Chief fundraising officer jobs

Trust Fundraising Executive

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

Location: London N4, but with with the flexibility to work from home part of the week.

Salary: £28,768 (+ a cost of living increase from 1st April 2026 in line with NJC scales)

Contract: Permanent

About us

Prisoners Abroad is a unique human rights and welfare charity providing advice and support to people affected by overseas imprisonment. We help British people during their incarceration, when they return to the UK and need resettlement services, and we also support their family throughout the trauma. It doesn’t matter to us the reasons people find themselves in need of our services – and we never judge. Our range of services make sure they survive, mentally and physically, so that they can face the future with hope.

About the role

This is an exciting time to join our successful fundraising team and support the generation of income for our life-saving work through charitable Trusts and Foundations.

Supporting the successful delivery of our strategy, you will be part of the team who has responsibility for maintaining our relationships with existing Trusts, conducting independent research into both new and existing relationships to identify strong prospects, assisting with the development of compelling cases for support across all our services and having responsibility for a group of Trusts under the guidance and support of your manager.

You might have experience of working in a Trust role and are looking to take that next step in your career, with the opportunity to independently manage a portfolio of Trusts and Foundations while supporting the team on new and innovative ways of raising income. We are also interested in hearing from applicants looking to get into Trust fundraising. A willingness to learn and work with initiative is essential and in return we will support you as you develop your Trust fundraising skills.

Ultimately, a successful candidate will have solid writing and research skills, and the ability to approach the challenges of Trust fundraising for this charity with curiosity, creativity and enthusiasm.

Whether you are looking to develop your skills or bring existing experience to a values-led organisation, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful contribution while continuing to grow professionally.

Interested?

If you are interested, have a read of the recruitment pack that contains further information about this role, the benefits of working at Prisoners Abroad and a link to our application form. If you click 'apply' you will be redirected to our website where you can read more about the amazing work we do. 

Closing Date: 9am on Monday, 9th of February 2026

The Relationship Fundraising team at Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) is responsible for securing income from individuals, regional businesses and groups fundraising in the community, effectively managing relationships to maximise income.

The Relationship Fundraising role will play a significant part in contributing to a high-performing fundraising team. The role will cover the country of Northern Ireland.

You will report to the Relationship Fundraising Manager and support the Head of Relationship Fundraising & Volunteering to drive the continued growth of the charity’s fundraising income in your area. You will also be required to show excellent relationship-building skills to support community partnerships and volunteer groups, driving towards agreed targets.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy, finance, and reporting

· Responsibility for stewardship and relationship building with supporters within the region.

· Identify and apply for ‘Charity of the Year’ partnerships with corporates in the region, account manage these relationships up to a value of £50,000 per annum and support the Partnership Development Team with national partnerships in your region.

· Support existing volunteer fundraisers to encourage continued loyalty to the charity and to maximise funds raised, in accordance with fundraising legislation and good practice.

· Recruit new fundraising supporters in line with strategy.

· Support the Relationship Fundraising Manager (RFM) and Head of Relationship Fundraising (HORF) in developing the Relationship Fundraising strategy for ARUK to increase income within this stream.

· Support and extend volunteer networks within geographical area in line with strategy.

· To ensure that fundraising activity is implemented and managed to deliver budgets, targets and income in line with strategy. To achieve this by supporting and facilitating the development of groups and volunteers across geographical area.

· Work across a diverse geographical area and within a geographically dispersed team, whilst managing own workload in a cost-effective and proactive way.

Supporter management

· Provide excellent customer service to fundraising supporters, with prompt responses to enquiries, to acknowledge support and increase long-term loyalty.

· Provide high-quality account management to volunteer groups in geographical area.

· Effective management of volunteer relationships within geographical area.

· Support, motivate and develop local fundraising volunteers, ensuring they have a clear understanding of ARUK to enable them to represent the charity’s work effectively.

· In liaison with the Partnership Development Managers and Partnership Officers, provide high quality account management to corporate supporters within specified geographical area and/or of relevant value.

· Keep up to date with fundraising legislation and codes of practice to be able to provide relevant advice to fundraisers.

