At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and develop strategies to support universities across the UK.
- Company: Join the Royal Anniversary Trust, a unique organisation dedicated to higher education.
- Benefits: Part-time role with flexible hours and pro-rata salary.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to shape the future of fundraising.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while building sustainable funding pipelines.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Join the unique Royal Anniversary Trust and help promote and champion the outstanding work of universities and colleges across the United Kingdom. This is a part‑time role for 2.5–3 days per week, and the advertised salary will be pro‑rata.
About the role
The new Head of Development will lead on and manage (with support from the CEO and Chair of Trustees) the effective delivery of all fundraising procedures, systems and operations for TRAT in line with the Trust’s fundraising strategy. Development of that strategy as required in the future, in liaison with the CEO, Exec Team and Trustee Board. The Trust has not actively campaigned for fundraising for 8–10 years, with the exception of a commercial sponsorship partnership with Amazon Web Services, which began in 2022 and continues. Over the last 6 months, the Trust has worked with More Partnership to establish a new fundraising strategy, a case for support, a prospect list and a feasibility study. Initial approaches to some prospects have also commenced. Work with More Partnership will conclude at the end of March 2026; therefore, the Trust wants to recruit a Head of Development to build on the foundations laid and continue their work. This role does not currently manage any direct reports, but if fundraising is successful, a small team may be required in the future, reporting to the Head of Development.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an ambitious and experienced fundraising leader with a strong track record of delivering income growth and building sustainable funding pipelines. You will bring demonstrable success across a range of fundraising activities, underpinned by robust financial management, business planning and budget ownership. With deep knowledge of fundraising best practices, regulations and emerging trends, you will be confident in applying this insight in a practical, results‑driven way. An exceptional relationship builder, you will combine high emotional intelligence with strong influencing skills, enabling you to engage and inspire donors, partners and stakeholders at all levels. You will bring direct experience in high‑value fundraising, particularly in major donor and corporate fundraising, with the credibility to secure significant gifts and develop compelling, donor‑centred propositions. You will be a clear and persuasive communicator, comfortable crafting impactful cases for support, telling powerful stories and representing the organisation publicly. With a growth mindset and a sales‑oriented approach, you will be entrepreneurial, self‑motivated and adept at spotting and capitalising on opportunities. A collaborative team player, you will be willing to roll up your sleeves and support day‑to‑day delivery while building effective systems, processes and high standards of donor care. Above all, you will be motivated by the organisation’s mission and committed to its long‑term success.
Applications
This is a rolling application recruitment process. We will move to interviews as soon as we receive enough suitable interest and will contact you as soon as possible regarding the next steps. We want to provide everyone with the opportunity to apply. If you are concerned that this role may close before you can apply, please contact our advising consultant to discuss your options.
Head of Development in London employer: Peridot Partners
The Royal Anniversary Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead fundraising efforts that support the vital work of universities and colleges across the UK. With a part-time role that promotes a healthy work-life balance, the Trust fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, encouraging professional growth and innovation in fundraising strategies. Employees benefit from a supportive environment where their contributions directly impact the organisation's mission, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about education and community development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Development in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising world! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or donors, make sure to share your past achievements in fundraising. We want to hear about the big wins and how you made them happen. It’s all about painting a picture of your impact!
✨Be Ready for the Pitch
Prepare a killer elevator pitch that highlights your experience and passion for fundraising. We need to grab attention quickly, so keep it concise and compelling. Practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to rehearse with friends or colleagues.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in fundraising and relationship building. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the Royal Anniversary Trust!
Showcase Your Successes:Don’t hold back on sharing your achievements! We love to see concrete examples of how you've driven income growth and built sustainable funding pipelines in your previous roles.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is not just qualified, but also passionate about our cause and can connect with donors and stakeholders on a personal level.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you quickly about the next steps!
How to prepare for a job interview at Peridot Partners
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest fundraising strategies and trends. Research the Royal Anniversary Trust’s past campaigns and their current partnership with Amazon Web Services. Being able to discuss how you can build on these foundations will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to engage and inspire donors and stakeholders. Think about specific instances where you’ve successfully built relationships that led to significant funding. This will demonstrate your emotional intelligence and influencing skills, which are crucial for this position.
✨Craft a Compelling Case for Support
Practice articulating a strong case for support that aligns with the Trust’s mission. Be ready to share how you would approach creating impactful narratives that resonate with potential donors. This will showcase your communication skills and your ability to represent the organisation effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Entrepreneurial Mindset
Highlight your proactive approach to spotting opportunities and driving income growth. Share examples of how you’ve successfully developed sustainable funding pipelines in the past. This will illustrate your growth mindset and sales-oriented approach, which are key for the Head of Development role.
