Philanthropy Lead

Are you an expert philanthropy professional who has skills and talent to take our portfolio to the next level?  We're seeking a dynamic Philanthropy Lead to manage a large team of talented relationship managers and drive growth at the heart of our philanthropy portfolio. 

What will a day in the life of our Philanthropy Lead entail?

As Philanthropy Lead, you’ll guide a team of skilled fundraisers. Together, you’ll build a strong pipeline of donors, including individuals, families, trusts and foundations. These donors will be capable of giving £50,000 to £1m or more. You’ll create compelling strategies and deliver outstanding stewardship. Your work will inspire multi-year gifts of six figures and above.

Governance & Compliance will guide you. You’ll maintain high ethical standards. You’ll ensure full compliance with both internal protocols and external fundraising regulations.

Your expertise will drive the development and delivery of ambitious fundraising strategies, enabling the team to meet and exceed annual targets while laying the groundwork for long-term growth.

Collaboration will be central to your success. You’ll contribute actively to the Partnerships and Philanthropy department and engage across the wider directorate. By sharing your specialist knowledge and fostering cross-team collaboration, you’ll help create added-value opportunities that strengthen and expand our partnerships.

You’ll ensure account plans are strategic, actionable, and regularly reviewed, delivering a tailored, high-quality experience for partners.

You’ll leverage urgent campaigns to not only boost appeal income but also cultivate a robust pipeline of long-term supporters. Responding to humanitarian needs with bold, wide-ranging fundraising activities.

This is more than fundraising—it's about shaping the future of philanthropy the British Red Cross. You’ll be part of a collaborative team working to drive meaningful change. If you're passionate about building significant partnerships to help people in crisis, we want to hear from you!

To be a successful Philanthropy Lead, you’ll need:

• Extensive hands-on experience in philanthropy fundraising, with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges within the sector.
• Proven leadership and line-management skills, mentoring and coaching a team of fundraisers. Ability to set KPIs and performance manage when needed. Always motivating and directing by example.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, with a strong track record of delivering persuasive proposals, impactful reports and confident presentations. Skilled in negotiation, influencing, and interpersonal skills.
• Experienced in stakeholder coordination and partnership working across multiple teams, with a demonstrated ability to foster positive, productive relationships.
• Strategic thinking with advanced analytical skills, adept at interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data to inform decision-making and tailor communications to diverse audiences.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of philanthropy fundraising, the UK fundraising landscape, and the charity sector. A firm understanding and appreciation of the legislation affecting charity fundraising.

In return for your commitment and expertise, you’ll get:

• Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours.
• Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days.
• Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
• Learning & Development: A range of career & learning opportunities.
• Discounts: Blue Light Discount Card, Tickets For Good & employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support: Peer Supporters, CiC (EAP) & Headspace App.
• Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.

We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme for UK-based roles. During your application, you'll have the option to apply under the scheme. At the British Red Cross, we value diversity and maintain an inclusive environment for all staff and volunteers. We champion our teams in bringing their true selves to work, free from discrimination. This is achieved through reporting and assistance from our internal networks: Race and Ethnic Equality (REEN), LGBT+, Disability and Wellness (DAWN), Gender, Carers, and Young Staff Network.

Together, we are the world's emergency responders