.
We’re looking for a creative, driven communications professional to lead exciting campaigns and create powerful digital content that grows our audience and drives engagement with HIV rights.
In this role, you’ll:
· Develop and deliver communications strategies and campaigns.
· Create compelling content across digital and traditional channels.
· Collaborate with internal teams on national initiatives.
· Analyse and report on performance to maximise impact.
You’ll need:
· Proven experience delivering communications campaigns.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· A proactive, creative mindset and strong media relations skills.
This is a brilliant opportunity to make a real impact on human rights and public health in a fast-paced, supportive, and mission-driven environment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
War Child’s mission is to reach, protect, educate, and stand up for the rights of every child living in conflict zones. They want a world that is safer for children to live in. At the moment, 1 in 5 children are living in or fleeing from conflict – that number is too high, and War Child wants to change it.
War Child is known for bold fundraising, innovative campaigns, and a culture of creativity. Their ambassadors, high-profile supporters, and superbly connected networks among investors and philanthropists give them a unique platform to engage influential donors. With a reputation for high-profile events and strong stewardship, they are now investing in a dedicated Head of Principal Giving to take this work to the next level.
Reporting into the Director of Philanthropy and Partner Engagement, you will build and lead a bold, high-impact strategy focused on cultivating deep, long-term partnerships with influential philanthropists. Working closely with senior leadership, you will be central to unlocking significant funding opportunities that align donor values with the lasting change we deliver for children living through conflict.
If you are motivated by the chance to unlock transformational support for children affected by war, this is a rare opportunity to establish and lead a new programme with the full backing of War Child’s leadership, networks, and global influence.
As Head of Principal Gifts, you will:
- Lead the development of a high-impact Principal Giving programme
- Build deep partnerships with philanthropists capable of making transformational gifts of £500k+
- Operate at the highest levels across War Child UK (WCUK) and our global alliance, engaging CEOs, trustees, ambassadors, and programme leaders to connect donor values with War Child’s most urgent priorities
- Shape major funding propositions rooted in WCUK’s ten-year strategy, inspiring exceptional support for their mission
- Benefit from strong internal backing, and new dedicated prospect research that will strengthen your pipeline and give you the insight to target opportunities with confidence
- Leverage existing pipelines of prospects and introductions, deepening relationships and converting warm networks into lasting partnerships
- Partner with the Heads of Philanthropy and Trusts & Foundations, programme directors, ambassadors, and trustees to deliver donor engagement at the highest level
Ideal skills and experience:
- A strong track record of securing gifts of at least £500k from UHNWIs
- Sophisticated relationship management skills, with the confidence and credibility to operate alongside CEOs, trustees, programme directors, ambassadors, and family offices
- Experience shaping ambitious, values-driven cases for support and stewarding long-term philanthropic partnerships
- Strategic insight, entrepreneurial drive, and the ability to build a new programme from the ground up
- A collaborative approach, able to work closely with colleagues in philanthropy, trusts and foundations, and partnerships
- Strong advisory skills, able to support and guide fundraisers across the organisation on managing principal-level partnerships
- Well versed in developing and assessing different financial models to structure transformational giving opportunities
- Ideally, a broad understanding of international philanthropy and donor motivations, with the ability to connect global priorities to transformational giving opportunities.
Employee benefits
Benefits include:
- Flexible working – War Child recognise the considerable benefits that flexible working can bring and are happy to discuss any possible flexible working options with employees from hiring. For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, an element of working from home, compressed hours
- Annual leave – 28 days per year (full-time), plus UK bank holidays
- Pension – all eligible employees automatically enrolled into a Group Personal Pension Plan with a 5% employer contribution, with minimum employee contribution on a salary sacrifice basis
- Health & wellbeing – employees may take advantage of a healthcare cash plan and a range of wellbeing initiatives and training. In addition, all employees have access to free, confidential one-to-one wellbeing consultations with trained counsellors.
- Learning & development – dedicated to the investment in learning and continuing professional development for all our employees
- Range of flexible benefits such a Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loans
To register your interest in this role, please apply below with a copy of your latest CV by no later than Thursday 2nd October. A brief cover note outlining your most relevant experience, in line with the person specification, is optional bur welcomed.
Suitable candidates will be invited to a screening call and will be given in-depth support with formal application.
War Child UK are partnering with QuarterFive for this appointment.
First-round interviews will be held on Monday 13th October.
No child should be a part of war. Ever.
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!
Partnerships and Philanthropy Manager
Could you turn partnerships into something profoundly powerful? Join Prospect Hospice and help shape the future of end-of-life care through bold, strategic fundraising.
At Prospect Hospice, we are dedicated to providing outstanding end-of-life care to our patients, as well as offering emotional, spiritual, and practical support to their families and loved ones. Based in Swindon, we serve communities across North Wiltshire, Swindon, and the surrounding areas.
As a charity, we rely heavily on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and philanthropic donors to fund our services. We are seeking a dynamic Partnerships and Philanthropy Manager to join our team and help us continue this vital work.
Hours: 30 to 37.5 hours per week (Flexible working options, minimum 3 days per week in the office, part-time considered).
