At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and growth of CRUK's legacy fundraising proposition.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Generous salary, flexible working, and extensive career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the charity sector while shaping future fundraising strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex propositions and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 92000 € per year.
Cancer Research UK exists to beat cancer — and our fundraising propositions are critical to making that possible. We are seeking a Head of Proposition – Legacies to lead the end-to-end design, delivery and growth of one of CRUK’s most important fundraising propositions. This senior leadership role combines commercial accountability, innovation and people leadership to deliver sustainable long-term value.
This is an opportunity to lead one of the UK charity sector’s most significant income streams. You will drive a clear proposition vision rooted in audience insight, design compelling end-to-end supporter experiences, and deliver growth over both the short and long term. You will bring the credibility to lead legacy strategy with senior leaders and trustees, influencing at the highest levels while partnering across marketing, data, technology and delivery teams. Commercially astute and evidence-led, you will strengthen performance management, forecasting and prioritisation, balancing strategic ambition with operational grip.
This is not solely a functional legacy role. It is a proposition leadership role, with Legacies as its core focus whilst playing a key part in shaping the future of Fundraising & Engagement Propositions at Cancer Research UK.
What will I be doing?
- Reshape the strategic direction and deliver sustainable growth of the Legacy proposition, defining a clear, compelling vision rooted in audience need, insight and CRUK strategy.
- Own performance and long-term value, shaping and delivering a bold, evidence-led growth strategy that increases consideration, market share and the value of complex gifts across diverse audiences.
- Work with matrixed teams to design and evolve brilliant end-to-end experiences, working across channels, journeys and touchpoints to create emotionally resonant, modern supporter experiences at scale.
- Lead innovation and modernisation, using insight, test and learn approaches and strong commercial judgement to respond to a rapidly changing wealth and fundraising landscape.
- Shape how technology enables the proposition, partnering closely across digital, data and delivery to ensure seamless, future-ready journeys.
- Build and lead high performing, multidisciplinary teams, bringing together proposition, operations and specialist expertise to deliver excellence through inclusive, empowering leadership.
- Act as a visible sector leader and trusted internal partner, influencing senior stakeholders and playing an active role in the wider transformation of fundraising at Cancer Research UK.
What are we looking for?
- Experience leading a complex proposition, product or portfolio in a customer centric environment, balancing delivery today with long-term value.
- Strong commercial judgement, with the confidence to make evidence-led trade-offs and prioritisation decisions.
- A deep understanding of audience behaviour, and how insight, digital capability and service design come together to create compelling end-to-end experiences.
- A compelling communicator and influencer, able to articulate vision clearly and bring diverse stakeholders with you.
- Proven leadership of large, multidisciplinary teams in complex matrixed organisations; an inclusive, inspiring leader who delivers through strong relationships.
- A strategic, future-focused mindset, comfortable leading through ambiguity and change.
- Curiosity, ambition and a genuine desire to push the sector forward, not replicate what’s gone before.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do:
- 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
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we’d still love to hear from you.
What will I gain?
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.
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 for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those 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 whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
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.
Head of Proposition - Legacies in Stratford-upon-Avon employer: Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Stratford, London, where flexibility and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous benefits, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer. Join us to lead innovative fundraising strategies while being part of a diverse and inclusive culture that values ambition, credibility, and humanity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Proposition - Legacies in Stratford-upon-Avon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to Cancer Research UK. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation’s values and mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around fundraising and engagement strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led teams or projects successfully. Highlight your ability to inspire and drive results, as this is key for a senior role like Head of Proposition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about joining us!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Proposition - Legacies in Stratford-upon-Avon
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 Proposition – Legacies role. Highlight your commercial judgement and experience in leading complex propositions, as these are key to what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Share examples that demonstrate your inclusive and empowering leadership style, as well as your ability to influence senior stakeholders. This will help us understand how you can drive our mission forward.
Be Clear and Compelling:When writing your application, be sure to communicate your vision clearly. Use engaging language to articulate how your background and insights can contribute to reshaping our legacy proposition. We love a good story, so make it resonate!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that we can process your application fairly and efficiently. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status and any next steps.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know Your Proposition Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Cancer Research UK's legacy proposition. Understand its current strategies, successes, and areas for growth. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams. Be ready to discuss how you foster inclusivity and collaboration, as these are key values for the role. Use specific anecdotes to illustrate your leadership approach and how it has driven results.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Since this role requires strong commercial judgement, come prepared with examples of evidence-led decisions you've made in the past. Discuss how you've balanced short-term delivery with long-term value, and be ready to talk about trade-offs you've navigated successfully.
✨Engage with Insight and Innovation
Cancer Research UK is looking for someone who can lead innovation. Prepare to discuss how you've used audience insights and digital capabilities to create compelling experiences. Think of ways you can apply test-and-learn approaches to adapt to changing landscapes in fundraising.
