Philanthropy Lead

We’re delighted to be partnering with one of the UKs best established and well-known charity brands to recruit a strategic and driven Philanthropy Lead.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of a high-value portfolio, working with a broad range of major donors, trusts and foundations, senior volunteers, and influential stakeholders. You’ll play a vital role in delivering significant income through thoughtful, tailored engagement and stewardship strategies that inspire transformational, multi-year giving.

The role will focus on growing and diversifying their network of major supporters—delivering six- and seven-figure gifts through proactive relationship management, strategic donor engagement, and collaborative internal working. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, Trustees, and external partners to enhance the philanthropic impact and build long-term partnerships that align donor ambitions with the organisation’s goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects, including HNWIs, trusts and foundations, and senior figures such as Ambassadors, Trustees, and the President
• Identify and cultivate new supporters through targeted prospecting, research, events, and networks
• Develop and deliver an engaging stewardship and cultivation programme to foster lasting relationships and secure long-term, transformational gifts
• Collaborate with internal colleagues to shape compelling, tailored cases for support that reflect donor motivations and strategic priorities
• Build strong cross-organisational relationships to ensure cohesive, donor-centred experiences
• Champion a data-informed approach to donor management using CRM and internal systems to track pipeline activity and support reporting
• Represent the philanthropy function across the organisation, championing best practice and ensuring high-value fundraising is embedded and supported
• Ensure compliance with fundraising legislation and maintain the highest standards of ethical fundraising

Key Skills and Experience

Essential

• Significant experience managing major donor and/or trust relationships at six- and seven-figure levels
• Strong track record of securing high-value gifts and meeting or exceeding income targets
• Expertise in developing compelling, high-quality fundraising proposals tailored to donor needs
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders
• A strategic, creative thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset and solution-focused approach
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a sharp eye for detail
• Highly organised, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Confident using CRM systems to manage pipelines, analyse data, and support donor stewardship

Desirable

• Experience working with senior volunteers or philanthropic advisers to increase income and influence
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach with the ability to align across departments
• Financially literate and able to interpret complex impact or income data to inform donor discussions

To be considered for this position please apply with your CV as soon as possible, regrettably please note we may not be able to reply to each and every application.

We are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practises that ensure equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and will happily make reasonable adjustments to always ensure a fair process.