Head of Philanthropy & Capital Campaign

About the role

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising and Campaigns, the Head of Philanthropy and Capital Campaign will lead a high-performing team to deliver significant philanthropic income, with a particular focus on our landmark £50 million Join the Future capital campaign to build the Royal Free London Cancer Centre. This is a unique opportunity to shape and deliver one of the most ambitious fundraising initiatives in the charity s history.

You will oversee a talented team working across major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporate fundraising, providing strategic direction and hands-on support to secure transformational gifts. A key aspect of the role involves managing the Campaign Development Board and working closely with senior stakeholders, clinicians, trustees and volunteers to cultivate long-term relationships and unlock new income opportunities, driving income growth and helping to deliver a project that will transform cancer care for generations to come.

Collaboration will be central to your success, working cross-functionally with colleagues from both the NHS and the charity to align fundraising activity and ensure a seamless, high-impact donor experience.

Who we are looking for

We re looking for a senior fundraising professional with a strong track record in high-value fundraising and capital campaigns.

You ll be an empowering leader and expert relationship-builder, confident in working with high-net-worth individuals, senior volunteers, trustees, and clinicians.

With a deep understanding of major donor fundraising, you ll thrive on the opportunity to lead a campaign of real ambition and scale.

Our fundraising department

Our dynamic fundraising department generated £4.5m through donations in 2023/24, and we are now preparing for an ambitious £50 million campaign to fund the construction of a ground-breaking cancer centre on the site of the Royal Free Hospital.

We pride ourselves on being a supporter-focused and agile function, working at the heart of the charity to deliver impact for patients and staff across our hospitals. Responsible for attracting and retaining donors, and delivering an outstanding supporter experience, the fundraising department comprises of two teams which work closely together to achieve our shared objectives:

• Our Philanthropy & Capital Campaign team builds relationships with individual philanthropists, trusts, foundations, corporate organisations and intermediaries, giving or facilitating donations of £10,000 or more to the charity each year. They lead major appeal activity for the charity, currently focused on our forthcoming cancer campaign, the charity s first patron programme, and special events to support these activities.
• Our Public Fundraising team harnesses the support and energy of individuals and groups, helping them to give back in the way that works for them. This includes committed giving, in memory support, gifts in wills, and fundraising events and challenges.
• Our Fundraising Operations team underpins and supports the entire department.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Significant experience in major donor and capital campaign fundraising
• Proven ability to secure five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts
• Leadership experience, including line management of a high-performing team
• Experience working with senior volunteers, trustees, and high-net-worth individuals
• Strong skills in setting and managing income targets and budgets
• Excellent communication, influencing, and organisational skills
• Ability to analyse fundraising data and develop compelling donor materials

Desirable:

• Experience in corporate, trust, or legacy fundraising
• Fundraising experience in healthcare, the NHS, or higher education
• Familiarity with Raiser s Edge and PowerPoint
• Understanding of the North London philanthropic landscape