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 of dedicated professionals, scientists, and supporters working to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer more effectively.

We are the world’s largest charitable funder of cancer research, investing an average of £640 million annually to accelerate scientific discovery and improve patient outcomes.

As part of our ambitious £400 million “More Research, Less Cancer” campaign — which has already raised over £230 million — we’re expanding our Philanthropy Directorate and seeking a talented Philanthropy Lead to help drive transformational giving in the area of Translation & Innovation.

This work focuses on turning scientific breakthroughs into practical treatments, diagnostics, and technologies that directly benefit people with cancer.

Key areas of focus include:

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

Data and AI strategy – accelerating discovery and improving outcomes through technology.

The Opportunity

As Philanthropy Lead – Translation & Innovation, you will manage and grow a portfolio of high-value donors capable of contributing £1 million+ gifts.

You’ll play a vital role in shaping philanthropic strategies that support CRUK’s translational research agenda and drive innovation across the organisation. Working closely with senior leadership, researchers, and volunteers, you’ll develop compelling funding propositions that inspire major philanthropic support.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Work with the Associate Director of Philanthropy to develop and lead new fundraising initiatives supporting CRUK’s Translation & Innovation pillar.

• Create and implement strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts of £1 million+.
• Monitor progress against income and engagement targets, providing regular performance reports.

Donor Engagement

• Manage a portfolio of principal gift prospects, ensuring each relationship progresses through the full giving cycle.
• Cultivate long-term relationships with major donors, academics, institutional leaders, and volunteer campaign boards.
• Collaborate with colleagues to engage senior volunteer leaders and leverage networks for transformational giving.

Campaign & Proposal Development

• Translate CRUK’s research priorities into compelling philanthropic cases for support.
• Work cross-functionally to produce insight-driven proposals and donor materials.
• Maintain a deep understanding of CRUK’s science, impact, and strategic goals.

Collaboration & Compliance

• Partner with colleagues across the organisation to support fundraising strategies and cross-directorate initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all UK fundraising regulations and CRUK’s policies.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, learning, and best practice sharing within the Philanthropy team.

About You

Essential Experience & Skills

• Extensive experience in professional fundraising, ideally within a complex or research-led organisation.
• Proven success in securing seven-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals or institutions.
• Deep understanding of principal and major gift fundraising best practices.
• Strong project management, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to write compelling proposals and confidently use digital tools (CRM databases, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strategic and analytical thinker with a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.
• Confident working with senior stakeholders, academics, and volunteer leaders.
• Passion for science and innovation, with the ability to communicate complex research in an inspiring way.

Personal Attributes

• Highly motivated, proactive, and resilient under pressure.
• Committed to CRUK’s mission and values:
• Bold – Act with ambition and determination.
• Credible – Act with rigour and professionalism.
• Human – Act to have a positive impact on people.
• Together – Act inclusively and collaboratively.

What We Offer

At CRUK, we believe in supporting our people. You’ll benefit from:

• A generous benefits package and pension scheme.
• Extensive opportunities for career development and progression.
• A flexible, hybrid working environment that prioritises wellbeing and work–life balance.
• For more information about our benefits, please visit our Careers webpage
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Visa Sponsorship

• Cancer Research UK can consider visa sponsorship for this vacancy.
  If applicable, please indicate this clearly in your application.

How to Apply

• We operate an anonymised shortlisting process to support our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Please complete the online work history section of the application form.
• CVs will only be reviewed once candidates are invited for interview.
• We are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can contribute fully.