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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies and build impactful partnerships to drive income growth.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to keeping our canals vibrant and thriving.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, cash car allowance, pension scheme, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping the future of our Trust through strategic partnerships.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising leader with experience in major donor and corporate partnerships.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel for meetings and events; dynamic and collaborative work environment.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 109200 £ per year.
We’re excited to welcome a new strategic leader to shape and deliver transformational income growth and strategic partnerships for the Trust. Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.
Working Hours & Location
This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. This is a home-based role, requiring regular travel to meetings with donors, events and to our main hubs for collaborative meetings and team activities.
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’ll 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’ll 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.
Contact & Application
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.
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.
Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships 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 and Partnerships
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the philanthropy and partnerships space. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or partners, make sure to express your enthusiasm for their mission. Share why you care about their work and how you can contribute to their goals. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Know their recent projects, partnerships, and challenges they face. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your responses to show how you can make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After meetings or interviews, send a quick thank-you note expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your professionalism. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission and the role of Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your successes! Use concrete examples of how you've secured transformational gifts or built strategic partnerships. This will help us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is not only skilled but also passionate about making a difference. Share your motivations and what drives you in the philanthropy space.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the Trust’s mission and values. Understand their current fundraising strategies and recent partnerships. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading diverse teams and achieving fundraising targets. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired and motivated others, as this role requires strong leadership to drive income growth.
✨Build Relationships on the Spot
During the interview, demonstrate your networking skills by discussing how you would approach building relationships with potential donors and partners. Share specific strategies you've used in the past to cultivate long-term partnerships.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Trust’s future plans and challenges in fundraising. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their success, making you stand out as a candidate.
