Chief fundraising officer jobs

​​We are really excited to have welcomed our new Director of Income Generation and Development to Brain Tumour Research this month, a great new start for the new year!​

This is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser, to be based in the East Anglia region.​

As the Community Fundraiser covering East Anglia you will play a crucial role in helping the charity meet its strategic plans and objectives, which include campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK.  Your role will be to generate and grow our income through community fundraising activities, contributing to a regional team target of more than £1.5 million.​

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Do you live in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk or Suffolk?
• Do you have at least one years' experience of working in a professional Community Fundraising position?​

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Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start? ​

If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack which is attached in this advert.​​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

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We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

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Location: Bristol (with flexible / hybrid working arrangements)

Salary: £25,469.60 pro rata (£31,837 FTE)

Are you passionate about social justice? Do you want to help women heal and thrive?

One25 is a Bristol charity supporting women to move from crisis and trauma towards independence in the community. We’re looking for a skilled and compassionate Philanthropy Officer to help secure the vital income that makes this life-changing work possible.

In this role you will work closely with the Philanthropy Manager to deepen existing relationships with supporters as well as implement approaches to attract new major donors.

In this role you will:

• Coordinate One25’s major donor programme.
• Be part of a passionate and supportive team committed to making a tangible difference to women’s lives.
• Get to know our fabulous supporters and help them feel the impact of their support.

Please see the job description and person specification for more information.

“When I first came through the doors, I remember being made to feel welcome, and I felt safe. At last, I knew I wasn’t alone. I wouldn’t have my flat without being supported when I was homeless. One25 has helped me throughout my addiction and what goes with it.“ – One25 Service User

At One25 we seek to imbed our values into the daily work and activities of One25 employees and volunteers. We are looking for candidates who understand, demonstrate and apply our workplace values:

• Compassion – we care
• Justice – we fight for change
• Learning – we grow together

These values reflect the way that we work with and for the women, each other, partners and within society and its systems.

One25 is committed to being an inclusive workplace that represents the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from across the global majority, LGBTQ and disability groups, and those who have lived experience of multiple disadvantages as these groups are underrepresented within our workforce.

As part of our efforts to increase ethnic diversity in particular, we are taking positive action under the Equality Act 2010 (Section 159). We will guarantee an interview to applicants from global majority backgrounds who meet the essential criteria for the role.  Applicants are therefore asked to ensure they complete the Equalities Form when submitting their details in order that their application can be considered appropriately. Please refer to One25’s Recruitment Data Privacy Policy for more information.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require once in post, but also during the application and interview process to make it as inclusive as possible. This could include (but is not limited to) different ways of applying, sharing interview questions in advance, or allowing more time for tasks during the interview.

Benefits:     Generous leave allowances: 33 days holiday inc. bank holidays; additional holiday linked with length of service, 2 days wellness leave; up to 13 additional days’ time off in lieu; plus, additional time off on any working days that fall during the Christmas and New Year closure.

Enhanced company sick pay

Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity/partner pay

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Access to HSF Health Plan

Mental Health Champions

Reflective practice sessions

Cycle Scheme

Opt-out pension scheme.

One25 are currently trialing a 4 Day Week. This means that staff work 20% less for the same salary following a successful probation period. It is a pilot and a decision about its continuation will be taken in May. With this in mind, we are highlighting it as a potential benefit, but not guaranteed.

Hours: 30 hours a week. Available working days are Monday to Friday and work pattern will be agreed with the successful candidate. There is a requirement to be available for occasional evening and weekend commitments, which can be taken back as time off in lieu.

Salary: £25,469.60 per annum pro-rata (£31,837 FTE)

Contract: Permanent

Location: This role will be a mixture of office-based (St Paul’s, Bristol) and homeworking. We are open to options around this.

Applications by: 12th March at 09:00

Ask us anything session: 3rd March 2026 at 12:30

Interviews: 18th / 19th March 2026

Start Date: As soon as possible

We know sometimes the ‘perfect candidate’ doesn’t exist, and that people can be put off applying for job if they don’t tick every box. If you’re excited about working for us, and have most of the skills or experience we’re looking for, please go ahead and apply. You could just be what we’re looking for!

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.

Are you an energetic, creative, and organised individual with experience in fundraising and partnership development? Do you want to use your skills to help secure the long-term future of our environment and ecosystems? Join us as we inspire and empower people across Oxfordshire to work together for nature’s recovery.

Work location: Manor House, Little Wittenham. This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of working in the office an average of three days per week, including Tuesdays. Additionally, some evening and weekend work will be necessary to attend networking events.  

As a flexible employer, we’re ideally looking for a person full-time to join our enthusiastic and knowledgeable team but will consider part-time applicants (minimum 21 hours).

• Work with our Chief Executive to lead income-generation and secure our long-term future.
• Create, implement, and monitor our fundraising plans.
• Coordinate and deliver all aspects of fundraising and income generation working with our Chief Executive, Trustees, volunteers, staff, and partners across multiple programmes and partnerships.
• Develop relationships with funders including individuals, trusts, local authorities, funding bodies, and corporates.

Wild Oxfordshire is a charity seeking to create a more natural, resilient, and biodiverse Oxfordshire for the benefit of all. We catalyse change by identifying needs, convening partnerships, and unlocking opportunities for nature recovery action. We collaborate with numerous individuals, communities and organisations, offering expertly curated and inspiring information, bespoke advice, and nature-based solutions.

The person specification and role description, outlining the requirements for the role, are available on our website. Interviews will be held on Monday 22nd or Tuesday 23rd March, with a planned start date of 1st May (if possible).

To provide inspirational and effective leadership, ensuring the charity delivers its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with the Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and funders. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and implementation of the charity's vision, mission, and long-term strategy in partnership with the Board.
• Governance & Compliance: Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure full compliance with Charity Law, the Charity Commission, and all relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, data protection).
• Fundraising & Financial Management: Oversee the charity's financial planning, manage budgets, and lead on developing and delivering a diversified fundraising strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. This includes writing grant applications and identifying new income streams.
• Operational Management: Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery and managing risk.
• Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and manage a team of staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and inclusive organisational culture.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Act as the primary ambassador for the charity, building strong relationships with local authorities, funders, community partners, and the media. 

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in a senior leadership or management role, ideally within the charity/non-profit sector.
• Demonstrable success in income generation, including grants and fundraising.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and networking skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Experience of working closely with or reporting to a Board of Trustees.
• Strong understanding of governance, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements in the UK charity sector.
• Ability to be a decisive, adaptable, and inspiring leader, comfortable with a hands-on role in a small organisation. 

Desirable Attributes

• A qualification in business administration, non-profit management, or a relevant field.
• Knowledge of the specific issues or services the charity provides.
• Experience in social enterprise development or digital transformation
• Existing vetting and safeguarding clearances

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

All applicants must have a right to work in the UK.

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

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.

Want your fundraising to change lives, not just balance sheets?

The Friendly Food Club is looking for an ambitious, values-driven Fundraising & Partnerships Manager to grow income, build powerful partnerships, and help create healthier futures for families across Dorset and BCP.

The Friendly Food Club supports people from vulnerable groups and communities by building their cooking skills, confidence and resilience, to help break the cycle of food insecurity and low wellbeing.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of an established and growing charity and deliver real-world impact every day.

This role is perfect for someone who:

• Is aligned with our values of care, good health, inclusion and community
• Brings empathy, energy and a people-first approach
• Has a friendly, creative, resilient and solutions-focused mindset
• It happy to get stuck in and involved at all levels of development and delivery
• Lives in Dorset or BCP areas who likes a mix of working from home and getting out and about.

The role will:

• Develop and deliver Friendly Food Club’s fundraising strategy to align with the charity’s priorities.
• Identify, build and steward strong, values-aligned long-term funding and partnership relationships.
• Write compelling and effective funding applications, proposals and impact reports
• Monitor income performance and report to the CEO and Board
• Represent Friendly Food Club externally as an ambassador for its mission and values

Apply now and help cook up healthier futures for thousands across Dorset.

If you want your work to truly matter — and to be part of a supportive, mission-led team — we’d love to hear from you.

Deadline 28 February 2026 | In person interviews mid-March 2026 | Start date: Flexible for the right person

About Metabolic Support 
Metabolic Support is the UK umbrella patient organisation for people affected by Inherited Metabolic Disorders (IMDs) – rare, lifelong genetic conditions affecting around 40,000 people in the UK and over 1.4 million worldwide. Since 1981, we have been at the forefront of rare disease advocacy, research, newborn screening and community support, empowering people with IMDs to live well. 

About the Role 
This is a senior, strategic and hands-on role leading our fundraising and communications activity. You will drive sustainable income growth, raise our profile nationally and internationally, and tell our community’s stories with clarity, compassion and impact. 

Working closely with the Chief Executive, you will shape and deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy, develop diverse income streams, and build strong relationships with trusts, foundations, corporates, major donors and supporters. You will also lead our communications and brand, ensuring consistent, high-quality messaging across all channels. 

As part of a small, agile team, this role suits a confident self-starter with emotional intelligence, strong leadership skills and a passion for making a tangible difference in rare disease. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and deliver an integrated fundraising and communications strategy 

• Grow income across trusts & foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, major donors, community and events 

• Act as an external ambassador for Metabolic Support 

• Oversee communications, marketing, social media and brand development 

• Manage donor relationships, stewardship and CRM (Nutshell) 

• Provide fundraising forecasts, reports and budgets to the Board 

• Ensure compliance with GDPR and fundraising regulations 

About You 

• Proven experience in fundraising, communications or income generation 

• Strong track record in at least one key fundraising area (e.g. trusts, corporates, major donors) 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Confident relationship-builder and storyteller 

• Highly organised, proactive and comfortable working autonomously 

• Strong alignment with Metabolic Support’s mission and values 

Other Information 

• UK-based with eligibility to work in the UK 

• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings/weekends 

You don’t have to know about Down syndrome. You can learn about Down syndrome, but we need you to know how to nurture the heart of an organisation and its people.

Please see our video on our website for further details from our Chair, James Davis (go to 'meet the team', and 'current vacancies'.

Freelance/self-employed contract for 3 – 4 days per week

Lead the 17-year-old charity into a brighter future

The role demands quality skills and experience in management, governance, building teams and communities, fundraising and finance – in person and online.

Can you simultaneously be creative, a problem solver, ideas person, developmental, positive leader, supporter, confidante, prudent and adventurous?

We are very keen to hear from you. Please send your CV and a 5 min video explaining who you are, why you suit the role and why you want to join us as CEO by Saturday 28 February 2026.

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 a new Director of Fundraising to help us increase our income to support more families. 

The successful candidate will set the strategic direction for fundraising, lead the team to build strong and sustainable income streams and ensure the charity has the resources it needs to deliver and expand our vital services.This is a wonderful opportunity to help shape the future of our small but mighty charity. The successful candidate will bring proven fundraising leadership experience, strong relationship-building skills, and a genuine passion for providing life-changing support to babies and children.   

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned to organisational goals.
• Lead income development and diversification across corporate, major donor, trusts and foundations, community fundraising and events.
• Lead the development of compelling cases for support, proposals, and donor communications.
• Build a strong corporate partnerships programme, including aviation sector engagement and charity of the year partnerships.
• Identify and cultivate major donor prospects, working closely with the CEO where appropriate.
• Grow individual giving, including regular giving, appeals, and legacy development.
• Oversee the trusts and foundations pipeline, ensuring high quality applications and stewardship.
• Provide strategic insight to the CEO and Board on fundraising performance, opportunities, and risks.
• As a member of our Senior Management Team, contribute to organisational planning, budgeting, and impact.  reporting.

We are looking for someone with: 

• Proven track record of delivering significant income growth across multiple fundraising streams.
• Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and developing teams.
• Demonstrable success in building relationships with high-value donors, corporates, or trusts.
• Experience working in a small or growing charity environment.

For further details, please see the attached job description. 

How to apply: 

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) should demonstrate how you meet the person specification set out in the job description. 

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 27th February. 

Please note first round interviews will take place online Thursday 5th and Monday 9th March. A second (and final) round interview will take place in London on the morning of Wednesday 18th March. 

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

The CEO will play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the continued success and sustainability of Clwyd Special Riding Centre. This is a wide-ranging role combining strategic leadership with hands-on people management.

The postholder will oversee the daily running of the Centre while also working closely with Trustees to deliver long-term development plans. The role demands strong financial and organisational management, excellent people skills, and the ability to balance compassion with pragmatism.

The CEO will act as a key ambassador for the Centre, building relationships with supporters, stakeholders, and the wider community to secure funding and grow the charity’s impact.  The CEO will create the strategic plans for the next 5 years and work with the Trustees, Stakeholders and Staff to implement the plan.

This is an exciting opportunity to transition the organisation into a sustainable, self-funded and agile organisation able to meet the needs of their traditional participant and those members of the community who could benefit from equine activities.

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.