· Ensure volunteers and fundraisers have all necessary materials for fundraising initiatives.

Increasing Community Support within geographical area

· Use own initiative to extend volunteer networks, develop new groups and supporters, and respond to fundraising opportunities within geographical area, in line with strategy.

· Manage recruitment process of new ARUK volunteers in geographical area, providing relevant support and training.

· Liaise with local community organisations (predominantly golf clubs) – both previous and new potential supporters – to extend income and activity in line with strategy.

· Provide face-to-face talks and presentations to community organisations for recruitment/ cultivation purposes.

· Arrange appropriate volunteer representation at events in the community, spreading the charity’s reach cost-effectively.

· Identify, research and target prospective community organisations, in liaison with RFM.

· Identify, research and target prospective local corporates in liaison with RFM / HORF and ARUK’s Partnership Development Managers and Partnership Development Officers, in line with strategy.

· Accurately track and record contact with both community and corporate prospects for planning and reporting purposes.

Monitoring and Reporting

· Ensure that your activity is monitored and evaluated, clearly communicating progress to your Relationship Fundraising Manager.

· Manage relevant information on the charity’s database, keeping detailed, up-to-date records of activity and income.

What we are looking for:

· Experience in partnership fundraising and/or relationship building

· Experience and confidence in public-speaking, such as giving presentations and talking at events

· Knowledge of recruiting key volunteers and fundraising supporters

· Experience and a keen interest in building long term relationships with supporters

· Proven ability of providing excellent stewardship

· An ability to manage a busy and varied workload

· Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

· Excellent organisational skills

· Full driver’s license with access to own vehicle. 

· Flexibility to work some unsocial hours and willingness to travel independently

· Live within defined region

Additional Information:

Ways of working:

As part of our Remote ways of working you will be home based. You will only need to attend the office for specific requirements of the role and the business needs.

Roles that are classed as part of the Remote ways of working are able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £33,500 per annum, plus benefits car allowance of £3,500 and associated expenses (if applicable).

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 15th February 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising Manager to work with management and trustees to lead delivery of a set of practical fundraising priorities while helping to build stronger systems and confidence for the future.

This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced charity fundraiser who is comfortable working in a maturing fundraising function, where tools and ways of working are being developed and income needs stabilising rather than rapidly expanded.

This interesting and varied role will focus primarily on trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, and alumni support, with a strong emphasis on retention, stewardship and proposition clarity.

The Stag operates through a low-risk hall-hire business model. It is not allowed to promote its own shows – it provides the professional facilities for others to hire space and put on shows.

Reporting to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the CEO leads a small, professional and dedicated team (currently 20 employees (17.8 FTE)) boosted with part-time casuals in the box office plus a team of volunteers at events. The CEO will ensure the charity fulfils its mission and achieves its charitable objectives whilst maintaining the strong financial sustainability it now enjoys.

The role requires the CEO to a be a BIIAB personal licence holder and to act as Designated Premises Supervisor as well as being the Company Secretary. More details from The Stag's website.

We are seeking a Fundraising Officer with experience in finding, applying for and securing grants, with an interest in exploring and planning for new income generation.This is a great opportunity to join our organisation and play a pivotal role in growing income that supports our mission and vision.

The Fundraising Officer will focus on Trusts and Foundations fundraising initially, with opportunity to explore additional income streams over time. 

We are looking for a dynamic, highly motivated and experienced individual with a proven track record in fundraising roles within the not-for-profit sector.

This is a challenging, exciting and rewarding role for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and pro-active fundraising professional with a strong background in community engagement and communications. You will continue building the public profile of St Petrock’s and be responsible for generating the income needed to run and further develop our vital and life-saving services.

About St Petrock’s (Exeter) Ltd:  St Petrock’s is Exeter’s local, values-led and much-loved homelessness charity, created and supported by the local community to provide vital services for rough sleepers and other people experiencing homelessness, and those at risk of homelessness in Exeter. For more details, please visit our website.

