Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy
We are seeking an inspiring and relationship‑led fundraising leader to drive partnership and philanthropy growth across this Homelessness Charity.
Salary: £51,587–£55,661 per annum
Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex (hybrid)
Hours: 37 per week
Closing date: 17th April 2026
Interviews: w/c 27th April 2026
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to lead and grow a broad portfolio of partnership‑driven income streams at a time of strategic organisational development. As Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy, you will shape and deliver a multi‑year strategy encompassing corporate partnerships, community fundraising, major donors and legacy development.
You will play a pivotal role in building sustainable, values‑led relationships with local businesses, community groups and high‑value supporters, strengthening the charity’s financial resilience and long‑term impact. Working closely with senior colleagues, you will ensure public‑facing income streams are structured for growth, aligned with organisational priorities and supported by excellent stewardship.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development and delivery of strategies for corporate partnerships, community fundraising, major donors and legacy giving.
- Setting annual income targets, monitoring performance and ensuring a balanced and sustainable income mix.
- Identifying, cultivating and securing high‑value philanthropic and partnership opportunities.
- Providing strategic oversight to corporate and community fundraising teams, ensuring effective pipeline management and high‑quality stewardship.
- Supporting the development of major donor and legacy programmes, including donor journeys and long‑term supporter engagement.
- Providing leadership to a multi-disciplinary team, embedding KPIs, performance management and a collaborative, accountable culture.
- Ensuring cross‑directorate collaboration with Digital, Communications, Trusts and Events colleagues.
- Contributing to budget planning, governance, regulatory compliance and reporting to senior leadership and trustees.
About You
You will be an ambitious, strategic fundraising leader with a strong track record of securing and growing relationship-led income across corporate and community audiences.
You will bring:
- Significant experience in corporate partnerships and community fundraising at managerial level.
- Proven success in developing high‑value partnerships and supporter relationships.
- Experience leading and developing high‑performing fundraising teams.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders and inspire supporters.
- Financial acumen and confidence managing income targets and forecasts.
- A strategic mindset combined with the ability to turn plans into successful delivery.
Experience in major donor development, legacy fundraising or working within a medium‑sized charity is desirable.
About the Organisation
You will be joining a respected charity with a strong community presence, entering a period of structured growth. The organisation is committed to building sustainable, community‑rooted income streams and strengthening its impact across the region. You will play a leading role in shaping its future success.
Other roles you may have experience of could include:
Head of Fundraising, Head of Philanthropy, Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager, Partnerships Lead, Major Donor Manager, Head of Income Generation, Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Supporter Engagement, Corporate Relations Manager.