135 Director of fundraising and engagement jobs

The Talent Set is delighted to be partnering with Mencap to recruit a new Director of Public Fundraising & Engagement. This is a rare opportunity to join one of the UK's leading disability charities at a pivotal moment of investment and renewed ambition. 

Director of Public Fundraising & Engagement
Salary: £85,000
Location: Hybrid (London HQ)

Mencap is embarking on an exciting period of fundraising growth and transformation, creating a rare opportunity for an ambitious and strategic fundraising leader to join the organisation as Director of Public Fundraising & Engagement. With strong backing from the Chief Executive, Board and Executive Team, public fundraising is recognised as a critical source of flexible, unrestricted income that enables Mencap to deliver meaningful impact for people with a learning disability and their families. 

This role will shape the future of public fundraising and engagement at Mencap. At a pivotal point in their strategy, you will lead an established and ambitious portfolio across Individual Giving, Community and Events, and Legacies, helping grow sustainable income, extend their reach and build deeper relationships with the people who support Mencap's work.

Many people who support Mencap have a personal connection to someone with a learning disability. You will build on these valued relationships while developing a compelling case for support that reaches further, inspires new people to engage with the cause and grows Mencap's supporter base. Working with colleagues across the organisation, you will turn awareness and commitment into meaningful action, strengthening their fundraising culture and helping make a greater difference for people with a learning disability and their families.

Recent investment in fundraising infrastructure, including the implementation of Salesforce, has created the foundations for future growth. The organisation is now focused on strengthening supporter insight, building a more integrated view of audiences and creating a smarter, more data-led approach to engagement and income generation. There is a clear appetite across the organisation to modernise and accelerate fundraising performance.

We are looking for a confident senior fundraising leader who combines strategic ambition with strong financial judgement, effective use of donor data and a clear understanding of regulation, compliance and return on investment. You will be credible with senior stakeholders, able to lead through change and passionate about building inclusive, high-performing teams focused on meaningful impact.

You will directly lead key roles across the function, including the Head of Public Fundraising and the Legacies Administration Lead, creating the leadership, confidence, systems and ways of working needed for public fundraising to grow. This role is for someone who can set direction, build the conditions for teams to succeed and help the function scale income and deliver lasting impact.

This role sits at the heart of Mencap's growth strategy. While there are areas of strong performance and established success, there are also significant opportunities to strengthen strategic planning, prioritisation, audience development and supporter engagement. The successful candidate will help shape the organisation's next fundraising strategy, ensuring investment decisions, income ambitions and delivery plans are aligned and achievable.

Potential Early Objectives / Success Measures

• Develop and begin delivering a public fundraising and engagement strategy aligned to Mencap 2030.
• Agree income, investment and performance measures across Individual Giving, Community and Events, and Legacies.
• Establish reporting that supports clear decisions on income, expenditure, compliance, risk, impact and return on investment.
• Build a stronger approach to audience understanding and segmentation to support growth in engagement and income.
• Strengthen ways of working with Brand and Communications to improve supporter journeys and fundraising conversion.
• Strengthen leadership, systems and processes so the public fundraising function has the capability and infrastructure to grow sustainably.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• A strong track record of senior fundraising leadership, with significant expertise in individual giving and supporter acquisition.
• Experience managing and growing large-scale public fundraising programmes.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of legacy fundraising and its strategic value within a diversified fundraising portfolio.
• Experience leading fundraising transformation, organisational change and income growth initiatives.
• The ability to use data, insight and technology to improve fundraising performance and supporter engagement.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience working effectively across complex organisations.
• Proven experience building collaborative relationships across multiple functions and senior leadership teams.
• Exceptional people leadership skills, with experience of developing high-performing teams and creating clarity around strategic priorities.
• The confidence to challenge constructively, make evidence-based decisions and balance immediate needs with long-term growth ambitions.
• A strategic and commercially minded approach combined with a strong commitment to Mencap's values and mission.

Above all, we are looking for an inspiring and collaborative leader who is excited by the opportunity to modernise, strengthen and grow one of the sector's most important public fundraising portfolios. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of fundraising at Mencap, building on strong foundations while unlocking significant untapped potential across supporter engagement and income generation.

