Senior philanthropy officer jobs

Switchback is built on the transformational power of trusted relationships – and that applies to our supporters and partners too. As we get ready to launch our next strategic plan, we’re looking for a new Head of Development to help us grow an even stronger supporter base across the full fundraising landscape, ranging from philanthropy to corporate partnerships, to trusts and foundations.

We are an ambitious team who want to make a huge difference, both to the lives of the young men we support and to society through transforming the justice system.

As Head of Development and a member of the Leadership Team, you will play a key role in shaping and leading a new and ambitious Development Strategy to secure the resources we need to grow our frontline and influencing impact. You’ll lead on supporting and galvanizing our small but mighty Development Team to grow their skills and Switchback’s income. You’ll oversee our development systems and processes, maintaining our trajectory of growth to ensure we remain sustainable in future years. And you’ll understand how to interpret and use our robust data and compelling Trainee journeys to make a compelling case for support to the full range of existing and potential supporters.

We’ve grown our income from £1m in 2022 to £1.5m in 2025 and know that further growth requires a clear development strategy which engages supporters in our vision for transforming more lives through better resettlement policy and practice.

This is an exciting role for a first-time leader - you will be fully supported by an experienced CEO and a collaborative Leadership Team, with a focus on your professional development. You’ll be joining at an exciting time of growth and building on a strong fundraising track record.
Our ambitious new strategic plan aims to support more Londoners than ever by 2030 and build the evidence for transforming national resettlement policy, with a staff team of 30 dedicated individuals aiming to push forward that vision. We are a hands-on, collaborative team, so you’ll need to enjoy getting stuck in with everything from bid writing to pitching to building our pipeline of prospective supporters.

We are seeking someone with a strong track record in building long-term funding relationships, who can apply that skill across the whole fundraising landscape, including with both institutions (corporates, trusts and foundations, and statutory grants) and individuals (high net worth philanthropists and individual regular donors).

You’ll be a confident bid writer who can guide your team in producing high quality applications and funder reports. You’ll be happy to absorb and build on Switchback’s style and continuously promote our gold standard of stewardship, which bolsters Switchback’s funder base.

Joining Switchback means you will also work closely with all members of our dedicated team, giving you a unique perspective that will support your work in demonstrating to funders how and why their support matters, and how supporting Switchback will help them meet their own charitable aims.

If you are an experienced, successful and creative fundraiser with a track record in building long-term relationships and who shares our values and vision, we would love to hear from you.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in the UK.
In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm. 

The Purpose of the Role
IRC’s External Relations (ER) department brings together Fundraising, Communications and Policy & Advocacy functions. With the aim to raise money, awareness and influence for crisis-affected populations worldwide, the department combines knowledge and expertise across multiple national markets.  
 
The IRC fundraising teams are comprised of colleagues and teams working in the USA, UK, Germany, Sweden and Korea as well as emerging markets delivering direct marketing, content, account management, philanthropy, board liaison, corporate as well as trust and foundation partnerships to support IRC’s national fundraising strategies. 
 
The IRC’s private fundraising capability in the UK has grown significantly over the past five years. Ambitious growth plans are in place to deliver increasing income from the private sector as part of an exciting global External Relations strategy.  
 
The Director of UK Mass Markets is responsible for the leadership and direction of the Mass Markets team in the UK and for securing long-term sustainable income for the IRC through individual donor acquisition, retention and supporter care. You will lead and develop a high-performing team by growing mass marketing audiences and income, developing exciting and targeted campaigns, identifying opportunities for product, channel and audience diversification, and championing UX and a supporter centric fundraising model. The Director will also serve as a key partner to the UK Executive Director as they facilitate cross-team collaboration, accountability and success among all private fundraising teams in the UK (Philanthropy, Global Corporate Partnerships, Foundations & Trusts and Mass Markets). The Director will play a leadership role in IRC UK more widely as a member of the UK Senior Management Team (UKSMT). The UKSMT is collectively responsible for achieving the cross-functional goals of IRC UK’s strategy and actively fostering an inclusive workplace at IRC UK.
 
