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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies and build partnerships to drive significant income growth.
- Company: Join St John Ambulance, a charity dedicated to empowering communities through first aid training and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, hybrid work, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a supportive culture that values your contributions.
- Qualifications: Extensive fundraising experience and strong leadership skills are essential for this role.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and promote an inclusive environment for all employees.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Find your next role with St John Ambulance.
Role: Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships
Location: London (hybrid, 2 days per week in the London office)
Our offer to you
We pride ourselves in being a great place to work, providing a supportive culture with opportunities to grow and develop your career, achieve a healthy work life balance and to be recognised for the great work you do. You will receive:
- Competitive salary and pension scheme
- 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) – increasing to 38 days over 5 years
- Cycle to work scheme Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Health and Wellbeing portal – access to financial, health and wellbeing support and an Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounts – you will have access to Blue Light and NHS Discounts as well as discounts on mobile phones, gym membership, cinema tickets, restaurants, holidays and shopping
About Us
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a team of over 1,400 employees and over 31,000 volunteers, united by our purpose which is to put the power of first aid in everyone’s hands so we’re all closer to help in an emergency.
We inspire the next generation with youth programmes and provide fully trained and equipped first aiders and ambulances for events.
We provide expert training and supplies for first aid, health and safety and mental health. Plus free apps, guides and resources.
As a charity that is part of the fabric of society, we are proud of our past and united in our efforts to inspire, empower and protect communities up and down the country.
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and strategic fundraising leader to shape and deliver a new long-term high value giving strategy, driving significant income growth across corporates, philanthropy, trusts, foundations and statutory funders. This pivotal role will reinvigorate our approach to high value fundraising aligning with our new organisational strategy and refreshed brand. To expand our pipeline, grow income and build sustainable partnerships and relationships and explore new funding opportunities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading a high-performing team to deliver the annual plan and secure six-figure+ income
- Developing a clear, sustainable fundraising strategy and implementation roadmap across multiple income streams
- Creating compelling propositions and cases for support that align with our mission and strategic priorities
- Building and managing a strong pipeline of prospects with transparency and rigor
About You
- Extensive fundraising expertise, including building and managing high-value donor pipelines, securing six-figure+ gifts, and developing strategic partnerships with corporate, trust, statutory, and philanthropic donors.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience leading sizable teams, involving senior staff and volunteers, and working with fundraising boards.
- Strategic thinker and planner, with a proven ability to co-develop long-term high-value fundraising strategies, secure alternative funding, and translate goals into measurable plans.
- Highly skilled communicator and influencer, confident in presenting to senior stakeholders and Trustees, and adept at navigating and influencing within complex organisations.
- Proactive and values-driven, with strong negotiation, decision-making, and creative problem-solving skills; committed to driving income growth and innovation.
- Deep sector knowledge, including understanding of relevant fundraising markets, trends, and regulations, and able to lead with compassion, emotional intelligence, and openness to feedback.
About the Role
- Develop and implement a three-year high-value fundraising strategy and roadmap, underpinned by research, insight, KPIs, and measurable milestones.
- Manage income and expenditure budgets, ensuring financial targets are met, risks are mitigated, and performance is tracked against KPIs.
- Lead relationship-building and networking efforts, cultivating a strong pipeline of prospects and donors including high net worth individuals, trusts, corporates, and major grantmakers.
- Inspire and engage organisational leaders, staff, and volunteers in the identification and stewardship of key funders, ensuring collaborative relationship management.
- Drive the development of tailored funding propositions, working cross-functionally to align funder interests with organisational programmes and long-term goals.
- Ensure operational excellence, through effective frameworks, processes, and compliance with legal, regulatory, and best practice standards.
- Provide values-led leadership, fostering team development, continuous improvement, and alignment with St John’s compassionate leadership culture and strategic aims.
Please see the job description for more detail (this can be viewed on our website or once you click apply)
If you are a current St John Ambulance employee, please apply here: Click here
For all other candidates, or St John Ambulance volunteers wishing to apply: please apply below
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive high volume of applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
St John Ambulance are committed to increasing the diversity of our team and making sure we best reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.At St John, everyone is valued and supported to thrive, we have several networks including Multi Culture, Disability and Accessibility, Pride, Family and Carers and Women’s groups. We do nottolerate any form ofdiscriminationandengendera sense of belonging for all, by creating an environment of mutual respect, where we value unique differences and demonstrate authentic allyship.We believe passionately in equality, diversity and inclusion.
St John Ambulance is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice. Therefore, all successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including DBS Clearance, as part of the onboarding process, if applicable to the nature of the role. Please note: St John does not accept speculative CVs and will only review CVs sent in application for an advertised vacancy.
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Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships employer: Sja's West
Contact Detail:
Sja's West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the philanthropy and fundraising sector. Attend relevant events, webinars, or workshops to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders. Building relationships can give you insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Research St John Ambulance thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous fundraising successes in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've secured high-value donations and built partnerships. Highlighting measurable outcomes will showcase your effectiveness as a leader in this field.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with current trends in philanthropy and fundraising. Being knowledgeable about emerging practices and technologies can set you apart from other candidates and show that you're proactive about staying informed in the sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only showcases your fundraising expertise but also reflects your passion for St John Ambulance's mission. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to secure high-value donations and build strategic partnerships.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your extensive fundraising experience, particularly in managing high-value donor pipelines and securing significant gifts. Include metrics and achievements that illustrate your success in previous roles.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership and team management skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you have led teams to achieve fundraising goals and fostered collaboration among stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sja's West
✨Research the Organisation
Before your interview, take the time to thoroughly research St John Ambulance. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare Your Fundraising Success Stories
As a candidate for the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, be ready to share specific examples of your past fundraising successes. Highlight your experience in securing six-figure gifts and building strategic partnerships, as these are crucial for this role.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This position requires strong leadership abilities. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing teams, inspiring others, and fostering collaboration. Use examples that illustrate your capacity to lead high-performing teams towards achieving fundraising goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the organisation's future plans, challenges in fundraising, or how they measure success. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