What is the role?
As our Partnerships and Philanthropy Manager, you’ll be at the heart of our new strategy - unlocking income and wider value through bold, purposeful partnerships with local businesses and philanthropists.
In this role you’ll:
- Lead and deliver our corporate partnerships and major donor strategy
- Proactively identify & cultivate relationships with prospective donors
- Create compelling proposals and deliver inspiring pitches
- Collaborate with internal teams to align funding with strategic needs
- Build and nurture high-value relationships with partners and philanthropists
- Secure major gifts and high-value, strategic support
- Deliver bold, innovative fundraising initiatives
- Deliver exceptional stewardship and donor experiences
- Track progress through regular pipeline & financial reporting
- Coach and support colleagues in corporate fundraising
- Act as the corporate fundraising expert across the charity
This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious and results-driven individual to make a real impact in our community.
What we’re looking for:
- A track record in securing income through new & existing partnerships (charity or commercial sector)
- Strong networking, influencing and relationship-building skills
- Strategic thinker with excellent written and verbal communication
- Experience of using a pipeline to track the status and potential value of partnerships
- A team-player who is passionate about growing income through partnerships and wider fundraising activities
- A proactive, self-starter with a passion for making a difference
- Full UK driving license and access to your own car
We are looking for a confident, proactive individual who is passionate about making a difference. The ideal candidate will have a strategic mindset, with the creativity to develop new fundraising ideas and the resilience to achieve ambitious income targets. View or download the job description for full details:
Our Values
We’re committed to creating a truly inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity of thought, ability and individuality, and we’re proud to be a learning organisation that encourages innovation and continuous development.
We offer a great range of benefits, including:
- 27 days annual leave entitlement (plus bank holidays)
- Generous contributory pension scheme and life assurance
- Discounts with local retailers, gyms and service providers including Blue Light Discount Card
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Family-friendly policies and practice
- Supportive induction, and training and development
- A values led, inclusive working environment
- Free parking on-site
Ready to Apply?
If you're ready to shape something meaningful and see the impact of your work every day, submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role and why you’d like to work with us.
Equality & Diversity
Prospect Hospice is committed to encouraging a diverse and inclusive working environment. We recognise that promoting diversity and eliminating discrimination in our workplace will bring benefits for our people, our business and the communities we serve.
We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, offending background, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we support. As part of our SAFER recruitment processes, offers of employment will be subject to thorough checks, which may include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references, online and social media checks and verification of qualifications. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
We will review applications as they come in so we may close the vacancy before the closing date. Candidates are advised to apply early.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Impetus
Our vision is for a society where all young people, regardless of their background, can thrive in school, secure crucial qualifications, and take their first steps into the world of work on the journey to sustained employment in adulthood, for a fulfilling life.
As a leading impact funder, since 2002, Impetus has been helping the best leaders build stronger organisations delivering the most promising interventions that support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed against the odds. We do this by using our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact, 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 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.
These are challenges that are faced by all young people, but they disproportionately affect young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
About the role
Are you passionate about giving all young people the best chance in life? Are you a brilliant influencer and communicator who relishes harnessing great policy, research and communications to realise social change? Do you want to work in a pioneering charity with impact at its core?
Then this could be the role for you. At Impetus we are looking for our next Director of Public Affairs, someone who can inspire our brilliant Public Affairs team and spearhead our communications, policy and research work. This is an exciting senior role, joining our Senior Management Team and working alongside our CEO, board, donors, supporters, portfolio partners and the wider sector to effect real change for young people.
This is an exciting time to join Impetus. We are at an inflexion point, having welcomed a new CEO this year and implementing a new strategy focusing on strengthening and expanding our impact and influence. A big part of that is through our public affairs and communications work; whether influencing policy makers so that all young people regardless of background get the best possible chance to succeed, reducing the gaps in education and employment between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their better off peers, or working with government and other funders to prove and expand impactful programmes or communicating our findings, insights and message to a wider range of audiences.
The Director of Public Affairs will work with the CEO and Senior Management Team to raise our profile and influence policy, unlock and steward resource and build new partnerships, in order to facilitate growth in impact. They will do this by getting the most out of our high performing Public Affairs team, which covers policy, research, advocacy and communications - as well as working across teams and with the Board to ensure Impetus is well positioned externally.
We’re proud of the work we’ve achieved to date, developing a strong track record of high-quality research and insightful reports, significantly raising our profile through media relations and stakeholder engagement, building strong sector partnerships and coalitions to drive meaningful change, establishing a wide range of relationships across government and the sector and building strong expertise in the team. We’re delighted that you’re considering joining us to take forward this work to the next level.
Here are some examples of the types of work that the Public Affairs team delivers:
• Our monthly policy newsletter, Impetus Insights
• Our news and commentary and blogs
• Our latest research reports on school engagement, attainment and youth employment
• Our coalitions: The Youth Employment Group and Who is Losing Learning?
For more information on what we’re looking for from our Director of Public Affairs & what a typical week can look like – please view the Director of Public Affairs recruitment pack.
