Appointed Senior Philanthropy Lead

British Heart Foundation

With around 7.6 million individuals in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) plays a crucial role in raising funds to support life-saving research and provide support to those affected by these conditions. Heart and circulatory diseases can impact anyone, and the BHF aims to realize their vision of a world free from the fear of these diseases by funding breakthrough research.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a dynamic and innovative team at the BHF, where a strong sense of community permeates the charity.

We are seeking a tenacious and ambitious major donor fundraiser who will focus on developing and cultivating new relationships with philanthropists capable of giving £75k+.

The role will involve proactive engagement with prospects and donors through various channels such as phone calls, meetings, events and emailing relevant content and cases for support.

While the team currently achieves an annual revenue of c.£3 million from major donors, there is significant potential for further growth. BHF is eager to find someone who can bring creativity and innovation to their approach, understanding the diverse interests and motivations of donors, and can effectively convey complex information in a compelling manner.

The role offers the opportunity to secure funding for incredibly exciting programmes and projects, including BHF’s CureHeart initiative, which is aiming to find a cure for an inherited heart muscle disease.

If you thrive on establishing and nurturing relationships and are eager to join a motivated and forward-thinking team, then this opportunity is perfect for you.

About the role

As Philanthropy Lead, you will:

  • Manage and cultivate a portfolio of c.100 individual major prospects and donors with a gift capacity of £75k+
  • Develop creative, tailored cultivation and stewardship plans to engage donors with BHF’s vital work – inspiring passion, commitment and a sense of connection to BHF
  • Create strong donor communications and funding proposals that effectively communicate complex ideas
  • Support the BHF’s senior and academic leadership team and volunteers to foster and curate relationships with philanthropic individuals and other senior influencers
  • Work with the relevant teams to identify prospects and build a sustainable pipeline of prospective donors

About you

The role would suit someone with:

  • A proven track record in major gift fundraising with evidence of successful solicitation of six figure gifts and multi-year gifts
  • Strong relationship-building skills with the ability and confidence to interact with new and existing philanthropists
  • Knowledge of major gift fundraising techniques, and what it takes to achieve success in developing income from high value prospects and donors
  • Strong writing skills, enabling you to craft compelling cases for support that resonate with donors and connect them to the cause

Employee benefits

  • Hybrid working – typically once a fortnight is expected at the King’s Cross office, but flexibility is needed for adhoc internal meetings and meeting with donors.
  • 30 days annual leave, in addition to bank holidays
  • Private medical insurance
  • Private dental cover
  • Contribution to gym membership
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Pension scheme – You can contribute a minimum of 3% but can increase this to 8% or more, with employer contribution starting at 5% and increasing to a maximum of 10%
  • Enhanced maternity leave, with 12 weeks full pay
  • Enhanced paternity leave, with 2 weeks full pay
  • Shared parental leave
  • Adoption leave
  • Life Assurance (a lump sum of x4 annual salary)

Further details about British Heart Foundation’s benefits package can be viewed here.

Explore more opportunities

Trust and Corporate Fundraising Manager

Employment support charity • Remote or Hybrid • £40,000

Build on a well-established grant fundraising programme and help propel corporate partnerships to new heights.

Interviewing Fundraising Manager

International NGO • Remote • c.£50,000

A highly regarded NGO that collects and analyses conflict data is seeking an entreprenurial fundraiser to grow income from institutional funders and foundations, with long term plans to focus on corporates and HNWI’s.

Interviewing Senior Philanthropy Executive

Prostate Cancer UK • Hybrid, 1dpw at London Bridge office • £34,300 – £37,300

Looking for an ambitious fundraiser to join PCUK’s Philanthropy team, capitalising on recent growth and with the chance to really make your mark.

Skip to content