This role is responsible for:  
I.  Securing significant and sustainable funding in the UK for IRC’s work 
II.  Leading strategic activities that support IRC’s mass market fundraising presence including campaigns for the End-of-Year, World Refugee Day and emergencies

Scope and Authority 
This position has responsibility for delivering the UK Mass Market team strategy and targets and Supporter Care within the overarching Global Mass Markets strategy and UK Strategic Plan. 

Responsibility for Resources:
This post will have responsibility for three direct reports (1x Senior Acquisition Marketing Manager, 1 x Retention Marketing Manager, 1 x Donor Services Assistant) and a substantial expenditure budget. The role is part of the global Mass Markets team and is matrix managed by the Executive Director in the UK and the Global Vice President of Mass Markets.

Key Working Relationships
Internal:
•  Counterparts and senior leads in global Mass Markets team 
•  UK SMT: Directors of Strategy and Delivery, Communications, Advocacy, Philanthropy, Finance, People and Culture, Awards Management
•  Global peer-level team: Directors and Heads of Mass Markets for Korea, Germany, Sweden, USA and Global Mass Market Support Leads
•  Digital team members (UK and global) 
•  Global Creative Studio and Brand 
•  Senior Director for Retention
•  International Operations team, incl. data & analytics roles  

Key Accountabilities

·  Aligned to the overall Global External Relations Strategy, develop, implement, monitor and report on IRC UK’s fundraising and supporter engagement strategy. 
·  Lead fundraising campaigns (acquisition, retention, mid-level) that deliver unrestricted income to enable IRC’s work. Channels include e-mail, direct mail, inserts, Facebook advertising, new forms of social media, and adwords, as well as telemarketing etc.
·  Develop a supporter engagement programme that focusses on developing and deepening long-term relationships and drives retention rates.
·  Develop and deliver an innovation programme, ensuring fundraising products and activity are at the forefront of the UK sector and allow IRC to cut through to new audiences.
·  Deliver outstanding supporter services, ensuring supporter interactions are dealt with professionally and appropriately.
·  Contribute strongly to overall Global External Relations strategy and budget development during the budgeting and investment request process.  
·  Lead, inspire, develop and performance manage the UK Mass Markets team.
·  Ensure effective collaboration between the UK-based leads of the Foundations and Trusts, Global Corporate Partnerships, and Mass Markets teams, in executing comprehensive, aligned donor engagement strategies across the UK. 
·  Collaborate with other UK leaders on the UK Senior Management Team, holding collective accountability for achieving the goals of the UK strategy and advising on the wider management of IRC UK to support those goals.  
·  Reporting to the UK Board of Trustees, including presentations to the full Board and the External Relations Committee as required. 
·  Representing IRC in the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Fundraising Directors group.
·  Be the senior contact for all mass marketing partnerships with third party supplies.  
·  Act as senior voice in cross-market working groups and committees. 
·  Network and build external profile of the IRC UK Mass Markets team by attending relevant fundraising and sector events, and building other external stakeholder relationships. 
·  Input into effective risk management of mass marketing income by accurately assessing opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses on a regular basis, and iterating the programme based on results.  
·  Accurately forecast, monitor and report on income and expenditure budget lines. 
·  Keep up to date with sector developments in individual giving, digital fundraising to ensure IRC is at the forefront of fundraising developments. 
·  Work closely with Mass Markets team in other national markets (i.e. Korea, Germany, Sweden, US) and the International Operations team to ensure all engagement is coordinated, and where appropriate, synchronised.  

