Head of Philanthropy and World Fellowship

Head of Philanthropy andWorld FellowshipLocation:Reports to: Contract:Salary: Flexible, UKDirector of DevelopmentPermanent, Full Time£65-70k The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (the Award) is a Non-Formal Education and Learningframework encouraging young people to find their purpose, place and passion in the world. In more than 130 countries and territories, our globally recognised accreditation is available to all 14to 24-year-olds, of all backgrounds, locations, cultures and abilities. Through the programme, eachyoung person becomes part of something special while developing their own interests, universalskills and life aspirations. Founded in 1956, the Award highlights the value of Non-Formal Education and Learning. Today thereare consistently over a million young people taking part in the Award to believe in the power of theirpotential, make a difference in their community and take control of their future. The result? Entiregenerations of innovators and changemakers who are truly world-ready. THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S INTERNATIONAL AWARDTHE AWARD FRAMEWORKWhilst the framework of this internationally recognised accreditation remains the same around theworld, participants select self-identified areas of interest to pursue. Each young person develops their own unique Award programme that builds the character, skillsand confidence needed to improve themselves and their communities.The Award encourages them to step outside their comfort zone and develop positive habits that theywill take with them for the rest of their lives. AWARD PILLARS*Gold level onlyAWARD LEVELSThe Award is delivered via hundreds of thousands of youth-focused partners and operators in a widerange of locations, from schools and custodial institutions to Scout groups, and refugee camps. Although the Award's framework remains the same wherever it is delivered, every Award is itselfunique and no two Awards are the same. The Award is currently licensed in 130 + countries and territories. Find out more below. WHERE IS THE AWARD DELIVERED?Explore the 130+ countries andterritories of the Award hereMental and PhysicalHealth (Trinidad andTobago)Blind Boys' Academy(India)Special Projects(Nepal) The Award in Zambia: Plan,Do and ReviewWATCHWATCHWATCHREADThe Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation is the international charity that drives andencourages the Award’s growth, access and impact across the globe. Working in partnership withorganisations and governing bodies, we oversee the licensing of Award operators – includingschools, youth groups, employers and custodial institutions – in more than 130 countries andterritories.With our guidance, operators deliver the globally-recognised Award, which provides opportunitiesfor 14 to 24-year-olds of all backgrounds, locations, cultures and abilities, to develop their interests,skills and life aspirations. Our long-term aim is that every eligible young person aged 14 – 24 will have the opportunity toparticipate in the Award. We aim to increase the Award’s global access, reach and impact through: raising and granting funds to scale up operations and increase diversity, equity andinclusion campaigning to raise the profile of non-formal education and learning broadening ournetwork of volunteers, operators and digital systems ensuring participation isaffordable for all When it comes to creating empowered citizens who will go on to solve some of society’s biggestproblems, we must acknowledge that many of life’s greatest lessons happen beyond theclassroom. The Award gives young people the chance to discover exactly that. THE FOUNDATIONWhilst one of our primary roles is to license the Award around the world, the Foundation is so muchmore than a franchiser. We work with our Operators Partners to drive global change in a number ofkey strategic areas.OUR KEY AREAS OF WORK BEYOND LICENSING AND ACCREDITATION We provide grants to operators in our global Award family toscale up their operations and/or carry out projects that enableeven more young people to take part in the Award.FUNDING TRAININGGLOBAL PARTNERSHIPSRESEARCHADVOCACYWe provide licensees with advice and support, in the form ofongoing account management, training sessions, onlinetraining materials, and access to a global peer-to-peerdiscussion forum.We conduct ongoing research into the Award around the worldusing multiple initiatives, such as satisfaction surveys,outcomes evaluation and work with external experts onprojects, like our award-winning Global Social Value research.We partner with key organisations to increase global awarenessof the value of Non-Formal Education and Learning and toimprove the lives of young people.We actively work to build partnerships with organisations todeliver the Award around the world. Corporate Partnershipsform an integral part of this portfolio.The value and impact of the Award extends farbeyond the intrinsic benefits enjoyed by theyoung people. We believe the Award framework can be ablueprint for investing in human capital,specifically strengthening resilience, improvingglobal prosperity and helping the world’s mostvulnerable. The Award does this through working inpartnership with young people and theircommunities, encouraging them in finding theirown development solutions.Participation in the Award also directly enablesyoung people to contribute to a number of theUnited Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), including Quality Education and DecentWork and Economic Growth. Our established impact measurement initiatives,developed alongside academic institutions andpartners, have revealed that the Award has adirect, positive impact (both financial and non-financial) on the people and communities ittouches. During 2024/25, the Award reached aGlobal Social Value of £1 billion; a £60 millionincrease in just one year.Global Social Value of£1 billionImprovedemployability andearning potential Improved physicalhealth and fitnessImproved mentalhealth and emotionalwellbeingIncreased engagementwith charitable andcommunity causes Improvedenvironmental impactIncreased socialcohesionReduced offendingOUR IMPACTROLE SUMMARYHead of Philanthropy and World FellowshipLocation:Job Title:Flexible, UK, with 3 days per week in London officePermanent, full timeThis is a unique opportunity to lead a global major donor programme within one of the world’s mostrespected youth charities. As Head of Philanthropy, you will be responsible for the strategicleadership and growth of the World Fellowship – our network of high value donors who arepassionate about enabling young people to discover their infinite potential. You’ll also work withthe Foundation’s most generous donors, ensuring their continued and deepening engagement withthe Award internationally‑value donors who are passionate about enabling young people todiscover their infinite potential.This role combines strategic development, senior relationship management, and internationalfundraising. You will oversee donor recruitment, stewardship, due diligence and engagement,ensuring an exceptional and values driven experience for supporters. You will work in collaborationwith the highest levels of the Foundation staff and governance to