Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy Manager)

Life 2009; Royal Leamington Spa; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK charity focused on vulnerable women and families is seeking a Head of Fundraising to lead their income generation efforts. This role involves strategic ownership of fundraising initiatives, team leadership, and relationship management with major donors. The ideal candidate will have proven fundraising experience and a passion for the charity's mission. The position offers a salary of £40,000 - £44,000 per annum and requires frequent travel.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance starting at 25 days per year

Birthday Leave

Extra annual leave for long‑term service

Company Pension Scheme

Menopause Workplace Pledge

Qualifications

• Proven track record in fundraising leadership, major donor cultivation, and strategic income growth.
• Skilled in developing creative proposals and pitches that win hearts and minds.
• Able to work across teams and build strong relationships internally and externally.
• Committed to Life’s mission and able to champion our ethos in all fundraising activities.

Responsibilities

• Take strategic ownership of Life’s fundraising strategy and ensure its successful delivery.
• Lead and inspire the fundraising team, embedding a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Manage and grow relationships with major donors, creating inspiring supporter journeys that encourage long‑term engagement.
• Oversee budgets, systems, and processes to ensure efficiency and compliance with fundraising regulations.
• Work closely with marketing and service teams to develop compelling cases for support and impactful campaigns.

Skills

Leadership of fundraising teams and strategy development

Expertise in major donor fundraising and supporter stewardship

Strong communication and presentation skills

Knowledge of compliance with fundraising codes and GDPR

Job description

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy Manager) to lead our fundraising efforts and drive sustainable income growth. This is a pivotal role identified by our Board of Trustees as critical to the future of Life Charity. You will shape and deliver our fundraising strategy, lead a talented team, and cultivate relationships with major donors and supporters.

Reporting to the Director of Income Generation & Housing, you will :

• Take strategic ownership of Life’s fundraising strategy and ensure its successful delivery.
• Lead and inspire the fundraising team, embedding a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Manage and grow relationships with major donors, creating inspiring supporter journeys that encourage long‑term engagement.
• Oversee budgets, systems, and processes to ensure efficiency and compliance with fundraising regulations.
• Work closely with marketing and service teams to develop compelling cases for support and impactful campaigns.

About You:

• Experienced : Proven track record in fundraising leadership, major donor cultivation, and strategic income growth.
• Innovative : Skilled in developing creative proposals and pitches that win hearts and minds.
• Collaborative : Able to work across teams and build strong relationships internally and externally.
• Values‑driven : Committed to Life’s mission and able to champion our ethos in all fundraising activities.

Essential skills and experience include:

• Leadership of fundraising teams and strategy development.
• Expertise in major donor fundraising and supporter stewardship.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of compliance with fundraising codes and GDPR.

About Life:

Life is a UK charity for vulnerable women and families facing unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy loss. Life’s aim is to provide housing, care and support to vulnerable pregnant women (typically aged 16‑25) who are in crisis situations, such as those facing homelessness (or at risk of), escaping abuse or other traumatic circumstances. We offer supported housing, a helpline and counselling service, and other practical and emotional support. Our services are inclusive; non‑judgemental; and client‑centred.

Our Values:

• Humanity – All people are special and equal.
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you.
• Community – We’re better together.
• Charity – Doing good for one another.
• Common good – Building a better world.

Information about the role:

For further information, please see the job description on our website.

Salary: £40,000 – £44,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Home‑Based with frequent travel to supporter locations and occasional travel to Head Office (Leamington Spa)

Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if a suitable candidate is found.

Benefits:

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours)
• Birthday Leave (applicable after 1 year service)
• Extra annual leave for long‑term service
• Company Pension Scheme
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge

Safeguarding and Equality:

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will also be subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.