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications:

·  Driven, motivated and proactive with a solutions-based attitude and resilient in the face of setbacks. 
·  Proven ability to manage, meet and monitor fundraising budgets and Key Performance Indicators. 
·  Excellent organisational skills, especially the ability to manage a complex, varied and substantial workload. 
·  Ability to understand legal frameworks and requirements, and implications of decisions in the best interest of the charity. 
·  Excellent verbal and written English and the ability to produce well designed and high-quality proposals and reports.
·  Institute of Fundraising, Cass or comparable qualifications would be an advantage.  

Experience:
·  Extensive experience of individual giving (or mass marketing) and digital fundraising and ideally, mid value and legacy giving, within a large or medium global charity, including a proven track record of both acquisition and retention.**  
·  Launching new channels and products with success. 
·  Comprehensive understanding and experience of audience and donor segmentation, analytical modelling such as LTV and use of insights to drive strategy and performance.** 
·  Experience and understanding of creative process and relationship with brand identity through different channels and audiences. 
·  Proven track record of success in a leadership, line management, recruitment, performance management and talent retention.**
·  Demonstrated history of being an empowering and supportive manager to front-line fundraisers.
·  Experience working for a centralised, international organisation would be a strong advantage.  
·  Experience using Salesforce an advantage.  

Criteria in the Person Specification marked with ** are the minimum criteria in line with our commitments under the Disability Confident Employer Scheme in the UK. 
UK based candidates who state that they have a disability and meet these criteria, will be invited to interview.

As an Individual Giving Manager, your role will have overall responsibility for the operational delivery of the Individual Giving strategy. You will use proven fundraising techniques across print and digital to grow and diversify our programme, engaging with both new and existing audiences to support our work with children with brain injury and neurodisability.

You will also be responsible for developing and implementing legacy marketing plans, utilising channels including direct marketing, digital and events. Alongside this, your role will focus on our mid value programme, producing and developing campaigns and stewardship plans aimed specifically for this audience.

The Individual Giving team are a small and ambitious team who sit within Public Fundraising and form part of a wider Fundraising and Communications directorate. The team is responsible for generating around £1m in income a year, through recruiting new donors and building relationships with existing donors, including legacies and mid value supporters. We have ambitious plans for growth and, as part of a supporter marketing remit, are developing more holistic relationships with our supporter base.

Reporting to the Senior Individual Giving Manager, you will take overall responsibility for planning, managing and delivering innovative and impactful supporter campaigns across a range of channels. With the ability to resolve everyday challenges and obstacles independently, you will be expected to deliver a range of Direct Marketing fundraising campaigns through the full creative process, from briefing to concept, through to final delivery, as well as reviewing results and making recommendations. You will also be responsible for developing and implementing legacy marketing plans, utilising channels including direct marketing, digital and events. Alongside this, your role will focus on our mid value programme and producing and developing campaigns and stewardship plans aimed specifically for this audience.

Interview Date: 17 December 2025

Duties and Responsibilities:

Campaign project management:

• Plan, manage and deliver innovative and impactful supporter campaigns across a range of channels, including donor development, supporter acquisition and prize led fundraising activities.
• Support the Senior Individual Giving Manager in the setting of budgets and achieve income targets outlined in annual plans.
• Produce, take ownership of and implement medium to long-term product strategies for elements of the development and/or acquisition programmes – delivering all associated campaign activities, assessing the performance of each product against response and income targets, and managing these on an ongoing basis in order to meet or exceed targets.
• Produce clear and succinct briefs to agencies, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Use marketing judgement to proof, edit and develop compelling creative, and make sound decisions on proposals and testing plans.
• Work closely with the Data Manager, as well as Supporter Care, Communications, Events and Partnerships Fundraising to successfully deliver campaigns and evaluations.
• Continually test and learn across campaigns to improve performance, consistently looking to improve ROI and lifetime value across the programme.
• Manage contract and campaign agreements with external agencies, ensuring activities are delivered in a compliant way, adhering to GDPR and fundraising regulation including the Code of Fundraising Practice.

