Chief fundraising officer jobs

Chief Executive Officer (Part-time, 3 days/week)

Veterans With Dogs (VWD) is seeking a dynamic and compassionate Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our charity into its next chapter. This rare and exciting opportunity offers the chance to guide a small, high-impact team at a pivotal stage in the charity’s growth.

Location: Exeter (hybrid with regular office presence required)
Salary: £45,000–£55,000 pro-rata (equivalent to £27,000 - £33,000 for 3 days/week) + 3% pension contribution
Contract: Initial 1 year role with opportunity to extend

Hours: 21 hours / 3 days per week

Holiday: 28 days per annum (FTE), plus bank holidays
Reports to: Chair of Trustees
Direct reports: 4

About Veterans With Dogs

Veterans With Dogs is a UK charity that transforms the lives of Armed Forces veterans living with mental health challenges. Through the provision of highly trained assistance dogs and trauma-informed support, we help restore purpose, independence, and dignity to those who have served.

Founded in 2012, our work addresses a vital gap for veterans living with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and complex trauma. Through our award-winning PALS™ (Partner Animal Life Skills) programme, we help veterans re-engage with life, with the support of a trusted companion by their side.

Following a period of governance transition and renewal, we are entering a new and exciting phase. We are strengthening leadership, systems, and strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and greater reach. As we begin this next chapter, we are seeking an experienced, values-driven CEO to lead us confidently into this next phase.

The Role

The CEO will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and cultural leadership for Veterans With Dogs. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will oversee the delivery of the charity’s mission, ensure operational excellence, develop our long-term strategy, and foster a values-led and high-performing team.

This is a hands-on, multi-dimensional leadership role, ideal for a calm, pragmatic, and inspiring individual with experience of organisational stabilisation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable growth. You will be a visible leader at our base in Exeter, while building strong relationships across the veteran, assistance dog, and wider charity sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

· Lead the development and delivery of an interim plan and longer-term organisational strategy

· Translate strategic goals into clear operational priorities and plans

· Foster a compassionate, inclusive, and mission-aligned organisational culture

· Act as a credible and inspiring ambassador for Veterans With Dogs with stakeholders, funders, partners, and the public

• Guide the charity through stabilisation and values-led, sustainable growth

Governance & Compliance

· Ensure compliance with all relevant charity law, regulation, and best practice

· Work in partnership with the Board of Trustees, supporting effective governance and reporting

· Implement and embed improvements in HR, finance, safeguarding, IT, and operational systems

• Lead on organisational risk management, ensuring policies and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed

Operations & Programme Delivery

· Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery

· Ensure safeguarding standards are upheld for both veterans and dogs

· Drive continuous improvement in programme quality, delivery, and impact measurement

• Ensure operational systems and data processes are robust, compliant, and fit for purpose

People & Culture

· Lead, support, and nurture a small, dedicated staff team and wider network of volunteers

· Promote staff wellbeing, clear communication, and professional development

• Work with trustees to assess future staffing needs and build leadership capacity

Finance & Sustainability

· Work with trustees and advisors to ensure sound financial management and reporting

· Contribute to financial planning, budgeting, and development of a sustainable reserves policy

• Help diversify income streams, supporting fundraising efforts, corporate partnerships, and individual giving

Fundraising & External Relations

· Build and maintain relationships with funders, donors, corporate partners, and sector allies

· Collaborate with the fundraising trustee to develop new funding opportunities

· Represent the charity externally with credibility, transparency, and professionalism

• Strengthen partnerships with ADUK, ADI, Cobseo, and other key membership bodies

Person Specification

Essential

· Senior leadership experience within a charity, social enterprise, or values-led organisation

· Strong knowledge of charity governance, regulation, and trustee relationships

· Experience leading teams through organisational change or stabilisation

· Financial literacy with experience of budgeting, reporting, and planning

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across diverse stakeholders

• A calm, values-based, and ethical leadership approach

Desirable

· Experience in health, mental health, veterans’ services, or trauma-informed work

· Experience working with boards during periods of strategic or leadership transition

· Fundraising and/or income generation experience

· Understanding of safeguarding best practice (for people and/or animals)

• Lived experience of the military or charity sectors (not essential)

Our Commitment

Veterans With Dogs is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strive to create a supportive, respectful, and empowering workplace. We recognise the value of lived experience and are committed to continuous learning as an organisation.

How to Apply

Apply with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and suitability.

If you would like a confidential conversation before applying, we would be happy to speak with you.

Closing date to apply: Friday 13 March 2026

· First interviews (online): week commencing 16 March 2026

· Second interviews (in our Exeter office): week commencing 23 March 2026 TBC

NO RECRUITERS AT THIS STAGE PLEASE

Are you a passionate, values-driven fundraiser looking for a career-defining opportunity? Join WSUP at a pivotal moment as we grow our impact and strengthen our fundraising in line with our ambition to prevent and end homelessness in our community.

Click Apply, download our Recruitment Pack and find out about WSUP's strategic priorities.

