Head of Development - Partnerships and Philanthropy
Location: Flexible across the UK
Salary Range: £75,799 - £80,362 per annum (plus ILW, £3,344, if residing & working in London)
Hours: 35 per week
Permanent Contract
Are you looking for an exciting challenge? British Red Cross are looking for a confident and experienced leader who is ready to champion our ambitious Partnerships & Philanthropy (P&P) team plans.
This role is ideal for someone with a strong track record in strategic leadership, cross-functional project delivery, and deep understanding of high-value fundraising audiences.
Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for driving impactful change? Do you thrive in cross-functional environments and love connecting the dots between innovation and delivery? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
A day in the life of our Head of Development (Partnerships and Philanthropy)
In this demanding role you'll help develop and deliver cross-functional projects that advance the P&P strategic plan, both short and long term. You’ll ensure all activities are aligned, integrated and tracked. You’ll act as a strategic connector, ensuring our audience insights and ambitions are embedded across the organisation.
You’ll spearhead on major initiatives, shape internal culture, and oversee our partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). You’ll work closely with colleagues across the Marketing, Fundraising & Communications (MFC) directorate.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading strategic cross-functional projects to accelerate delivery of the P&P plan
- Driving culture and engagement across the P&P team
- Line managing two roles
- Representing P&P audiences in broader MFC strategy and innovation work
This is a pivotal role that will advance the development and execution of high-impact projects across the P&P function. You’ll play a central role in shaping the future of our Partnerships & Philanthropy work, leading with purpose in a values-driven organisation.
To be a successful Head of Development (Partnerships and Philanthropy), you’ll need:
- To be a confident, authentic head, with compassionate leadership skills
- A collaborative mindset; with strong negotiation and influencing skills
- A deep understanding of Partnerships & Philanthropy audiences (corporate, institutional, philanthropy)
- To be skilled in strategy development, project management, and stakeholder engagement
- Ability to lead and inspire teams, and deliver complex initiatives with clarity and impact
- Ambition and readiness to rise to a challenge
Interested? Closing date for completed applications is 23:59 on Tuesday 16th December 2025, Interviews to follow soon after.
In return for your commitment and expertise, you’ll get:
- Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing.
- 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