Philanthropy Programme Director

Right now over 63,000 children in the UK are eligible for a wish because they are dealing with the grueling daily reality of life with a critical illness. When it comes to their dreams, they deserve to wish for more than a life defined by their illness. Make-A-Wish UK exists to give them the chance to dream big even when they might not have long to live. The wishes we grant have the power to turn tears into cheers, rescuing the magic of childhood even in their toughest times and providing a lifeline for families to spend precious time together. The growing demand for wishes means a heartbreaking reality of families waiting for a wish, but for some children, there is no time to wait. The only wish we can’t guarantee is more time. But with our bold plans to double income over the next 5 years, we can grant more wishes sooner, before it's too late.

This is therefore a hugely exciting time to work for one of the UK’s most loved children’s charities and some of the UK’s top Philanthropic donors. We have the key success factors in place for significant, continued Philanthropy growth, from senior leadership and trustee buy-in to fundable propositions that drive towards our ambitious vision. We also have access to one of the most incredible networks of brands and ultra-high net worth donors with the potential to support wishes.

Philanthropy at Make-A-Wish UK is made up of four specialist, but complementary, teams:

• Art of Wishes

• Major Donors

• Trusts & Foundations

• Special Events

The team are supported by our Strategic Partnerships, Brand Comms and Entertainment and Impact and Innovation teams, to maximise opportunities throughout the engagement cycle, including proposition development and proposal writing for the biggest partnership opportunities.

The Philanthropy team is a blend of new and established teams, delivering just under 40% of Make-A-Wish’s total annual income in the last financial year with ambitious plans for growth via a developing strategy, which this role will finalise and lead the execution of.

In this role, you will own the relationship with our lead patron Batia Ofer, Chair of our flagship philanthropy initiative Art of Wishes, and passionate advocate for the power of wishes. Established in 2017, Art of Wishes unites the Art world to grant wishes for critically ill children in the UK. A key part of our Philanthropic growth plans, the programme includes an incredible bi-annual gala. To date, over 80 artists have participated by donating works, raising nearly £12m. Collaborating artists have included Tracey Emin, Jenny Saville, Georg Baselitz, A.R. Penck, Anish Kapoor and Idris Khan. Art of Wishes is supported by some of today’s most recognised artists, gallerists and celebrity talent and is a critical factor for our philanthropic success.

This role will ensure the Philanthropy Strategy to 2027 is delivered to, leading a brilliant team of specialist fundraisers. You will support and sponsor the development of new long-term, transformational partnerships with philanthropic partners, leveraging our networks to grant wishes for critically ill children.

The role will entail significant cross-department and cross-directorate working, collaborating with peers and colleagues at all levels across the organisation to deliver on the Philanthropy strategy and ensure a pipeline of fundable propositions. The role will also cultivate it’s own network of top donors and prospective philanthropic partners, exploring and developing opportunities across all areas of philanthropy and commercial opportunities.

Importantly, the role also provides the chance to deliver meaningful impact to thousands of children and their families, helping us to reach our goal of doubling income for Make-A-Wish UK over the next 5 years and bringing the magic of wishes into the lives of children who really need it.