Head of Philanthropy, Health

The Opportunity:

Are you excited by raising funds for groundbreaking health research or scholarships to train the next generation of health practitioners? Would you thrive in a collaborative, ambitious, income generating working environment? Are you a proven leader with the skills and personality to take our team of health fundraisers to the next level? Would you welcome the opportunity to drive the University of Edinburgh health-related philanthropic strategy?

We are seeking a Head of Philanthropy, Health, who will be responsible for leading philanthropy for the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine (CMVM) and health-related projects across the wider University. 

This role is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role for CMVM’s and the University’s ambitious agenda to tackle global challenges, to educate the future workforce, to train the next generation of health leaders, and by doing so, improve the lives of people in the UK and far beyond. The post holder will be a proven leader with the skills and personality to take health philanthropy and advancement for the University to the next level – someone not only with a track record of delivering financial targets but with the charisma and vision to inspire colleagues across the College to play their role in this vital work. 

The post-holder will lead and manage the high-level health philanthropy and advancement strategy for the University, heading a team of fundraisers and working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and College Advancement, Head of College and Vice-Principal, College Registrar, College leadership team and key academics. Key areas of focus include generating support for priority research, teaching, capital projects, social responsibility, student scholarship and other programmes for college advancement, and engaging with high level donors, alumni and other stakeholders across all schools in the College and wider University.

The Head of Philanthropy, Health will also work with alumni engagement and advancement colleagues to enrich the experiences for students, alumni and staff in the College.

This is an open-ended and full-time position with the possibility of hybrid working.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• Professional experience working in a management post, and extensive experience of line managing income-generating teams is essential.
• Extensive experience of fundraising in Major Gifts OR an equivalent level track-record of securing income in the five, six and seven figure region through a variety of techniques, including in a front-facing role in sales, communications or marketing.
• Experience of developing strategic detailed income generation and engagement plans with associated communications and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are essential for dealings with staff on every level. A sympathy for and understanding of the importance of medicine, veterinary medicine and health especially its impact on the planet and its people, and a desire to develop an understanding of health and medical research at the University is essential.
• Knowledge of UK charity law, data protection/ GDPR, governance, and experience of working with relationship management databases, including relevant data analysis to inform strategic planning and decision making.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect: 

• A competitive salary of £62,098 to £76,398
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. 
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.