Head of philanthropy - Permanent - Full Time

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Philanthropy to lead and transform our major donor programme. This role is full time, based at our King’s Cross office in London, with hybrid working in place. The successful candidate will work 2–3 days per week on site and meeting donors, with the remainder worked remotely.

This is a critical senior leadership role responsible for developing and delivering an ambitious philanthropy strategy that builds a sustainable pipeline of five, six and seven-figure, multi-year gifts from high-net-worth individuals.

You will shape and grow a sector-leading major donor programme – strengthening stewardship, building influential networks and inspiring transformational support for people with complex disabilities.

What You’ll Lead

Strategic Income Growth

• Develop and deliver an ambitious philanthropy strategy.
• Build and manage a sustainable, multi-year pipeline of five, six and seven-figure gifts.
• Review and enhance stewardship journeys and relationship management standards.
• Expand and develop mid-level giving programmes to grow supporter volume and value.
• Identify, engage and steward key ambassadors and networks.
• Deliver high-impact events that generate strong return on investment.
• Develop compelling, emotionally engaging proposals and presentations.

Leadership & Culture

• Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing philanthropy team.
• Coach and empower managers to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
• Model inclusive, values-led leadership.
• Partner with senior leaders across the organisation to align strategy and propositions.
• Embed collaboration and co-production across fundraising activity.

Performance & Governance

• Take full accountability for budgets, KPIs and income targets.
• Monitor and forecast income performance, taking corrective action where needed.
• Lead cross-team strategic initiatives that strengthen capability and shared learning.
• Ensure compliance with the Fundraising Regulator Code of Conduct, GDPR and data protection requirements.

About You

We are looking for a strategic, relationship-led fundraising leader with a proven track record of securing transformational support from high-net-worth individuals.

You will bring:

• Demonstrable experience of transforming a major donor programme.
• Proven success securing and stewarding multi-year, five and six-figure gifts (and above).
• Significant leadership experience within the not-for-profit sector.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting and performance analysis.
• Data-driven decision-making skills (ideally with experience of Power BI, MS Dynamics or similar).
• Exceptional communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• A values-led approach that authentically includes people with lived experience.
• The ability to operate confidently within a large and complex organisation.

You will also be willing to travel within the UK and attend occasional evening and weekend events.

About Sense

We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Sense is proud to be a disability confident leader .

Working at Sense can be incredibly rewarding; we offer the opportunity to work in a large, diverse and successful charity where people can develop their skills, knowledge and careers in a supportive and flexible environment. In addition, we have excellent training and development, the opportunity for you to join our Group Personal Pension scheme and a generous annual leave entitlement.

To apply

Please use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your application to shortlist candidates for interview; in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly. We would recommend that you read the candidate guidelines, job description and person specification (found at the base of this advert) before applying.

Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.

If you require any further assistance, please contact the Recruitment Team on 0121 393 4529 or [email protected]

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role.

For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. For more information please visit:

No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.