Senior philanthropy consultant jobs

As Philanthropy Lead, you will be responsible for designing and delivering a successful high-value donor programme, cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals, co-investment opportunities with trusts and foundations, and leading Youth Music’s philanthropy to meet ambitious income and activity targets. 

Your role will manage Youth Music’s donor pipeline, acquisition and retention strategy, making use of relationship management tools to optimise donor experience and track fundraising performance. This is a new position within Youth Music, and so we expect the successful candidate will help shape the role.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will play a crucial role in Youth Music delivering its long-term fundraising strategy, to ensure a sustainable future for UK grassroots music which enables marginalised young people to make and monetise music. 

You are a strategic and results-driven fundraising professional, with a proven track record of securing significant five- and six-figure donations from high-net-worth individuals, as well as successfully applying for grants and co-investment from charitable trusts and foundations. 

You have strong relationship-building and influencer networking skills, confident engaging and working alongside senior stakeholders to cultivate and deliver value. 

You are experienced in leading and motivating team members to deliver high-performance, whilst building a culture of philanthropy which aligns with the values and mission of the charity. 

You have excellent communication skills, with the ability to craft clear and compelling fundraising narratives.

You possess deep knowledge of best practices in donor stewardship and fundraising compliance. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Work alongside the CEO to design and deliver a high-value philanthropy programme aligned with long-term fundraising strategy.
• Secure five- and six-figure contributions from major donors, and grants from charitable trusts and foundations to meet income and activity targets.
• Cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals, creating compelling proposals for financial support. 
• Prospect and apply for grants and co-investment from UK creative industry trusts and foundations.
• Build and manage Youth Music’s donor pipeline, acquisition and retention strategy.
• Develop effective donor engagement through newsletters, events, site visits, and other personalised stewardship activities.
• Use management tools to optimise donor experience, track and report on fundraising performance.
• Lead and inspire Youth Music’s cross-team philanthropy efforts.

General

• Carry out all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role.
• This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of duties but is intended to reflect a range of duties the post-holder will perform.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with good awareness of accessibility and understanding of inclusive best practice.

Person Specification

Minimum Criteria

• Two years’ experience in a similar role. 
• Experience of raising five- and six-figure donations. 
• Deep knowledge of best practices in donor stewardship and fundraising compliance.

Other Essential Criteria

• In-depth understanding of major donor fundraising principles, including donor cultivation, stewardship and retention.
• Experience developing and delivering philanthropy programmes to increase income from major donors.
• Strong relationship management skills with the ability to engage, influence, and retain donors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including writing compelling funding proposals.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and negotiation abilities.
• Familiarity with philanthropy research, donor pipeline management, and CRM systems.
• Awareness of grant application processes and requirements for charitable trust and foundations.
• Understanding of fundraising compliance, including data protection and UK regulations.
• Passionate about Youth Music’s mission and committed to achieving ambitious fundraising goals.
• Collaborative, inclusive, and proactive, with a commitment to equity and delivering impact through philanthropy.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience fundraising through legacies or corporate partnerships with a crossover to major donors.
• Strong network of high-net-worth individuals and/or charitable trusts and foundations in the UK.
• Experience in a youth or music-oriented organisation. 
• Understanding of the music education and/or music industries landscape.
• Passion for music and interest in its benefits for young people and society. 

The Epilepsy Research Institute is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Fundraising to lead our income generation efforts and help drive our mission forward. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in securing sustainable funding to support world-leading epilepsy research.

With a proven track record in fundraising, you will develop and implement a comprehensive strategy across multiple revenue streams, including corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations and major donors. With a minimum of three years’ experience in a senior fundraising role and demonstrable success in securing significant funding, your ability to cultivate and manage donor relationships, craft compelling funding proposals, and oversee high-impact fundraising campaigns will be key to our success.

Our mission is to radically advance research into the causes, prevention and treatment of epilepsy and associated conditions.  If this is something that interests you, and you have the skill set we are looking for, we look forward to hearing from you.

Application is by way of a CV and covering letter which highlights why you are interested in the role and how your experience fits the needs of the Institute as set out in the job description.

Closing date: Wednesday 28 May 2025

Interview dates: Wednesday 11 June and Wednesday 18 June 2025

We are delighted to be working in partnership with World Vision. As a global Christian humanitarian charity, World Vision is dedicated to tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice, empowering children, families, and communities to thrive. Through advocacy, emergency relief, and long-term development, they bring hope and transformation where it’s needed most. At the heart of their mission is a deep commitment to demonstrating God’s unconditional love.