Key responsibilities
Fundraising and income generation
- Work with Impetus CEO and SMT to support the delivery of the Impetus strategy and business plan and deliver the public affairs milestones to time and within budget.
- Champion and contribute to embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across all areas of Impetus' work, ensuring that EDI principles related to Impetus’ mission are reflected in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, communications and public positioning.
- Vision setting and strong line management of the Public Affairs team, developing their capabilities, representing the team at SMT and to the Board and ensuring it continues to make a valuable - and valued - contribution to the achievement of Impetus’s objectives, through building and implementing high quality work plans for the team and ensuring the wider Impetus team is aligned on these.
- Increase awareness, understanding and trust in Impetus among key stakeholders, through regular, thoughtful engagement with the sector and securing high profile media coverage.
- Raise awareness of the education and employment gaps faced by young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and what we can do to break down the barriers they face - through research, policy positioning and effective communications.
- Build a positive reputation for Impetus in government and parliament and among funders, as a source of expertise on how to improve the education and employment outcomes of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and as a trusted interlocutor and partner, building on and leveraging the many relationships already established.
- Ensure that all advocacy is supported by high quality research and evidence, with our policy and research agenda well aligned to supporting the delivery of Impetus’ strategy.
- Ensure a positive media profile, continuing to build on the base established to build awareness among the media of Impetus’s expertise and content.
- Position Impetus as a ‘sought-after’ collaborative partner for other organisations with shared objectives; including regularly representing Impetus at relevant sector events.
- Support the delivery of our fundraising strategy and the successful delivery of our events programme, in particular, our flagship Transforming Lives Dinner.
- Where appropriate, collaborate with our portfolio partners to support their public affairs work and to leverage relevant partnerships, drawing on their insights to inform Impetus’ work.
- Contribute to the successful performance of the Senior Management Team, and provide expert advice to them, as well as to Trustees, on all public affairs-related activities and in the implementation of the broader strategy, engaging with decisions and challenges across the organisation.
- Oversee the running of our Public Affairs Committee (PAC), leveraging their skills, expertise and influence for the good of Impetus.
Personal specification
Essential
- A commitment to Impetus’ mission
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
- Experience of leading public affairs / communications / policy at a senior level
Strong track record of influencing (through policy, advocacy, communications, stakeholder relations) - Strong management skills including strategy development, people management, budgeting and impact monitoring
- Experience of leading multiple and complex workstreams to achieve measurable results
- Experience of representing an organisation externally; in meetings, media interviews and on public platforms
- Exceptional verbal and written communications skills
- Presence, credibility, motivational skills, natural ability to command respect based on experience, and ability to look beyond own area of expertise
- Proven experience of building and maintaining influential external relationships and strategic partnerships
- Ability to motivate a team and work collaboratively, enlisting support from others
- Knowledge of the education and/ or young people sectors
Desirable:
- Experience of fundraising, including trusts and foundations
- Knowledge of digital communications
- Experience of data management and good analytical skills
- Understanding of, and/or lived experience of, the barriers that young people face, that contribute to the education and employment gap
- Knowledge of venture philanthropy / impact management
- Knowledge of private equity and associated industries
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
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.
How to apply
Please click here to apply.
You will need to:
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
- We will also share our equal opportunities form which must also be completed.
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 11:59pm, Sunday 12th October 2025.
Interviews
First round interviews will take place: w/c 20th/27th October 2025.
Second round interviews will take place: w/c 3rd November 2025.
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.
At Ambitious about Autism we're currently looking for a Senior Prospect Researcher to join our team.
You will be critical in strategically driving our growth, improving practices and increasing efficiency, through guiding and supporting colleagues across the fundraising department. You will work particularly closely with the Major Donor, Trusts and Foundations and Corporate Teams to help grow pipelines and bring to the forefront the most exciting opportunities.
You'll develop processes and tools relating to prospect research, such as pipeline management and prospect propensity evaluations. You'll also lead regular pipeline review meetings to support, guide and motivate fundraisers to drive movement through pipelines.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Proven experience of identifying and qualifying potential new major donors, trusts, senior volunteers and corporates, resulting in further income for the organisation
- Proven experience in communicating effectively and presenting data, information, trends and recommendations effectively with a wide range of audiences
- Experience of forming, maintaining and growing working relationships and ability to influence and persuade
- An understanding of trends and developments across the high value fundraising sector, as well as prospect research
In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!
This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.
If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.
Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.
Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.
Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.
We stand with autistic children and young people, champion their rights and create opportunities.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Philanthropy and Research Officer to work as part of our Fundraising Team.
Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.
The Fundraising team is a dynamic group of fundraisers who are passionately committed to raising money for our life-changing work in the mental health and mental illness space. We have a diverse portfolio of income streams spanning Events, Community, Individual Giving, Legacies, In-Memoriam, Philanthropy, Trusts & Grants, and Partnerships.
Trusts & Grants have a strong track record at Rethink Mental Illness and a growing portfolio of supporters at Mental Health UK. The team is well-positioned to develop innovative funding propositions that support the future ambitions of both charities, working to achieve both in-year cornerstone grants and long-term, transformational funding. As a newly established programme, Philanthropy demonstrates exciting potential for both Rethink and MHUK, with initiatives spanning major donor and mid-value engagement. Corporate Partnerships have launched several exciting partnerships across both charities and that portfolio and team continues to grow.
How you will make a difference
Reporting to the Prospect Research Manager, you will identify and qualify new prospects across Philanthropy, Trusts & Grants, and Corporate Partnerships. You will carry out in-depth research using a wide range of sources, manage due diligence processes and ensure accurate data is maintained on our CRM systems. You will also work closely with the Interim Head of Trusts and Philanthropy to steward donors and deliver exceptional supporter experiences.
To be successful in this role, you will be an inquisitive, proactive and data-driven fundraiser who enjoys uncovering insights through research and crafting compelling communications that make a meaningful difference to donors.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. You can read more about our progress here.
We’re Rethink Mental Illness and no matter how bad things are, we can help people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Contract Type: 12 Months Maternity Cover
Interviews: 7th and 8th of October
Young people need us more than ever, and at The King’s Trust, you can help make sure we’re there for them. As Head of Individual Giving and Legacies, you’ll play a crucial role in developing two of our key income streams over the next 12 months, inspiring thousands of supporters to back our work and securing long-term pledges that transform futures.
Next year is a particularly exciting one as it’s our 50th anniversary, so you’ll design and deliver powerful campaigns that encourage supporters to give again, attract new donors, and grow legacy commitments year on year. From shaping innovative fundraising products to creating meaningful supporter journeys, your leadership will ensure our donors feel connected, valued, and motivated to continue their support. With a talented team to guide and inspire, you’ll drive creativity, collaboration, and impact, turning generosity into life-changing opportunities for young people across the UK.
Perks for working at The King’s Trust International:
- Great holiday package. 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus public holidays. Office closure the days between Christmas and New Year
- Fantastic Family leave. Receive 13 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay for maternity and adoption leave and pro rata entitlement for shared parental leave. Receive 8 weeks full pay for paternity leave.
- Flexible and agile working. Where operationally possible, you can work your hours that support a work-life balance including compressed hours and hybrid-working (part office - part home based) or working from home options.
- Benefits platform. Everything from health and financial wellbeing support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas
- A free employee assistance programme (EAP) to support your mental wellbeing.
- KTI will contribute 5% of your salary to the workplace Pension Scheme
- Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary)
- In-house and external training opportunities available throughout the year
We believe that every young person should have the chance to succeed, no matter their background or the challenges they are facing.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Prospectus is delighted to be exclusively supporting our client in the search for a Head of Development and Philanthropy to join their leadership team.
The charity is a place-based grant making foundation that exists to generate and distribute philanthropic funding that enables voluntary and community organisations to deliver change in people's lives and in their wider community. They connect donors and partners, with charities and community organisations all across Devon to support greater equity and flourishing communities.
As Head of Development and Philanthropy, you will report directly to the CEO and work collaboratively with the wider team to achieve key organisational targets and outcomes. In this strategic role, you will lead the design and implementation of a development and philanthropy strategy to grow the foundation's grant funding capacity over the next three years. Focusing on relationship fundraising, you will increase donor engagement through excellent stewardship of existing supporters while attracting more diverse donors.
To succeed in this role, you will bring proven experience in creating and delivering philanthropy strategies to achieve income growth. You will be confident in managing new and existing donor relationships to secure five and six-figure gifts. Your experience and innovative approach will help the foundation pioneer new frontiers in giving, widening both who gives and how. As a collaborative leader, you will work alongside senior leaders, Trustees, donors and partners to deliver income targets, joining a creative team committed to professional development and wellbeing.
This role is a permanent position that will be part-time 4 days a week with hybrid working. The role offers a salary of £49k-£55k FTE, and the organisation is open to flexible working conversations.
At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. Please let us know if we can help you with the application process in any way. We are more than happy to make any reasonable adjustments to enable all interested candidates to apply. If you have any disability and would like assistance with completing an application, then please contact Jessica Stoddart at Prospectus.
If you are interested in applying to this Head of Development and Philanthropy position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange for a call and/or meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.
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About the Role
In this leadership role, you will lead our Philanthropy and Partnerships Team, driving strategies across corporate partnerships, trusts & foundations, major donors, and other high-value supporters. With a focus on meeting income targets, appeal planning, and long-term forecasting, you’ll play a vital role in maximising our fundraising impact.
***Please download the job description for full details***
About You
To be successful in this role, you will bring proven experience in managing high-value relationships across corporate partnerships, major donors, trusts & foundations, and statutory bodies. You'll have a strong track record of securing and growing long-term partnerships, including successfully negotiating six or seven-figure sums with corporate partners and/or major donors. You'll bring outstanding communication and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to engage high-value supporters and collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholders.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the corporate, trust & foundation, major donor and other high value supporter strategies.
- Manage and develop the Rapid Response Network, retaining existing partnerships whilst also identifying and securing new partnerships.
- Deliver excellent stewardship that retains and develops support.
