Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships in London
Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships in London

London Full-Time 78000 - 109200 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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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 accessible.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, cash car allowance, pension scheme, and generous holiday entitlement.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference while leading a diverse team in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven fundraising leadership experience and strong relationship-building skills.
  • Other info: Home-based role with travel for meetings and events; flexible working hours.

The predicted salary is between 78000 - 109200 £ per year.

Join Our Team: Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships. We are 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. 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 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 Ā£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.

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 in London employer: Canal & River Trust

At the Canal & River Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, you will not only lead a passionate team but also have access to generous benefits including a competitive salary, a cash car allowance, and a robust pension scheme, all while working from home with the flexibility to engage with key stakeholders across the country. Join us in making a meaningful impact on our waterways and communities, where your contributions will be valued and your professional growth supported.
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Contact Detail:

Canal & River Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend events, webinars, and meet-ups related to philanthropy and partnerships. The more people you connect with, the better your chances of landing that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the Trust's mission shine through. People love to work with those who genuinely care about the cause.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in fundraising and partnerships. Being knowledgeable will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're committed to making an impact.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships in London

Fundraising Strategy Development
Team Leadership
Major Donor Fundraising
Corporate Partnerships
Trust and Foundation Giving
Stakeholder Engagement
Relationship Management
Persuasive Writing
Budget Management
Fundraising Compliance
Networking Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Resilience
Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫔

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in high-value fundraising and partnership development. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific role.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of transformational gifts or partnerships you've secured. This will help us understand 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 philanthropy.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us, and you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust

✨Know Your Numbers

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the Trust's current income targets and fundraising strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around high-value giving and partnerships.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead and inspire a diverse team. Think about specific instances where you’ve motivated your team to achieve ambitious fundraising goals and how you fostered a culture of collaboration and accountability.

✨Build Relationships in the Room

During the interview, demonstrate your exceptional communication skills by engaging with the interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current partnerships and show genuine interest in their work, which will reflect your ability to cultivate relationships with stakeholders.

✨Stay Informed on Sector Trends

Research recent trends in philanthropy and fundraising compliance. Being able to discuss these topics will not only show your expertise but also your commitment to staying ahead in the field, which is crucial for a role focused on strategic partnerships.

Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships in London
Canal & River Trust
Location: London
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  • Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships in London

    London
    Full-Time
    78000 - 109200 £ / year (est.)
  • C

    Canal & River Trust

    200-500
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