Philanthropy Lead

**Philanthropy Lead - Translation & Innovation**

**Salary**: £75,000 - £85,000 plus benefits

**Reports to**:Associate Director of Philanthropy

**Directorate**:Strategy & Philanthropy

**Contract**:Permanent

**Hours**:Full time 35 hours per week (flexible working requests will be considered)

**Location**:Stratford, London Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office) There will be national and (potentially) international travel with this role.

**Closing date**:Sunday 2nd November 2025 23:55

**At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.**

We’re a collective force, tackling cancer on all fronts to save and improve lives. We fund pioneering research, we provide reliable and accessible information, we influence policy, and we encourage positive behaviour change. We are a passionate team of professionals driven by purpose, striving to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer research and treatment. We are the world’s biggest charitable funder of cancer research raising on average £640m a year.

As we expand our efforts, we’re recruiting an inspiring, principal gifts fundraiser to join one of the most successful philanthropic fundraising teams in the UK. We’re a dynamic, innovative team of talented professionals spearheading the ambitious £400m More Research, Less Cancer campaign. With over £230m already raised, we’re making strides to revolutionise cancer research, focusing on; The Francis Crick Institute, Cancer Grand Challenges, Translation & Innovation and our Future Leaders’ programme.

In this role, you'll lead the cultivation and stewardship of a portfolio of donors capable of making £1 million+ gifts, with a focus on supporting translational research that helps turn scientific discoveries into new treatments, tests and technologies that benefit people with cancer.

Areas of focus include the Centre for Drug Development - the world’s only charity-funded drug development facility - and our emerging data and AI strategy, which aims to accelerate scientific discovery and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.

**What will I be doing?**
- Work in partnership with the Associate Director of Philanthropy to lead new philanthropic initiatives supporting the Translation and Innovation pillar of the More Research, Less Cancer campaign.
- Manage a portfolio of prospects with the capacity to give £1m+, focusing on qualification, engagement, and stewardship throughout the full giving cycle. Drive consistent pipeline progress by securing donations and cultivating future support to strengthen CRUK’s donor base.
- Achieve agreed fundraising income and prospect cultivation targets and provide regular reporting and metrics against goals.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders—including academics, researchers, institutional leaders, and volunteer leaders - to develop and implement strategies for securing gifts of £1M+.
- Support the recruitment, engagement, and stewardship of senior volunteer leaders and campaign board members, working closely with colleagues to leverage their networks and influence in securing transformational gifts.
- Collaborate with internal teams to develop compelling, insight-led philanthropic narratives and funding propositions, translating CRUK’s research priorities into opportunities that inspire philanthropic support.
- Develop a strong working knowledge of CRUK’s research and impact.
- Contribute to team development by actively sharing best practices, insights, and learnings, fostering a collaborative culture across the Philanthropy Directorate.
- Stay informed about evolving gift and data policies in the UK, ensuring compliance with all relevant fundraising regulations.
- Contribute to cross-directorate initiatives, strategy development, and participate in working groups and other collaborative activities as appropriate.

**What are we looking for?**
- Extensive experience in professional fundraising within a complex and ambitious organisation, with a proven track record of securing seven-figure gifts.
- Deep knowledge of principal and major gift fundraising best practices, along with a strong understanding of the broader issues and trends shaping philanthropy today.
- Demonstrated success working in fast-paced, complex environments, including involvement in significant fundraising campaigns and managing multiple, high-stakes projects.
- Excellent project management and organisational skills, with strong attention to detail. Exceptional writing ability and confidence using technology, including databases, Excel, PowerPoint, and other platforms.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and new territory, with the ability to set clear direction and establish new protocols. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Highly organised and consistently able to deliver high-quality work under pressure, managing competing deadlines and prioritising effectively to support CRUK’s mission to fund world-class science.
- Strategic