Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy, National

Title: Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy

Location: Hybrid/ Focus Ireland, 9-12 High Street, Dublin 8

Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time

Primary Purpose:

At Focus Ireland, we are driven by a fundamental belief that homelessness is wrong. Wrong because it can be prevented. Wrong because it can be solved. We know that real solutions lie in stopping homelessness before it begins and ensuring that those who do experience it are supported to find and keep a home.

The Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy plays a pivotal leadership role in achieving this mission. As the strategic lead for Major Gifts, Corporate Partnerships, Trusts & Foundations, and Legacy Giving, this role drives the organisation’s most ambitious philanthropic work, building deep, long‑term relationships that fuel Focus Ireland’s impact nationwide.

This position is central to delivering Focus Ireland’s fundraising strategy and meeting the growing demand for our services. It is both visionary and operational, setting direction, inspiring teams, and delivering results that directly change lives.

What you will do:

- Lead the strategic vision and delivery of Corporate Partnerships, Major Donors, Legacy Giving, and Trusts & Foundations, with accountability for generating over €7 million in 2027 and driving sustained year‑on‑year growth.
- Manage budgets, KPIs, and performance across all philanthropic income streams, ensuring disciplined planning, forecasting, and reporting.
- Lead a high‑performing team of 12 fundraisers, empowering them to deliver exceptional donor experiences, build strong pipelines, and secure transformational gifts.
- Play a senior leadership role across the Fundraising Department, contributing to organisation‑wide campaigns such as Shine A Light and Sponsor A Star , while cultivating long‑term partnerships that advance Focus Ireland’s mission.
- Lead and deliver Focus Ireland’s second Major Gift Campaign, an ambitious €40M, five‑year capacity‑building initiative designed to strengthen every area of Partnership & Philanthropy.
- Embed a best‑practice Major Gift culture across the team, ensuring consistent Moves Management, high‑quality stewardship, and disciplined pipeline development.
- Drive donor acquisition, development, and engagement strategies that deliver annual income targets and build a multi‑year philanthropic pipeline.
- Manage and empower the Philanthropy Council, leveraging its networks, expertise, and influence to accelerate campaign success.
- Work closely with the Director of Fundraising & Marketing and the CEO, providing strategic updates, risk assessments, and campaign performance insights.
- Collaborate with the wider fundraising leadership team to deliver the organisation’s fundraising strategy and long‑term direction.
- Track, analyse, and interpret performance data to inform decision‑making, adjust plans, and identify new opportunities.
- Develop and implement strategies that deepen supporter relationships, improve donor retention, and increase lifetime value.
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of 12 fundraisers, including two direct reports.
- Foster a collaborative, values‑driven culture that encourages innovation, accountability, and shared success.
- Empower the team to use insights, initiative, and creativity to deliver solutions and maximise donor impact.
- Ensure robust team management practices, including appraisals, objective setting, supervision, and professional development.
- Work strategically with other fundraising heads to lead the wider fundraising team as a unified, high‑performing function.
- Collaborate with Marketing, Services, Advocacy, Finance, and other departments to develop compelling propositions and unique partnership opportunities.
- Play an active role in organisation‑wide initiatives that support the delivery of Focus Ireland’s five‑year strategy.
- Manage team budgets and expenditure, ensuring all activity is delivered within agreed cost ratios and financial parameters.
- Provide accurate, timely reporting on income, pipeline, and performance, supporting organisational planning and decision‑making.
- Undertake any relevant work delegated by the Director of Fundraising and Marketing.
- Participate in senior management meetings, cross‑departmental working groups, and organisational workshops.
- Champion Focus Ireland’s values and contribute to organisation‑wide activities.
- Engage in regular one‑to‑one meetings with the Director of Fundraising and Marketing.
- Participate in relevant training and development as agreed.

What you will need:

- Minimum of 7 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector.
- Proven experience in high‑value donor acquisition, development, and retention, with a track record of securing significant gifts. Experience delivering a major gift campaign is desirable.
- Demonstrated success in leading and developing high‑performance teams.
- Strong strategic planning and analytical skills, with a data‑led approach to donor development.
- Experience managing tight budgets and delivering cost‑effective fundraising.
- Ability to champion collaborative working and lead organisational change.
- Ability to work effectively at all levels of the organisation, managing up and across.
- Excellent professional communication skills.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and unsociable hours when required.

Focus Ireland is an equal opportunities employer

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