Head of Project Development

At Prostate Cancer Research, we are committed to advancing research into prostate cancer and driving forward innovative treatments to improve the lives of individuals affected by this disease. Our mission is to support high quality research projects and develop initiatives that significantly impact prostate cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. As we aim to elevate our revenue from around £5 million to £7 million+ and increase the impact we have for people affected by this disease, we recognise the need to enhance our project development capabilities to achieve our ambitious financial and operational goals. 

Position Summary

The Head of Project Development is a pivotal role within the organisation that bridges the gap between our fundraising efforts and project development and implementation. This strategic position focuses on developing new projects based on clear evidence of need and alignment with PCR’s mission and priorities. The role will work collaboratively across the organisation – engaging predominantly with delivery, partnerships, policy, communications, and finance teams – to develop compelling cases for support and helping to secure substantial funding to expand PCR’s impact through innovative new projects. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving innovation, increasing operational capacity, and advancing our strategic growth and sustainability goals. 

Key Responsibilities 

Project Development & Innovation 

• Lead the development of new projects aligned with organisation’s strategic goals, ensuring 1-2 new impactful projects per year. 

• Identify emerging trends, conduct feasibility studies, and pilot new initiatives to assess impact and sustainability. 

Fundraising & Resource Development 

• Work with the Partnerships team to identify and secure statutory, trust, foundation, and corporate funding. 

• Support grant applications by developing project plans, budgets, KPIs, and evaluation frameworks. 

• Engage funders to present project concepts and secure financial backing. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Project Partnerships 

• Build partnerships with community groups, government bodies, and delivery organisations to support project development. 

• Conduct needs assessments and engage stakeholders through research, surveys, and focus groups. 

Evidence & Impact Measurement 

• Gather and analyse research, existing data, and internal insights to develop a strong evidence base for projects. 

• Forecast impact, set success metrics, and align projects with organisational priorities  

Strategic Planning 

• Identify obstacles to project development and develop strategies to overcome them. 

• Assess and mitigate risks, ensuring financial sustainability and organisational alignment. 

• Collaborate across departments to integrate projects into PCR’s broader strategy. 

Profile of the Candidate

• Proven experience in project development and management, preferably within the healthcare, research, or non-profit sectors. 

• Demonstrated success in securing funding from large statutory sources or HNWIs. 

• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to identify and address operational and strategic challenges. 

• Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with a track record of motivating others to achieve high performance. 

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the capability to work effectively across various levels of an organisation. 

Why Join Us? 

• Impactful Work: Make a significant impact in the fight against prostate cancer, contributing to initiatives that save lives and improve patient outcomes. 

• Career Growth: This role offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of strategic project development and innovation within a leading research organisation. 

• Collaborative Environment: Join a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to making a difference, in an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and professional growth. 

• Benefits: Enjoy a range of staff benefits, including access to a Bike2Work scheme, mental health services, Perkbox, BUPA health insurance offer, pension, birthday gift, ongoing L&D opportunities, generous annual leave, hybrid working options and a positive, supportive culture. 

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV and a 1-2 page cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, your experience in project development and management, and how you align with PCR’s mission.

PCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. 

Other Details: 

• Working type: Hybrid with occasional travel to meetings in and outside the office required. 

• Hours: The position is full time at 35 hours per week. 

• Salary: £51,579-61,322 commensurate with experience. 

• Reports to: Director of Patient Projects and Influencing 

Applications close on 6th March 2025.  

Participants will be invited to interview on a rolling basis. 

For further inquiries, please contact David James, our Director of Patient Projects.

About Prostate Cancer Research

Prostate Cancer Research (PCR) is a research and information provision charity that is dedicated to improving and saving the lives of people with prostate cancer. Patients are central to everything we do and drive our work. Our work covers four key areas:  

• Academic and social research – We fund novel and innovative research projects at world-leading institutions that are working towards breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of advanced prostate cancer, and better quality of life outcomes for patients. We ensure that our research is targeted to address patient need and research gaps to maximise our impact and reach better treatments for patients sooner.  

• Translational research – We set up Proven Connect, the translational research arm of PCR, to focus on ensuring more promising treatments get from lab to patient through bridging the gap between industry, investors, health providers and patients.  

• Patient information and empowerment – We acknowledge that research alone is not enough to achieve our vision. We involve, educate, and empower people affected by prostate cancer to enable them to play a more active role in driving forward changes in research, treatment and care.  

• Influencing – We seek to ensure greater equity of treatment and parity of care, and are working towards a world where no man is left behind, where prostate cancer is caught early and can be cured. 

Our vision for the future is clear: to be an integral part of creating one of the healthiest ecosystems for any disease type. An ecosystem that is connected, collaborative, equitable, and effective. Over the next 3 years we are setting ambitious targets to double our research funding, accelerate twelve biotech ventures, engage at least 100,000 people in influencing change, initiate three novel projects to enhance equity, and grow our income to more than £7 million.  

For more information please visit the Prostate Cancer Research website and our online patient resource, The Infopool.