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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies and build impactful partnerships to support our waterways.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest charities dedicated to preserving canals and rivers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, cash car allowance, pension scheme, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while inspiring a diverse team and engaging with high-value donors.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising leader with experience in major donor and corporate partnerships.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusion in our workforce.
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.
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. 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.
Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships in London 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 London
✨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 postings to appear. 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
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships role. Highlight your fundraising successes and how they relate to our mission at the Trust.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've inspired and led teams in the past. Share examples of how you've motivated others to achieve ambitious goals, especially in fundraising or partnership development.
Be Persuasive and Clear: Your written application should be compelling and easy to read. Use clear language to convey your ideas and ensure you demonstrate your ability to write successful funding applications and proposals.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Cause
Before the interview, dive deep into the Trust's mission and values. Understand how your role as Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships aligns with their vision for the waterways. This will not only show your passion but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading diverse teams. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and motivated your team to achieve fundraising goals. Highlight your collaborative approach and how it has led to successful partnerships in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. Think of scenarios where you've successfully secured transformational gifts or built long-term relationships, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Engage with Sector Trends
Stay updated on current trends in philanthropy and fundraising compliance. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact the Trust and how you would adapt strategies to ensure sustainable income growth. This shows your proactive approach and industry knowledge.
