Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships

Brain Tumour Research; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity in Milton Keynes seeks a Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships to lead fundraising efforts across multiple streams including corporate partnerships and trusts. The role requires proven experience in managing high-value fundraising, exceptional strategic planning skills, and the ability to lead and motivate a team. Candidates must possess strong relationship-building skills and a passion for the charity's mission. The application window closes on January 18, 2026, and successful candidates will engage in interviews via MS Teams and in person.

Qualifications

• Proven experience and success in securing and managing high value fundraising income.
• Strong strategic planning skills to develop and implement fundraising targets.
• Proven leadership skills with experience in overseeing multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of fundraising in key income lines: Trusts & Foundations, Corporate Partnerships, and more.
• Oversee Special Events programme and support the Major Donor programme.
• Contribute to and work cross-functionally with PR, marketing, and research.

Skills

Fundraising income management

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication and negotiation

Tools

CRM systems

Fundraising tools

Job description

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Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and game changing Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships.

Do you have the experience, drive and determination to thrive in this role?

Job Purpose

To lead delivery of our fundraising in five key income lines: Trusts & Foundations, Corporate Partnerships, Legacies, Other Charities, and Lottery; oversee our Special Events programme and assist the Director of Income Generation and Development with our Major Donor programme.

You’ll enjoy being part of and contributing to a busy, experienced, fast-working, and dedicated team while working cross-functionally with other departments such as PR, marketing and Research, Policy and Innovation.

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience and success in securing, managing, and growing high value fundraising income, including corporate partnerships, trusts & foundations, legacies and major donors.
• Demonstratable strong strategic planning skills and the ability to develop and implement long‑term strategies to achieve fundraising targets and enhance the charity's mission
• Proven leadership and people management skills, with experience in overseeing multi-disciplinary teams. Essential experience includes team leadership, staff motivation, setting clear objectives, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities.
• Track record of developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and an excellent standard of written English.
• Analysis of data and trends to inform fundraising strategies and success measurement is an important aspect of the role. This includes using CRM systems and other fundraising tools

If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

The closing date for applications is: 18th January 2026

Please see our Recruitment Pack for further details: Head of Philanthropy Partnerships Recruitment Pack - December 2025 (1).pdf

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.