Head of Philanthropy
Department: KCL Philanthropy
Grade and Salary: £65,091 - £74,613 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance
About Us
Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (P&A) provides a fundraising and alumni engagement function in support of King’s College London. We work across the university and its health partners to serve society through world‑leading education, research and healthcare. Our partnership with the Maudsley Charity supports children’s mental health initiatives between the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and the South London & Maudsley NHS Trust.
As a committed team, we bring together fundraisers across channels, alongside colleagues who promote King’s College London’s engagement with its worldwide alumni community. Our success includes the global, award‑winning World Questions: King’s Answers campaign, which raised substantial funds to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. We hold CASE Platinum and Gold Awards for Fundraising and Donor Relations, and we prioritise a values‑driven culture that supports excellence and positive impact.
About the role
We are looking for two exceptional Heads of Philanthropy to join our team to significantly increase philanthropic income for faculty fundraising priorities across King’s College London. Within your application, please indicate which position you are applying to, or if you are happy to be considered for both.
One role will lead the Health, Science & Technology philanthropy team, and the other will lead the Arts & Social Sciences philanthropy team. Candidates should demonstrate curiosity and genuine interest in the academic areas that fall within the role, and work in partnership with King's experts and stakeholders to be successful.
King’s ambition is to scale philanthropic income for Faculties as we prepare to launch our next major fundraising and engagement campaign in 2027 and celebrate the university’s bicentenary in 2029. There is at least one major gift fundraiser working in each Faculty. Working closely with the Associate Director, Faculty Philanthropy, the postholder will play a pivotal role in developing and growing the major‑gift fundraising function. They will lead and nurture a team of high‑value fundraisers to secure gifts at the £50k level and above.
This is a full‑time post (35 hours per week) on an indefinite contract. P&A has a hybrid working approach, with a minimum of 40% of time in the office on King's campuses or meeting donors externally—typically two days per week. We welcome applications from those seeking part‑time and flexible working.
About You
To be successful, candidates should have the following skills and experience:
Essential criteria
1. Proven track record of identifying, cultivating and securing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts from major donors
2. Strong leadership skills, with experience managing a high‑performing fundraising or major‑gifts team
3. Ability to negotiate throughout a large, complex environment with multi‑dimensional points of view
4. Strategic planning and implementation skills
5. Proven track record in establishing, monitoring and achieving demanding targets, including income and activity metrics
6. Confidence and experience working effectively with, and influencing, senior stakeholders
7. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write and speak eloquently to internal and external stakeholders of all backgrounds
8. Willingness to attend or work at, where necessary, commitments outside normal working hours
Desirable criteria
1. Experience working within or knowledge of the higher education sector in the UK
2. Experience in the public or voluntary sectors
3. Experience with a CRM or fundraising database
Further Information
We pride ourselves on inclusivity and welcoming diversity. We aim to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King’s and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including part‑time, compressed hours and job shares where appropriate.
All candidates must submit a CV and a supporting statement detailing how they meet the essential criteria. If a strong field of candidates is received, we may use the desirable criteria to determine the final shortlist. Please indicate your preference for either the Health, Science & Technology or the Arts & Social Sciences role in your supporting statement.
Closing Date: 17th November 2025
Interview stages:
* First‑stage skills‑based interview – Tuesday 25th November
* Second‑stage interview and presentation – week commencing 1st December
* Core Values interview – week commencing 8th December (for up to two candidates)
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