Prospect Development Specialist (International & Key Priority Areas) in London

Prospect Development Specialist (International & Key Priority Areas) in London

London Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Cancer Research UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead research and develop strategies for international philanthropy in cancer research.
  • Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leader in global health initiatives.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous benefits, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for leadership and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in international philanthropy while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in prospect development and strong stakeholder management skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Prospect Development Specialist (International & Key Priority Areas)

Reports to: Senior Prospect Development Manager, Directorate: Strategy & Philanthropy.

Fixed‑term (18‑month contract), full time 35 hours per week, Stratford, London.

Office‑based with high flexibility (1‑2 days per week in the office).

Eligible to work in the UK; no visa sponsorship.

Position Summary

The Prospect Development Specialist (International & Key Priority Areas) plays a key role in informing and supporting Cancer Research UK’s emerging international philanthropy approach.

The role brings senior‑level specialist expertise, insight and judgement to inform pipeline strategy, prioritisation and high‑value engagement across priority international markets and key priority areas.

Responsibilities

  • Strategic Insight & Market Scoping
  • Lead research into priority international markets (e. g. Hong Kong, Singapore, US, India, UAE), identifying trends, risks and opportunities.
  • Produce clear, data‑led insights and recommendations to inform strategy and decision‑making.
  • Support the development of an international prospect development strategy, identifying key priorities and gaps.
  • Prospecting & Pipeline Development
  • Build and manage high‑value prospect pipelines across HNWIs, trusts and foundations.
  • Ensure consistent qualification, rating and prioritisation of prospects.
  • Align pipeline activity with fundraising priorities and organisational strategy.
  • Identify new prospecting opportunities using external intelligence and market insights.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Partner closely with senior fundraisers and Associate Directors as the lead prospect development contact.
  • Provide actionable insight to support prospect strategy and engagement.
  • Help develop new ways of working for international philanthropy, driving collaboration across teams.
  • Strategic Support for Priority Areas
  • Deliver targeted prospect development support for key campaigns and priority programmes.
  • Identify high‑value opportunities and support long‑term pipeline growth.
  • Team Leadership
  • Line‑manage and coach a small team (up to 3 line reports), setting clear objectives and driving high performance.
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable and high‑quality team culture.
  • Support individual development and contribute to wider team initiatives.
  • Analysis & Knowledge Management
  • Produce high‑quality briefings, profiles and research outputs.
  • Monitor global giving trends and maintain strong market awareness.
  • Ensure accurate prospect data and contribute to a shared knowledge base.

Qualifications

  • Significant experience in prospect development, fundraising intelligence or strategic research within a complex organisation.
  • Proven ability to operate at a senior or specialist level, influencing strategy, priorities and decision‑making.
  • Strong understanding of high‑value fundraising, HNWIs, trusts & foundations and/or international philanthropy.
  • Demonstrable experience of market scoping, pipeline development and prospect strategy.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience working with senior stakeholders and fundraisers.
  • Experience contributing to or leading new initiatives, frameworks or ways of working.
  • Strong strategic thinker with long‑term planning skills and the ability to contribute to the development and execution of departmental strategy.
  • Experience managing or supporting others, contributing to team development and delivery quality.
  • Highly professional, flexible and proactive, with a “can do” attitude, strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to anticipate and address challenges quickly.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively; well‑organised, focused and able to prioritise a varied workload effectively.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Skills

  • Proficiency in one or more additional languages, particularly those relevant to international philanthropy markets.
  • Experience working within international fundraising, global markets or cross‑cultural environments.
  • Understanding of global wealth trends and international regulatory considerations relating to philanthropy.

Benefits and Support

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide 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.

Equalities and Diversity

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under‑represented.

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

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Cancer Research UK

Contact Details:

Cancer Research UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Prospect Development Specialist (International & Key Priority Areas) in London

Get Involved with Local Charities

Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like Cancer Research UK.

Network through Fundraising Events

Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of Cancer Research UK, you’ll definitely make an impression!

Leverage LinkedIn for Connections

Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.

Showcase Your Passion through Content

Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at Cancer Research UK. It’s all about being visible and passionate!

We think you need these skills to ace Prospect Development Specialist (International & Key Priority Areas) in London

Prospect Development
Fundraising Intelligence
Strategic Research
Market Scoping
Pipeline Development
Stakeholder Management
High-Value Fundraising

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that Cancer Research UK supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!

Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!

Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of Cancer Research UK. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.

Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Prospect Development Specialist (International & Key Priority Areas) role at Cancer Research UK. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK

Display Your Passion for the Cause

Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Cancer Research UK. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.

Know Your Fundraising Strategies

Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at Cancer Research UK.

Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges

Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.

Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building

Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for Cancer Research UK. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.