Events Manager (Philanthropy)

Cancer Research UK (CRUK); Stratford-upon-Avon; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Cancer Research UK is seeking an experienced Philanthropy Events Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of high-value fundraising events from concept to execution. The role focuses on engagement with philanthropists, trusts, and corporate partners and requires delivering multiple events annually, including auctions and sponsorships.

You will work within the Strategy & Philanthropy directorate, collaborating with a 60-strong team to support the MRLC campaign, while managing risk, budgets, and

Qualifications

• Experience delivering events for high value audiences.
• Ability to manage complex events with multiple stakeholders within budget and deadlines.
• Experience creating engaging event content and materials (sponsorship proposals, speeches, programmes).
• Strong negotiation to maximise value for the charity.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end management of events from conception to delivery and reporting.
• Project manage delivery of 1–2 high-value fundraising events annually.
• Lead delivery of non-fundraising events focusing on stewardship and engagement.
• Own risk assessment and ensure supplier contracts meet CRUK standards.
• Develop fundraising strategy and coordinate prize acquisition for auctions.
• Build relationships with high-net-worth supporters and networks.
• Track income and expenditure through internal processes.

Skills

Event management

High value audiences

Budget & fundraising

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Project leadership

Problem solving under pressure

Resilience

Team collaboration

Job description

Philanthropy Events Manager

£35,000 - £43,000 plus benefits

Reports to

Philanthropy Events Senior Manager

Directorate

Strategy & Philanthropy

Contract

Permanent

Hours

Full time 35 hours per week

Location

Stratford, London Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)

Closing date

Friday 9th October 2026

Recruitment process

Competency based interview

Interview dates

w/c 19th October 2026

Visa sponsorship

You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

Our sector leading Philanthropy team have an exciting new opportunity to join as a Philanthropy Events Manager. You will be joining our Philanthropy Events team, who are responsible for the delivery of engagement and high value fundraising events.

As a part of the wider CRUK fundraising efforts, the Philanthropy Directorate is one of the largest and most successful fundraising teams in the UK. An ambitious and innovative team of 60 talented philanthropy professionals, our focus is the £400m ‘More Research, Less Cancer’ (MRLC) campaign which has four key priorities: the Francis Crick Institute, Cancer Grand Challenges, Translation & Innovation, and our Future Leaders’ programme. We’ve recently reached the milestone of £200m.

Our events team brings in almost £2m pounds a year for our cause, through delivering relationship-building events which offer meaningful engagement for high-value audiences, connecting them to Cancer Research UK’s vision, cause and pioneering research. Our programme delivers identification, cultivation, stewardship and fundraising events including unique money-can’t-buy experiences, science talks, dinners and drinks receptions. Each event is tailored to our high-value audience, which includes philanthropists, trusts, foundations and corporate partners.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced event delivery professional to join one of the leading high value programmes in the sector. You’ll get to work on a variety of different events including music, politics and galas. You’ll bring experience of delivery and planning high profile events ideally in the philanthropy space, however we would also welcome applications from those that have experience working with high value audiences, potentially through working in academia, media, other research organisations or the arts.

What will you be doing?

• End-to-end management of events, from conception and planning through to delivery and reporting (inc Source appropriate venues, suppliers and speakers and developing new event concepts and content)
• Professionally and efficiently project manage the delivery of 1-2 of our high-value fundraising events per year (£100k+) maximising net income and long-term support for Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
• Work collaboratively as part of the wider Philanthropy team to lead the delivery of non-fundraising events with a focus on stewardship, engagement and cultivation of our Philanthropic supporters.
• Own the risk assessment, compliance and safety of your events and work with the legal team to ensure all suppliers are correctly contracted, minimizing and mitigating any risk to CRUK, our staff and supporters.
• Create a strong event fundraising strategy that your team can work towards. Work with team members on auction prize acquisition to help secure ‘money can’t buy’ auction prizes and create engaging fundraising moments on the night.
• Develop strong working relationships with your high-net-worth supporters (committees, sponsors, table hosts etc) and keep them informed/consulted on event progress and outcomes as needed. Work with them and their networks to align their event wishes with our event and wider philanthropy objectives.
• Closely track and review all income and expenditure performance through internal processes

What are we looking for?

• Previous experience working in an Event/Project Manager level role (ideally for high value audiences)
• A sound knowledge of the ‘on the night’ fundraising mechanisms (auctions, raffle, pledge etc) of special events
• Experience in managing complex events or projects with multiple stakeholders on time and within budget
• Experience of creating engaging and impactful event content and materials such as sponsorship proposals, speeches, event programmes and briefing documents
• Ability to negotiate and secure best possible value for the charity
• Ability to prioritise own workload and that of a project team
• Excellent people and interpersonal skills – confident working with and influencing stakeholders of all levels, including celebrities and their management teams
• Ability to problem solve, work under pressure and manage a busy workload to meet agreed deadlines
• Ability to be resilient under challenging circumstances

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.

Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively

We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we’d still love to hear from you.

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.

You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.