How to Apply
The deadline for applications is Friday 2nd October with 1st stage interviews to take place w/c 12th October. To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role via our website using the apply now button.
If you have any initial questions before applying, please get in touch. We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set is committed to inclusive recruitment practices and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from people with diverse experiences and are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments required throughout the recruitment process.

Role Overview

The Talent Set are delighted to partner with our client on a fantastic Interim Director of Fundraising role. This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead the organisation’s fundraising efforts, develop strategic partnerships, and help secure vital funds to support their charitable mission. This role is part time, 3 days a week for 3 months.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative fundraising strategies to achieve income targets.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Lead and motivate the fundraising team, ensuring collaborative and effective approaches.
• Oversee campaign planning, execution, and evaluation to maximise engagement and revenue.
• Monitor fundraising performance, analyse trends, and adapt plans to meet organisational goals.
• Prepare compelling proposals, reports, and communication materials for diverse audiences.
• Contribute to organisational development initiatives related to fundraising standards and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and organisational policies relating to fundraising activities.

Person Specification

• Proven experience in leading successful fundraising programmes within the charity sector.
• Excellent relationship-building and networking skills across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a focus on results.
• Effective leadership skills to inspire and guide a team towards shared goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages.
• Analytically minded, with the ability to interpret data and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Adaptable and proactive with a collaborative approach to work.

What’s on Offer

Day rate: £276.68 per day PAYE + £44.42 holiday pay. This role is part time, 3 days a week for 3 months.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity

The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

CAHN is seeking an ambitious, creative and experienced Head of Fundraising & Events to lead our fundraising and events portfolio and help drive the organisation’s next phase of growth.

You will lead fundraising development, identify new income opportunities, build strong relationships with funders, corporate partners and supporters, and deliver high-profile events that generate income, engagement and impact.

Working closely with senior colleagues and external stakeholders, you will combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery to grow sustainable income, strengthen partnerships and maximise opportunities for CAHN.

We are looking for a confident and results-driven professional with a proven fundraising and events track record, excellent relationship-building skills and a passion for tackling health inequalities affecting Black Caribbean and African communities.

This is your opportunity to use your expertise, creativity and leadership to help create lasting change.

LCH Charity is one of the East Midlands' fastest-growing children's charities.

In just five years, we have grown from an annual income of £70,000 to a forecast £1.2 million by August 2027. We have expanded our reach across the East Midlands, built strong partnerships with schools, businesses and communities, and supported tens of thousands of children and families experiencing poverty.

Our growth has been driven by innovation, ambition and a relentless focus on meeting the needs of children and young people. Through close collaboration with our school partners, we deliver practical support where it is needed most, helping children to thrive regardless of their circumstances.

While our impact within schools continues to grow, we know there is still enormous potential ahead. Awareness of our work beyond the education sector remains relatively low, and the opportunity to engage businesses, philanthropists, individual supporters, trusts and foundations across the region is significant.

We are now seeking an exceptional Director of Fundraising and Communications to help unlock that potential and lead the next phase of our journey.

The Opportunity

This is not a role focused on maintaining the status quo.

This is an opportunity to build on a proven success story and help shape the future of a charity with ambitious plans for growth.

This is a genuinely exciting opportunity that offers the freedom to be creative and ambitious, with the autonomy to shape, lead and deliver your own strategy.

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the growing Executive Leadership Team, you will lead the creation, development and delivery of an ambitious fundraising and communications strategy that diversifies income, elevates our profile and strengthens our reputation across the East Midlands.

You will inherit an organisation with strong foundations, a compelling story and a highly successful fundraising model. Our flagship School Colour Dash programme currently generates approximately 70% of our income and has become a powerful platform for both fundraising and engagement.

The challenge, and opportunity, is clear.

We are looking for a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader who can develop sustainable income streams capable of matching, and ultimately exceeding, the success of our flagship event.

This is a rare opportunity to help create the next £1 million of income growth.

