Head of Donor Relations

About the role:

As King’s College London approaches a landmark period—launching a new Philanthropy and Engagement Campaign in 2027 and celebrating our Bicentenary in 2029— our community of donors plays a vital role in shaping what King’s can achieve. This moment presents an extraordinary opportunity to inspire, thank, and nurture lifelong relationships that enable our supporters to feel truly connected to our purpose and proud of the impact they help create.

King’s is seeking an outstanding Head of Donor Relations to lead a meaningful and sector-leading stewardship and donor experience programme that recognises every supporter and clearly demonstrates the transformative impact of their giving. Reporting to the Director of Advancement Communications & Engagement and working across Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (P&A), you will play a pivotal role in helping King’s raise more philanthropic income by strengthening donor trust, loyalty and long-term engagement.

Working in close partnership with academics, you will capture, evidence and communicate outcomes with clarity and credibility, translating complex work into meaningful impact stories that resonate with donors. You will lead the philanthropic naming and recognition strategy and advise philanthropy teams as they shape compelling opportunities.

You will collaborate closely with Advancement Events and Advancement Communications to deliver an exceptional end-to-end donor experience, explore appropriate automation, and showcase philanthropy internally and externally. You will also strengthen scholarship stewardship frameworks, ensuring strong links with the Student Finance Office and an approach that is mindful of safeguarding. As a confident, collaborative leader, with an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong attention to detail you will support the development of your team and deploy department resources strategically to maximise impact.

You will lead a talented team and work closely with senior leaders from across the university, our Estates team, world‑leading academics, and fundraisers to ensure our highest‑value donors receive meaningful, personalised engagement.

This role is ideal for a confident, collaborative leader who can bring creativity, strategic thinking, and insight to a complex and fast‑moving environment.

Whether your background is in higher education, the non‑profit sector, or another complex organisation, you will bring strategic vision, service excellence, and a deep commitment to building long‑term, relationships with donors.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract. P&A has a hybrid working approach, with a minimum of 40% of time in the office. Typically, this equates to two days per week, but we’re very happy for colleagues to be in more frequently if they so wish.

For more information and to apply online, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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