We are seeking a two inspiring Philanthropy Managers to join World Vision’s brand-new Integrated Fundraising and Marketing team. This is an exciting opportunity to grow income from their valued donor base while reaching new supporters across the UK. You’ll work collaboratively across teams, share portfolios, and shape smart segmentation strategies to create meaningful, personalised donor experiences. We’re after strategic thinkers with a heart for impact, individuals who can blend innovation, relationship-building, and spiritual maturity to drive change. This is your chance to step into a role where your skills and passion can help unlock extradordinary generosity that will deliver life-changing outcomes for children worldwide.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Significant experience in a major donor fundraising (or other relevant) role.
• Experience in managing 6 figure income portfolios.
• Outstanding networker with strong interpersonal skills.

Come and create real, lasting change on a global scale. Join a passionate, purpose-driven team dedicated to transforming the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children. At World Vision your work will bring hope, drive progress, and deliver life-changing support to children who need it most, wherever they are in the world. This is your opportunity to make your fundraising skills count where it matters most.

For more information, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion*, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

*In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9, it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practicing Christian and in agreement with World Vision’s mission and values. 

Location: Home-based with 1 day per week in Milton Keynes office. Regular UK-wide travel requirements to attend donor visits and events

Closing date for applications: 18 May 2025

Please note: Applications are being reviewed on receipt and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. When a suitable candidate is found the role will close, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.

About the role
As Head of Communications and Marketing you will lead the communications team to deliver a high-impact strategy to promote the work of the Foundation. You will manage the continuous evolution of the Foundation’s profile and brand, coordinating and delivering compelling content for a range of audiences across all channels. You’ll work closely with senior leadership to align the Foundation’s goals to the work of the team to support the delivery of our mission to empower women to start, grow and sustain successful businesses. For full information on this role, please download the job pack.

What the Foundation can offer you
A fantastic package of 28 days of annual leave (which includes three that must be taken during the festive break).
An organisation that values you. As a smaller organisation, we value everyone’s individual perspective and voice and all team members are able to contribute to our strategic planning.
Professional development, with career growth built into each staff member’s annual plan and a wide range of skills-building and learning opportunities provided. Each staff member has an annual £1,000 training budget.
A positive, supportive and collaborative culture and leadership style. We encourage teamwork and open and honest communication, while maintaining a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where everyone can thrive.
A focus on personal wellbeing and happiness, with regular team-building activities and line manager meetings that as well as your personal wellbeing.

About the Foundation 
The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women exists to create a future where women everywhere enjoy equal economic opportunities so they can thrive. Together with partners around the world, we work with women in low and middle income countries so they can start, sustain and grow successful enterprises. We collaborate to create fairer business environments so women are not constrained by gendered barriers and can reach their potential on their terms.

Since 2008, our training and mentoring services have supported 300,000 women to build successful micro, small and medium enterprises in over 100 countries. By blending insights from research, strong partnerships and pioneering technology we open doors for women entrepreneurs to skills, confidence, networks, finance and markets. We press for change to stop millions of women being held back from having the choice and opportunity to thrive.

The Head of Business Development works closely with the CEO and has responsibility for all aspects of the development of BLCF’s business interests including long-term income growth, philanthropy, partnerships, communication and new business initiatives. They will nurture and grow the Foundation’s long-term growth income, secure funding for new initiatives and develop and deliver our CSR and social value work, extending the reach of our services to increase our revenue through the excellent communication of our business and strategic aims. Their duties will include identifying leads, pitching companies, NFP, government offices and local authorities, building and maintaining strong relationships with new and existing businesses and suppliers, whilst responsible for the overall strategic management and programme development of a portfolio of partnerships. They operate as part of the Senior Leadership Team (incl CEO and Head of Impact) they will contribute to strategic development and delivery of the foundations Strategic Plan, vision, and values.

Responsibilities

Work with the CEO and Head of Impact to develop plans and strategies to ensure quality services are delivered that meet organisational objectives and charitable articles to the highest standards. 

As part of the Senior Leadership team, work with, advise, contribute, and respond to the CEO and Head of Impact and the partnership they create to ensure they are deliverable and adequately resourced and costed and deliverable.  

Work with the CEO to set and implement Strategic Plan Delivery Plan targets and objectives and budgets to deliver them. Ensuring information is cascaded to all staff in their area and that staff connect to the Strategic Plan though their own workplans.