About the role:  You will be creative, self-motivated, conscientious and energetic, and have superb interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with a wide range of people and build the supporter base of St Petrock’s. You will have strong project and event management skills to lead on major fundraising campaigns and events such as our annual Christmas fundraising video campaign, the Big Night Out sponsored sleepout, and the Big Night In fundraising dinner, along with the imagination and drive to develop a full programme of public fundraising challenges and events. You will also have the knowledge and drive to develop legacy giving and major donor programmes and, supported by the Fundraising and Communications Officer, will be responsible for our social media platforms, website, media relations, and other external communications.

You will be primarily based at the St Petrock’s homelessness centre, with the opportunity for some hybrid working (at home or at local co-working venue). Given the nature of the role, it is essential that you have a suitably insured vehicle and are able to attend meetings and events outside normal working hours to share about St Petrock’s as needed.

Applications:For more detail (including a full Job Description & Person Specification) and how to apply, please download the Job Pack from our website or in the ad attachments.

To complete your application, please send us your CV, covering letter and a disclosure form as per the details in the Job Pack, outlining why you feel you are an ideal candidate for this post..  (These can also be emailed to us following the details in the pack). 

Closing date for applications: Monday 16th February 2026 at 9am

Please contact Peter Stephenson, Chief Executive via the contact details in the Job Pack if you would like to have an informal discussion before applying (including a contact phone number if you would like to arrange a call back).

St Petrock’s is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. We use “safer recruitment” practices throughout our recruitment processes, and all successful candidates will be subject to the highest level of DBS check that is legally permissible for their role. Any offer of employment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check. Applicants should understand that a criminal history will not necessarily bar applicants from this role but will be subject to risk assessment.

We are seeking a leader with a hands-on approach to lead our small team of administrative staff and support our Board of Trustees and members to help shape and implement our strategy for the future. You will manage the day-to-day operations of the organisation, translating the strategy into practice to help the organisation grow and deliver real value to our members.

About Us
ACAT is a charity dedicated to advancing Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) through training, accreditation and the provision of continuous professional development to CAT Therapists. Also, through research and promotion of CAT as a valuable and valued talking therapy.

About you
We are looking for someone who is an experienced leader with a knowledge of and understanding of CAT who is:
A strategic thinker
Able to set, manage and report on budgets
An excellent communicator with a proven track record of implementing change

Why Join ACAT
The opportunity to work with dedicated professionals to develop CAT training and the governance of CAT therapists
30 days annual leave for FTE (Pro Rata)
Flexible working arrangements with both home working and some team-based hours each month at the office in Dorchester, Dorset, and attendance at ad hoc meetings and events in person within the UK from time to time.

This is a permanent contract; part-time flexible 14 hours per week subject to successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.

Closing date: Wednesday 11th February 2026

Harris Hill is delighted to be working in partnership with Internet Matters to recruit an exceptional Strategy & Fundraising Director to lead commercial growth and help shape a safer digital world for children.

Salary: £80,000 – £85,000
Location: Hybrid – Blackfriars, London (2 days office-based per week)
Contract: Permanent, full-time

Internet Matters is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping families keep children safe online. Founded by BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media O2, and now supported by partners including TikTok, Samsung and Roblox, the organisation is a trusted voice in online safety, reaching over 10 million users globally each year.

This is a pivotal leadership role, reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the senior management team. You will lead the organisation’s commercial and fundraising strategy, ensuring long-term financial sustainability while driving innovative partnerships and funding opportunities across corporate, grant, philanthropic and international income streams.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and leading Internet Matters’ overall commercial and fundraising strategy
• Growing and managing a high-value partnership pipeline with major commercial organisations
• Creating compelling partnership propositions aligned with mission and partner goals
• Identifying and securing grant, project and philanthropic funding opportunities
• Leading strategic initiatives from concept through to delivery
• Working closely with internal teams across Digital & Content, Research & Policy and Partnerships & Marketing

We are seeking a commercially astute and strategic leader with:

• Significant experience in strategy, planning or commercial development roles
• A strong track record of delivering material income growth or commercial impact
• Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills at senior levels
• Experience developing propositions, business cases and pricing models
• A collaborative leadership style suited to a small, agile and mission-driven organisation

Experience in corporate fundraising or social impact partnerships is desirable but not essential. What matters most is your ability to think creatively, build meaningful partnerships and drive sustainable growth in support of a powerful social mission.

