Senior Philanthropy Manager (Trusts and Foundations) in Stratford-upon-Avon

Salary: £55,000 – £60,000 per annum plus benefits

Reports to: Senior Trusts and Foundations Lead

Department: Philanthropy

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford, London (Office-based with high flexibility – 1‑2 days per week in the office, plus fortnightly directorate days; some travel, 3‑4 trips per annum)

Closing date: Monday 19th January

Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Recruitment process: Competency‑based interview followed by a second interview with a task (two‑stage).

Interview date: From the week commencing 2nd February 2026

At Cancer Research UK we exist to beat cancer. We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, determined and like you.

Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Other

Industries: Non‑profit Organizations

What will I be doing?

• Managing and growing a mixed prospect pipeline of UK‑based and international trusts and foundations with the potential to give 5‑6 figure donations towards our campaign.
• Managing a programme of cultivation and stewardship for all trusts and foundations and ensuring consistent pipeline movement for prospects within my portfolio.
• Maximising gift opportunities to deliver against agreed targets and objectives, contributing to the wider Philanthropy directorate income target.
• Overseeing the strategic review of our mailing programmes with a view to developing long‑term approaches to grow income from this pool of lower‑level supporters.
• Managing relationships with intermediaries (foundation staff, wealth advisors, solicitors and DAF managers), deepening their engagement with CRUK and driving new prospects and income for the organisation.

Delivering key internal activity

• Line‑managing the Trusts and Foundations Philanthropy Manager and the Trusts and Foundations Senior Executive, supporting their personal development and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.
• Working with the research information team to understand CRUK grant funding programmes and develop a working knowledge of the variety of research CRUK funds to enhance prospect conversations.
• Developing strong internal relationships with key stakeholders within Philanthropy Operations and Research and Innovation teams.
• Collaborating cross‑organisationally as needed, especially with the Crick, Partnerships, Supporter Services and Legacies teams.
• Contributing to cross‑Philanthropy directorate initiatives, strategy development and other activity and working groups where appropriate.

What skills will I need?

• Experience securing gifts from trusts and foundations at a 5‑6 figure level.
• Proven experience building effective long‑term relationships with trusts and foundations, including transitioning trust prospects into committed donors.
• Demonstrable experience driving new business through calls and meetings with donors.
• Exceptional listening skills and an inspiring and engaging communication style.
• Experience developing compelling proposals with clear budget information for an external audience.
• Experience developing and project managing a mailing programme.
• Experience mentoring or line‑managing.
• Experience working within a complex, large organisation.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and ability to work effectively and professionally with a wide range of individuals from internal colleagues, institutional leaders, external collaborators, stakeholders and donors.

Our Organisation Values

• Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination.
• Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism.
• Human: Act to have a positive impact on people.
• Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively.

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and offer a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high‑quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work‑life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits on our careers web page.

How do I apply?

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications, but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form so we can assess you fairly and objectively. For more information on this opportunity, please visit our website or contact us at.

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under‑represented. We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and while at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18 to protect young people from health and safety and safeguarding risks.