- Take to completion and implement recommendations from strategic projects, to include the major donor review and the RRN / corporate support review.
- Continually hone “next appeal” plans that lead to successful appeal launches and maximise funds raised throughout the appeal life cycle.
- Achieve annual core cost income targets and put in place robust forecasting for future years.
About the DEC
The Disasters Emergency Committee brings together 15 of the UK’s leading humanitarian charities to raise funds and respond quickly to global disasters. Since our founding in 1963, we have raised over £2.5 billion through 79 appeals, providing life-saving assistance to millions of people around the world.
Our mission is to save, protect, and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian action. As a team, we operate with urgency, transparency, and compassion.
All roles at the DEC are based in our London office. We operate a hybrid working model, with some non-negotiable office attendance. Please note, during the two-week appeal launch period, staff are required to work long hours in a high-paced environment, with mandatory office attendance.
The DEC is an equal opportunities employer and provides opportunities to learn and grow in an inclusive, supportive, and productive environment. We encourage applications from anyone who can meet the criteria, regardless of gender, race, age, disability, sexuality, or religion.
What We Offer
- Flexible working hours (outside of appeal periods)
- Hybrid working model (some mandatory office days during appeals)
- 25 days annual leave, increasing with service
- Healthcare Cash Plan (value ~£1,660/year)
- Pension contribution (3%, rising to 8% post-probation)
- Wellbeing and mental health support
- Access to Wellhub, discounts, and ticket schemes
- Season ticket and hardship loans (post-probation)
- Cycle to Work and Car schemes (salary sacrifice)
How to Apply
If this role is of interest and meets your skills, experience, and knowledge, then please apply with your anonymised CV & cover letter by Thursday 2nd October 2025.
We are unable to support applications for our vacancies if you do not have the right to work in the UK
The DEC is committed to the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults and participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from successful applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent, to these recruitment procedures.
Head of Philanthropy Intelligence, Planning & Performance
Salary: M3 - £75,000 - £85,000 pa depending on experience
Reports to: Associate Director of Philanthropy Operations
Department: Strategy & Philanthropy
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week (flexible-working requests for compressed hours will be considered if it meets business needs)
Location: Stratford, London with high flexibility (we would expect you to be in the office 1 to 2 days per week).
Closing date: Wednesday 24th September at 23.55. This vacancy may close earlier if a high number of applications are received or once a suitable candidate is found, so please do not delay submitting your application to avoid any disappointment.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
We're a collective force, tackling cancer on all fronts to save and improve lives. We fund pioneering research, we provide reliable and accessible information, we influence policy, and we encourage positive behaviour change. We are a passionate team of professionals driven by purpose, striving to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer research and treatment. We are the world's biggest charitable funder of cancer research raising on average £640m a year.
As we expand our efforts, we're recruiting an inspiring, strategic leader to join our Philanthropy Directorate as Head of Philanthropy Intelligence, Planning & Performance. This pivotal role will shape the future of philanthropic fundraising through data-driven excellence, insightful strategy, and empowered team leadership.
As a senior member of the Philanthropy Operations team, you'll lead the charge by embedding intelligence-led thinking across the directorate-driving innovation, performance, and long-term donor engagement. From prospect development and portfolio management to deep analytics and strategic planning, your leadership will be instrumental in delivering transformational gifts and campaign success.
This role also plays a central part in delivering our ambitious £400 million More Research, Less Cancer campaign-accelerating life-saving cancer research and unlocking transformational gifts for Cancer Research UK.
What will I be doing?
Provide strategic leadership to the Prospect Development and Insight & Reporting teams, shaping their direction, plans, and delivery.
Deliver proactive insight, analysis, and intelligence to inform decision-making and strengthen strategic development.
Oversee the annual business planning process, ensuring robust monitoring, delivery, and evaluation frameworks.
Partner with fundraising leadership to support portfolio and performance management, including oversight of top donor relationships.
Partner with senior leaders across the directorate to develop, refine, and implement strategic plans, ensuring intelligence and insight are embedded throughout.
Oversee and champion the directorate-wide embedding of the new CRM (Salesforce), ensuring business readiness and alignment with future growth.
Support the development of infrastructure to enable international fundraising expansion in line with CRUK's evolving Global Strategy.
What skills are we looking for?
Proven senior leadership experience in complex, matrixed organisations.
Expertise in philanthropic strategy, prospect development and research, data insight, and performance reporting.
Experience in budget development, forecasting, and financial modelling.
Skilled in stakeholder engagement and strategic influence across all levels.
Track record of delivering ambitious outcomes through people, data, and process.
Strong understanding of major gift fundraising and donor lifecycle principles.
Fluent in CRM systems and data platforms (e.g. Salesforce, PowerBi, Excel).
Emotionally intelligent communicator with a collaborative, proactive mindset.
Resilient, adaptable, and committed to operational excellence.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We're looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
You can explore our benefits by visiting our .
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Please note: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
You will be joining us at a time that holds the greatest potential for fundraising in our history, following the launch of the UK Government’s Delivery Plan for ME and initial findings of the DecodeME genetics study (co-led by Action for ME) in Summer 2025.
