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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies and build impactful partnerships for a major UK charity.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest charities dedicated to preserving waterways.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, cash car allowance, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while shaping the future of our waterways and communities.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising leadership and experience in building strategic partnerships.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 109200 £ per year.
About the Trust
We are one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We are looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations.
Along with our waterways, we also manage museums, archives and the country’s third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.
Role Overview
In this pivotal role, you will lead the refinement and delivery of the Trust’s high value giving strategy, building and sustaining relationships with philanthropists, statutory funders, trusts and foundations, and corporates. You will inspire, lead, and manage a diverse team to achieve ambitious income targets and strengthen strategic partnerships that support the Trust’s vision. You will actively demonstrate desired behaviours - enthusiastically engaging with external partners, taking initiative to strengthen the team, and fostering a culture within the Trust that supports high level giving.
Key responsibilities:
- Implement and refine the Fundraising Strategy to deliver significant and sustainable income growth and impact.
- Lead, inspire and develop a diverse team, fostering a culture of delivery, collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
- Personally lead on cultivating and stewarding transformational relationships with corporates, trusts, foundations, high-net-worth donors and some statutory sources while empowering your team to build profitable, multi-year relationships, a robust pipeline and secured income.
- Prepare, monitor, and deliver the annual business plan and income budget (currently £5m with significant growth planned).
- Represent the Trust externally at a senior level and maintain awareness of sector trends.
- Maintain best practice in fundraising compliance, risk management, and reporting, maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
- Embed diversity, inclusion, and safety responsibilities in all activities.
About You
As an accomplished fundraising leader with a proven track record of delivering high-value income and building strategic partnerships, you thrive in complex stakeholder environments and bring a blend of vision, resilience, and hands-on expertise. You will be confident influencing at Board level, adept at navigating ambiguity, and passionate about making a lasting impact.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Proven experience in leading a team – skilled at building, inspiring, and motivating teams to achieve fundraising goals.
- Comprehensive expertise in major donor fundraising, corporate partnerships, and trust and foundation giving, alongside a working knowledge of statutory giving.
- Demonstrated expertise in high-value fundraising and partnership development, with a proven ability to create, cultivate and steward long-term relationships while influencing internal stakeholders to secure and sustain transformational support.
- Proven success in securing transformational gifts and multi-year partnerships.
- Demonstrable problem-solving skills, able to influence inside and outside the organisation.
- A proven ability to develop and write persuasive and successful funding applications and partnership proposals for major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporates.
- Exceptional communication and networking skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
- Experience managing significant budgets and delivering income growth.
- Knowledge of fundraising compliance and sector trends.
- A collaborative and innovative approach, able to lead and motivate a diverse team while working cross-functionally.
- Personal resilience and adaptability, with the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
What We Offer
We offer an annual salary of £78,000, plus £520 cash car allowance per month. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.
All of our jobs can be considered on a part time flexible or job share basis. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships in England employer: Canal & River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal & River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect with potential partners. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to be posted. Research organisations you admire and reach out directly. Show them how you can add value to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing the organisation inside out. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are enthusiastic about our cause and want to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for our cause shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference for future generations and how that aligns with our mission.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in fundraising and partnerships. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've successfully built relationships and secured funding in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into understanding the Trust's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and partnerships, especially those related to high-value giving. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships, your ability to lead and inspire a diverse team is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style, focusing on how you've motivated teams to achieve fundraising goals. Be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration and accountability within your team.
✨Demonstrate Your Fundraising Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in major donor fundraising and corporate partnerships. Bring specific examples of transformational gifts you've secured and how you cultivated those relationships. This will demonstrate your hands-on expertise and ability to influence stakeholders effectively.
✨Engage with Sector Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in fundraising and philanthropy. During the interview, reference these trends and how they could impact the Trust's strategies. This shows that you're not just knowledgeable but also proactive about adapting to changes in the sector.
