Refugee Council – Chief Philanthropy Lead

Location: Stratford, London (hybrid of home working and 1-2 days per week in office).

Salary: £51,099 - £55,158, depending on experience.

Contract: Permanent, full-time hours.

Refugee Council is seeking an experienced philanthropy specialist to lead on and take philanthropic support at the charity to a new level, supported by trustees and a comprehensive growth plan.

Refugee Council is a leading charity supporting refugees and people seeking asylum to rebuild their lives in safety here in the UK. Providing practical, hands on support, their award winning services include welcoming refugees into local communities across the country, providing specialist children’s services – with a particular focus on refugee children who arrive here alone, helping people to navigate the asylum system, and supporting people to access housing and employment. Evidence from services is then used to also inform the charity’s leading policy and influencing work, including campaigning for a fairer and kinder refugee protection system. The charity works with more than 14,000 men, women and children every year.

As a result of growing need and increasing interest in Refugee Council’s work, the charity has ambitious plans to make a leap in impact, with investment in their Philanthropy Team to raise increased funds from key high value audiences.

The Chief Philanthropy Lead will provide critical support to ensure that the charity is able to offer gold standard cultivation and stewardship to their growing portfolio of current donors and prospects, leading a team of philanthropy fundraisers to cultivate and strengthen relationships with donors, as well as creating and engaging new donors with the capacity to support at the highest giving levels. Reporting to, and supported, by the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships, there will be a key focus on engaging donors passionately, presenting compelling cases for change, and using innovative campaigns including those that focus on football, comedy and the sharing of food to strategically position Refugee Council as the cause to support.

The ideal candidate will have an extensive background in philanthropy fundraising, with a proven track record of securing significant donations at the six and seven-figure levels. They will be strategic thinkers, with experience in developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies, as well as fundraising opportunities events and engagement that will inspire and engage donors and prospects. Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities will be combined with exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a focus on fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

You will have the most moving and diverse case for support. Cases that encompass innovative external affairs campaigns aimed at engaging policy makers and the public.

Refugee Council knows that step change takes time and planning, and they have put together a plan for growth that is ambitious but is also realistic and allows time for development and engagement. This plan also includes recruiting prospecting, stewardship, and communications expertise, so that growth is supported, planned and achievable.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and ambitious team recently shortlisted for Fundraising Team of the Year at the 2023 Third Sector Awards, and working with the Third Sector 2023’s Frontline Service Team of the Year, as well as contributing to the transformation of the experiences of refugees seeking protection in the UK.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 19th February 2024, 9am GMT.

If you would prefer a more accessible version of this pack in Microsoft Word, please send your request to talent@aawpartnership.com