Job Description

Purposeful vision. Ambitious strategies.

Personalised

experiences for all.

Executive Director of Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement

Reports to:

Chief Executive Officer

Directorate:

Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement(MFE)

Contract:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time 35 hours

Location:

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

Closing date:

19 th August 2025


Please let us know if there is anything about the recruitment process that you would like to discuss, in particular if there are any changes or adjustments that would make it easier for you to apply. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer

together

.

A s the world's leading cancer charity, we are at the forefront of the global fight against cancer, bringing together millions of people who share our determination to beat it. For over 120 years, we've been making discoveries that have saved countless lives, and which benefit millions of people around the world each year. Yet, the challenge of cancer remains , we have so much more to do. We want to live in a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.


As our Executive Director of Marketing Fundraising & Engagement your leadership will ensure we inspire millions more people to support our mission, by providing brilliant products, services, and experiences that better meet their needs, so more people live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. You'll spearhead a bold transformation that puts audiences at the heart of everything we do. As the UK's number one charity brand, we're evolving to meet changing expectations--modernising how we connect with people, and delivering more personalised, relevant experiences. You'll shape a future where our products, services, and engagement strategies are audience-first, ensuring we remain impactful, innovative, and grow our income and contribution to life saving cancer researc h.

What will I be doing?

Shape and deliver an ambitious, audience-led mass fundraising strategy, targeting a 500m contribution by 2030/31. Drive sustainable income growth by optimising existing programmes and unlocking new innovations, partnerships, and income streams. Lead CRUK's data and digital transformation, embedding a modern, insight-driven operating model and harnessing Gen AI capabilities. Define and implement a compelling brand and marketing strategy to deepen supporter engagement and enhance CRUK's visibility. Oversee MFE's annual planning and performance, ensuring alignment with strategic and financial goals. Build and lead an inclusive, high-performing leadership team that reflects CRUK's values and EDI commitments. Champion a culture of purpose, performance, and wellbeing, supporting continuous staff development and engagement. Represent CRUK externally and at Executive Board level, ensuring strong governance, risk management, and sector leadership.

What are we looking for?

Proven success in leading large-scale, audience-led marketing, sales and/or fundraising strategies that deliver sustainable income growth and contribution. Executive-level experience, ideally as a Chief Marketing Officer or equivalent, within a complex, high-profile organisation. Strong track record in brand strategy, marketing leadership, and using consumer insight to shape compelling propositions. Demonstrated ability to lead digital, data and business transformation Commercially astute, with a focus on achieving ambitious financial goals. E xperienced in leading complex change programmes, aligning people, systems, and culture to strategic objectives . Collaborative and influential, with the ability to build strong relationships across sectors, senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams. Committed to building high-performing teams and inclusive, and nurturing talent through effective leadership, performance management and succession planning. Brings a strong external perspective, staying attuned to shifts in , audience behaviour, marketing, brand, sales and technology and the broader commercial landscape 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 .

How do I apply?

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.


For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk .


For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In , Facebook , Instagram , X and YouTube .

#LI-DNI

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.


We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or

0

20 3469 8400 as soon as possible.


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.