Philanthropy Lead (UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

About Cancer Research UK

At Cancer Research UK (CRUK), our mission is simple but powerful — to beat cancer.
We’re a collective force, tackling cancer on every front to save and improve lives. Through funding groundbreaking research, providing trusted information, shaping public policy, and driving positive behaviour change, we are the world’s largest charitable funder of cancer research, raising an average of £640 million annually.

As part of our ambitious £400 million “More Research, Less Cancer” campaign—which has already raised over £230 million—we’re seeking an inspiring and strategic Philanthropy Lead to focus on Translation and Innovation. This role is ideal for a talented principal gifts fundraiser ready to help drive the next era of discovery and impact.

About the Role

You will lead philanthropic activity supporting CRUK’s Translation and Innovation portfolio, helping transform scientific discoveries into real-world treatments, technologies, and diagnostics for people affected by cancer.

Key areas of focus include:

The Centre for Drug Development — the world’s only charity-funded drug development facility.

CRUK’s Data and AI Strategy, accelerating discovery and improving patient outcomes.

You’ll manage a portfolio of donors capable of giving £1 million or more, cultivating meaningful relationships and delivering transformational funding to power CRUK’s world-class research.

Key Responsibilities

Partner with the Associate Director of Philanthropy to lead new major gift initiatives aligned with the Translation and Innovation pillar of CRUK’s campaign.

Manage a portfolio of high-value prospects (£1m+), overseeing qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship throughout the full giving cycle.

Deliver on agreed fundraising income and engagement targets, maintaining accurate reports and metrics.

Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including researchers, academics, institutional leaders, and campaign board members.

Support the recruitment and engagement of senior volunteers and campaign leaders, leveraging their networks to secure transformational gifts.

Translate complex research and innovation priorities into compelling philanthropic propositions that inspire giving.

Develop a deep understanding of CRUK’s science and impact to communicate the organisation’s vision effectively.

Share best practices and contribute to the development of the wider philanthropy team.

Ensure compliance with UK fundraising and data protection regulations.

About You

We’re looking for a strategic, relationship-driven leader with significant experience in principal or major gift fundraising, ideally within a large, complex organisation or campaign environment.

You will bring:

A strong record of securing seven-figure gifts and managing high-value donor relationships.

Excellent stakeholder management skills and the confidence to engage with senior figures, including donors, academics, and institutional leaders.

Deep understanding of major and principal gift fundraising strategies and the philanthropic landscape.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft compelling cases for support.

Proven experience managing complex projects and meeting ambitious fundraising targets.

A collaborative, flexible approach and the ability to thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Commitment to CRUK’s mission and enthusiasm for advancing cancer research and innovation.

Our Values

• Our values guide everything we do:
• Bold: Act with ambition, courage, and determination.
• Credible: Demonstrate professionalism and rigour in everything we do.
• Human: Treat everyone with empathy, respect, and kindness.
• Together: Work inclusively and collaboratively to achieve shared goals.

What We Offer

• Cancer Research UK is committed to supporting your wellbeing and professional development. We provide:
• A generous benefits package including pension, holiday, and healthcare options.
• Access to career development programmes, mentoring, and learning opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements and wellbeing support.

How to Apply

We use an anonymised shortlisting process to ensure fairness and equality. Please complete the online application form in full; CVs will only be reviewed at the interview stage.

If you have any questions, need adjustments during the recruitment process, or would like to discuss accessibility

Visa Sponsorship:
Cancer Research UK can consider visa sponsorship for this role. Please clearly indicate this on your application if applicable.

We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from ethnic minority communities currently underrepresented within the organisation.

Please note that applicants must be 18 years or older to apply.

Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in one of the UK’s most ambitious philanthropic campaigns—helping to turn groundbreaking research into life-saving treatments.

At Cancer Research UK, your ideas and leadership can help change the future of cancer forever.