About the Role

As Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will:

• Lead the creation, development and delivery of a bold and ambitious fundraising and communications strategy.
• Diversify income across corporate partnerships, major donors, trusts and foundations, community fundraising, individual giving and philanthropy.
• Develop compelling propositions that inspire investment in our mission.
• Increase awareness, visibility and understanding of LCH Charity across the East Midlands.
• Strengthen and protect the charity's brand and reputation.
• Build strategic relationships with senior business leaders, philanthropists, partners and stakeholders.
• Identify and develop innovative new income opportunities.
• Lead and inspire a talented, committed and growing fundraising and communications team.
• Use insight, data and market intelligence to drive decision-making and growth.
• Act as a passionate ambassador and advocate for children, young people and families.
• Use systems to increase engagement across all supporters.
• Contribute to organisational leadership and strategic development as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking an ambitious, strategic and inspirational leader with a proven ability to deliver significant growth.

You will be someone who combines vision with action, enjoys building relationships, and thrives in environments where there is genuine opportunity to innovate and make a lasting impact.

You will bring:

• A successful track record of securing substantial fundraising growth.
• Experience working across a range of income streams, including corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, philanthropy and individual giving.
• Strong commercial awareness and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Experience of developing successful communications, marketing or brand strategies.
• Strong leadership experience and the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• The confidence to identify new opportunities and convert them into sustainable income.
• A genuine passion for improving outcomes for children, young people and families.

Most importantly, you will be excited by the opportunity to take an already successful charity to the next level.

Why Join LCH Charity?

This is a unique opportunity to join a charity that has already demonstrated what can be achieved through ambition, innovation and determination.

Over the last four years, we have transformed our income from £70,000 to a forecast £1.2 million, expanded our reach across the East Midlands and built a model that is changing lives every day.

Yet we believe we are only at the beginning of our journey.

We are looking for a leader who shares our ambition, who sees opportunity rather than limitation, and who wants to play a defining role in shaping the future of a growing and impactful organisation.

What Success Will Look Like

In this role, you will:

• Build income streams capable of matching the success of our flagship School Colour Dash programme.
• Secure transformational corporate, philanthropic and strategic partnerships.
• Significantly increase awareness and recognition of LCH Charity.
• Strengthen our influence across the East Midlands.
• Position LCH Charity as a charity of choice for businesses, donors and supporters.
• Help drive the organisation through its next phase of transformational growth.
• Enable thousands more children and families to access the support they need.

Join Us

We have grown from £70,000 to a forecast £1.2 million in just five years.

Now we are looking for an exceptional fundraising and communications leader who can help us do it again.

If you are ambitious, entrepreneurial and motivated by the opportunity to create lasting change for children and families, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help build the future of LCH Charity.

We are looking for ideas as well as experience.

Please submit your CV together with a supporting statement (maximum two pages) outlining:

• Why this opportunity interests you.
• Why this role is the right next step in your career.
• What excites you most about the growth opportunity at LCH Charity.

Informal and confidential conversations with our Chief Executive Officer are welcomed and encouraged.

About Animal Defenders International

London – Los Angles – Bogota – South Africa. Animal Defenders International (ADI) is a UK non-profit; ADI Foundation is a UK registered charity (inc. Lord Dowding Fund for Humane Research); Animal Defenders International Inc.US (nonprofit). Animal Defenders International South Africa, PBO (charity), funding the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. ADI works to protect wildlife, our environment; to end suffering of animals in entertainment (circuses, movies, shows, sports); replacement of animals in research & testing with advanced technology. When governments ban the use of all, or wild animals in entertainment, or wildlife pets, ADI supports with relocation of the animals, emptying all circus cages in Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Guatemala. The ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS), South Africa, is home to over 30 rescued big cats from circuses, illegal pet trade, zoos. 

Location: London (hybrid/remote; 3 days office, 2 days remote)

Terms:             Permanent, full time. Benefits: 20 days annual leave; national holidays; 5 days office closure Christmas–New Year; Stakeholder pension.

Reports to: ADI President and Vice President

Position objective:

• Ensures every aspect of ADI’s work is fully funded.
• Planned growth of ADI income from general public, marketing, special projects and appeals, foundations and corporate support.
• Implements fundraising appeals; marketing strategies; major gifts, foundations, corporate support; promotions of legacies; estates.
• Obtains funding for special projects, e.g., science research, ADIWS support, capital projects.
• Annual and quarterly plans, strategies, alliances, growth of ADI income through marketing, social media, legacy media, donor relationships, corporate support.
• Effective management of fundraising and development teams.