put philanthropic major donors atthe heart of the Foundation and our Award delivery worldwide. You will also lead a committed team and work collaboratively across the Foundation to deliverevents, communications, proposals and stewardship that deepen supporter engagement andinspire new philanthropists to join our global mission.Key Responsibilities Donor Recruitment & GrowthGrow Foundation income from high value philanthropic individuals and foundations,working with the wider team to develop and pitch large-scale donationsNurture and grow the World Fellowship, identifying and cultivating high valueprospects‑value prospects for five‑ and six‑figure giftsWork closely with the Chair of the World Fellowship, Trustees, the Foundation’s seniorleadership and other volunteer introducers to generate, engage and convert prospectsDirector of DevelopmentDuration:Reports To:Summary of RoleSalary:£65-70kDonor Relationships & StewardshipDevelop and implement a Donor Relations strategy and work with the Foundation’s mostsignificant philanthropic supporters, based on a robust framework for donor stewardship,ensuring thoughtful, timely and personalised engagementLead the delivery of the Foundation’s World Fellowship engagement programme, ensuring aclear progression path across donor levelsBuild strong, trust-based relationships with donors, offering high value stewardship thatreflects their interests and impact‑based relationships with donors, offering high‑valuestewardship that reflects their interests and impactStrategy, Leadership, Team ManagementDevelop and lead the philanthropy team through a 3-year international growth strategyincluding, but not limited to the World FellowshipLead and enhance a performance management framework and promote a data-drivenperformance cultureConduct a refresh of the World Fellowship offering, emphasising international givinganchored in countries where the Award is deliveredSupport cross Foundation collaboration, ensuring philanthropy activities align with broaderorganisational aims‑Foundation collaboration, ensuring philanthropy activities align withbroader organisational aims.Events & CommunicationsCo-create, design and deliver a best-in-class global programme of fundraising andstewardship events, ensuring unforgettable donor experiences and strong financialoutcomesEnsure donor communications reflect the Award’s mission, impact and global reachGovernance, Reporting & Financial ManagementManage philanthropy budgets, working closely with the Director of Development to monitorfinancial progress and forecast incomeEnsure the best possible return on investment by managing team costs effectively,promoting efficiencies, and ensuring the Foundation harnesses opportunities to invest forgrowthMaintain high-quality internal systems for gift administration and stewardship using theSalesforce CRM‑quality internal systems for gift administration and stewardshipUphold rigorous due diligence procedures for all prospective and current supportersPrepare high-level reports and updates for the Board of Trustees and DevelopmentGroup‑level reports and updates for the Board of Trustees and Development GroupEnsure all fundraising activity complies with charity law, ethical codes and internal policyStrategic Thinking & Planning Ability to develop long-term fundraising strategies aligned to organisational goals Uses insight and data to identify growth opportunities and mitigate risks. Relationship Building & Influencing Builds trust-based relationships with high-net-worth individuals and senior stakeholders Demonstrates diplomacy, emotional intelligence, and high integrity. Leadership & People Development Inspires, coaches, and empowers team members Fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance team culture. Donor Stewardship Excellence Demonstrates a donor centred approach to engagement, recognition, and communication Creates high quality stewardship journeys that retain and upgrade donors. Communication & Advocacy Articulates compelling narratives about the charity’s mission and impact Confident public speaker able to represent the organisation internationally. Financial Acumen Understands and manages income and expenditure budgets Develops robust business cases for philanthropic investment. CORE COMPETENCIESSkills & Abilities Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; confident presenting to senior audiences Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence at the highest level Demonstrable team management capability, with a strong focus on staff development Strong strategic planning and project management abilities Ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholders Proficiency in CRM systems (Salesforce) and strong general IT literacy.  Knowledge Thorough understanding of fundraising processes, major donor cultivation and the philanthropiclandscape Strong understanding of UK charity law and tax regulations relating to charitable giving High cultural intelligence and global awareness Knowledge of grant making trusts (desirable). PERSON SPECIFICATIONGovernance & Ethical Judgement Applies rigorous standards for due diligence, compliance, and ethical fundraising Makes sound, defensible decisions in complex or sensitive situations. Cultural & Global Awareness Sensitive to cultural nuances, particularly when stewarding international donors and prospectinginternationally Adapts approach across markets and diverse supporter communities. Person SpecificationYou are a bold, strategic philanthropy leader who loves turning insight into impact. You thrive onbuilding powerful, trust-based relationships with high-net-worth supporters and seniorstakeholders, using diplomacy, emotional intelligence and integrity to bring people with you. You inspire others – coaching, empowering and shaping a collaborative, inclusive and highperforming, data-driven team.You are relentlessly donor centred, designing thoughtful, high-quality experiences that deepencommitment and drive long-term support. A confident communicator and natural advocate, you tellcompelling stories about our mission and represent the organisation with confidence on the globalstage. You are financially astute, ethically grounded and meticulous in your approach to due diligence. Youexcel at orchestrating complex events and projects, bringing multiple strands together seamlessly.Above all, you are globally aware, culturally agile and passionate about young people reaching theirfull potential.35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) worked flexibly and will include some travel, evenings andweekends.Overtime is not payable, though hours worked over and above standard contract can be taken inlieu of payment (in line with policy). You will be required to complete a DBS check. Must be willing and able to occasionally travel internationally.The Foundation operates a flexible and hybrid working arrangement enabling staff to work wherethey are most effective. Further details available on request.Benefits (Some are applicable after probation period): 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays),Private Medical Insurance, Death in Service payment of 4x salary, Healthcare Cash Plan, JointContribution Pension Scheme, Salary Sacrifice SchemesGENERAL INFORMATIONwww.intaward.org