In return, you will join a respected and influential organisation at a time of growing national and global relevance, with the opportunity to work alongside some of the world’s largest consumer brands on critical issues affecting children’s wellbeing online.

For the full job pack, please send your CV to

Deadline: Wednesday 18th February at 9am

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

The Harrow Club
West London | Permanent

Charity People is thrilled to be partnering with The Harrow Club to recruit their new Head of Fundraising and Communications. This is a brilliant opportunity to join a respected, community-rooted youth charity at a genuinely exciting moment of growth. If you're someone who loves building relationships, creating clarity and momentum, and shaping a function with purpose at its heart, this could be the perfect next step.

• Salary: £50,000
• Location: Harrow Club, W10
• Hybrid working: 2 days per week in the office
• Hours: full-time, permanent

About The Harrow Club

The Harrow Club is a longstanding and highly respected youth charity working at the heart of some of West London's most disadvantaged communities. For more than 140 years, the organisation has championed local young people, providing universal youth clubs alongside targeted specialist support for those aged 10-21 who need it most.

Each week, the organisation works with up to 500 young people across six youth club sites and a wide range of targeted interventions spanning education, wellbeing, employability and positive life choices. Their model is rooted in trusted relationships, high-quality programmes, and early intervention - helping young people grow in confidence, overcome disadvantage, and move toward a positive future.

About the Role

This is a strategic and hands-on opportunity to lead and shape The Harrow Club's fundraising and communications activity. You'll drive sustainable income growth, raise the charity's profile, and ensure its story is told with clarity, conviction and heart.

This role will suit someone with ambition, emotional intelligence and a strong sense of purpose - someone excited by the chance to build something meaningful and see their work directly translate into better outcomes for young people.

"We are looking for someone with energy, credibility, and purpose. Someone who is motivated by impact, comfortable with responsibility, and excited by the opportunity to build something that really matters. If you want your work to translate directly into better outcomes for young people and families, I would strongly encourage you to apply.

I look forward to hearing from you." Garnet Johnson, CEO

As Head of Fundraising & Communications, you will:

• Lead the development of a cross-organisational fundraising strategy.
• Build a high-performing fundraising and communications function.
• Position The Harrow Club as a credible, high-impact partner.
• Embed excellent stewardship, strong data practice and compliance.

In this role, you'll be the driving force behind an ambitious fundraising programme, shaping a bold strategy, unlocking new income streams, and building a diverse, future-proof pipeline. You'll lead on high-value bids and forge relationships with trusts, foundations, corporates and major donors, creating compelling propositions that inspire long-term support. You will elevate the charity's profile through impactful campaigns, events and content that bring the Harrow Clubs mission to life.

About you

We're looking for a values-driven fundraiser with a strong track record of securing income across trusts, corporates, major donors and/or foundations. A skilled communicator with excellent writing and relationship-building abilities, you're confident managing multiple projects and leading people to do their best work. You're organised, proactive and committed to the mission of The Harrow Club. Experience in communications, digital engagement, campaigns, or knowledge of GDPR and fundraising regulation would be a bonus.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter to from our recruitment partner, Charity People.

Your cover letter should respond to these three questions (max. 350 words each):

1. Why are you interested in the role at The Harrow Club?
2. What will you bring to the role and the organisation's future impact?
3. How do your skills and experience meet the essential requirements?

Recruitment Timeline

• Closing Date: February 15^thFebruary
• Shortlisting: February 16^thFebruary
• 1st Stage Interviews: w/c 23^rdFebruary
• 2nd Stage Interviews: w/c 2^ndMarch

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

We are seeking a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the charity; sustaining and growing our work to enhance and protect the river environment so that people and wildlife can thrive.

About you

The successful candidate will have proven senior leadership skills and strong experience in the environmental conservation sector. They will be able to demonstrate experience and achievement across the core elements of a CEO role: strategic organisational planning, business development, operational delivery, people management and development, communication and management of resources. 

If this sounds like a good fit for you, please consider joining us to lead our work in Rethinking Eden’s Rivers for Good.

About us

Eden Rivers Trust (ERT)  is the Cumbrian conservation charity standing up for Eden’s rivers, enhancing and protecting the river environment so that people and wildlife can thrive. Since 1996, we have created and protected havens for wildlife, ensured that our precious fresh water is clean and safe for everyone, and spread the word about healthy, natural rivers far and wide.

Through the combination of our team’s expertise in working with nature and natural processes, the passion of our volunteers,  and our partnership work, together we are finding better ways to help Eden’s rivers thrive – for wildlife, for people, and for generations to come.

About the role

This role represents an exciting opportunity to build on Eden Rivers Trust’s success and take the Trust forward at a time when rivers and water are high in the public consciousness and firmly on the Government’s agenda. Change is expected across the water sector, and Eden Rivers Trust wants to be part of delivering that change – working positively and practically from the ground up.  

We have opportunities to make a significant impact in tackling many environmental issues around water in the Eden and Cumbria;  promoting the concept of integrated catchment management through delivering our strategic plan and the Eden Catchment Plan, both of which contribute to the Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy,  the Government’s Environment Improvement Plan and Plan for Water. 

We will do this working with a multitude of partners, including our sister Rivers Trusts in Cumbria and across the North West. 

For more information and details of how to apply, please read the Recruitment pack  

Deadline for applications: Midnight, Sunday, 15 March 2026
First interviews for this post will take place either week beginning Monday, 23 March or 30 March 2026 and will be a mixture of online and in-person interviews. 

Director of Fundraising & Development
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Starting salary: IRO £52,014 + excellent benefits
Contract type: Permanent
Working hours: Full time
Location: Bickley Hall Farm, Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8EF (with travel across the county). Hybrid and flexible working available

Nature in Cheshire is under pressure but together, we can turn the tide.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust is looking for an inspiring Director of Fundraising & Development to help us grow the support, income, and engagement needed to restore wildlife across the region.

About Us

Cheshire Wildlife Trust is a locally rooted, values-driven charity working to ensure wildlife has a future on land and at sea. As part of the UK-wide federation of Wildlife Trusts, we combine strong local knowledge with national influence.

Supported by more than 17,500 members and thousands of volunteers and partners, we are trusted to speak up for nature, to act boldly, and to deliver lasting change.

About You and The Role

In this senior leadership role, you will lead our fundraising, development and communications teams, shaping strategies that grow our support base so that we can do more for nature. You will build relationships with donors, funders and partners, develop compelling fundraising campaigns and propositions, and inspire a talented team to deliver ambitious goals.

We are looking for someone with a proven track record in fundraising, individual giving, supporter engagement or marketing, who can think strategically, act decisively and creatively, and lead with passion. Most importantly, you will share our belief that everyone has a part to play in creating a wilder future and will help make that possible for Cheshire.

Working with us means making a tangible difference for wildlife, people, and communities. We offer excellent benefits, flexible and hybrid working, a supportive culture, professional development, and the chance to see your work make a real impact across Cheshire’s landscapes.

Closing date: Sunday 15 February 2026

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We welcome applicants who share our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and who believe that nature’s recovery must involve everyone.

You may be required to carry out a DBS check for this role.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sorry, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

No agencies please.

Our Time Charity is seeking an experienced Corporate Fundraiser to help grow vital income through meaningful, long-term partnerships with businesses and corporate supporters.

This role plays a key part in delivering our fundraising strategy by connecting purpose-driven organisations with our mission to support children and families affected by parental mental illness. You will build and steward corporate relationships, develop partnership and sponsorship proposals, and represent Our Time Charity to external audiences.

Working closely with the CEO and wider team, you’ll help secure funding that directly supports our KidsTime Workshops and wider programmes – enabling children to feel supported, understood and less alone.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in corporate fundraising, relationship management or partnerships, who enjoys building connections, telling compelling stories, and turning shared values into lasting impact.

To learn more about the role, responsibilities and how to apply, please download the full recruitment pack.

