Development Director; Philanthropy

Contract

Contract:

Permanent

Working hours:

Full time (37.5 hours per week) we are happy to consider requests for part time hours or flexible working

Location:

Hybrid working - at least two days per week in the Impetus office (currently based in Charing Cross, Central London). We may ask you to come to the office three days per week during the first three months to help set you up well for success - ensuring you get the support you need to thrive. In addition to this, all staff are expected to attend regular Impetus in person events.

These include staff away days, training events and Townhall meetings, held every other month, where we come together in person for lunch and intentional cross-team working. Starting date:

ASAP

Reports to:

Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships Direct reports:

Head of Development, Senior Research and Insights Manager
* We recognise the importance of a good work / life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time, job shares and other arrangements. Please let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you would like to explore.

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work.

The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus's corporate supporters. Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence. You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.

The Development Director (New Business) provides strategic leadership for Impetus' new business development, prospect pipeline and high-value funding opportunities. The postholder will have responsibility for identifying, cultivating and converting new corporate, trust and foundation, and high-net-worth donor relationships, as well as continued relationship management for key, established relationships. In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in pro bono contributions.

The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus' growth ambitions, helping to increase philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear new business priorities, pipeline plans and prospect engagement approaches, ensuring a strong flow of qualified opportunities and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with colleagues across Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure prospects and strategic funding opportunities, while overseeing the stewardship and retention of current partners. Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor acquisition, pipeline development, prospect conversion and stewardship, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed…