Head of Development (maternity cover)

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships. The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also delivers a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.

About this role

This role is a 12‑month maternity cover, supporting an important phase of delivery and development within the Philanthropy team. The postholder will work closely with colleagues to maintain momentum in new business activity while contributing to strategic account management and stewardship. The Head of Development is a senior role within the Philanthropy Team, with a primary focus on new business development. This includes identifying, cultivating and securing new funding relationships across trusts, foundations, corporates, co‑investment partners and high‑net‑worth individuals. Alongside new business delivery, the role also provides strategic account management for a small portfolio of high-value partners, ensuring smooth transitions from acquisition into long‑term stewardship. This role works alongside the Head of Philanthropy, with both roles contributing to the success of the Philanthropy Team. The Head of Philanthropy leads on deep stewardship and retention, while the Head of Development focuses on new income generation and building relationships with new funders and partners. The postholder will work closely with the Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships, Philanthropy Directors as well as Senior Research and Insights Manager, contributing specialist expertise, strong delivery and sound judgement, while operating within agreed strategy and governance frameworks.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships and Development Director on the development and delivery of the new business plan in line with the fundraising strategy.
• Work with the Senior Research and Insights Manager to identify emerging funding trends, opportunities, market opportunities and best practice.
• In collaboration with the Development Director and Growth and Insights Director, lead the delivery of agreed cultivation strategies for priority prospects, proactively progressing relationships from qualification through to solicitation and conversion, leveraging senior stakeholders, board members, donor advocates and wider networks.
• Develop and deliver compelling cultivation strategies and tailored pitch plans for priority prospects, including designing and building new donor acquisition vehicles (e.g. committees, cultivation events and targeted communications), working collaboratively with colleagues across Impetus.
• Lead and support high‑level meetings, pitches and negotiations with prospective donors, positioning Impetus as a credible and strategic partner.
• Work with trustees, senior leaders and pro bono supporters to leverage networks and secure introductions to new prospects.
• Ensure high‑quality written and verbal communications with prospective donors.
• Build and maintain professional, long‑term relationships within the portfolio, escalating strategic issues or risks promptly.
• Manage a targeted portfolio of high-value donors of six figures and supports on seven figure partnerships, ensuring excellent stewardship, timely reporting and meaningful engagement.
• Act as a relationship lead for selected donors, building trust and ensuring a smooth transition from new business to long‑term stewardship.
• Own and deliver tailored account plans for assigned donors, with a focus on renewal, upgrade and long‑term relationship value.
• Oversee the delivery of high‑quality donor communications for assigned donors, including reports, impact updates, and engagement opportunities.
• Ensure robust portfolio management, including accurate forecasting, pipeline management, and use of CRM systems.
• Identify opportunities to deepen relationships through increased giving, multi‑year commitments or broader engagement with Impetus’ work.
• Work closely with Development Director on supporting Funds i.e. Connect, Skills, Attainment or Engage as needed.
• Support or lead on committees such as Futures or Real estate.
• Represent Impetus externally with professionalism and credibility.

Cross‑team working and organisation contribution

• Build and maintain professional, long‑term relationships within the portfolio, escalating strategic issues or risks promptly.
• Ensure consistent standards and best practice across account management and donor stewardship.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Philanthropy to ensure seamless handover from acquisition to stewardship and a coherent donor experience.
• Contribute insight from prospecting and market scanning to inform proposition development and strategic planning.
• Ensure all activity aligns with Impetus’ gift acceptance, due diligence and ethical fundraising policies.
• Champion best practice in prospecting, pipeline management and new business development across the team.
• Build a collaborative, inclusive, high quality team culture aligned with Impetus’ values.

Person specification

• A strong track record of raising six‑figure+ philanthropic income from grant‑making trusts and foundations, corporate foundations and/or individual donors, including experience with high‑net‑worth individuals.
• Proven ability to lead and deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, stewardship and renewal.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, planning and delivery skills, with the ability to generate ideas, translate them into practical account plans, and execute them effectively.
• Excellent research, prospecting and qualification skills, with the judgement to prioritise high‑value opportunities.
• A proactive, creative and innovative approach to fundraising, with the ability to adapt and develop creative donor centred approaches.
• Experience operating with senior stakeholders, including trustees, board members and other high‑level external partners.
• Outstanding relationship management skills, with the ability to establish, manage and deepen trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Highly collaborative, contributing positively to team objectives and cross‑organisational priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate impact and value clearly and persuasively.
• Strong financial and portfolio management skills, including the ability to plan, forecast and deliver against income targets and budgets.
• Ability to work well under pressure, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• A clear commitment to Impetus’ mission and values.
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience managing and stewarding multi‑year, five‑to‑seven‑figure partnerships.
• Experience line managing and developing fundraisers or relationship managers.
• Experience working within a charity, foundation, venture philanthropy or intermediary organisation.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce), income forecasting and portfolio reporting.
• Experience supporting or contributing to new business development strategies at a senior level.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.