Job Title: Head of Fundraising 

Reports to:   Deputy CEO

Location:  Contracted to Breaking Barrier’ office in London, Birmingham or Manchester, with some expectation of travel

Terms:      5 days per week (37.5 hours) but open to part-time (minimum 30 hours) and flexible working arrangements

Contract:   Permanent

Salary:  £55,000 - £60,000 (inclusive of London weighting)

Purpose of the Role 

The Head of Fundraising is a strategic leadership role within the Income and Engagement Directorate, with overall responsibility for the strategy, delivery and performance of Breaking Barriers’ high-value income portfolio. This includes corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, statutory funding, and major gifts.

Breaking Barriers has grown into a national charity supporting over 1,300 refugees each year and raising c.£3m annually. Income from corporate partners and philanthropic funders has been central to this growth, with corporate partnerships integral to both income and the creation of meaningful employment outcomes for our refugee clients. As the organisation enters its next strategic phase, the priority is to develop national partnerships in line with a redesigned service model and build long-term resilience across high-value income streams.

Reporting to the Deputy CEO, the Head of Fundraising will translate organisational priorities into a clear income strategy that delivers resilience and long-term relationship-led partnerships.  They will lead and support a team of senior fundraisers, each with lead responsibility for a defined income stream, while maintaining personal involvement in a small number of priority, high-value relationships.

As a member of Breaking Barriers’ Joint Leadership Team, the post-holder will contribute to organisational leadership, culture and decision-making, and will help shape how we work with responsible businesses, funders and partners to advance refugee employment in the UK.

Key Responsibilities

1. Income generation and external partnerships

• Hold overall accountability for income delivery across corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, statutory funding, and major gifts / high-net-worth individuals.

• Provide strategic oversight and direction to senior managers leading each income stream, ensuring coherence, prioritisation and strong performance across the portfolio.

• Maintain personal oversight of a small number of priority, high-value relationships, acting as senior sponsor and external representative where appropriate.

• Ensure a strong, diversified pipeline of prospective partners and donors aligned with organisational priorities.

• Champion excellent stewardship and supporter experience across all high-value relationships.

• Work closely with colleagues across the Directorate and the Joint Leadership Team to maximise cross-fundraising, partnership and engagement opportunities.

• Ensure that the voice, experience and dignity of refugees are meaningfully and ethically reflected in fundraising activity.

• Ensure accurate and consistent use of Salesforce for pipeline management, forecasting, reporting and analysis.

• Work closely with the Deputy CEO and Finance team on income forecasting, budgeting and financial planning.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including GDPR and the Fundraising Code of Practice.

2. Strategy and growth

• Working closely with the Deputy CEO, lead the development and delivery of an integrated Fundraising Strategy that supports organisational priorities, financial sustainability and long-term national partnerships.

• Translate strategy into clear priorities, plans and performance expectations across the fundraising portfolio.

• Drive income growth while strengthening long-term resilience across high-value income streams.

• Develop and deliver national and multi-year partnerships, particularly with corporate partners and major statutory funders, ensuring these relationships are strategically aligned, high-impact and mutually beneficial.

• Ensure fundraising propositions are compelling, evidence-led and clearly connected to Breaking Barriers’ impact, working closely with the Services Directorate to reflect operational reality and client need.

• Strengthen pipeline management, forecasting and scenario planning to support financial resilience and informed decision-making.

• Identify opportunities to deepen funder engagement beyond income, including learning partnerships, influence and profile-raising where appropriate.

• Monitor external trends and risks affecting high-value fundraising, adapting plans proactively in partnership with organisational leadership

3. Leadership and team management

• Provide inclusive, ambitious and supportive leadership to the Fundraising team, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration and learning.

• Line manage 3 Senior Managers across Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy, each with lead responsibility for a defined income stream.

• Set clear expectations, objectives and KPIs for senior managers, supporting them to balance strategic leadership with hands-on fundraising delivery.

• Ensure effective prioritisation, realistic workloads and joined-up ways of working across a complex fundraising portfolio.

• Lead on workforce planning, skills development and succession planning within the Fundraising function, in partnership with the Deputy CEO.

• Champion strong collaboration between fundraising and other directorates, particularly Services, Communications and Finance.