Duties:

• Production of quarterly and annual fundraising, marketing corporate and media plan: targets – quarterly, annual; schedules, outlines, incorporating senior management team objectives (media, science projects, campaigns, education, rescues, ADIWS).
• Outreach – corporate, foundations, major donors, other.
• Donor base: sustained giving; digital and postal direct response; increasing donor engagement and retention; planned giving; special events/calendar dates; major gifts; grants; corporate; legacies, trusts, estates; new income research.
• Manages fundraising calendar, mailings, events, targets, tracking; includes social media.
• Grant Applications, foundations, corporate: Identify, plan, approach, draft grant applications/letters of inquiry and collateral for foundations, trusts, corporate partnerships and gifts, major donor gifts.
• Donor liaison, relationships: high donors, foundations, estates, corporate, sponsors.
• Reporting – weekly, monthly, quarter, annual: income tracking, supervise production of data for quarterly reports, annual.
• Liaison with senior directors: Weekly.

Publications, Social, Websites, Online & Print

• Weekly Social media posts – contribute copy, graphics
• Weekly E-News alerts to supporters (with public relations director)
• Contributes fundraising and development section to Annual Report
• Contributes copy for quarterly Rescuer magazines
• Other contributions to publications as needed
• General: Drafting copy, editing, production; collaborates with public relations/senior directors on various publications
• Oversees production of print and online publications – liaison with external graphic designers (collaboration with public relations director)
• Websites – contribute content, collaborate with public relations on structure.
• Advertising, marketing, ADI YouTube channel – develop fundraising, marketing.

Management, data, oversight, reporting:

• Management of UK supporter engagement, fundraising team.
• Oversight of Raiser’s Edge NXT, Engaging Networks, interface with financial database and records; liaison with Chief Financial Officer.
• Monitor, manage, daily: data entry, gifts, acknowledgements, income tracking, donor communications; distribution of newsletters; calls to action; appeals. Reporting.
• Monitor, manage reconciliations, data manipulation, data-integrity projects, audits, segmentation, quarterly and other reports.
• Oversee planning, mailings, responses, data management.
• Monthly and quarterly reports: income, mailings, gifts, trusts, estates, corporate, other.

Who should apply:

You have the necessary skills and experience, with at least 4 years’ experience in fundraising planning and management for charities, including:

• Educated to degree level in a related field (or equivalent experience) (required).
• A successful track record in direct response campaign fundraising and marketing.
• Excellent written English, you can demonstrate impactful and persuasive content for high donors, foundations, corporate support, supporters, social media, marketing and legacy promotion (required).
• Strong technical skills, data management, manipulation; MS Office suite, Excel/Google, etc; competent with digital research (NB: ChatGPT not permitted for ADI product) (required).
• Strong Raiser’s Edge NXT and Engaging Networks skills (or similar); segmentation, creating lists and reports, data hygiene, audits (required).
• Some knowledge of social media tools, e.g. Canva, Photoshop, or other.
• You can plan and deliver programs for regular and planned giving, major gifts, estates, support from foundations, corporate support (required).
• Management of external vendors for direct response campaigns, production of merchandise catalogue and other sales, marketing, collateral.
• Ensures compliance with ADI’s language, policies, communications style guidelines, editing and publications authorization process (required).
• Skilled at organization and multitasking, you can successfully handle competing priorities and deadlines (required).
• Supporter Engagement culture: strong verbal and written communication skills, you can create a friendly, welcoming approach, for supporters with their donations and advocacy.
• Oversight and Management of staff and supporter relations (required):

- Create friendly, positive, service-oriented approach to help supporters donate and advocate for animals.

- Diligent processing/handling of donations, acknowledgements, correspondence, phone calls.

- Integrity and confidentiality in the handling of sensitive and confidential information

- Integrity of financial records with finance database; liaison with CFO.

• You are reliable, able to work both independently and collaboratively.