This Fundraising Lead role (Maternity Cover) is central to our strategy - designed to secure sustainable income through community engagement, partnerships, and bold, values-aligned funding. You’ll lead the development and delivery of an ambitious fundraising strategy that aims to grow income to £400,000+ per year - supporting both WSUP’s immediate needs and long-term growth. This will include a blend of bid writing, challenge events, and community-led fundraising, working closely with volunteers, partners, and local supporters to build strong relationships and unlock sustainable income.  

Your work will help expand our trauma-informed services, embed lived experience across the organisation, and ensure we respond to rising demand with dignity and care- while building a local solidarity economy based on mutual support and community-led solutions.

We’re looking for a creative and strategic thinker with excellent relationship-building skills and a commitment to equity and inclusion. You’ll be working closely with our leadership team and wider network of partners and volunteers, shaping a fundraising programme that reflects WSUP’s grassroots ethos and the powerful stories at the heart of our work.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a trusted local charity - and to play a vital role in building a healthier, more just Greenwich for all.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & income generation 

· Trusts & grants: Research, write, and submit compelling funding applications to trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies to secure new and repeat funding.

· Corporate & individual giving: Work alongside Service Delivery Manager and Deputy Service Manager to develop relationships with corporate sponsors and individual donors, creating engagement opportunities.

· Donor stewardship: Manage and nurture relationships with funders, ensuring timely reporting and impact updates.

· Donor stewardship: Provide timely and effective follow-up communications with supporters, ensuring they feel valued and engaged.

· Fundraising strategy: Support the development and implementation of WSUP’s fundraising strategy, identifying new opportunities for income growth.

· Event fundraising: Assist in planning and delivering fundraising events to engage supporters and raise unrestricted funds

· Financial oversight: Work with the CEO to develop fundraising budgets and ensure accurate income tracking.

· Financial oversight: Process cash and cheque donations for Community & Events income, including ensuring this income is processed and recorded accurately on our database which may include batch uploads.

· Campaigns & appeals: Develop and implement online fundraising campaigns, such as Winter Appeal or emergency appeals.

· Storytelling & impact reporting: Work with Communication Lead to share real-life stories that showcase WSUP’s work.

Person Specification

Essential skills & experience

· Fundraising knowledge: Understanding of trust, foundation, and corporate fundraising, with proven experience of writing successful grant applications.

· Communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and reports.

· Relationship management: Ability to build relationships with funders, donors, and stakeholders at various levels.

· Organisational skills: Ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

· IT proficiency: Strong skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), databases, AI tools and social media scheduling tools.

· Financial literacy: Ability to create fundraising budgets and financial reports.

· Compliance: Knowledge of fundraising legislation, including Gift Aid and GDPR compliance.

Desirable skills & experience

· Experience in a small charity setting, ideally within the homelessness or health-related sector, understanding the challenges and opportunities of grassroots fundraising.

· Experience organising donor engagement events or corporate sponsorship opportunities.

· Proven ability to use videos and infographics to enhance fundraising campaigns.

· Social media: Experience using social media for fundraising and engagement, with an understanding of digital marketing principles.

· Experience with volunteer management or coordinating fundraising volunteers.

Personal attributes

· Passionate about social justice and WSUP’s mission to support people in crisis.

· Self-motivated and able to work independently, with a proactive and creative approach.

· Adaptable and willing to take on a variety of tasks in a small but dynamic team.

· Resilient and resourceful, with a problem-solving mindset.

· Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment where flexibility is key.

What we offer

· The opportunity to make a real impact in a grassroots charity supporting local communities.

· Flexible working arrangements (remote work possible).

· Professional development and training opportunities.

· A supportive and inclusive team culture, with a strong emphasis on lived experience and trauma-informed practice.

We are looking for a fundraising manager whose core strengths are trusts and foundations fundraising, major donor cultivation, and excellent proposal writing.

The NCTJ is the guardian of the gold standard in journalism training. Through charitable initiatives including the Community Reporting Fund and Journalism Diversity Fund, we widen access to journalism careers, strengthen community reporting, and champion trusted journalism at a time when misinformation and public scepticism make high professional standards more important than ever.

Diversifying and growing charitable income is a strategic priority for NCTJ. Following the development of our fundraising strategy, this role will focus on building and growing income from UK trusts, foundations and high net worth supporters. You will have the autonomy to shape the grants and major donor pipeline.

Corporate partnerships are led primarily by our Head of Business Development. This role focuses on grants, major donors and stewardship.

About the role

You will:

• Research and manage a strong pipeline of trusts and foundation prospects
• Write and submit high-quality, tailored grant applications and expressions of interest
• Develop compelling cases for support, budgets, outcomes and proposal templates
• Build and manage major donor/high net worth pipeline through warm networks
• Lead on donor cultivation and follow-up
• Strengthen stewardship and reporting so funders feel valued and close to the impact
• Use HubSpot CRM to track pipeline, deadlines, reporting and performance

About you

You will have:

• A strong track record in trusts and foundations fundraising
• Experience securing substantial grants (five-figure and above)
• Excellent proposal and case for support writing skills
• Experience working with major donors/high net worth supporters (or strong transferable relationship-led fundraising experience)
• Strong organisation and CRM discipline
• Confidence working with senior leaders

Experience in journalism, media, education, social mobility or EDI is welcome but not essential. It is vital that you support the critical role professional journalists play in our democracy.

Benefits

• Salary c £40,000 (£37,000-£43,000) depending on experience
• Pension: 5% employer and 5% employee contribution
• Annual leave of 25 days plus bank holidays
• Discretionary bonus based on company performance
• Life cover
• Training and career development

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 1,000 words total) addressing the following:

1. Trusts and foundations track record (300 words)
   Describe one trust or foundation grant of £30,000+ that you personally led. Include who the funder was, what the project was, how you shaped the proposal to meet their criteria, and the outcome.
2. Proposal writing approach (250 words)
   When starting a new funding application, what are the first five things you do before you begin writing? Please be specific.
3. Working with senior stakeholders and impact information (250 words)
   Give an example of how you worked with colleagues, senior leaders or contacts to gather the information needed for a funding proposal or donor meeting. What did you do and what was the result?
4. Interest in journalism and the NCTJ mission (200 words) What is it about the NCTJ’s work, values and mission that interests you, and why do you think it is important at this point in time for journalism and society?

Your supporting statement is an important part of the assessment for this role. We are looking for evidence of your own proposal-writing style, experience and judgement. Generic or highly templated responses are unlikely to score well.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a short writing exercise as part of the interview process.

About the NCTJ

The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is the charity at the heart of journalism education and training in the UK. We are the guardian of the gold standard in journalism training and qualifications, and we champion equality, diversity and inclusion so that journalism is accessible to people from all backgrounds.

Through charitable initiatives including the Journalism Diversity Fund and the Community Reporting Fund, we widen participation in journalism, support community reporting, and strengthen trusted journalism at a time when misinformation and public scepticism make high professional standards more important than ever.

NCTJ is financially stable and widely respected within the industry. However, diversifying and growing charitable income is a strategic priority for 2026–27. We have developed our first fundraising strategy to support sustainable growth and impact, and this role is central to delivering it.

Purpose of the role

This is a specialist role focused on securing and stewarding funding from trusts and foundations and developing a pipeline of major donors and high net worth supporters, underpinned by exceptional proposal writing and strong relationship management.

Corporate partnerships are led primarily by the head of business development. This role will support corporate fundraising through proposal/case development and stewardship where needed, but the primary focus is securing charitable grants and major donors.

Key responsibilities

1) Trusts and foundations fundraising

• Build and manage a strong pipeline of UK trust and foundation prospects that advance NCTJ’s charitable priorities (including diversity, community reporting, and training for a fast-changing media industry).
• Develop and maintain a grants calendar and tracking system, including deadlines, funder preferences, decision timelines, and reporting requirements.
• Write and submit high-quality, tailored grant applications and expressions of interest, working to agreed targets and timescales.
• Develop a suite of core fundraising materials (case for support, programme proposals, budgets, outcomes and evaluation narrative, boilerplate and templates) to increase quality and consistency across submissions.
• Confidently communicate the NCTJ’s purpose and impact through presentations, reports, and digital content and represent the NCTJ at meetings and events, both virtually and in person.
• Build and maintain strong funder relationships, ensuring excellent stewardship, timely reporting and opportunities for renewal and uplift.

2) Major donor / high net worth giving

• Work with the senior team to identify major donor prospects through networks and sector connections.
• Undertake proportionate prospect research and build a high-quality cultivation pipeline.
• Create tailored donor proposals and impact statements that support donor interests while advancing NCTJ priorities.
• Support cultivation meetings with briefs, materials, follow-up and stewardship plans, tracking all activity in CRM.

3) Impact, storytelling and stewardship

• Work closely with programme and communications colleagues to gather impact data, case studies and beneficiary stories to strengthen proposals and reporting.
• Develop and deliver a clear plan for thanking trusts and major donors, keeping them updated on impact, and staying in regular contact.
• Use NCTJ events and industry milestones as stewardship and cultivation opportunities, coordinating targeted follow-up and relationship management.

4) Systems, reporting and evaluation

• Maintain excellent data quality and discipline in HubSpot CRM, including prospect stage, relationship owner, next actions, submissions, reporting deadlines and contact history.
• Produce clear pipeline and performance reports for the HoBD/chief executive (eg, submissions, conversion rates, forecast, learning and next steps).
• Contribute to quarterly review sessions to evaluate progress and refine approach.

5) Collaborative working

• Build strong working relationships across the charity and its stakeholders to translate NCTJ’s work into fundable propositions and well managed projects ensuring effective delivery of programmes through cross functional collaboration.
• Bring innovative and creative concepts to the team, and develop valuable programmes and initiatives which add to the NCTJ’s new income stream.
• Contribute to shared messaging that reflects NCTJ’s mission: high standards, quality, trusted journalism, accessibility and measurable EDI impact.

