Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships (Maternity cover)

***Please download the job description for full details***

About the role

In this leadership role, you will lead our Philanthropy and Partnerships Team, driving strategies across corporate partnerships, trusts & foundations, major donors, and other high-value supporters. With a focus on meeting income targets, appeal planning, and long-term forecasting, you’ll play a vital role in maximising our fundraising impact.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring proven experience in managing high-value relationships across corporate partnerships, major donors, trusts & foundations, and statutory bodies. You'll have a strong track record of securing and growing long-term partnerships, including successfully negotiating six or seven-figure sums with corporate partners and/or major donors. You'll bring outstanding communication and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to engage high-value supporters and collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the corporate, trust & foundation, major donor and other high value supporter strategies.
• Manage and develop the Rapid Response Network, retaining existing partnerships whilst also identifying and securing new partnerships.
• Deliver excellent stewardship that retains and develops support.
• Take to completion and implement recommendations from strategic projects, to include the major donor review and the RRN / corporate support review.
• Continually hone “next appeal” plans that lead to successful appeal launches and maximise funds raised throughout the appeal life cycle.
• Achieve annual core cost income targets and put in place robust forecasting for future years.

What we offer

• Flexible working hours (outside of appeal periods)
• Hybrid working model (some mandatory office days during appeals)
• 25 days annual leave, increasing with service
• Healthcare Cash Plan (value ~£1,660/year)
• Pension contribution (3%, rising to 8% post-probation)
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Access to Wellhub, discounts, and ticket schemes
• Season ticket and hardship loans (post-probation)
• Cycle to Work and Car schemes (salary sacrifice)
   

How to apply

If you have the skills and passion for this role, please apply with your anonymised CV & cover letter [i.e. please state your initials only, not your full name] to recruitment@dec.org.uk by Thursday 2nd October 2025.

We encourage early applications and may hold interviews before the deadline.
We are also unable to support applications for our vacancies if you do not have the right to work in the UK

The DEC is an equal opportunities employer and provides opportunities to learn and grow in an inclusive, supportive, and productive environment. We encourage applications from anyone who can meet the criteria, regardless of gender, race, age, disability, sexuality, or religion.

The DEC is committed to the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults and participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from successful applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.  

By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent, to these recruitment procedures.