Management of supporter journeys:

• Develop effective welcome and supporter journeys, to help minimise attrition and increase the average lifetime value of donors.
• Ensure that new supporters are thanked and welcomed appropriately, with an emphasis on testing early-stage engagement.
• Support the creation and testing of an integrated supporter journey programme that is segment and channel based, in collaboration with colleagues across the wider Fundraising department.

Reporting and analysis:

• Closely monitor campaign results and provide updates on performance.
• Produce post-campaign analysis reports.
• Work with the Data Manager to develop and update existing reporting mechanisms.
• Make recommendations to improve the performance of future campaigns based on evidence and data.

Legacy marketing and administration:

• Develop and implement legacy marketing plans utilising channels including direct marketing, digital and events.
• Liaise with the wider Public Fundraising team to brief speakers and identify new speakers or ‘Legacy Ambassadors’ to help promote legacy fundraising at key events.
• Build one to one relationships with potential legacy donors, including taking them on tours of The Children’s Trust to showcase our service provision.
• Management of legacy administration including liaison with solicitors, executors, other charities (who are benefitting from the same estate) and family members.

Mid value programme:

• Work with Senior Individual Giving Manager to develop and implement the mid value donor fundraising strategy.
• Build and steward relationships with our mid value donors, developing relationships which inspire donors and supports them towards making significant gifts to The Children’s Trust and encourages long-term support.
• Identify and develop mid value prospects, as well as potential major donor prospects from within the mid value cohort for stewardship by the Philanthropy team.
• Collaborate with colleagues to build appropriate supporter journeys for mid value prospects and donors.
• Consider innovative ways of engaging mid value donors and prospects, such as targeted communications and events.

Developing insight, product development, competitor analysis and industry  perspective:

• Use existing research and insight, and where appropriate, undertake and commission new projects to derive new / further insight and analysis.
• Identify, research and develop new products, creative ideas and fundraising initiatives.
• Keep up to date with industry developments and act upon direct and digital marketing trends and statistics.

About Us

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.

Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.

Staff Benefits

The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits on our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.

We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.

Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Rehabilitation of Offenders

Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected.  The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.

Online Searches

In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.

The Soil Association is the UK’s leading charity working with people and nature to transform the way we eat, farm and care for the natural world. Founded in 1946, we’ve been at the forefront of pioneering organic and sustainable practices for nearly 80 years. With a turnover of £25 million, around 380 staff and a structure that includes two trading subsidiaries and a sister charity, we are a dynamic organisation with national reach and international influence. Together, we are a force for nature.

We’re now looking for a Development Director to help us deliver even greater impact. Reporting to our Group Chief Executive as a core member of our Leadership Team, you’ll lead our charitable income generation strategy, growing existing streams and developing new ones across membership and regular giving, philanthropy, trusts and foundations, statutory funding and corporate partnerships. You’ll shape compelling propositions that inspire funders and supporters, ensuring coherence between charitable and commercial income streams across the group.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering a fundraising strategy that supports our mission and growth objectives.
• Leading and inspiring high-performing fundraising and supporter development teams, setting clear objectives and driving results.
• Designing and delivering compelling fundraising propositions and supporter journeys, working closely with Marketing & Communications.
• Building and nurturing relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners.
• Working collaboratively with other Directors and our Development Board to identify fundable opportunities aligned to our impact priorities.
• Ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice.

We’re looking for someone who brings strategic fundraising leadership, a collaborative and people-centred approach, and the ability to navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. You’ll have a track record of delivering significant income growth across multiple streams, experience of leading teams, and the ability to craft transformative strategies. You’ll be motivated by our values and excited by the opportunity to play a lead role in enabling us to shape a better future for people and planet.

For further information or to apply, please click through to our recruitment microsite where you will find further details on the role and recruitment process. If you have any queries please contact our recruitment partner, James Stephens, Director, Morgan Law. Application will be via CV and Supporting Statement. The Closing Date for applications will be 11pm on Monday 8th December 2025.

