Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy in Stoke-on-Trent

Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent Full-Time 50434 - 50434 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead partnerships and philanthropy to generate over ÂŁ1m in sustainable income.
  • Company: Join the Royal Voluntary Service, making a real difference in communities.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape impactful fundraising strategies and build meaningful corporate partnerships.
  • Qualifications: Proven track record in high-value fundraising and exceptional relationship-building skills.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to social change and community support.

The predicted salary is between 50434 - 50434 ÂŁ per year.

Royal Voluntary Service mobilises volunteers to support people in need and the NHS. Our volunteers work with healthcare teams and in communities providing practical help and emotional support when people are struggling to cope.

We are looking for a senior leader to build and scale a high‑value income stream across corporate partnerships, high‑net‑worth (HNW) individuals, and philanthropy, with a focus on generating £1m+ in sustainable annual income.

What Makes This Role Attractive

  • Opportunity to build a function from scratch with CRO‑level sponsorship
  • High visibility across leadership and Board
  • Ability to shape a modern, commercially‑driven fundraising model
  • Direct impact on scaling income and social outcomes

Hours: 35 per week, Monday – Friday.

Location: Homebased with occasional national travel.

Job Requirements

Experience

  • Proven track record of delivering ÂŁ1m+ income targets in corporate partnerships and philanthropy / major donor fundraising
  • Experience in a well‑established charity or mission‑led organisation
  • Demonstrable success securing high‑value, multi‑year partnerships
  • Strong network across corporates and/or HNW communities

Skills & Capability

  • Highly commercial with a new‑business mindset
  • Exceptional relationship builder with gravitas at senior level
  • Strong storyteller—able to translate impact into compelling propositions
  • Strategic thinker who can also execute and close deals
  • Data‑driven with disciplined pipeline management

Leadership Style

  • Proactive, entrepreneurial, and outcomes‑focused
  • Comfortable operating in a newly created role with ambiguity
  • Collaborative but able to lead from the front
  • Resilient and target‑driven

Job Responsibilities

Income Generation & Strategy

  • Develop and deliver a clear partnerships & philanthropy strategy aligned to RVS growth objectives
  • Own and deliver against a ÂŁ1m+ annual income target, with defined pipeline metrics
  • Identify and unlock new revenue opportunities, including corporate, major donors, and foundations
  • Build a robust, qualified pipeline across all income streams

Corporate Partnerships

  • Design and secure strategic, multi‑year corporate partnerships (5–6 figure+ value)
  • Target organisations aligned to RVS mission (CSR/ESG agendas, employee engagement, volunteering)
  • Lead end‑to‑end partnership lifecycle: prospecting, pitch development, negotiation, account growth & stewardship

Philanthropy & Major Donors

  • Develop a structured approach to HNW and major donor engagement
  • Personally manage a portfolio of high‑value prospects and donors
  • Create compelling cases for support, aligned to impact and outcomes
  • Leverage networks, trustees, and senior stakeholders to unlock introductions

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Act as a senior ambassador for RVS externally
  • Work closely with the CRO, Director of Fundraising, and Board to support strategic income growth
  • Collaborate with marketing and delivery teams to ensure compelling propositions and reporting
  • Influence internally to embed a commercial, partnership‑led mindset

Proposition Development

  • Shape and refine fundable propositions that resonate with corporates and philanthropists
  • Align opportunities to social impact, ESG priorities, measurable outcomes and reporting
  • Package opportunities into clear, scalable offers

Pipeline, Performance & Reporting

  • Implement strong pipeline management discipline
  • Track KPIs across new business, conversion rates, average deal size, donor retention and growth
  • Provide regular reporting to CRO and Board

Key Success Metrics (Year 1)

  • ÂŁ1m+ income secured (with clear split across corporate & philanthropy)
  • Defined and active pipeline (3–5x coverage of target)
  • 3–5 flagship corporate partnerships secured
  • Established HNW donor portfolio with active cultivation plan
  • Repeatable partnership model and proposition framework in place

Job Benefits

  • A salary ranging from ÂŁ50,434 per annum
  • 26 days’ holiday (pro rata) plus paid statutory Bank Holidays (pro rata)
  • Up to 2 days paid volunteer leave a year, through our employer‑supported volunteer scheme
  • Ten weeks’ company sick pay following successful completion of probation
  • A great pension scheme with 8% employer contributions
  • 2 Ă— Base Salary Death in Service Benefit, subject to qualification
  • Enhanced Family Leave schemes
  • An employee benefits package that gives access to an exclusive rewards website to get discounts and cashback online
  • A 24‑hour doctor line, financial support with dental/optical and other therapies
  • A free and confidential employee assistance programme with up to six face‑to‑face counselling sessions included
  • Opportunities to discuss flexible working
  • Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
  • The chance to make a positive, lasting impact that changes lives, communities, and society

At Royal Voluntary Service our goal is to welcome everyone and build inclusive and diverse teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work. To find out more about our commitment to EDI, visit our website.

Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL)

Royal Voluntary Service is an exceptional employer that empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact in communities and the NHS. With a strong focus on employee growth, a supportive work culture, and generous benefits including 26 days of holiday and a robust pension scheme, this home-based role offers the unique opportunity to shape a new fundraising strategy while collaborating with senior leadership. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that values diversity and inclusivity, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally.
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Contact Detail:

Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy in Stoke-on-Trent

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector and let them know you're on the hunt for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can introduce you to someone influential.

✨Tip Number 2

Get your pitch ready! Whether it's for a coffee chat or a formal meeting, be prepared to share your vision for partnerships and philanthropy. Show how you can drive that ÂŁ1m+ income target with your unique approach.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay active on social media! Follow organisations like Royal Voluntary Service and engage with their posts. This not only keeps you informed but also shows your genuine interest in their mission.

✨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 the team and making a difference.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy in Stoke-on-Trent

Income Generation
Corporate Partnerships
Philanthropy
Major Donor Fundraising
Relationship Building
Strategic Thinking
Storytelling
Data-Driven Decision Making
Pipeline Management
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Proposition Development
Commercial Acumen
Leadership
Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in corporate partnerships and philanthropy. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific requirements of the Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy role.

Showcase Your Success Stories: Don’t just list your past roles; tell us about the £1m+ income targets you've smashed! Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to build relationships and secure high-value partnerships. We love a good success story!

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can connect with people at all levels, so don’t be afraid to show us your storytelling skills and how you can translate impact into compelling propositions.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and helps us get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL)

✨Know Your Numbers

Make sure you come prepared with specific examples of how you've successfully generated £1m+ in income before. Be ready to discuss the strategies you used, the partnerships you built, and the outcomes achieved. This will show your potential employer that you have the experience they’re looking for.

✨Craft Your Story

As a strong storyteller, you need to translate your past experiences into compelling narratives. Prepare a few key stories that highlight your relationship-building skills and how you've secured high-value partnerships. Tailor these stories to align with the mission of the Royal Voluntary Service.

✨Research and Align

Dive deep into the Royal Voluntary Service’s mission and values. Understand their current partnerships and philanthropic efforts. This knowledge will help you articulate how you can contribute to their goals and develop new revenue opportunities that resonate with their objectives.

✨Show Your Strategic Mindset

Be ready to discuss your approach to developing a partnerships and philanthropy strategy. Think about how you would identify and unlock new revenue streams. Demonstrating your strategic thinking and execution capabilities will be crucial in this role.

Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy in Stoke-on-Trent
Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL)
Location: Stoke-on-Trent

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