Head of Philanthropy

Hybrid / London (minimum 1 day a week in the office)

Closing date: 9 a.m. Tuesday 22nd April

The Association of Commonwealth Universities, a 400-strong global network working together to strengthen higher education across the Commonwealth, is seeking a new Head of Philanthropy to drive their fundraising strategy.

As the world’s first and oldest international university network, the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) has been bringing universities together from across the Commonwealth for more than 100 years. Our network currently encompasses over 400 universities in more than 40 countries.

In this newly created role, the Head of Philanthropy will develop and implement a philanthropic fundraising strategy for the ACU. In the longer term, we wish to continue building the existing endowment for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships and develop new programmes to support our strategy, including our ground-breaking initiative, the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP). You’ll play a key role in our journey as we develop this unique and compelling new initiative, inspired by His Majesty The King, to strengthen the climate resilience of Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leadership role in developing a high-performing philanthropy function that will deliver income targets and further our mission of creating opportunities for individuals and strengthening universities.

You will work with high-calibre staff and volunteers, helping to drive and implement a major gift programme and undertake active fundraising. Working with the CEO and Director of External Affairs, you will cultivate and steward transformational relationships with high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations while overseeing the management and nurturing of a small fundraising team.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a proactive, senior major donor fundraiser who is comfortable at all levels of philanthropic cultivation, from prospecting and building a strong pipeline to building relationships and securing gifts from high-net-worth individuals and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

Due diligence is critical to this role, so understanding and experience within this is key.

Person Specification:

• Direct experience of donor engagement and stewardship, including reporting.

• Direct experience, or a demonstrably clear understanding of fundraising ethics and gift acceptance.

• A leadership style that combines strategic vision and oversight with personal involvement and close attention to detail.

• A natural flair for building confidence among senior volunteers and colleagues.

• The ability, confidence and diplomatic awareness to work with senior stakeholders.

• Line management experience.

To Apply 

For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners via the apply button. 

Closing date: 9 a.m. Tuesday 22nd April.