Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy

The Talent Set is delighted to be partnering with Mencap to recruit a new Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy. This is a rare opportunity to join one of the UK's leading disability charities at a pivotal moment of investment and renewed ambition.

Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy
Salary: £85,000
Location: Hybrid (London HQ)

Mencap is entering an exciting new chapter in its fundraising development and is seeking an ambitious and strategic leader to join the organisation as Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy. With strong support from the Chief Executive, Executive Team and Board, Mencap is investing in its fundraising capability and building the foundations for long-term growth across partnerships, philanthropy and trusts.

This role will shape the future of high value fundraising at Mencap. At a pivotal point in their strategy, you will lead an ambitious portfolio across Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropy, Trusts, Foundations and Statutory funding, helping grow major and multi-year income, strengthen senior relationships and build sustainable support for their work.

Many of the organisations and individuals who support Mencap share their commitment to making a positive difference for people with a learning disability and their families. You will build on these valued relationships while developing a compelling case for support that inspires new partners, philanthropists and funders to engage with Mencap's mission. Working with colleagues across the organisation, you will turn shared ambition into meaningful support, strengthening their high value fundraising culture and helping secure the funding needed to increase their impact.

Mencap has a powerful heritage brand, a compelling mission and significant networks that have yet to be fully activated. The organisation believes there is substantial opportunity to build deeper relationships with high-value audiences, influential stakeholders and corporate leaders who share its commitment to creating a more inclusive society for people with a learning disability.

We are looking for a confident senior fundraising leader who combines strategic ambition with strong financial judgement, effective relationship management and a clear understanding of compliant, disciplined pipeline development. You will be credible with senior stakeholders, able to influence well and passionate about building inclusive, high-performing teams focused on meaningful impact.

You will directly lead key roles across the function, including the High Value Relationship Lead and Corporate Development Lead, creating the leadership, confidence, systems and ways of working needed for high value fundraising to grow. This role is for someone who can set direction, build trusted relationships and help the function scale income and deliver lasting impact.

This is a highly visible leadership position requiring someone who is comfortable operating both strategically and externally. The successful candidate will be expected to build relationships personally, develop external networks, identify new opportunities and act as a visible ambassador for Mencap and its mission.

Potential Early Objectives / Success Measures

• Develop and begin delivering a high value income strategy aligned to Mencap 2030 across Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropy, Trusts, Foundations and Statutory funding.
• Agree income targets, investment priorities, pipeline measures and reporting routines across the high value portfolio.
• Strengthen pipeline discipline, prospect management and income forecasting, supported by effective use of Salesforce and other systems.
• Develop a stronger strategic case for support and proposition framework for major and multi-year funding.
• Strengthen partnership working across Mencap and with key external supporters to create opportunities for significant funding.
• Build leadership capability, confidence and performance across high value fundraising so the function can grow sustainably.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• A strong track record of leadership across philanthropy, trusts and/or corporate partnerships fundraising.
• Experience developing and delivering successful relationship fundraising strategies that have generated significant income growth.
• Strong understanding of major donor fundraising, partnership development and strategic account management.
• Experience building fundraising pipelines, prospect journeys and stewardship programmes.
• The ability to develop compelling value propositions and cases for support that resonate with high-value audiences.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders, trustees and executive leaders within complex organisations.
• Outstanding relationship-building, networking and business development skills.
• A strong coaching and leadership style, with experience developing individuals, teams and fundraising capability.
• Strategic thinking combined with operational credibility and strong commercial awareness.
• The confidence to challenge constructively, influence organisational culture and drive long-term change.

Above all, we are looking for an inspiring, ambitious and collaborative leader who is excited by the opportunity to build something distinctive. This is a unique chance to shape the future of partnerships and philanthropy at Mencap, unlocking significant untapped potential and helping secure the investment needed to drive lasting impact for people with a learning disability and their families.

How to Apply
The deadline for applications is Friday 2nd October with 1st stage interviews to take place w/c 12th October. To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role via our website using the apply now button.
If you have any initial questions before applying, please get in touch. We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from people with diverse experiences and are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments required throughout the recruitment process.