Building on our charity’s already established level of support from major donors, you will provide exceptional relationship management to existing donors alongside growing our network of high value supporters.
Working closely with the CEO, alongside managing a portfolio of donors and prospects ensuring excellent stewardship, you will support our Breakthrough-ME Group (a group of high net worth and highly networked individuals). There is an established level of support from major donors at Action for ME so this is a role that will require exceptional relationship management to retain our current valued supporters while growing this crucial area of fundraising.
This would be an ideal role for an experienced philanthropy professional seeking to work for a small but ambitious charity, helping us to achieve our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME – better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.
Key duties
Major Donor Fundraising
• Successfully develop and implement the philanthropy strategy to secure and maximise funds from high value individuals for Action for ME achieving annual income of £250k+
• Set plans and budgets which will deliver income through major gift fundraising and philanthropic giving through family trusts and foundations, including quarterly forecasting.
• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors at the £5k to £100k level, to develop and maintain strong and long-standing partnerships
• Work closely with the Director of Fundraising and Development and other colleagues to ensure that plans and activities for fundraising from high value individuals are integrated into the overall fundraising strategy and plan for significant growth.
• Be responsible for our Breakthrough-ME Group with high quality proposition development. Contribution to Group fundraising activities with a specific focus on ensuring their networks support pipeline growth for future fundraising.
• Lead the delivery of our biennial fundraising gala dinner, maximising income and new opportunities from attendees.
• Develop engaging and inspiring opportunities to steward and cultivate support creating a calendar of activities including events, presentations, approaches, networking and meetings.
• Utilise the CRM database (Raisers Edge) to provide the data required to strategise your approach to philanthropy, monitor progress and provide a high-quality donor experience.
• Ensure utilisation of insight & data, producing management information data to inform planning and strategy development.
• With the Director of Fundraising & Development, create inspiring cases for support and resulting propositions with clear budgets and outcomes.
• Create adequate systems and processes to support the major donor programme.
• Undertake and manage research into prospects and major donors, preparing for approaches and presentations and briefing senior leadership and trustees for donor meetings and events.
• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, a wide range of staff and volunteers from trustee level down.
• Provide regular feedback and internal reporting to line management.
• Work with other fundraisers to ensure that all fundraising opportunities and leads are followed up – particularly in corporate, community and trust fundraising.
• Work with Trustees, the Chief Executive and members of the Leadership Team to develop relationships with major donors.
• Self-administrate including managing your own diary and meetings, keeping accurate and up to date records of activity
• Occasional travel to London, Bristol & events
Other duties
• To positively promote the work and activities of Action for M.E. at all times.
• To contribute to the team’s overall, ongoing and annual planning and budgeting.
• To undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Director of Fundraising and Development, Chief Executive or any other senior Action for ME management.
• Act as an advocate for the Charity and its work.
• To work in accordance with Action for ME’s values of collaboration, equity and empathy.
Our mission is to improve the lives of people affected by ME. Better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Head of Philanthropy Intelligence, Planning & Performance
Salary: M3 - £75,000 - £85,000 pa depending on experience
Reports to: Associate Director of Philanthropy
Department: Strategy & Philanthropy
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week (flexible-working requests for compressed hours will be considered if it meets business needs)
Location: Stratford, London with high flexibility (we would expect you to be in the office 1 to 2 days per week).
Closing date: Wednesday 24th September at 23.55. This vacancy may close earlier if a high number of applications are received or once a suitable candidate is found, so please do not delay submitting your application to avoid any disappointment.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
We're a collective force, tackling cancer on all fronts to save and improve lives. We fund pioneering research, we provide reliable and accessible information, we influence policy, and we encourage positive behaviour change. We are a passionate team of professionals driven by purpose, striving to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer research and treatment. We are the world's biggest charitable funder of cancer research raising on average £640m a year.
As we expand our efforts, we're recruiting an inspiring, strategic leader to join our Philanthropy Directorate as Head of Philanthropy Intelligence, Planning & Performance. This pivotal role will shape the future of philanthropic fundraising through data-driven excellence, insightful strategy, and empowered team leadership.
As a senior member of the Philanthropy Operations team, you'll lead the charge by embedding intelligence-led thinking across the directorate-driving innovation, performance, and long-term donor engagement. From prospect development and portfolio management to deep analytics and strategic planning, your leadership will be instrumental in delivering transformational gifts and campaign success.
This role also plays a central part in delivering our ambitious £400 million More Research, Less Cancer campaign-accelerating life-saving cancer research and unlocking transformational gifts for Cancer Research UK.
What will I be doing?
Provide strategic leadership to the Prospect Development and Insight & Reporting teams, shaping their direction, plans, and delivery.
Deliver proactive insight, analysis, and intelligence to inform decision-making and strengthen strategic development.
Oversee the annual business planning process, ensuring robust monitoring, delivery, and evaluation frameworks.
Partner with fundraising leadership to support portfolio and performance management, including oversight of top donor relationships.
Partner with senior leaders across the directorate to develop, refine, and implement strategic plans, ensuring intelligence and insight are embedded throughout.
