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 the world’s largest charitable funder of cancer research, raising around £640 million annually to fund life-changing science, support patients and families, and influence policy to improve cancer outcomes.

We’re a team driven by purpose, passion, and innovation. Together, we’re tackling cancer on all fronts — from research and prevention to treatment and education.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and inspiring Philanthropy Lead to join our Translation & Innovation team within the Strategy & Philanthropy Directorate.

You will play a pivotal role in leading principal gift fundraising, cultivating and stewarding a portfolio of major donors capable of giving £1 million+, particularly to support research that turns scientific discoveries into real-world treatments, technologies, and diagnostics.

This includes supporting initiatives such as:

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

CRUK’s emerging Data and AI Strategy, designed to accelerate scientific discovery and improve cancer outcomes.

You will work closely with the Associate Director of Philanthropy to shape new fundraising initiatives aligned with the More Research, Less Cancer campaign — a £400m campaign with over £230m already raised.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead philanthropic initiatives supporting CRUK’s Translation & Innovation strategy.
• Manage a portfolio of £1m+ donors, driving engagement, cultivation, and stewardship throughout the giving cycle.
• Achieve annual fundraising and donor pipeline targets, providing regular progress reports.
• Collaborate with internal leaders, researchers, and volunteer boards to develop and deliver transformational gifts.
• Create compelling, insight-driven fundraising narratives that connect donors to CRUK’s scientific mission.
• Recruit and engage senior volunteer leaders to strengthen donor networks and advocacy.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of fundraising compliance, data policies, and UK giving regulations.
• Contribute to cross-organisational strategy, innovation, and continuous improvement within the Philanthropy team.

About You

You are a confident and strategic fundraising professional with a proven ability to secure seven-figure philanthropic gifts and build long-term donor relationships.

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Extensive experience in principal or major gift fundraising within a large, complex organisation.
• Strong record of securing and stewarding £1m+ donations.
• Excellent relationship management, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills.
• Experience leading significant fundraising campaigns and managing multiple high-value projects.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and project management skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into compelling donor propositions.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity, setting priorities, and delivering under pressure.

Desirable:

• Understanding of the life sciences or research environment.
• Interest in data-driven fundraising and innovation in philanthropy.

Our Values

We are guided by four core values in everything we do:

• Bold: Act with ambition, courage, and determination.
• Credible: Work with integrity, professionalism, and expertise.
• Human: Treat everyone with compassion and respect.
• Together: Collaborate inclusively and support one another.

What We Offer

We provide a supportive and flexible working environment focused on wellbeing, personal growth, and career development. Benefits include:

• Generous annual leave and pension scheme
• Private healthcare and wellbeing support
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Professional and leadership development opportunities
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing and family-friendly policies

How to Apply

To apply, please complete our online application form. We use an anonymised shortlisting process to ensure fairness — CVs will only be reviewed once you are invited for an interview.

We value diversity, inclusion, and belonging and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds — especially individuals from underrepresented groups in philanthropy and research.