About Us:

ADI is Great Nonprofits Top-rated; Charity Navigator 4-star. Operating from London, Los Angeles, Bogota and South Africa. Exposes animal suffering and works for legal protection; replacement of animals used in research; ending the suffering of animals in entertainment; movies, advertising, circuses, sport. Wildlife trade, environment. Once animal circuses are banned ADI helps governments with implementation and relocation of the survivors to ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa: ADI has featured in CBS 60 Minutes, Animal Planet Discovery features and made award-winning documentary, Lion Ark (broadcast in over 40 countries).

Our internal policies:

ADI is dedicated to ending the suffering of animals and works for their legal protection. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment, and a plant-based lifestyle is preferred. ADI is also committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability or other.

How to apply: 

• Apply early – no closing date – applications and interviews on rolling programme.
• Send email detailing how you meet our criteria, together with your CV.
• A formal application form will be sent if you have been selected for interview.
• Interviews online and in person – once your application form has been reviewed.
• In-person interviews arranged following virtual interviews.
• If you have been selected for interview we will send you an application form to complete beforehand; this is an essential part of our recruitment process.
• Virtual interviews will be arranged once your application form has been reviewed.
• In-person interviews will be arranged following virtual interviews.

Salary: £50,000 - £52,000
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Location: Cobham, Surrey (3-4 days per week onsite)
Closing date: 28 September
Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, generous pension contribution, free school lunches during term time, health cash plan and wellbeing support

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Head of Fundraising to join one of the world's leading specialist music schools, nurturing exceptionally talented young musicians from around the globe. The school is committed to ensuring places are awarded based on talent, potential and passion rather than ability to pay. Reporting to the Director of Development, this is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow a fundraising programme that directly supports the next generation of outstanding musicians.

As part of this exciting role, you will lead the delivery of the School's fundraising strategy, driving sustainable income growth through major donors, trusts, foundations, legacies and supporter engagement. You will manage a small, dedicated fundraising team, oversee donor acquisition and stewardship programmes, develop legacy fundraising initiatives, and work collaboratively across the School to cultivate a culture of philanthropy. You will also ensure fundraising operations, systems and reporting are effective, compliant and fit for purpose, helping secure the long-term future of this internationally respected institution.

To be successful as the Head of Fundraising, you will need:

• Demonstrable fundraising experience with a proven track record of delivering income growth and achieving fundraising targets.
• Proven success securing and stewarding major donors and high-value supporters, alongside excellent relationship management skills.
• Experience leading and developing fundraising teams, with strong knowledge of fundraising systems, compliance and best practice.
• Demonstrable experience in or passion for the arts and culture or education sector.

If you would like to discuss this role with us please email your CV to [email protected] or contact us and quote the reference 3097HB.

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, we use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs. We are passionate about improving equality across the sector, you can read more about our commitment to diversity here.

We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you as the leading charity recruitment agency.
If enough applications are received the charity reserve the right to end the application period sooner.
 

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

The Fundraising Executive will provide essential operational support to the Fundraising Team, with primary responsibility for maintaining accurate, timely and useful information in our CRM system, Donorfy. The postholder will process and reconcile donations, maintain high-quality supporter records, coordinate prompt and personalised donor acknowledgements, and produce clear insights to support fundraising decisions across Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid.

We are looking for someone who is methodical, numerate and detail-focused, with the confidence to work across a CRM, banking and income records. They will combine excellent data discipline with warm donor care, helping colleagues use Donorfy consistently and sharing regular reports, trends and actionable insights with the Fundraising Team.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to begin or develop a career in charity fundraising operations. We welcome applicants with transferable experience in database or CRM administration, finance processing, customer or supporter care, reporting, or a detailoriented administrative role.

HOW TO APPLY

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 10:00 am on Monday 28th Sep 2026. 

The website form will ask you to: 

• Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.
• Upload your current CV 
• Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

TIMELINE

Closing date: Monday 28th Sep 2026 at 10:00am 

Preliminary interviews (online): 6th Oct 2026

Final panel interviews (in person): 14th Oct 2026 

ELIGIBILITY 

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do 
not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).
(Full details available on the Job Description) 

ADJUSTMENTS 

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll 
always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application 
form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please 
get in touch with us.