Oversee and champion the directorate-wide embedding of the new CRM (Salesforce), ensuring business readiness and alignment with future growth.
Support the development of infrastructure to enable international fundraising expansion in line with CRUK's evolving Global Strategy.
What skills are we looking for?
Proven senior leadership experience in complex, matrixed organisations.
Expertise in philanthropic strategy, prospect development and research, data insight, and performance reporting.
Experience in budget development, forecasting, and financial modelling.
Skilled in stakeholder engagement and strategic influence across all levels.
Track record of delivering ambitious outcomes through people, data, and process.
Strong understanding of major gift fundraising and donor lifecycle principles.
Fluent in CRM systems and data platforms (e.g. Salesforce, PowerBi, Excel).
Emotionally intelligent communicator with a collaborative, proactive mindset.
Resilient, adaptable, and committed to operational excellence.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We're looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
You can explore our benefits by visiting our .
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Please note: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Summary
Working with the Philanthropy team, the Senior Philanthropy Manager – Trusts & Foundations will play a key role in driving new high-value relationships with Trusts & Foundations and raising six and seven figure income for our three charities: Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, Evelina London Children’s Charity, and Guy’s Cancer Charity.
As a member of the Philanthropy team, this role will work with colleagues and the Head of Philanthropy to help shape and develop our new fundraising strategy. The Senior Philanthropy Manager – Trusts & Foundations will predominantly look after relationships with Trusts & Foundations, but there may be a small portfolio of Major Donors within the prospect pool, which may grow over time depending on the demands of the Philanthropy team.
The role will be responsible for developing and managing relationships with trustees, influencers and staff of grant-giving organisations, leading on often complex, large-scale projects and solicitations. As well as sharing team responsibility for achieving ambitious annual income targets, as a senior member of staff, the Senior Philanthropy Manager – Trusts & Foundations will be expected to play a strategic role within the team, proactively leading on new initiatives, decision making and problem solving.
About us
Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity, Guy’s Cancer Charity and Evelina London Children’s Charity are part of Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation. Our collective mission is to build the foundations of a healthier society.
As part of our team, you will work alongside talented people from a mix of personal and professional backgrounds. We are a Living Wage employer and support flexible working, part-time roles and job shares. Though our ambitions are serious, this is a friendly place to work with lots of opportunities to meet and socialise with colleagues. We believe there is immense power in diversity and aim to recruit and nurture talent who think and act differently.
There is more information about working with us on our website, where you can read about:
• how we approach recruitment
• our team, culture and values
• the benefits of working with us
• and our approach to diversity, equity & inclusion, health & wellbeing, and learning & development
Key Responsibilities
Communication and networking
- Write clear and compelling fundraising proposals to charitable Trusts and Foundations that have the capacity to make six- and seven-figure grants and donations.
- Build effective, senior-level relationships with trustees, influencers and staff involved with charitable Trusts and Foundations, as appropriate meeting and liaising directly with funders as the ‘face’ of Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation, while also supporting senior staff, academics and clinicians to communicate with funders and work to a brief to achieve objectives.
- Work with academics and clinicians where required/appropriate, to develop the strongest possible case for support for major projects, for use in presentations, proposals and reports to Trusts and Foundations.
- Work with the key stakeholders to ensure an effective stewardship programme is in place for Trusts and Foundations donors, including reports, letters or other documents that may at times deal with complex, contentious and sensitive situations.
- Act as a Trusts and Foundations specialist on behalf of Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation.
Decision making, planning and problem solving
- Identify a range of internal fundraising priorities that will engage the interest and charitable objectives of Trusts and Foundations.
- Work with the Prospect Research team to build an ongoing pipeline of high-calibre, qualified prospects with the capacity to give significant support to priority projects.
- Balance the coordination of a large number of complex relationships and fundraising projects with the ability to respond appropriately to new opportunities as they arise.
- Prioritise effectively, balancing urgent vs. important calls on your time, and making decisions about how to use your resources to maximise income for the team.
- Take a long-term planning approach to the Trusts and Foundations portfolio, mapping out donor development plans for key accounts, and developing a calendar of activity for the year ahead, taking into account key deadlines and interdependencies.
- Make independent professional decisions and advise colleagues as appropriate.
Service delivery
- Generate annual income according to agreed targets – both individual and team.
- Manage and implement the Trusts and Foundations programme, and work with colleagues and the Head of team to develop and implement strategy and plans.
- Achieve KPIs as agreed with the Head of team, e.g. for meetings, pledged income.
- Establish gift agreements with funders that meet both their and the Foundation’s needs.
- Contribute proactively to team planning and performance monitoring, ensuring the programme is strategically focused to maximise its potential for sustainable growth.
- Show enterprise and creativity in developing Trusts and Foundations fundraising.
- Respond appropriately to stakeholders regarding requests for fundraising assistance.
Analysis and research
- Contribute to team-wide evaluation of the Trusts and Foundations programme in order to inform annual planning and wider departmental strategy.
- Ensure that donor details and communications relating to your portfolio are adequately stored on the database and run data analysis and modelling as required.