This is your chance to lead a growing and high-profile team at the heart of ARU’s future – building lifelong relationships and a culture of giving that makes a lasting difference.

Applications close at9 a.m. Tuesday 6th January 2026 

Who we are

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a modern, inclusive and globally engaged university that transforms lives through innovative, entrepreneurial and socially impactful education and research. Named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023 and rated Gold in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework, we are recognised for excellence in teaching, research and enterprise. With students from more than 185 countries, our community is driven by curiosity, collaboration and the desire to make a difference. Our research spans health, sustainability, creativity and technology, and we are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England. We are also one of the UK’s leading universities for degree apprenticeships, working with hundreds of employers to equip students for meaningful careers.

The opportunity

This is an exciting and pivotal moment for ARU’s Development and Alumni function. Now three and a half years old, the team has already established early strengths in major donor, trust and foundation fundraising, and plays an important role in advancing ARU’s mission around participation and social mobility. We are looking for an inspiring and strategic leader to shape the next phase of our Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Strategy. You will build on strong foundations to develop an integrated and creative approach across fundraising and alumni relations, creating a clearer narrative and a consistent, values-led experience for supporters.

Working closely with the Director of Marketing, Communications and Recruitment, the Vice Chancellor and the Chief Operating Officer, you will have the opportunity to influence at a senior level and help shape a visible culture of philanthropy across the university. You will lead a growing team, foster innovation, and harness digital and AI tools to enhance donor and alumni engagement. This role will also connect with our expanding international development remit, opening new opportunities to engage ARU’s global alumni community and build relationships that have both regional and worldwide impact.

About you

You will bring a strong track record in major gift fundraising and strategic relationship management, with experience across multiple income streams including individuals, trusts and corporates. A confident and inclusive leader, you will inspire your team and colleagues to achieve shared success, building collaboration and creativity across the function.

You will be skilled at developing compelling cases for support and using insight, data and storytelling to connect people to purpose. Experience in higher education or a large, complex, mission-driven organisation would be an advantage, as would familiarity with CRM systems such as Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge and the use of digital and AI-driven approaches to engagement.

Above all, you will share our belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of philanthropy in unlocking opportunity, driving inclusion and changing lives.

At ARU, you will join a values-led institution where ambition, integrity and community shape everything we do. You will be part of a supportive environment that encourages innovation, nurtures potential and celebrates success.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply. 

This advert will come down before the role closes, so please be aware that the closing date is 9 a.m. Tuesday 6th January 2026 and to visit Peridot Partners for the full details and the job pack. 

Director of Relationship Fundraising

We are thrilled 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 looking for an experienced fundraising leader to become their new Director of Relationship Fundraising. This is a wonderful opportunity for a practising Christian to shape and scale high-impact relational fundraising. You will lead and integrate Philanthropy, Trusts & Foundations, and Legacy giving into a high-performing team, driving income beyond £10 million annually.

You’ll champion innovation, and personally steward ultra-high-net-worth donors while ensuring data-driven, replicable fundraising models. As a strategic and relational leader, you’ll bring operational excellence, spiritual maturity, and a coaching mindset to a dynamic, growing team.

Externally, you’ll be a visible ambassador, inspiring partners, representing World Vision UK at key events, and engaging with supporters. Internally, you’ll work cross-functionally to embed relationship fundraising into a multi-channel strategy that delivers exceptional supporter experiences.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Proven track record of leading and scaling high-value fundraising programmes (philanthropy, legacies, and/or trusts & foundations), ideally within a complex or global organisation.
• Demonstrable success in delivering sustainable, multi-million-pound income growth through relationship fundraising.
• Experience of managing and coaching high-performing teams, with the ability to embed accountability, ownership, and development at all levels.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills, capable of delivering results in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment.

