This newly created and pivotal role comes at a crucial moment in Sands’ strategic journey. As Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will lead an ambitious, integrated high value fundraising programme spanning major donors, charitable trusts, foundations and statutory funders - driving the growth needed to fuel research excellence, strengthen bereavement support, and save more babies’ lives.
During the last strategic period, Sands successfully doubled its income, powered by a strengthened pipeline, compelling propositions and increased donor engagement. As we enter the next strategy cycle, the expectation is to match - and build on - this success, with the Senior Philanthropy Manager playing a central role in delivering the next major uplift.
You will shape and drive a step change in high value fundraising: building a sustainable long-term pipeline, cultivating transformational supporters and unlocking new networks with emphasis across the UK health and research landscape. A key focus will be aligning fundraising closely with the organisation’s new research and Saving Babies’ Lives ambitions - identifying and engaging donors passionate about research excellence, and translating research innovation into compelling, donor-led opportunities.
Confident in pairing organisational priorities with supporter motivations, you will open new doors and deepen engagement with those capable of driving meaningful impact.
With management responsibility for the Trusts & Statutory team, you will strengthen organisational resilience and contribute to sector leading fundraising performance at a time of significant ambition. You will bring a values driven, collaborative and curious leadership style, alongside excellent communication, relationship building and influencing skills. Highly organised, you thrive in fast-paced environments and deliver under pressure. A true team player, this role offers a rare opportunity to shape transformative fundraising and make a profound difference to families and babies across the UK.
To apply:
Please submit your CV, together with a supporting statement that demonstrates how you meet the criteria in the person specification to recruitment@sands.org.uk.
Please also complete the Diversity and Equality Monitoring Form and send this with your application.
CVs and supporting statements should be sent as attachments to an email in either Word or PDF format. The title of the attachments should be your first name, surname and either CV or supporting statement e.g. “NAME CV”
Closing date for applications: 19th April 2026
Interview dates: W/c 27th April 2026
As we have limited staff resources we are unable to provide candidates with feedback about their applications. Interviews will be held online.
