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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic philanthropy team to secure high-value donations and drive impactful fundraising initiatives.
- Company: Join Kidney Research UK, the leading charity dedicated to kidney disease research and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team committed to transforming kidney health for millions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing kidney disease research and treatment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-value fundraising and relationship building with donors.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Head of philanthropy
Location: Contracted to our Peterborough office with the flexibility for hybrid working
Salary: £50,000 – £55,000 FTE depending on experience
Full time: (37.5 hours) or part-time considered (minimum 30 hours per week)
Benefits: We want all our employees to feel valued and engaged and are committed to offering a positive working culture along with a good work-life balance. As well as ensuring we pay our employees fairly, we offer the following benefits: Flexible working, Generous annual leave, Private Medical Insurance, including dental and optical, Pension Scheme, Sick Pay, Death in Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Bike Loan Scheme, Cycle2Work Scheme, Eyecare, Discount Portal.
Closing date: Sunday 2 November 2025
Preliminary telephone interviews will be held on Friday 7 November 2025
In-person interviews will be held in Peterborough on Friday 14 November 2025
No agencies please
Be a part of an energetic and vibrant team who are driven by the desire to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease.
This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who thrives in a fast paced, ambitious environment. We want to prevent kidney disease from becoming a public health emergency and find better treatments for kidney patients sooner.
We are looking for a talented leader with a proven track record in high value fundraising to lead our philanthropy team, which comprises trusts, major giving and special events. You will bring a strong track record of securing significant high-value gifts from trusts and major donors, along with deep knowledge of the current philanthropic landscape. With proven experience in budget planning, income forecasting and managing long-term pipelines, you will play a key role in delivering our ambitious fundraising targets. You will have a passion for cultivating relationships and going above and beyond to develop lasting meaningful relationships with supporters.
We operate a hybrid, flexible working style and regular weekly office attendance is encouraged. The role is contracted to our Peterborough office. You will also be required to regularly attend external meetings and events.
If you are interested in the position, please complete the online application form and submit together with your CV.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all sections of the community.
About Kidney Research UK:
Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease and for more than 60 years the research, we fund has been making an impact. But kidney disease is increasing as are the factors contributing to it, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, making our work more essential than ever.
At Kidney Research UK we work with clinicians and scientists across the UK, funding and facilitating research into all areas of kidney disease. We collaborate with partners across the public, private and third sectors to prevent kidney disease and drive innovation to transform treatments.
Over the last ten years we have invested more than £71 million into research. We lobby governments and decision makers to change policy and practice to ensure that the estimated 7.2 million people living with all stages of kidney disease in the UK have access to the most effective care and treatment, and to make kidney disease a priority.
Most importantly, we also work closely with patients, ensuring their voice is heard and is at the centre of everything we do, from deciding which research to invest in to how we plan our priorities and our work across the charity.
Those patient contributions are vital, always helping us and our partners to understand what life is like with kidney disease, always ensuring we see the patient behind the treatment and always reminding us that behind every statistic and every number is a person the patients and the carers who inspire our mission and push us forward to make a difference and change the future of kidney disease.
You may also have experience in the following: Head of Partnerships, Partnership Management, Philanthropy Manager, Donor Relations Manager, Fundraising Events Manager, High-Net-Worth Donor Manager, Development Events Specialist, Charity Fundraising Manager, Special Events Fundraiser, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Not for Profit, NFP, etc
REF-224 386
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Head of philanthropy employer: Kidney Research UK
Contact Detail:
Kidney Research UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of philanthropy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the philanthropy space. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Kidney Research UK thoroughly—know their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the kidney disease community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable talking about your experience in high-value fundraising. Focus on your achievements and how they align with the goals of the organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission of improving lives affected by kidney disease.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of philanthropy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Philanthropy role. Highlight your experience in high-value fundraising and relationship building, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in securing significant gifts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for kidney research and how your skills align with our mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through; we want to see the real you!
Follow the Application Instructions: We’ve made it easy for you! Complete the online application form and attach your CV as instructed. Double-check everything before hitting submit to ensure there are no hiccups in your application process.
Show Enthusiasm for Our Mission: In your application, express your enthusiasm for improving the lives of those affected by kidney disease. We’re looking for someone who shares our vision and is excited about making a difference in this field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kidney Research UK
✨Know Your Philanthropy Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the current philanthropic landscape, especially related to kidney disease. Familiarise yourself with recent trends, key players, and successful fundraising strategies. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of high-value gifts you've secured in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships with major donors and trusts. Highlighting your proven track record will demonstrate your capability to lead the philanthropy team effectively.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Since cultivating relationships is key for this role, think about how you can convey your passion for connecting with supporters. Share anecdotes that illustrate your ability to go above and beyond in developing meaningful relationships, as this aligns perfectly with the organisation's mission.
✨Be Ready for Budget Talk
Brush up on your budget planning and income forecasting skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed long-term pipelines in previous roles. This will show that you understand the financial aspects of fundraising and can contribute to achieving ambitious targets.