Head of Philanthropy

Merrifield Consultants is delighted to partner with Nordoff and Robbins to find their new Head of Philanthropy. This is an opportunity to lead high-value fundraising for the UK’s largest music therapy charity, building lasting relationships with supporters and securing the income that helps bring music therapy to more people.

Job Title: Head of Philanthropy

Organisation: Nordoff and Robbins

Salary: £51,840 per annum, plus £1,500 London Weighting where applicable

Location: North London, hybrid working with a minimum of two days a week in the office

Contract: Permanent, full-time (40 hours per week)

Closing date: Monday 19th October 2026

Required: CV and cover letter

Nordoff and Robbins believes in the value of music for everyone. Its music therapy supports people affected by life-limiting illness, trauma, isolation, social exclusion and disability. The charity is looking to grow and diversify its income so that more people can benefit from its work.

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising, the Head of Philanthropy will lead income growth across major donors, mid-level donors and private trusts. They will establish a structured legacy programme, provide strategic oversight of individual giving alongside the Head of Engagement and Communications, and manage the Philanthropy Officer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Grow and manage a portfolio of major donors, mid-level donors and private trusts, securing significant five- and six-figure gifts.
• Build a strong prospect pipeline and develop tailored plans to cultivate, solicit and steward supporters.
• Work with the CEO, senior leaders and trustees to open new relationships and support high-value asks.
• Develop compelling cases for support, funding proposals and impact reports with colleagues across the charity.
• Create meaningful donor experiences through events, visits and personal engagement.
• Develop and launch a legacy programme, including thoughtful stewardship for people who have pledged a gift.
• Forecast income, monitor performance and contribute to Nordoff and Robbins’ five-year Income Generation strategy.

Experience and Skills:

• A strong track record in philanthropy or high-value fundraising, including securing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Experience developing successful major donor, trusts or legacy fundraising activity.
• The ability to build and manage a prospect pipeline using research, data and a CRM system.
• Excellent writing skills, with experience creating persuasive proposals and cases for support.
• Confidence working with senior leaders, trustees and other stakeholders to develop donor relationships.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting income and reporting against targets.
• A supportive leadership style and experience managing or developing colleagues.

This role would suit a relationship-focused fundraising leader who enjoys combining strategy with hands-on donor engagement. You will have the opportunity to shape a growing philanthropy programme while supporting a charity that uses music to enrich lives across the UK.

If you’re interested and wish to find out more, please contact Stuart Milliner at Merrifield Consultants.

We are committed to ethical recruitment practices and an inclusive recruitment process. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including people from underrepresented communities and those with relevant lived experience.