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- Tasks: Lead and grow income from corporate partnerships, trusts, foundations, and major donors.
- Company: Thames Valley Air Ambulance, a compassionate and dynamic charity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, hybrid working, and great staff benefits.
- Other info: Join a diverse and inclusive workforce committed to personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in saving lives while developing your career in fundraising.
- Qualifications: Experience in corporate fundraising and leading high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Thames Valley Air Ambulance exists to give everybody within our community the best chance of surviving and recovering from an emergency. We are here for you and your loved ones. In Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. Whoever you are. Wherever and whenever you need us.
Thames Valley Air Ambulance is seeking an experienced and driven Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships to lead and grow income from corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, and major donors. This is a senior fundraising role with responsibility for strategic development, strong income delivery, and the day-to-day leadership of a high-performing Philanthropy and Partnerships team. Working closely with the Director of Engagement, you will shape and deliver ambitious fundraising strategies that support the charity's long-term sustainability and lifesaving work.
Your Role
As Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships you will be a member of the Engagement Leadership Team and manage a team of 4 fundraisers overseeing our major donor, trusts and foundations, and corporate partnership income streams. You will be responsible for:
- Leading and managing the Philanthropy & Partnerships team, including performance, budgets, KPIs and pipelines
- Developing and delivering corporate partnerships, including new business opportunities and key accounts
- Overseeing trusts and foundations fundraising, ensuring high-quality applications and compliance
- Developing and delivering a major donor giving programme, securing high-value gifts
- Working collaboratively across the organisation and represent the charity externally
About you
You will have significant experience in corporate fundraising, and experience of trusts and foundations, and major donor fundraising and have a proven track record of meeting or exceeding income targets. You should have experience of leading and motivating teams with strong communication, relationship-building and organisational skills. You must also be flexible, proactive and results-driven.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- a proven track record of leading fundraising teams and managing high value supporters
- Experience of directly contributing to and managing corporate partnerships and other corporate fundraising
- Experience in trusts and foundations, and major donor fundraising
- A proven track record of achieving or exceeding income targets
- Experience of leading and motivating teams, with a hands-on approach to fundraising
- Strong experience of developing and managing pipelines, KPIs, budgets and strategies
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise, problem-solve and work flexibly in a changing environment
Why join us?
At Thames Valley Air Ambulance, you'll be part of a dynamic, compassionate, and forward-thinking organisation. We're proud of our culture, collaborative, inclusive, and committed to personal development. We care deeply about the wellbeing of our team and offer flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
If this role sounds like it's for you, we would love you to apply! In return we offer a competitive salary and great staff benefits such as:
- 25 Days holiday / 187 Hours Holiday
- Hybrid Working (minimum 2 days in office)
- Holiday Trading
- Free annual Flu Vaccination
- Blue Light Card (Option to purchase)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Company Pension Scheme
- Simply Health
- Medical cash back scheme
- Disability Confident Employer
Our values
- We care no matter what for our patients, their families, and each other.
- We go above and beyond in the care we provide and the work we do.
- We do the right thing in how we act and the decisions we make.
- Together we are TVAA because together, we save lives.
Diversity and inclusion
We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from candidates who feel underrepresented in the charity sector.
Safeguarding
We follow robust recruitment and safeguarding practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, and the people we support. Relevant checks (e.g. DBS) will be carried out where appropriate.
How to apply
To apply, please complete our online application form and tell us why you're excited about this opportunity and how your experience aligns with the role. You must have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to offer sponsorship.
Vacancy Closing Date: 28 May 2026. This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly.
TVAA is a Disability Confident employer. We are committed to discussing and implementing adjustments to support you during your application process and beyond.
Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships in Milton Keynes employer: Thames Valley Air Ambulance
Contact Detail:
Thames Valley Air Ambulance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who have experience with corporate partnerships or major donor fundraising. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Thames Valley Air Ambulance thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely passionate about their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've motivated teams and achieved fundraising targets. Use metrics to back up your success stories – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you're excited about joining Thames Valley Air Ambulance and how you connect with our mission of saving lives.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in corporate fundraising, trusts, and major donor management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your success in these areas, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Valley Air Ambulance
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, you'll need to demonstrate your track record in fundraising. Be prepared to discuss specific income targets you've met or exceeded, and how you achieved them. Bring along any relevant data or examples that showcase your success in corporate partnerships and major donor fundraising.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a team, so it's crucial to articulate your leadership approach. Think about examples where you've motivated your team or improved performance. Be ready to discuss how you handle challenges and foster a collaborative environment, as this aligns with the charity's values.
✨Understand Their Mission
Thames Valley Air Ambulance is all about saving lives. Make sure you understand their mission and values deeply. Prepare to discuss how your experience and vision align with their goals, and how you can contribute to their long-term sustainability and lifesaving work.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the organisation and the role. Ask about their current fundraising strategies, challenges they face, or how they measure success in their partnerships. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.