Head of Philanthropy

Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract

Salary: £60,000 per annum

Location: Home-based with regular travel

Closing date: Wednesday 28 January 2026

Interview date: 4 & 5 February 2026

Blue Cross is seeking an experienced and ambitious Head of Philanthropy to lead and make an active contribution to our High Value Fundraising project, a key initiative designed to grow our future income. This 12-month fixed-term role will focus on delivering high-impact fundraising activity while managing and inspiring a talented Philanthropy team.

More about the role

You will support in the delivery of the 2026 Philanthropy plan across trusts, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals, with a particular focus on the High Value Fundraising project. Leading high-value fundraising activity, you will manage your own portfolio, create income pipelines, develop key performance indicators, and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to maximise philanthropic support. You will ensure the charity s Case for Support remains current and compelling and deliver high-standard donor reporting.

This is a home-based role with a contracted base site. Travel to your base site is considered normal commuting, while travel to other Blue Cross locations or partner sites will be reimbursed.

About you

You are a credible senior leader with a strong track record in philanthropy fundraising, capable of translating strategic priorities into tangible outcomes. Motivated by ambitious goals, you thrive on building relationships, inspiring teams, and influencing at the highest level. You are resilient, creative, and aligned with Blue Cross s values of compassion, courage, and inclusion.

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Extensive experience developing strategies that increase income from major donors and institutional funders, including personally securing five- and ideally six-figure donations
• Proven experience of meeting and exceeding ambitious income growth targets
• Experience of building and managing funder relationships
• Strong financial monitoring, target setting, and reporting skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to analyse and present data tailored for different audiences
• Highly developed influencing and negotiation skills
• Track record of leading, managing, and inspiring a team, encouraging innovation and improving ways of working
• Experience working at senior organisational levels and managing relationships with Directors, CEOs, and Boards
• The ability to demonstrate, understand, and apply Blue Cross s values

Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Experience of fundraising for significant capital projects
• Knowledge of CRM systems and data management

How to apply

Click Apply to submit your application. Please note that applications may close early if we receive a high volume, so we encourage early submission.