• Model Breaking Barriers’ values at all times, contributing to a welcoming, mission-led and entrepreneurial organisational culture.

• Actively contribute as a member of the Joint Leadership Team, supporting organisational leadership and decision-making beyond fundraising.

• Provide clear, accurate and timely reporting to the Deputy CEO, CEO and Board of Trustees, attending meetings as required.

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant experience leading high-value fundraising across multiple income streams, with a strong track record of income growth.

• Demonstrable success securing and stewarding 6- and 7-figure partnerships or donations from corporate partners, trusts/foundations, statutory funders and/or major donors.

• Proven ability to operate at both strategic and delivery levels, balancing leadership with selective frontline fundraising.

• Experience managing senior fundraisers or managers with responsibility for discrete income streams.

• Strong strategic, financial and analytical skills, including budgeting, forecasting, performance management and risk assessment.

• Excellent relationship-building, influencing and negotiation skills, with credibility at senior levels internally and externally.

• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and compellingly to a range of audiences, including trustees.

• Experience working effectively across an organisation and with senior leadership teams.

• Strong project management skills and ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.

• Sound knowledge of GDPR and the Charity Fundraising Code of Practice.

• Demonstrable interest in, and commitment to, refugee inclusion, employment or related social justice issues.

• A leadership style aligned with Breaking Barriers’ values: mission-led, welcoming, collaborative and entrepreneurial.

Desirable

• Experience integrating or restructuring fundraising teams or portfolios.

• Knowledge of trends in refugee sector funding, responsible business or social impact partnerships.

• Experience of statutory funding delivery and compliance.

• Event-based fundraising or donor cultivation experience.

Other considerations:

• Breaking Barriers is committed to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and for their views, wishes and beliefs to be fully taken into account when deciding action. 

• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief. 

• Breaking Barriers particularly welcomes applicants with experience of seeking asylum and/or a refugee background. 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, we are committed to offering an accessible recruitment process and guarantee an interview to all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

Mencap – Executive Director, Fundraising

Location: Flexible working, with 1-2 days per week in London office (EC1Y).

Salary: £120,000 per annum.

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Mencap is seeking an Executive Director, Fundraising to deliver ambitious fundraising goals and drive growth and impact, whilst ensuring that people with a learning disability are at the heart of their fundraising activities.

Mencap’s vision is for the estimated 1.5 million people with a learning disability across the UK to get the best chance in life. This is a pivotal moment to join the charity as they launch their new five-year strategy, Mencap 2030, with this role central to delivering its ambitious vision in which people with a learning disability can live life to the full.

The Executive Director, Fundraising will play a key organisational leadership role - modelling Mencap’s values, contributing to cross‑organisational transformation and championing belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion. With fundraising central to the charity’s future growth, the postholder will drive a strategy designed to increase annual income from an average of £14m to £20m and beyond, building on recent high‑profile partnerships and investment across all fundraising channels.

The role requires an inspiring leader who can galvanise 7,500 colleagues behind a shared fundraising mission and authentically involve people with a learning disability in shaping fundraising approaches. The successful candidate will lead and motivate a high‑performing team, steward major corporate and individual relationships and ensure innovation, strong forecasting and long‑term income growth. As a full member of the Executive team, they will contribute to organisational leadership, governance and strategic decision‑making, working closely with the Chief Executive and Board.

The role requires a values‑led, impact‑driven leader with a strong record of cross‑organisational leadership, a proven ability to deliver ambitious, sustained fundraising growth and experience of aligning fundraising goals with wider organisational strategy. They must also be able to demonstrate values‑based leadership that promotes belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion, and which supports team wellbeing and drives high performance.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional communicator, skilled at building high‑value relationships and engaging wider audiences through excellent stewardship. They will bring forward‑thinking insight into market trends, data‑driven decision‑making and the effective use of technology, including leading CRM implementation to enhance fundraising impact. Mencap is also seeking candidates who will strengthen or champion diversity within the Executive team, with a track record of nurturing inclusive teams and developing diverse talent.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 9th February 9.00am.

PLEASE NOTE: We will be longlisting applications as soon as we receive them, so please apply early to register your interest.