Philanthropy Officer

About Us

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is an independent membership organisation dedicated to the education, training and advancement of surgeons, dental surgeons, doctors, and various individuals throughout healthcare who are involved in the surgical care of patients. The College has a current membership approaching 33,000 and growing, with members spanning over 100 countries around the world.

From our founding in 1505, the College has been committed to the advancement of surgery and driving patient safety standards worldwide. In our 520-year history, there has never been a better time to join the College than now.

Working with us

At the College we aim to embrace views from across the organisation, sharing common goals and values for the betterment of healthcare through the advancement of surgical and dental professionals. We aim to develop teams that are reflective of the needs of our members and maximise the potential of every employee.

To reflect the varying needs across the organisation, we offer a range of policies and benefits for our workforce including a generous 42 days annual leave, flexible working practices, enhanced employer pensions contribution and various discounts throughout the College including the Ten Hill Place Hotel, 1505 Café and free entry to Surgeons’ Hall Museums.

The Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Philanthropy Officer to support the College’s fundraising and donor engagement activities.

Working closely with the Philanthropy Manager and Head of Development, you will help secure philanthropic support for a range of College priorities, including research, education, global surgery and heritage. This includes supporting fundraising activity for the College’s Global CARE initiative, which aims to address healthcare inequalities worldwide through improved access to safe surgery and patient care. You will contribute to the delivery of fundraising campaigns, legacy giving initiatives, undertake prospect research, develop funding proposals and build relationships with individual donors, corporate supporters, trusts and foundations.

This is a varied role that combines relationship management, fundraising, communications and research. It offers the opportunity to develop experience across a broad range of philanthropic activities while contributing to initiatives that support the College’s mission to advance surgical and dental care worldwide.

The role is based in Edinburgh with flexibility for hybrid working. Occasional travel and out-of-hours working may be required to support meetings, events and donor engagement activities.

Experience/Qualifications/Key Skills

You will be educated to degree level or possess equivalent professional experience and have experience in fundraising, philanthropy, donor engagement, partnership development or a related field.

You will be an organised and proactive individual with excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Experience of prospect research, preparing funding proposals and securing support from donors, sponsors, trusts or foundations would be advantageous.

You will be comfortable managing multiple priorities, working with databases or CRM systems and collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A current CV (maximum two A4 pages); and

• A supporting statement (maximum two A4 pages) outlining your interest in the role and demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the person specification.

Applications should be submitted via the ‘Apply’ button above (recruitment@rcsed.ac.uk) no later than 09:00hrs on Monday 27^th July 2026.

Contact Information

E-mail:  recruitment@rcsed.ac.uk

Interview Details

In person Wednesday 5^th and Thursday 6^th of August 2026 at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

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