Person specification

Essential

• Significant experience in trusts and foundations fundraising, including writing successful applications.
• Proven track record of securing substantial grants (five-figure and above, including multi-year where possible).
• Outstanding proposal and case for support writing skills (clear structure, persuasive narrative, strong budgets/outcomes, and tailoring to criteria).
• Strong pipeline management skills and ability to deliver multiple submissions to deadlines.
• Experience cultivating and stewarding major donors/high net worth individuals (or strong transferable relationship-led fundraising experience).
• Strong CRM capability and reporting discipline.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders.

Desirable

• Experience strengthening fundraising systems, templates and stewardship processes.
• Experience in education, media/journalism, social mobility, EDI or local/community development.

Personal attributes

• A high-quality writer who takes pride in precision, tone and evidence.
• Proactive, organised and accountable.
• Warm, credible and professional with funders and senior stakeholders.
• Motivated by widening access, high standards, and trusted journalism.

As Head of Fundraising at The Movement Centre, you will play a pivotal strategic role in unlocking movement and transforming lives, leading a passionate fundraising team and delivering an ambitious strategy to double our income over the next three years. You’ll work at the heart of an organisation with extraordinary impact, building high-value partnerships, growing sustainable income, and ensuring more children and families can access specialist physiotherapy that truly changes lives. If you’re a confident, values driven fundraising leader ready to make a visible, lasting difference, this role offers both purpose and scale in equal measure.

The Hub Yeovil is a caring, local charity who enrich the lives of adults living with learning disability and autism. Our vision is of a community where everyone is respected, included and accepted, regardless of disability. Through our day services, community café and scrapstore, we offer a comprehensive programme of activities, enabling beneficiaries to lead more independent lives and improve their wellbeing, whilst feeling part of a supportive community.

• Work closely with the CEO and Management Team to develop and implement the charity’s fundraising strategy
• Develop income to an annual agreed target to support the Hub’s charitable activities through trust and other grant making bodies, statutory funding opportunities and corporate sponsors
• Undertake systematic research to identify potential income generation and funding opportunities
• Identify, develop and lead on priority fundraising projects and new sources of income
• Prepare attractive and compelling project-funding proposals and applications to grant-making trusts, the Lottery, UK companies, corporate supporters and other project funding sources, ensuring the potential of these sources is fully maximised
• Prepare attractive and compelling statutory funding applications and tender bids
• Work closely with stakeholders to identify innovations and ideas for fundraising bids
• Develop an in-depth knowledge of the Hub’s activities and an understanding of the income generation and funding opportunities they create
• Contribute to the consistent brand communication throughout all fundraising and income generation activities
• Represent the Hub at external meetings and events as required
• Maintain meticulous records, including maintaining the fundraising and income records on targets and approaches
• Provide and produce relevant reports to the CEO on the Fundraising Strategy, including performance indicators to enable the Hub to assess the effectiveness of the strategy and ensuring results are carried forward in subsequent fundraising plans
• Share knowledge of projects and developments within the organisation
• Promote the work of the Hub to a wider external audience including on social media, in collaboration with other staff, as appropriate
• To work as part of a team that is always open, honest and supportive of each other.

Requirements

• Existing network in Trust and Foundation fundraising desirable
• Experience of developing and implementing fundraising strategies
• Successful track-record of working with appropriate trusts, grant making bodies and statutory funding opportunities
• Experienced of securing partnerships with corporate sponsors
• Proficient researcher

Are you a visionary leader who can help shape the next stage of our work to protect, create and restore Scotland’s woodlands?

We are looking for our next Chief Executive, someone who can lead the charity into an exciting period of growth and change.

FWS is a Scottish charity working to create a Scotland where trees and native woodlands are thriving for our wildlife, communities and climate.  Our mission is to protect, create and restore these vital habitats through knowledge, partnership and practical action.

Founded in 2012 to support innovative thinking for trees and native woodlands, we have grown into an organisation delivering practical action at scale. Today, our work stretches from city spaces to wild places — supporting farmers and landowners to create or restore native woodlands, strengthening local nurseries, building sector skills, and bringing trees into everyday landscapes across Scotland.

The organisation has grown rapidly over the past three years, and now operates as a team of seven delivering national programmes across Scotland.

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to shape a small, ambitious and high‑performing charity at a time of growth and increasing national influence.

As Chief Executive, you will report to and work closely with our Board of Trustees, providing strategic leadership and acting as the organisation’s senior representative. You will:

• Lead the delivery of our strategic plan and future direction
• Strengthen partnerships across the woodland, environmental, community and land‑use sectors
• Oversee programme delivery and organisational performance
• Support, motivate and develop our small and committed team of seven, working across programmes, fundraising and communications
• Represent Future Woodlands Scotland at senior levels across Scotland

You will bring strategic clarity, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to build strong, trusted relationships across sectors and with funders.

Location

This role is Scotland-based, working from home with travel across Scotland to meetings. Our current team is spread across Dumfries & Galloway, Lothian, Central Scotland and Aberdeenshire.

