Philanthropy will play a defining role in delivering this ambition. With plans to significantly scale income over the coming years, we are seeking a senior, commercially-minded Philanthropy Lead to drive high-value growth and deepen engagement with influential supporters across the UK.
As Philanthropy Lead, you will take ownership of a high-value donor portfolio, securing and stewarding five and six figure gifts while driving forward a donor-centric fundraising strategy.
You will operate as a trusted partner to senior leaders and influential stakeholders, leveraging networks, insight and opportunity to build a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support.
Alongside income generation, you will play a key role in shaping how Marie Curie engages high-net-worth individuals bringing innovation, credibility and strategic thinking to a growing function.
What you’ll be doing
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Building a pipeline of new high-net-worth individuals through proactive outreach, networking and relationship building
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Owning and driving your own workload, managing your prospect pipeline and identifying new opportunities
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Initiating conversations, arranging face-to-face meetings and creating bespoke cultivation journeys
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Working closely with senior leaders and volunteers to develop and progress donor relationships
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Developing compelling propositions and confidently making five and six-figure asks
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Using creativity, curiosity and insight to spot opportunities others might miss
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Representing Marie Curie externally and helping grow our profile with influential audiences
Who we’re looking for
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Proven experience in major donor or philanthropy fundraising
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A proven record of securing significant philanthropic income, including five and six figure gifts
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The credibility and presence to engage and influence high-net-worth individuals and senior stakeholders
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Strong commercial judgement combined with a donor-centric, relationship-led approach
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Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling cases for support and lead high-value conversations
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Strategic thinking, resilience and the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity
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A collaborative mindset, with the confidence to contribute across a high-performing national team
You don’t need to come from a traditional charity major gifts background transferable experience from relationship-led, high-value environments is welcome.
Application & Interview Process
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As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and a set of questions. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
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Close date for applications: Monday 8th June 2026
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000
Contract: Full time, perm
Based: Hybrid position, with 1–2 days per week based in Marie Curie offices or hospices, including some travel as required.
Benefits you’ll LOVE:
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Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
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25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
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Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
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Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
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Continuous professional development opportunities.
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Industry-leading training programmes
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Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
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Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
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Access to Blue Light Card membership
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Subsidised Eye Care