This is an incredible opportunity for a practising Christian fundraising professional to join a passionate team dedicated to serving the world’s most vulnerable children. You’ll help bring in vital income that will transform lives and make a real difference for children in need across the world.

This role is subject to a Enhanced DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer.

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, explaining how you believe you match the requirements of the role, including the genuine occupational requirement to be a practicing Christian.

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

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.

UK-based applicants only.

Location: Hybrid/Milton Keynes (1 day per week onsite)

Closing date: Sunday 7th December 2025

Charisma vetting interviews: Must be completed by 1pm on Tuesday 8th December 2025

1st Interviews with World Vision UK (virtual): As and when a candidate passes their Charisma vetting interview

Final interviews (in person in Milton Keynes): Tuesday 6th January 2026

Purpose of the job

 The Head of Programmes will lead the strategic planning, delivery, and quality assurance of our youth development programmes. The role is responsible for ensuring high-quality programme implementation, managing key stakeholder relationships, overseeing budgets and resources, and ensuring safeguarding and compliance standards are met.

Key responsibilities

• Programme Delivery, Management & Quality Assurance

• Stakeholder Management

• Planning, Budget and Resource Management

• Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Leadership and Management

• Safeguarding, Inclusion and Wellbeing

Experience we're after

•  Significant experience in programme management within the youth, education, employability, or mental health sectors.

• ·Strong leadership skills with experience in managing teams and delivery partners.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.

• Proven experience in budgeting, resource management, and financial oversight.

• Strong understanding of safeguarding and risk management in youth programmes.

• Ability to use data and evaluation to drive programme improvement.

• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.

• Excellent strategic and operational planning skills with the ability to successfully manage a diverse and complex programme portfolio.

• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with experience developing staff and effectively managing performance.

• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and practice.

Why work at UK Youth?

UK Youth is a leading charity that exists to ensure all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. We have influence as a sector-supporting infrastructure body, a direct delivery partner and a campaigner for social change. As outlined in our 2025 #unlockingyouthwork strategy, we believe youth work is a catalyst for change that young people need now more than ever. We play a unique role in addressing; the lack of investment into the youth sector, the lack of cross-sector understanding of how youth work makes a difference and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions.

We are building a movement of change; galvanising likeminded individuals, organisations, government, and businesses from all sectors, to work together and deliver system change for all young people. Together we will create a society that understands, champions, and delivers effective youth work for all.

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: Monday 8th December 2025 at 10:00am

Provisional Interview Dates: W/C 15th December 2025

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

The Supporter-led Fundraising (SLF) Department at Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) is responsible for mass fundraising, enabling individuals, communities and companies to support ARUK through their own talents and passions. As well as driving registrations and income through third party, virtual and mass participation events and managing these relationships to maximise income.

The Online Fundraising Team is key to the success of SLF as they work across Regional, Sporting Events, Marketing and Corporate teams to drive a future focussed department, exploring new technologies, audiences and opportunities for ARUK, testing the potential of these and advising other teams on how to capitalise on these.

The role of Online Fundraising Manager will work with the Senior Central Fundraising Manager to identify the strategy for the team, lead fundraising campaigns, and develop new propositions and ways of working for the team, department and wider organisation. This role will line manage two Online Fundraising Team Officers and one Online Fundraising Executive to support SLF in delivering our strategy and meet our departmental annual income target.

You will work closely with the Marketing and Supporter Engagement Team, Regional Fundraising Team, Corporate Team, Celebrity Team and Digital Team to ensure we are identifying and partaking in the latest, most relevant and time-worthy online fundraising campaigns to ensure maximum income generation for SLF and Alzheimer’s Research UK.

This is a 12-month fixed term contract to cover a period of maternity leave.

Key Responsibilities:

Line Management

· Recruitment, induction, training and ongoing line management of the Online Fundraising Team (OFT); providing direction and support to drive their success to ensure a highly motivated team, equipped to deliver the operational plan and support in reaching SLF’s targets.