Contract and salary

• 8% employer pension contribution
• Permanent, part‑time (3 days per week)
• £65,000–£75,000 FTE, depending on experience
• 25 days annual leave + 10 public holidays (pro rata)
• Additional annual leave increasing with length of service, up to a maximum of 10 additional days.

How to apply

Before applying, please read the Candidate Pack for full details of the role, responsibilities and the application process. You can find it on our website. 

Invitations are invited from suitably qualified people and applications should consist of a CV and covering letter. The covering letter should explain how you meet the essential skills set out in the Candidate Pack and what you would bring to Future Woodlands Scotland.

If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Shireen Chambers to arrange a call (details in Candidate Pack).

Key dates:

• Application deadline: Midday, Monday 16 March 2026
• Interviews: Monday, 30 March 2026, in Edinburgh in person

ORGANISATION: Crann

POSITION: Head of Fundraising

CONTRACT: Full-time, permanent role.

SALARY: €82,500 

LOCATION: This role is based at the Crann Centre in Ovens, County Cork. There is an opportunity for hybrid working with the SMT currently working 1 day from home. 

BACKGROUND 

Crann supports children, adults and families living with neuro-physical disabilities across Munster. Through a community-based, family-centred approach, Crann delivers specialist services that focus on health, wellbeing and participation across the lifespan. The organisation currently supports over 800 families and works closely with individuals, carers and professionals to address the real and practical challenges faced by families living with lifelong disability. 

Since commencing services in 2019, Crann has grown steadily in both scale and ambition. The organisation is now entering a new phase focused on long-term sustainability, evidence-informed practice and strengthening its ability to deliver services and influence how disability supports are planned and delivered. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Crann is now seeking to appoint a Head of Fundraising, a senior leadership role responsible for developing and leading a sustainable fundraising function to support the organisation’s mission and future growth. This is a newly created role and represents a shift from organically grown, CEO-led fundraising to a more structured and strategic approach that supports scale, complexity and long-term financial sustainability. 

Reporting to the CEO and sitting on the Senior Management Team, the Head of Fundraising will be responsible for setting fundraising strategy, translating it into clear operational plans, and ensuring the systems, structures and ways of working are in place to deliver consistent and diversified income. The role will involve leading and developing a small fundraising team, strengthening capability, clarity and accountability across the function. 

In addition to building the fundraising function, the Head of Fundraising will personally manage a portfolio of key donor relationships and income streams, working directly with funders, donors, partners and stakeholders. The role will also contribute to the organisation’s longer-term ambitions, including preparing for future capital fundraising and supporting deeper engagement from senior leaders and the Board in fundraising activity. 

If you’re a senior fundraising leader with experience building sustainable fundraising functions and managing key donor relationships, we’d love to hear from you.

Chief Executive

We are now seeking an exceptional new leader to guide City Year UK into its next phase.

Position: Chief Executive

Location: London, with regular travel to Birmingham, Manchester and other UK locations as required

Hours: Full-time

Salary: £80-90k dependent on experience

Duration: Permanent

Closing Date: 10.00am on Monday 23th March 2026.

Interviews: March 2026.

Who we are

For over 15 years, City Year UK has stood alongside children and young people across the UK, helping them to discover their potential and believe in what they can achieve. As a leading youth and education charity, we inspire and empower young people to dedicate a year of service, volunteering with us to support children in schools, reduce youth unemployment, and strengthen communities.

Our City Year mentors work in schools serving children who are often furthest from opportunity. They provide consistent and caring support that helps pupils feel valued, motivated, and capable of success. By building trusted relationships, boosting confidence, and encouraging a love of learning, our mentors make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of the children they serve.

The Role

We are now seeking an exceptional new leader to guide City Year UK into its next phase. This is an important moment for the organisation and an opportunity to shape the future of a movement that is changing lives. Building on strong foundations, the next Chief Executive will lead the organisation as we strengthen and expand our programmes, deepen our impact, and play a leading role in the development of a UK Year of Service that supports children and young people across the country.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. With the full support of the Board, the next Chief Executive will lead City Year UK into a focused next phase, securing financial resilience, strengthening delivery, and ensuring sustainable long term impact.

Main responsibilities include:

• Fundraising and Development
• Strategy and Leadership
• Governance
• External Engagement
• Programme Delivery
• Finance and People

About You

We are looking for an inspiring leader who is passionate about unlocking the potential of young people, championing educational equality, and driving lasting change. You’ll bring a strong track record of strategic leadership and fundraising in the charity sector, along with the vision and energy to lead City Year UK into an ambitious new chapter. Skilled at building powerful partnerships, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and championing an inclusive, purpose-driven culture, you’ll also be a dynamic fundraiser, ready to support the growth and diversification of our income so we can expand our impact even further.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills:

• A proven track record of senior leadership and management at a Chief Executive or Director level, likely in the charity or mission-driven sector
• Experience leading a complex organisation, with strong financial oversight, including managing a budget of comparable scale
• Demonstrated success in securing £1.5m+ a year of funding aligned with programme delivery; strong understanding of the connection between mission and sustainability
• Excellent leadership, management and team-building skills with a collaborative working style
• Strong political and organisational awareness, with the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder environments
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and experience working with senior stakeholders across sectors
• Outstanding communication skills—written, verbal, listening, and presenting

Please apply by uploading your CV and a supporting statement responding to the two questions set out in the Recruitment Pack. Your statement should clearly demonstrate your relevant experience, leadership capability and track record in relation to this role. Due to the high volume of CVs received, we can only respond back to the successful candidates.

Employee Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days per annum, rising to 28 days, plus 3 Christmas Grace days
• A matched pension scheme with 4% standard employer contributions and matched up to 5%.
• An organisational culture that values its employees and places particular emphasis on fairness and transparency.
• Sector-leading training, with qualifications up to master's degree level funded under the apprenticeship levy.
• 2 Volunteering days per year - pursue a project you’re passionate about
• 2 Wellbeing days per year
• A comprehensive wellbeing service designed to support the overall wellness of employees
• Interest-free travel season ticket loans, bike loans under the “Cycle to Work Scheme” and loans to assist employees with welfare or financial hardship
• Enhanced sick pay for up to 6 weeks

Other areas of experience may include CEO, COO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive, Director, Managing Director, HR, Finance, Operations.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

Aerobility is a national charity that changes lives through flight. We believe that disability should never be a barrier to aviation, and we exist to enable disabled people to experience the freedom, confidence, and independence that flying can bring.

We are now seeking a Head of Fundraising and Relationships to lead and grow our income generation and supporter engagement at an exciting time in Aerobility’s development. This is a senior role with real scope to shape strategy, build meaningful relationships, and make a tangible impact on the charity’s future.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will be responsible for developing and delivering a sustainable fundraising strategy across multiple income streams, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, major donors, individual giving, and community fundraising. You will also play a key role in nurturing long-term relationships with supporters, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring they feel valued, informed, and connected to Aerobility’s mission.

This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery. You will work closely with colleagues, volunteers, and ambassadors to tell Aerobility’s story with clarity and passion, translating impact into compelling cases for support. You will also contribute to the wider leadership of the charity, bringing ideas, insight, and collaboration to help Aerobility continue to grow safely and sustainably.

We are looking for someone who is an experienced fundraiser and relationship builder, confident working at a senior level, and motivated by purpose-led work. You will be proactive, organised, and comfortable balancing long-term planning with day-to-day activity. Most importantly, you will share our belief in inclusion, opportunity, and the power of aviation to change lives.

This is a rewarding opportunity to join a small, dedicated team and play a pivotal role in securing Aerobility’s future while helping disabled people take flight.

Join a charity which helps families wherever and whenever they need us

Lia’s Wings is the only charity delivering life-saving aeromedical transfers by plane both within the UK and overseas. We make sure babies and children receive the vital treatment they need, no matter where they are. Alongside these urgent medical transfers, we provide tailored, wrap-around support for families to help them through a crisis, creating long-term improved health and well-being outcomes.

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising Manager to join our team on a fixed-term 14 month contract (maternity cover). 

The successful candidate will primarily be responsible for the management and delivery of our challenge events, special events and community fundraising streams, but the post-holder would also be expected to regularly support activities across our corporate partnerships, individual giving and Family Fundraising streams of fundraising too.

You will play a key role in developing these income streams, engaging our supporters to motivate them to fundraise for Lia’s Wings and creating initiatives that introduce new people to our organisation.

Key Responsibilities: 

Event Management

• To manage our Challenge, Community and Special Event fundraising streams to achieve set targets. This will include management of challenge events such as our flagship event, Ride for Lia, as well as London Landmarks and the Royal Parks Half Marathon.
• To manage our annual Air Ambulance Mingle and develop existing plans for a new Christmas Carol Concert

Corporate and Community Partnerships

• To assume account management of our smaller corporate and community partnerships (who are primarily engaged with us through event fundraising)
• To support the Director of Fundraising in the delivery of our larger corporate and community partnerships.

Supporter Engagement

• To effectively steward fundraisers to ensure an excellent supporter experience (resulting in year-on-year participation), including appropriate thanking and recognition, reporting and feedback on outcomes of events.
• To build strong relationships with existing and new stakeholders, including event committees and our Board of Trustees.

Essential Experience and Skills

• A minimum of three years proven experience in a fundraising role, preferably in a challenge, community or special events fundraising role.
• Demonstrable ability to build relationships and effectively steward and support fundraisers to exceed their targets.
• Experience in writing and developing stewardship plans and in creating engaging fundraising collateral to support donors and supporters of all levels.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and managing fundraising evens from design to completion, including logistical planning, budgeting, forecasting, stewardship and evaluation.
• Experience working with fundraising committees and/or Trustee Groups.

Essential Skills:

• A strong communicator, able to confidently engage with stakeholders of all levels, internally and externally, to share our vision and maximise fundraising success.
• Excellent project management skills, with strong attention to detail, comfortable working across multiple-channels simultaneously.
• A team player, willing to be hands-on and involved in the day to day running of a small charity.
• Excellent understanding and application of relevant charity legislation and codes of conduct relating to these areas of fundraising.

