Job Description

Senior Philanthropy Manager (with 2 line reports)


54000 - 59,000 plus benefits

Reports to:

Leadership Gift Lead

Directorate:

Strategy & Philanthropy

Contract:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time 35 hours per week

Location:

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

Closing date:

2 November 2025 23:55


This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. 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.

Visa sponsorship:

You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is

not

able to offer visa sponsorship.

Recruitment process:

2 stage process, 1st stage via Microsoft Teams, 2nd stage in person at our head office in Stratford.

Interview date:

First round; Week commencing 17 November 2025

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

Do you like getting to know people? Can you listen and connect, interpret motivations and inspire positive reactions? Are you looking for a role where your relationship-building moves us one step closer to a world free from the fear of cancer? Cancer Research UK are looking for an ambitious and proactive Senior Philanthropy Manager to join the Leadership Giving team.


In this role you will inspire a portfolio of current and prospective major donors to make financial gifts of 100,000 - 1,000,000 and beyond. This role will also line manage two Philanthropy Managers, supporting them to develop and achieve their own fundraising success.


Our sector leading Philanthropy team raised c40million last year and we have high ambitions and a clear strategy to grow. Following the launch of our ' More Research, Less Cancer' campaign in February 2024, more than ever we are keen to expand our networks and build meaningful relationships with philanthropic individuals. Our goal is to connect and collaborate, offering opportunities to support our life saving research in a tailored and impactful way, such as supporting a PhD student through their programme.


In this senior role, you'll leverage your expertise in influencing, negotiation, and relationship-building to engage and steward a diverse network of high-value supporters. You could be from a philanthropy/fundraising background or come from a commercial role where you are used to meeting and exceeding financial KPIs. Either way, this role offers you the opportunity to use your skills and experience to have a real impact on patient outcomes.

What will I be doing?

-------------------------

Manage a portfolio of prospects, donors and senior volunteers with a primary focus on raising gifts of 100,000 and beyond, with opportunity to lead on 1m+ capacity relationships Line manage two Philanthropy Managers; supporting their fundraising activity and personal development Build robust and collaborative relationships to manage the supporter pipeline and deliver first class donor experiences Qualify prospects and utilise senior volunteer insight to develop the engagement and stewardship of the portfolio through the full cycle of giving and renewal Maximise the use of the CRUK engagement offer, including high value special events and inspiring research content to cultivate prospects and steward donors to an exceptional standard Provide regular reporting and track metrics against goals to support portfolio reviews and ensure the portfolio remains on track to deliver organisational goals Partner with leadership, including scientific leadership and Philanthropy colleagues to develop and implement strategies for gifts of 100,000 - 1m+ and provide guidance to senior leadership on prospect strategies With support from senior colleagues contribute to the fundraising strategies for Leadership Giving objectives Develop a strong working knowledge of CRUK, in particular our fundraising campaign priorities of Future Leaders, the Francis Crick Institute, Cancer Grand Challenges and Translation & Innovation.

What are you looking for?

-----------------------------

Extensive knowledge of soliciting gifts from both warm and cold prospects at the five, six and seven figure level, or transferable experience of securing new business in a commercial sales environment Experience of either line management, matrix managements, supervisory experience, mentoring or coaching junior members of a team or comparable experience where you have motivated people to achieve goals and outcomes. Experience of working across complex organisations, navigating ambiguity Proven track record of major gift fundraising in the voluntary sector or similar transferable experience gained in the commercial sector, including having met/exceeded KPIs and financial targets over a sustained period Proven experience of building effective long-term relationships with high level individual stakeholders and/or senior volunteers including delivering significant income from and through senior volunteers Excellent stakeholder management skills and ability to work with, and communicate effectively and professionally with a wide range of individuals e.g. internal colleagues, institutional leaders, external collaborators, stakeholders and donors Working knowledge of the principals of major gift fundraising to include identification, research, solicitation and stewardship Experience of raising funds for medical research desirable A focus on performance and targets Exceptional listening, writing and communication skills; an engaging and inspiring communication style, with emotional intelligence to influence and negotiate
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 .


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.