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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to drive transformational income growth and strategic partnerships.
- Company: Join the Canal & River Trust, a leader in philanthropy and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, cash car allowance, pension scheme, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact while shaping high-value giving strategies and partnerships.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising leadership experience and exceptional communication skills.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel opportunities and a dynamic work environment.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 109200 £ per year.
Join our team at Canal & River Trust as we welcome a new strategic leader to shape and deliver transformational income growth and strategic partnerships for the Trust.
Working Hours & Location
This role follows a 37-hour, Monday to Friday working pattern. It is a home-based role, requiring regular travel to meet donors, attend events, and visit 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 £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.
Philanthropy - Head of Department in London employer: Canal & River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal & River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Philanthropy - Head of Department in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the philanthropy sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to introduce you to someone at Canal & River Trust.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the Trust's recent projects and partnerships. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you genuinely care about their mission and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for high-value giving and how you plan to inspire and lead a diverse team. We want to hear your ideas on building those transformational relationships!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Canal & River Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy - Head of Department in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role. We want to see how you can lead our fundraising strategy and inspire a diverse team!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in securing high-value donations and building partnerships. We love seeing tangible results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about philanthropy and can engage with diverse audiences, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Canal & River Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Philanthropy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in philanthropy and fundraising. Understand Canal & River Trust's mission and how they engage with high-value donors. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to 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 your team in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head of Department position.
✨Build a Connection
During the interview, focus on building rapport with your interviewers. Share personal stories that reflect your passion for philanthropy and your commitment to making a difference. This will help them see you as a cultural fit for the Trust.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them, showcasing your strategic thinking.