EXPERTS BY EXPERIENCE SUPPORT

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network , which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network.

Volunteer It Yourself (VIY), a UK-wide not-for-profit organisation linked to youth skills and employment, volunteering and construction, is looking for a passionate fundraising manager to drive our income streams and play a crucial role in helping to grow our income.

VIY combines volunteering and DIY by challenging young people aged 14-24 to learn trade and building skills, on the job, by helping to renovate and retrofit community buildings (e.g. youth clubs, community centres, sports clubs, and arts, music and cultural venues).

Importantly, the majority of young people we work with are outside of, or at risk of being outside of employment, education or training. Young people participating in VIY are mentored by professional tradespeople and gain vocational skills accreditations as well as access to further training, work placement and apprenticeship opportunities with local providers and employers beyond the project.

VIY launched in 2011 and now operates UK‑wide with £2.6 million annual income and 25 full time employees. To date, over 1,000 youth and community buildings across the UK have been renovated, involving 18,000 young people and 1,200 trade skills mentors. You can read more about our work in our impact report.

As the Fundraising Manager you will be responsible for identifying and securing new funding opportunities, developing existing opportunities and funding streams, writing and submitting funding applications and proposals and managing the ‘income’ pipeline.

We’re seeking someone ambitious who has proven experience in securing grant funding and bid writing preferably across multiple sectors/income streams, ideally including the public sector and local authorities and corporate CSR and sponsorship programmes. You will identify, cultivate, apply to and steward funders , securing both restricted and unrestricted income to support VIY’s vital work.

You will play a pivotal role in delivering sustainable income growth and supporting VIY’s ambitious plans for the future. Please read our attached Application Pack for the full job description and person specification for this role before applying.

This is an opportunity to join a dynamic and successful fundraising, engagement and communications team, helping to drive forward an organisation that is seeking to grow and develop to meet a changing conservation environment for whales and dolphins.

We are looking for someone that can lead a team but will also be a fundraiser in their own right, willing to initiate and take on projects. They need the experience to drive the strategic direction, innovation, and operational excellence needed to grow fundraising income, strengthen brand awareness and deepen engagement with donors and supporters.

The successful candidate will be an important part of WDC’s senior management team, working closely with the CEO and other senior colleagues to lead the organisation into its next stage of development, building resilience and impact in all that we do.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Senior Leadership Team at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust at a pivotal time for securing nature’s recovery. We hope the information we have put together about the Trust will encourage you to make an application for the role.

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative Director for Communities, Campaigns and Fundraising to lead how the Trust builds public support, enables community action, influences political and civic decisions and generates sustainable income across Yorkshire. Providing visitor experiences will be an important route through which people connect with nature, participate in our work and become long-term supporters.

You will bring senior-level experience of integrating communications, marketing and public affairs, together with a strong record of developing audiences, propositions and campaigns that convert interest into participation, advocacy, income and long-term support. You will use audience insight, customer relationship management systems, segmentation and digital engagement to strengthen supporter journeys, conversion, retention and loyalty, while growing sustainable income across membership, giving, appeals, legacies, philanthropy, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorship, visitor income and appropriate commercial opportunities.

You will lead through four Heads of Service covering Supporter Engagement, Fundraising, Communications and Public Affairs, and Visitor Services. As a member of our established and diverse Senior Leadership Team, you will set direction, create alignment, strengthen capability and hold the Directorate accountable for delivery. You will also work closely with our vibrant, engaged and supportive Trustee Board and play an active part in The Wildlife Trusts federation.

If you share our passion for making a difference, can contribute as an inclusive and collaborative leader and bring the skills and experience we need, we would welcome your application. You will help us build a diverse and inclusive organisation and drive positive change for Yorkshire’s wildlife and communities.

How to apply:

Please submit an up-to-date CV and supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement, please ensure you describe your relevant knowledge, skills and experience aligned to the Person Specification in the Candidate Brief. Please be aware that if you only submit a CV, your application may not be considered.

Please DO NOT include any personal details (name, address etc) on your supporting statement.

