At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead philanthropy efforts to secure high-value donations and engage influential supporters.
- Company: Marie Curie, the UK's leading end-of-life charity, dedicated to improving quality of life.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while driving impactful fundraising initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in major donor fundraising and exceptional communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43461 - 53119 £ per year.
Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement.
Philanthropy will play a defining role in delivering this ambition. With plans to significantly scale income over the coming years, we are seeking a senior, commercially-minded Philanthropy Lead to drive high-value growth and deepen engagement with influential supporters across the UK. As Philanthropy Lead, you will take ownership of a high-value donor portfolio, securing and stewarding five and six figure gifts while driving forward a donor-centric fundraising strategy.
You will operate as a trusted partner to senior leaders and influential stakeholders, leveraging networks, insight and opportunity to build a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support. Alongside income generation, you will play a key role in shaping how Marie Curie engages high-net-worth individuals bringing innovation, credibility and strategic thinking to a growing function.
What you’ll be doing:
- Building a pipeline of new high-net-worth individuals through proactive outreach, networking and relationship building.
- Owning and driving your own workload, managing your prospect pipeline and identifying new opportunities.
- Initiating conversations, arranging face-to-face meetings and creating bespoke cultivation journeys.
- Working closely with senior leaders and volunteers to develop and progress donor relationships.
- Developing compelling propositions and confidently making five and six-figure asks.
- Using creativity, curiosity and insight to spot opportunities others might miss.
- Representing Marie Curie externally and helping grow our profile with influential audiences.
Who we’re looking for:
- Proven experience in major donor or philanthropy fundraising.
- A proven record of securing significant philanthropic income, including five and six figure gifts.
- The credibility and presence to engage and influence high-net-worth individuals and senior stakeholders.
- Strong commercial judgement combined with a donor-centric, relationship-led approach.
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling cases for support and lead high-value conversations.
- Strategic thinking, resilience and the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity.
- A collaborative mindset, with the confidence to contribute across a high-performing national team.
You don’t need to come from a traditional charity major gifts background; transferable experience from relationship-led, high-value environments is welcome.
Application & Interview Process:
As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and a set of questions. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
Salary: Circa £45,000
Contract: Full time, perm
Based: Hybrid position, with 1–2 days per week based in Marie Curie offices or hospices, including some travel as required.
Benefits you’ll LOVE:
- Flexible working.
- 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays).
- Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%).
- Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets.
- Continuous professional development opportunities.
- Industry-leading training programmes.
- Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes.
- Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits.
- Access to Blue Light Card membership.
- Subsidised Eye Care.
At Marie Curie, our values are central to everything we do. We are committed to creating a workplace that is safe for everyone — staff and volunteers alike — supportive, inclusive and rewarding. We actively consider our impact on the planet, embedding sustainability into everyday decisions to create a lasting, positive difference for the individuals we care for and the world we share. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. Marie Curie is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, recognising both the social justice imperative and the strength a diverse workforce brings. We actively encourage applications from people of all cultures, perspectives and lived experiences. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
If you require any support, please contact us at . Every application we receive is personally reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team, and in return, we ask that your application authentically reflects you — your experience, perspective and voice.
Philanthropy Lead - Scotland employer: Marie Curie
Marie Curie is an exceptional employer, offering a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the UK's leading end-of-life charity. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and continuous professional development, staff are empowered to grow in their roles while making a significant impact on the lives of those facing terminal illness. The inclusive work culture fosters diversity and collaboration, ensuring that every voice is valued as we strive to provide the best possible care and support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Philanthropy Lead - Scotland
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Marie Curie.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Marie Curie.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Marie Curie.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Marie Curie. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Lead - Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Marie Curie. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Philanthropy Lead - Scotland, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marie Curie
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Marie Curie. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