Core Role Delivery

Work with the CEO and under their direction to identify, develop and deliver new partnerships and to increase revenue and business growth that support the Foundations long term sustainability and long-term income targets. Basing new work on evidence of need as identified by the Head of Impact . This includes but not exclusively development of new flowthrough opportunities, endowment partners, legacy, corporates, social value and CSR initiatives and all aspects of business growth.  
Provide support and advise to potential and existing partners about our work and proactively look to address inequality and fairer access to opportunities the Foundation offers. 

Oversees the team and external contractors tasked with effective communication with our corporate and business partners to ensure it is a means to drive partnership and business growth.

Staff & Contract Management 

Ensure an appropriate, effective staff, freelance and volunteer structure to deliver the services; recruit and manage staff & volunteers and resources to achieve required service response and quality.

Ensure all staff development and review processes are undertaken including induction, appraisal, and performance, in line with required processes. Resolve performance issues among staff and volunteers engaged in delivering services.

Performance Management

Working under the direction of the CEO develop, agree, and secure agree all partnership agreements and MOU that support the emerging partnerships and ensure they are in line with the Donor Care Plan specifications.  

Working with the CEO and Finance, oversee and monitor all contract and partnership agreement terms with regards to agreed milestones and cashflow of fees and funds; anticipate problem areas and lead as necessary on mitigating action and ensure deliver of agreed targets.

Work to the Head of Impact to inform monitoring reports as required to ensure clear and transparent delivery of agree contracts.  

Ensure appropriate levels of training are maintained and a good working understanding of the policies and procedures of the Foundation. 

Contribute to the Quality Accreditation process to ensure highest standard of the foundation are achieved.

Relationship Management

Under the direction of the CEO develop and maintain proactive, collaborative and effective strategic relationships with corporate partners, commissioners, contract managers, business partners and funders to maximise the charity’s influence and ability to deliver quality services and grow it income and funding.  

Manage the Bedfordshire & Luton Funder Network to maximise opportunities for support, collaboration, and information sharing. 

Representing the Organisation

Maintain an excellent understanding of business and charity sector issues to better inform our work, ensuring information is cascaded to wider members of the team. 

Represent the Foundation at Regional and National events. 

Proactively develop and maintain an appropriate network of contacts in the grant making and business sectors. 

Represent BLCF positively, working closely with the CEO promoting its current work and future development opportunities.

Provide proactive support to the CEO with other initiatives, where required.

Experience

Significant and demonstrable experience of partnership working and income generation and growth with a wide range of businesses, funders, Trusts, Local Authorities and the VCSE.   

Clear understanding of the wider voluntary and charity sector (D).

Experience of working on delivery and negotiation of complex contracts and partnership agreements and range of successful funding applications to local and national funding initiatives.  

Considerable experience of developing business initiatives to drive successful organisations in line with Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) priorities. 

Experience in management and delivery of excellent communication campaigns, tools and teams (D). 

Understanding of need in the Bedfordshire County (D). 

Skills & Abilities

Excellent personnel and communication skills and able to work effectively within a team and with external partners and business contacts. 

Excellent skill in processing information accurately and write succinct reports and agreements that’s show clear strategic alignments between partners and BLCF.  

Excellent networking skills able to establish good interpersonal relationships, rapport, and credibility with a wide range of people including business leaders, local and national government officials, Trustees, advisors, donors and wider stakeholders.  

A self-starter, able to act on own initiative and to organise, plan and prioritise own workload to meet deadlines.  

Demonstratable ability to work effectively under pressure and to demonstrate a professional approach in any situation.  

Fully computer literate including Word, Excel, Power Point and use of databases.  

Excellent knowledge of marketing communication and messaging methods and approaches to meet needs of target audiences.

Equality Issues

Able to demonstrate how diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) can be made integral to their work and its delivery.

Some knowledge and understanding of equality issues and legislation relating to the charity sector.

Personal Attributes

Committed to excellent communication and the provision of high-quality services to a relevant range of partners.  

Ambitious, energetic and with an outward focus with a strong business mindset and experienced network of contacts. 

Highly motivated, with an enthusiasm and determination to build the resources available to grow the financial sustainability of BLCF through excellent business and income growth.  

Strong commitment to the philanthropic values of the Community Foundation. 

Education & Training

Educated to degree level or equivalent or with work and personal relevant experience.

Other Requirements

Able to work evenings and weekends as necessary. 

Ability to access and work across all the county of Bedfordshire or other geographical areas as dictated by our funding streams, when necessary. To ensure we meet the business and operational requirements of the organisation. 

Current driving license and access to a vehicle or transport.