Philanthropy Lead - Northern Ireland

Marie Curie UK; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

25 days annual leave

Personal Pension Scheme

Loan schemes for bikes and computers

Training programmes

Job summary

Marie Curie UK is seeking a Philanthropy Lead to drive high-value growth in Northern Ireland. This role involves managing a portfolio of major donors, developing relationships, and leading a donor-centric fundraising strategy.

The ideal candidate will have proven success in securing significant philanthropic income, exceptional communication skills, and a collaborative mindset. This is a full-time hybrid position with a salary between £40,000 and £45,000.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in major donor or philanthropy fundraising.
• Record of securing five and six-figure philanthropic gifts.
• Strong commercial judgement and relationship-led approach.

Responsibilities

• Build a pipeline of high-net-worth individuals through outreach.
• Drive your workload, manage your prospect pipeline.
• Develop compelling propositions for major donors.

Skills

Major donor fundraising

Influence high-net-worth individuals

Commercial judgement

Exceptional communication skills

Job description

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end‑of‑life charity. We are the largest non‑NHS provider of end‑of‑life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement.

Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end‑life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

Job Description

Philanthropy will play a defining role in delivering this ambition. With plans to significantly scale income over the coming years, we are seeking a senior, commercially‑minded Philanthropy Lead to drive high‑value growth and deepen engagement with influential supporters across Northern Ireland.

As Philanthropy Lead, you will take ownership of a high‑value donor portfolio, securing and stewarding five and six figure gifts while driving forward a donor‑centric fundraising strategy.

You will operate as a trusted partner to senior leaders and influential stakeholders, leveraging networks, insight and opportunity to build a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support.

Alongside income generation, you will play a key role in shaping how Marie Curie engages high‑net‑worth individuals bringing innovation, credibility and strategic thinking to a growing function.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Building a pipeline of new high‑net‑worth individuals through proactive outreach, networking and relationship building
• Owning and driving your own workload, managing your prospect pipeline and identifying new opportunities
• Initiating conversations, arranging face‑to‑face meetings and creating bespoke cultivation journeys
• Working closely with senior leaders and volunteers to develop and progress donor relationships
• Developing compelling propositions and confidently making five and six‑figure asks
• Using creativity, curiosity and insight to spot opportunities others might miss
• Representing Marie Curie externally and helping grow our profile with influential audiences

Who We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in major donor or philanthropy fundraising
• A proven record of securing significant philanthropic income, including five and six‑figure gifts
• The credibility and presence to engage and influence high‑net‑worth individuals and senior stakeholders
• Strong commercial judgement combined with a donor‑centric, relationship‑led approach
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling cases for support and lead high‑value conversations
• Strategic thinking, resilience and the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity
• A collaborative mindset, with the confidence to contribute across a high‑performing national team

You don’t need to come from a traditional charity major gifts background; transferable experience from relationship‑led, high‑value environments is welcome.

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and a set of questions. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Close date for applications: Monday 8th June 2026

Salary: £40,000 - £45,000

Contract: Full time, perm

Based: Hybrid position, with 1–2 days per week based in Marie Curie offices or hospices, including some travel as required.

Benefits You’ll LOVE

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry‑leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

Additional Information

At Marie Curie, our values are central to everything we do. They guide how we care for people, how we work together, and how we make decisions every day. We are committed to creating a workplace that is safe for everyone — staff and volunteers alike — supportive, inclusive and rewarding. We take stringent steps to ensure that anyone who joins our organisation are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. We actively consider our impact on the planet, embedding sustainability into everyday decisions to create a lasting, positive difference for the individuals we care for and the world we share.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. Marie Curie is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, recognising both the social justice imperative and the strength a diverse workforce brings. We actively encourage applications from people of all cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you require any support, please contact us at [e-mail].

Every application we receive is personally reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team, and in return, we ask that your application authentically reflects you — your experience, perspective and voice.