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Head of Philanthropy
The R&A
The R&A engages in and supports activities undertaken for the benefit of the sport of golf.
Job Posted- 15 Feb 2026
Status- Full Time
Location- Scotland
Closing date- 27 Feb 2026
The Role Head of Philanthropy
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Philanthropy department as Head of Philanthropy. The successful candidate will serve as deputy to the Director of Philanthropy, deputising where required and working closely on the development and delivery of The R&A’s philanthropy strategy.
Specific responsibilities include The R&A Foundation’s Donor Stewardship programme, including the oversight of gift operations functions; the development and management of all philanthropy communication initiatives; design and execution of philanthropy events to both develop and steward relationships with donors to The R&A Foundation; and the personal management of a portfolio of corporate donors, including the development of charity partners.
This is a full-time position working 35 hours per week. Responsibilities can be fulfilled on a hybrid working basis, with regular presence in our St Andrews offices being required, anticipated to be at least fortnightly.
Please note, we may close applications early should we receive sufficient applications.
What We Offer
We offer a great benefits package including the following:
- Competitive Salary
- Company Pension Scheme and Sick Pay
- Life Insurance Cover
- Enhanced Maternity/Partner Pay
- 35 Days Holiday Per Year
- Free tickets to The Open and AIG Women’s Open each year (and other relevant R&A Championships)
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Season Ticket Loan
- Contribution towards glasses for VDU use
- Discounts available across 800 UK retailers and local businesses
Who We Are Looking For
The ideal candidate will have the following experience and attributes:
- Extensive experience of relationship management, preferably within a professional sporting organisation or charity.
- Expertise and experience in negotiating and securing six figure+ levels of financial support – philanthropic and/or corporate.
- Experience of high-quality event management, preferably within a sporting environment.
- Advanced knowledge and experience of marketing communications across all media.
- Excellent influencing and leadership skills, used to engage both internal and external stakeholders and support and develop team members
- Knowledge of fundraising best practice, charity law and GDPR; and tax-efficient giving across key fundraising markets (UK, North America and key markets in Asia).
- Understanding of the need for due diligence and exceptional donor care
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Keen eye for detail
- Excellent inter-personal skills
Download the full job description here.
Download the competencies expected for this role here.
About The R&A
The R&A group of companies was formed in 2004 to take on The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’ responsibilities for governing the Rules of Golf, staging The Open, golf’s original championship, and developing the sport. The R&A World Golf Museum in St Andrews is part of The R&A group. The R&A Foundation is The R&A’s charitable arm, through which the proceeds of The Open and philanthropic donations support The R&A’s work to develop golf – and the benefits that come through it – worldwide.
Together The R&A and the USGA govern the sport of golf worldwide, operating in separate jurisdictions with a commitment to a single code for the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status and Equipment Standards. The R&A, through R&A Rules Ltd, governs the sport worldwide, outside of the United States and Mexico, on behalf of over 62 million golfers in 147 countries and with the consent of 166 organisations from amateur and professional golf.
The R&A has responsibility for running a series of world class amateur events and international matches in women’s and girls’ as well as men’s and boys’ golf. The R&A stages the AIG Women’s Open and works with the DP World Tour to stage the Senior Open.
The R&A is committed to investing £200 million over ten years in developing golf and supports the growth of the sport internationally, including the development and management of sustainable golf facilities. For more information, visit www.randa.org.