For over 100 years, we have been the central fundraiser and grant maker for maritime welfare. As a truly independent charity, we always put seafarer welfare first.
We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about people, someone who lights up at the idea of looking after supporters and understands just how important thoughtful donor care is to meaningful fundraising. If you’re enthusiastic, detail‑driven, and love building relationships, you’ll feel right at home with us.
As our Fundraising Officer, you’ll play a vital role in keeping our fundraising engine running smoothly. This isn’t a marketing job, this is real, hands‑on fundraising. You’ll be the person who ensures our donors feel valued, seen, and appreciated. You’ll work across multiple income streams, supporting everything from donation processing to stewardship journeys, helping us maintain the high standards our supporters deserve.
You’ll be joining a small, ambitious, and incredibly committed Development team. A team that truly believes in the work we do and the people we do it for. You’ll need to be comfortable talking to supporters, nurturing relationships, managing details accurately, and getting stuck in wherever needed. If you have a natural warmth, a positive mindset, and pride in doing things well, you’ll thrive here.
Most importantly, you’ll be part of a charity with a unique role in the maritime world, one with a long history, a strong reputation, and a real, measurable impact on the lives of seafarers. This is a brilliant opportunity to grow, learn, and take meaningful steps forward in your fundraising career, surrounded by people who are just as dedicated and driven as you are.
If you’re ready to bring your passion, energy, and commitment to a role where every interaction matters, we’d love to hear from you.
You'll be joining a diverse, friendly, committed team of about 20 staff. We work on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office. There are regular organisation-wide staff meetings at the office to ensure opportunities for people to get to know each other face-to-face, plus smaller departmental team meetings, and cross-organisational working groups.
Our mission is to tackle the disadvantages of seafaring life by leading collaboration, funding and advocacy to improve seafarers’ lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Haberdashers’ Company is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, with a history dating back to 1371. While custodians of a remarkable heritage, we are firmly focused on the present and future. Our enduring purpose is to empower young people from every background to fulfil their potential through our schools and by supporting their communities.
Today, the Company is a thriving membership organisation of more than 1,000 members from a wide range of professions, united by a shared commitment to service and social impact. We are a modern, values-led funder, committed to flexible, relational and transparent grant-making, working in partnership with our schools, churches, communities and charity partners to create lasting change.
Central to our approach is the Haberdashers’ Advantage, a distinctive funder-plus model that combines grant funding with member-led governance support, volunteering, mentoring and capacity building. Each year, the Company distributes over £5.6 million to support schools, young people, churches and charities across North London, Southeast London, South Wales and the West Midlands, with a primary focus on education and community resilience.
The Role
We are seeking a Director for Charities to lead and further develop the Company’s grant-making, philanthropy and fundraising. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering charitable strategy and ensuring the Company’s resources create meaningful, long-term impact for young people and communities.
The Director for Charities will oversee our grant-making, steward key funding relationships and play a central role in developing fundraising with members, including growing individual giving, legacies and events-based income. The role is inherently relational, working closely with charity partners, schools, dioceses, Company members and colleagues. You will support and advise grant-making committees, convene learning and engagement events, and represent the Company within external funder networks to remain connected to best practice in modern philanthropy.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for a values-driven leader with strong experience of flexible and responsive grant-making and fundraising in the charitable sector, and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for young people and communities. You will have excellent communication skills, a warm, engaging and reflective leadership style, and will thrive in a small but highly collaborative organisation. You will be comfortable engaging with grassroots charities, senior stakeholders, Company members and robust governance structures, combining an appreciation for heritage and service with a commitment to modern, progressive philanthropy.
To read more about the opportunity and our work, please download the full appointment brief.
Closing Date: 3 March 2026
People Beyond Profit Screening Conversations: 9-18 March 2026
The Haberdashers’ Company Panel Interviews:
- First Stage: 27 March 2026
- Second Stage: 13 April 2026