- Benchmark activity with other relevant organisations and use statistical results and trends to support new activity.
- Undertake research, and work effectively with the Prospect Research team, in order to inform prospect cultivation.
Team work, teaching and learning support
- Form and communicate a clear vision of what is to be achieved, sharing plans with other teams as appropriate.
- Present at staff training and induction events as required.
- Work with other high-value fundraising teams, as well as the Prospect Research team, to ensure a coordinated approach to prospects.
- Positively promote the work of the Trusts and Foundations team, both internally and externally, and represent the team – and the wider organisation – at stewardship and cultivation events, as well as at sector conferences and meetings.
- Assist with other campaigns and special projects as and when necessary.
- Provide occasional cover for other colleagues within the team and wider department.
- Undertake other duties as directed by the Head of Philanthropy.
Working Environment:
The post holder should expect to:
- Work in a hybrid hot desk environment, generally working 2 days a week in the London office and three from home.
- Be responsible for the input and maintenance of databases and files relevant to the post requirements.
- Will occasionally be required to attend events in the evening and at weekends.
Role responsibilities are not exhaustive, and you would be reasonably expected to take on wider tasks that are commensurate with the level of your role.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Skills, abilities, and attributes:
- Ability to comprehend complex situations quickly and develop creative solutions.
- Ability to be a strategic team player.
- Ability to effectively build relationships with senior individuals and stakeholders.
- Attention to detail, working accurately and systematically.
- Sound judgement and confident decision making ability.
- Ability to project an organisation positively, clearly and effectively in all communications, written and spoken.
- Ability to initiate and implement a coherent fundraising programme.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage a demanding workload.
- Excellent grammar and writing skills.
- Ability to negotiate and communicate effectively with a wide range of constituent groups and present a case convincingly in person and in writing.
- Ability to question results and analyse data to inform new approaches.
- Computer literate, i.e. Word, Outlook, Excel, databases.
- Willingness to learn and play a role in the development of the Trusts & Foundations team.
- Enterprising and creative, with drive and initiative to implement ideas.
Knowledge, experience, and qualifications:
- Significant fundraising experience, including successful proposal writing, or transferable income-generation experience.
- Experience of undertaking large-scale projects.
- Experience of bringing together different stakeholders to achieve results.
- Experience of working to tight deadlines.
- Experience of working with Trusts and Foundations within fundraising.
- Experience of fundraising five and six figure (or higher) donations.
- Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or other similar fundraising database.
Benefits
- Up to 12% employer pension contributions
- Annual personal development budget
- Annual health and wellbeing personal allowance
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and parental leave pay accessible without length of service requirements.
- Health and wellbeing programme that offers optional free yearly health check-ups.
- Support for healthy eating via fruit bowls and onsite lunch facilities.
- Agile working, flexible hours, and supportive IT kit.
- Shower facilities and bike lock area.
- Generous annual leave (27 days + bank holidays)
- Subsidies for glasses
- Employee Assistance Programme
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Oxford is excited to invite applications for a newly created role that will lead fundraising for its School of Geography and the Environment (SoGE). The Head of Development will be a key member of the Social Sciences Development team within Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE), who will work closely with SoGE and DAE leadership to establish a small Geography team, and to develop a fundraising strategy that serves the School’s goals and grows its philanthropic support.
SoGE is one of the foremost geography and environment university departments in the world, internationally recognised for the quality of its research and teaching. Geography at the University of Oxford is a large, vibrant and intellectually diverse community comprising the core academic department of the School of Geography and the Environment, its three research centres: the Environmental Change Institute (ECI), the Transport Studies Unit (TSU) and the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment (SSEE) and several geographers based elsewhere in the wider university.
This is a special opportunity to work collaboratively with academic colleagues who craft robust, imaginative and forward-looking answers to pressing questions about the environment, technology, geopolitics and socio-economic change.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced major gifts fundraiser who is looking to grow their career in Higher Education through a senior role combining significant fundraising with management of a small team. You will be a collaborative fundraiser with expertise in major gifts and a strong track record of securing complex philanthropic support. Thriving in a fast-paced environment, you will be a strategic thinker and a skilled operator—communicative, adaptable, and adept at building strong, lasting relationships. Your ability to establish credibility and foster trust across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to your success, as will be a knowledge of and passion for issues relating to the School’s work, and that of the Social Sciences more broadly. Experience in Higher Education or the charitable sector, as well as of managing staff, is desirable. Above all, you will share Oxford’s mission and be driven to create meaningful impact through strategic philanthropic partnerships.
What We Offer
Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
· 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
· One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
· A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
· An excellent contributory pension scheme.
· Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
· Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
Sponsorship and Right To Work
This role may meet the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa.
Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.
Application Process
To apply, please upload:
· A covering letter/supporting statement
· Your CV
· The details of two referees
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 26 September 2025
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 8 October 2025 and will be held in person in central Oxford.
The University of Oxford Development and Alumni Engagement Office is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences, and reflects the community that we serve. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.
We raise funds in support of the University’s academic priorities, securing donations for all aspects of academic and student endeavour.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.