Head of Philanthropy, Maternity Cover

Head of Philanthropy, Maternity Cover

Merrifield Consultants is delighted to be working with a charity to recruit a Head of Philanthropy for a 12 month maternity cover contract.

The charity provides specialist care and practical and emotional support to seriously unwell children and their families. Philanthropy is a significant source of income, with an established programme spanning major donors, trusts and mid value supporters.

This role will lead the philanthropy team, manage a personal portfolio of major donors and strengthen the pipeline for future income. It offers a strong balance of strategic leadership, team management and direct relationship fundraising.

Salary: £50,000 to £55,000 per annum
Contract: 12 month fixed term contract
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Location: North London
Working pattern: Hybrid, with a minimum of three days per week in the office

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the philanthropy programme: Set clear priorities across major donors, trusts and mid value giving, translating the fundraising strategy into focused plans, targets and measurable activity.
• Grow major donor income: Manage and develop a portfolio of significant supporters, securing substantial and multi year gifts through thoughtful cultivation, compelling asks and excellent stewardship.
• Build a stronger pipeline: Identify new prospects, reconnect with lapsed supporters and create clear routes for mid value donors to deepen their engagement.
• Manage and develop the team: Lead a small team covering major donors and trusts, providing clear direction, effective line management and support with professional development.
• Engage senior stakeholders: Work closely with the Director of Fundraising and Communications, Chief Executive and senior colleagues to develop relationships and support their donor portfolios.
• Strengthen performance: Oversee budgets, forecasts and reporting, using data and supporter insight to inform decisions and improve results.

Person Profile

• Major donor expertise: A strong track record of securing significant gifts from individuals and growing income through carefully managed relationships is essential.
• Credible leadership: Experience of managing and motivating fundraisers, setting clear expectations and creating a supportive, accountable team culture.
• Strategic judgement: The ability to develop fundraising plans, manage budgets and turn ambitious objectives into practical activity.
• Strong relationship skills: A confident and persuasive communicator who can engage donors, senior volunteers and colleagues with warmth and credibility.
• Excellent organisation: Comfortable managing competing priorities, maintaining accurate CRM records and keeping activity focused on agreed outcomes.
• Collaborative approach: Able to work effectively across an organisation and bring colleagues into donor engagement and stewardship.
• Experience of trust fundraising would be helpful but is not essential. An understanding of sensitive, family centred charitable services would also be valuable.

This role will require some evening and weekend work, with time off in lieu provided. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate a clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and responsible fundraising practice.

To apply or to arrange a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Merrifield Consultants.

We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.