· Conduct monthly one-to-ones, quarterly reviews and annual appraisals to ensure high performance and development within the team.

· Responsible for workload distribution among the OFT, ensuring focus on income generation, community engagement and operational priorities.

· Support, encourage and motivate the OFT to hit financial and non-financial targets and to work collaboratively across SLF and the wider charity.

· Responsible for inputting and translating the Team Strategy, executing operational plans and for the operational performance of the team.

· Ensure OFT is fully trained and are competent representatives of ARUK.

Digital Fundraising & Online Communities

· Support and coach the team to generate fundraising through online communities, including Facebook challenges, cryptocurrencies, streaming channels and new tech. You will provide guidance on content, stewardship, and conversion.

· Lead the Facebook Challenge strategy and translate this for all stakeholders. Bringing all relevant teams together to ensure the Challenges are reaching the right audiences, supporters are stewarded appropriately, and the opportunities of these events are maximised.

· Responsibility for managing and delivering c£500k from Facebook challenges p.a

· Develop and oversee strategies for crypto and streaming fundraising, identifying opportunities within Web3 communities and streaming ecosystems.

· Ownership of relationship with external agencies, holding regular check ins and ensuring the skill levels across the team of third-party systems.

· Monitor trends, campaign performance, and supporter behaviour to inform strategy adjustments and post-event improvements.

· Build relationships with other third sector organisations to share ideas, successes and concerns to build robust fundraising challenges and develop direction for new opportunities.

· Lead the creation of a Streaming New Product Development pipeline to test innovative fundraising approaches with content creators and streaming communities.

· Ensure the team effectively engages online communities to amplify ARUK activity and maximises supporter participation.

· Work with internal teams to ensure consistent supporter engagement and stewardship across all online platforms.

New Audiences & Partnerships

· Lead and oversee the development of partnerships with crypto/blockchain companies, gaming developers, industry events, and other relevant networks to expand supporter reach.

· Maximise fundraising opportunities through third-party collaborations and emerging digital channels.

· Work closely with the Celebrity Team to identify potential content creator fundraisers and ensure they are stewarded appropriately.

· Responsible for developing Online Fundraising Corporate strategy, providing guidance to team for developing corporate pipeline, building partnerships and maximising relationships.

· Work with Digital team to identify new potential fundraising platforms and digital methods of fundraising.

Team Management

· Attend relevant sector-wide meetings to understand latest trends to inform strategy and direction of team.

· Undertake evaluation of income area, considering contribution, ROI and long-term potential.

· Stay abreast of competitor activity, particularly in designated areas, to inform strategy.

· Develop a full understanding of ARUK systems including data, finance and compliance in order to support the team in creating well informed processes and use of systems.

· Champion the Online Fundraising Team across SLF and ARUK, sharing knowledge and education teams on the opportunities available.

· Upskill the OFT and team development, with focus on corporate applications and content creator proposals.

· Upskill internal teams (e.g. fundraising, corporate, philanthropy) to embed cryptocurrency and digital fundraising into everyday supporter interactions.

What we are looking for:

· Relationship management experience

· Project management experience

· Experience in fundraising strategy development and delivery.

· Understanding of social media and online platforms

· Line management experience, particularly experience managing a team

· Proven track record of meeting or exceeding financial and non-financial targets.

· Good practice and understanding of GDPR and compliance.

· Experience in creating supporter journeys

· Adept at utilising data strategically for decision-making and achieving organisational goals and using analytics to identify trends and optimise donor engagement.

· Strong financial management and budgeting skills.

· Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

· Ability to manage a busy and varied workload

· Excellent organisational skills

· Great attention to detail

· A positive and contagious enthusiasm to learn and spot potential

· Skilled at building excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

· An approachable team player who is always seeking opportunities for collaboration

· Effective account, people and performance management skills

· Flexibility to work unsociable hours

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £43,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 7th December 2025, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.

We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK