Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

Find your next role with St John Ambulance.

Role: Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships

Location: London (hybrid, 2 days per week in the London office)

Our offer to you

We pride ourselves in being a great place to work, providing a supportive culture with opportunities to grow and develop your career, achieve a healthy work life balance and to be recognised for the great work you do. You will receive:

• Competitive salary and pension scheme
• 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) - increasing to 38 days over 5 years
• Cycle to work scheme Electric Vehicle Scheme
• Health and Wellbeing portal – access to financial, health and wellbeing support and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounts – you will have access to Blue Light and NHS Discounts as well as discounts on mobile phones, gym membership, cinema tickets, restaurants, holidays and shopping

About Us

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a team of over 1,400 employees and over 31,000 volunteers, united by our purpose which is to put the power of first aid in everyone’s hands so we’re all closer to help in an emergency.

We inspire the next generation with youth programmes and provide fully trained and equipped first aiders and ambulances for events.

We provide expert training and supplies for first aid, health and safety and mental health. Plus free apps, guides and resources.

As a charity that is part of the fabric of society, we are proud of our past and united in our efforts to inspire, empower and protect communities up and down the country.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and strategic fundraising leader to shape and deliver a new long-term high value giving strategy, driving significant income growth across corporates, philanthropy, trusts, foundations and statutory funders. This pivotal role will reinvigorate our approach to high value fundraising aligning with our new organisational strategy and refreshed brand. To expand our pipeline, grow income and build sustainable partnerships and relationships and explore new funding opportunities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading a high-performing team to deliver the annual plan and secure six-figure+ income
• Developing a clear, sustainable fundraising strategy and implementation roadmap across multiple income streams
• Creating compelling propositions and cases for support that align with our mission and strategic priorities
• Building and managing a strong pipeline of prospects with transparency and rigor

About You

• Extensive fundraising expertise, including building and managing high-value donor pipelines, securing six-figure+ gifts, and developing strategic partnerships with corporate, trust, statutory, and philanthropic donors.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience leading sizable teams, involving senior staff and volunteers, and working with fundraising boards.
• Strategic thinker and planner, with a proven ability to co-develop long-term high-value fundraising strategies, secure alternative funding, and translate goals into measurable plans.
• Highly skilled communicator and influencer, confident in presenting to senior stakeholders and Trustees, and adept at navigating and influencing within complex organisations.
• Proactive and values-driven, with strong negotiation, decision-making, and creative problem-solving skills; committed to driving income growth and innovation.
• Deep sector knowledge, including understanding of relevant fundraising markets, trends, and regulations, and able to lead with compassion, emotional intelligence, and openness to feedback.

About the Role

• Develop and implement a three-year high-value fundraising strategy and roadmap, underpinned by research, insight, KPIs, and measurable milestones.
• Manage income and expenditure budgets, ensuring financial targets are met, risks are mitigated, and performance is tracked against KPIs.
• Lead relationship-building and networking efforts, cultivating a strong pipeline of prospects and donors including high net worth individuals, trusts, corporates, and major grantmakers.
• Inspire and engage organisational leaders, staff, and volunteers in the identification and stewardship of key funders, ensuring collaborative relationship management.
• Drive the development of tailored funding propositions, working cross-functionally to align funder interests with organisational programmes and long-term goals.
• Ensure operational excellence, through effective frameworks, processes, and compliance with legal, regulatory, and best practice standards.
• Provide values-led leadership, fostering team development, continuous improvement, and alignment with St John’s compassionate leadership culture and strategic aims.

Please see the job description for more detail (this can be viewed on our website or once you click apply)

If you are a current St John Ambulance employee, please apply here: Click here

For all other candidates, or St John Ambulance volunteers wishing to apply: please apply below

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive high volume of applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

St John Ambulance are committed to increasing the diversity of our team and making sure we best reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.At St John, everyone is valued and supported to thrive, we have several networks including Multi Culture, Disability and Accessibility, Pride, Family and Carers and Women’s groups. We do nottolerate any form ofdiscriminationandengendera sense of belonging for all, by creating an environment of mutual respect, where we value unique differences and demonstrate authentic allyship.We believe passionately in equality, diversity and inclusion.

St John Ambulance is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice. Therefore, all successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including DBS Clearance, as part of the onboarding process, if applicable to the nature of the role. Please note: St John does not accept speculative CVs and will only review CVs sent in application for an advertised vacancy.

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