Values & Culture

We are a small team with a big heart. We value kindness, transparency, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the families we serve.

INTERIM FUNDRAISING MANANGER

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Interim Fundraising Manager to use their knowledge and experience to cultivate new fundraising relationships, build a corporate partnerships pipeline from the ground up, and significantly increase individual giving and major donor income, whilst developing an engaging and effective supporter programme.

Benefits of working for Doorstep Library:

• Location: Hybrid (2 days in the Victoria office, 3 days remote), flexible working
• Hours: Full time – 35 hours (excluding lunch break), 6 month contract with potential to extend
• 25 days per annum, plus bank holidays and 3 days mandatory Christmas leave pro rata
• 6% pension Contributions
• Employee assistance programme
• Employee discount programme (BenefitHub)
• Salary sacrifice scheme

Doorstep Library is a community-focused literacy charity dedicated to bringing the gift of books and the joy of reading into the homes of families across London. With one in four 11-year-olds leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, the charity introduces young children (aged 0-11 years) to the pleasure and benefits of reading.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Proven Fundraising Experience: Essential knowledge/experience of raising income via various fundraising methods with a particular focus on corporate fundraising and individual giving.
• Relationship Building Skills: Ability to establish and nurture new partnerships whilst developing effective stewardship and supporter engagement programme.
• Strategic Input: Enthusiasm to work closely with the CEO to develop income streams and implement fundraising strategies.
• Team Management Experience: Effective leadership with the ability to develop and mentor a small team.
• Team Player Mentality: A strong understanding of working within a small charity, demonstrating adaptability and a willingness to assist with tasks beyond the immediate job description.

Experience in children's charities, literacy, or education organisations would be highly beneficial.

Capitalising on the current "National Year of Reading" this is an excellent opportunity to join a highly supportive and collaborative organisation that makes a tangible difference in children's lives. You will be instrumental in shaping the future fundraising landscape of The Doorstep Library, contributing to a vital cause in a rewarding environment.

For more information, please contact Louise Portnall, Recruitment Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.
 
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer

Closing date: 10 March 2026

Applications are being reviewed by Charisma on a rolling basis, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.

This is a full-time Chief Exec role offering an exciting time to join an organisation making

a huge impact with minimal resources. As the Organisation enters its tenth year,

regrettably the need for this work has never been greater and in addition to enhancing

existing projects, we plan to grow our Dignity Centre locations as well as expand our

outreach and impact in the coming two to five years. As a small charity, the role is

incredibly varied as well as hands-on. While there is no physical back office, meaning

the role is mostly from home/remote, the CEO spends sustained periods of time in our

projects in Nicosia, Cyprus and Bournemouth, UK as well as any new or potential

project sites in the UK and abroad. A typical day could include troubleshooting and

managing maintenance problems at distance for our projects in Nicosia and

Bournemouth, preparing and delivering interviews and presentations to the media or for

donors, calling volunteers to prepare them for collaborating with us and collating

indicator data for impact reports.

Our client is the UK’s leading road safety charity. Their role is simple, yet vital – to make journeys safer for everyone who uses the road.

Between four and five people lose their lives on UK roads every day, and more than 75 are seriously injured in collisions. Each death leaves a family grieving, and every serious injury can change lives forever.

The charity is working to change this through education and training programmes, alongside campaigning for policy reforms to make roads safer for everyone.

Chief Executive Officer
£110,000 + benefits
Hybrid working – At least 3 days in the office, Welwyn Garden City area

Joining the organisation in its 70th anniversary year, the new Chief Executive Officer will provide inspiring, person-centred leadership to their committed teams and volunteers.

They will work closely with members, partners, and stakeholders to influence policy, behaviour, and public understanding of road safety, while applying strategic and commercial expertise to secure long-term financial sustainability, diversify income, and maximise charitable impact.

We are seeking a proven senior leader, ideally from a membership, not-for-profit, or service-led organisation. Knowledge of the road safety or transport sector is desirable but not essential. The successful candidate will have a strong track record of delivering commercially sustainable growth, sound financial stewardship, and influencing policy, government, or regulatory stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensure financial sustainability through budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and investment planning.
• Lead the development and delivery of the strategic plan with the Board.
• Drive growth across membership, training, fundraising, and commercial activities, including partnerships and sponsorships.
• Enhance the organisation’s influence, visibility, and impact in road safety and driver/rider training.
• Serve as the chief ambassador and spokesperson to members, partners, government, and media.
•  

If you are passionate about making our roads safer and enhancing driver education, we would love to hear from you. 

For further details and information on how to apply, please visit our dedicated microsite.

How to Apply

To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) onto the Prospectus website via the link below. 
 
Please ensure that you have included a telephone number, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable. 
 
If you wish to apply using an alternative format, please contact Prospectus.
 
If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact our retained partners, Jane Ray and Tammy Stewart. 
 
At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients to build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire.

Recruitment Timetable

Deadline for applications: Sunday 29th March (midnight)
Interviews with Prospectus: w/c 13th April
Interviews with the charity: 30th April and/or 1st May

Job Purpose

This role sits at the heart of Operation Smile UK’s five-year strategy to deliver transformational growth across all income streams. As Retention Fundraising Lead, you will be instrumental in delivering on three of the four core strategic priorities:

1. Build Regular Giving – retain and maximise value from the regular giving base

2. Drive All Donors to Legacy – ensure donors experience best-in-class stewardship, increasing their loyalty to the charity with an objective of feeding into legacy and long-term giving goals.

3. Maximise Growth Through Digital Fundraising Integration – leading the expansion and optimisation of digital growth for all existing supporters.

The Retention Lead is responsible for delivering Operation Smile UK’s strategic individual giving retention and legacy marketing programme. This role is key to driving income growth from our existing donors from the point of recruitment, maximising value and minimising attrition from the regular giving pool and generating and retaining legacy actions and prospects.

You will lead on the strategy, planning, delivery and evaluation of retention campaigns, with full accountability for managing significant budgets, agency partnerships and performance metrics.

You will support the development of the Legacy strategy, be instrumental in planning legacy activity and delivering legacy marketing for the existing supporter base across all income streams and methods of support, from Partnerships, Volunteers and public fundraisers.

This is a senior, hands-on role suited to an experienced Individual giving fundraiser with strong commercial acumen and a data-driven mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Campaign Leadership

• Develop and implement the retention strategy, aligned with income targets and supporter growth objectives.
• Lead on the planning and delivery of campaigns across cash, donor stewardship, legacy prospecting and stewardship, welcome, conversion, reactivation and upgrade appeals.
• Lead on strategic development of the cultivation journey to ensure Operation Smile maximise growth through digital channels.
• Monitor and report on campaign performance, providing insight-driven recommendations to optimise results.
• Drive testing and innovation to expand existing approaches and introduce new ones within acceptable risk and return parameters.

Budget Ownership & Performance Monitoring

• Take full responsibility for retention and legacy budget management, income forecasting and cost control.
• Set, monitor, and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting against ROI, value and response, retention and conversion metrics and long-term value across all supporter groups channels.
• Collaborate with the Senior Database Manager and the Director of Data and Technology to develop and maintain performance dashboards (e.g., Power BI) and support strategic data analysis, including both short term and long-term channel performance evaluation.

Line Management

• Provide day-to-day leadership and support to the Retention team, ensuring clarity of objectives, effective workload management, and professional development opportunities.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, annual appraisals, and performance reviews for direct reports, supporting their growth and accountability.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture, encouraging innovation, learning, and high standards of delivery.
• Provide strategic and operational direction to external agencies or freelancers working on retention projects.

Agency & Partner Management

• Manage day-to-day relationships with external fundraising and creative partners.
• Lead on the relationship with the external fulfilment agency working with multiple internal stakeholders to ensure an effective partnership is in place.
• Lead briefings, content sourcing, agent training, stakeholder approvals, and quality assurance processes.
• Negotiate contracts and hold suppliers accountable for delivery and performance.

Cross-Team and Market Integration

• Represent the retention and legacy programme in cross-functional planning meetings and contribute to a unified team culture focused on strategic delivery.
• Work closely with the Acquisition and Digital lead to deliver a seamless supporter journey from point of recruitment to donor communications.
• Work closely with the Philanthropy Manager to develop and manage the pipeline of HV/Major donors.
• Work closely with the Legacy administrator, Philanthropy Manager and Volunteer Manager to develop the legacy pipeline.
• Work closely to ensure all digital communications are aligned and support the retention strategy
• Act as a key liaison with colleagues across Operation Smile global markets, sharing insights and exploring opportunities to align strategy, co-develop creative, or pilot cross-market initiatives.

Compliance, Risk & Best Practice

• Ensure all campaigns meet legal, ethical and data protection requirements (e.g., GDPR, Fundraising Regulator).
• Act as a key contributor to organisational risk assessments relating to income performance and supplier performance.
• Keep up to date with sector trends, innovations and benchmarks to maintain best practice.

Person specification

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience (ideally 5+ years) in Individual Giving, Legacy or fundraising acquisition roles.
• Proven success delivering multi-channel (including digital) retention campaigns for both cash, legacy and regular giving donors with strong ROI.
• Experience managing external agencies and suppliers to high performance standards.
• Strong background in regular giving retention.
• Demonstrable experience managing and reporting on retention budgets.

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with excellent campaign planning and execution skills.
• Highly numerate and confident using data for decision-making and optimisation.
• Strong project and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proactive, self-starting approach with high levels of ownership and accountability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to represent the organisation externally.

Desirable

• Understanding of retention and supporter journey optimisation.
• Familiarity with CRM, Dot digital and data system Donorfy.
• Experience with Power BI or other reporting tools.

First-round interviews are set for the week of 9th March 2026. We strongly encourage early applications.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation. 

We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.