Closing date: Sunday 18th October (midnight)

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Preliminary Interviews (virtual): 2nd / 4th/ 5th November - TBC

Interviews (in-person): 23rd /24th /25th November – TBC

Please note that applications received after the closing deadline may not be considered. The Trust regrets that it is unable to give feedback on unsuccessful applications.

We want our people to flourish, just like nature, and so we are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. We value diversity and creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.

We are also a member of the Disability Confident Scheme. This means we are committed to offering an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the post. Where a post is oversubscribed (i.e. there are more candidates meeting the minimum criteria than we can offer interviews to), we will carefully balance inviting a mix of the highest scoring disabled and non-disabled applicants.

Take the next step in your fundraising career

Lauderdale House is looking for an experienced fundraiser who is ready for a role with more responsibility and the opportunity to help shape how fundraising develops across the organisation.

This is our first dedicated fundraising role, but you won't be starting from scratch. We have successful previous trust fundraising, established education and community programmes, previous individual donors and a large community of people with a long-standing connection to Lauderdale House.

Working closely with the Director, you'll help develop fundraising into a consistent and sustainable income stream, with a particular focus on Trusts & Foundations andIndividual & Legacy Giving.

You'll develop and manage a pipeline of trust and foundation applications, write compelling applications and reports, build relationships with funders and develop approaches to encourage longer-term support.

You'll also help establish our individual and legacy giving programme, researching and cultivating prospective donors, making fundraising approaches, developing donor stewardship and putting appropriate systems in place for donor data and Gift Aid.

Alongside this, you'll contribute to fundraising strategy, impact and evaluation, cases for support, fundraising communications, reporting and compliance.

About you

We're looking for someone with solid practical fundraising experience and a track record of securing income who is ready to take the next step in their career and possesses all or most of the following:

• a successful track record in fundraising relevant to this role, preferably in arts, heritage and/or community organisations;
• experience managing your own fundraising workload or portfolio with a good degree of independence;
• the confidence to use your judgement, make recommendations and move work forward without extensive day-to-day supervision;
• experience taking responsibility for fundraising targets or income goals;
• a strong understanding of fundraising trends, especially within the arts, heritage and community sectors;
• an understanding of the role of fundraising in organisational growth;
• knowledge of fundraising regulations, data protection, ethical standards and best practice;
• experience using CRM systems, databases or other tools for data mining and supporting prospecting;
• strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the confidence to develop relationships with funders, donors and prospective supporters;
• the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues who aren't fundraising specialists;
• excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• the ability to influence people and inspire trust;
• strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities;
• creative and lateral problem-solving skills and the ability to deal with the unexpected;
• a positive attitude and willingness to help where needed;
• confident use of Microsoft Office and the ability to learn other relevant software;
• excellent and accurate attention to detail;
• an interest in arts, heritage, education and/or community activity and the impact organisations such as Lauderdale House can have; and
• a commitment to equality and diversity.

You don't need to have previously been a Head of Fundraising or run an entire fundraising function. You might currently be a Fundraising Officer, Senior Fundraising Officer, Development Officer or similar and be ready for a role with more responsibility and scope to use your own judgement.

Above all, we're looking for someone who combines fundraising knowledge and real experience with initiative. You won't be expected to arrive knowing everything about Lauderdale House, but you should have enough fundraising experience to recognise opportunities, recommend a course of action and confidently take responsibility for delivering it.

About Lauderdale House

Lauderdale House is a Grade II* historic house in Waterlow Park, Highgate, brought to life as a busy arts, heritage, education and community centre. Around 80,000 people visit us each year, and in 2028 we will celebrate 50 years as an arts and education centre.

Salary: £37,818
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Holiday: 25 working days plus public holidays
Location: Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate N6 – on-site, not suitable for remote or hybrid working

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter to Director Katherine Ives, with the subject ‘Application for Fundraising Manager’.

Your covering letter should explain why the role interests you and how your experience meets the essential requirements. We'd particularly like to hear about fundraising work you have personally been responsible for and examples of income you have successfully helped to secure.

Please also include contact details for two referees and let us know at what point they may be contacted. We will not contact referees without your permission.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Director Katherine Ives.

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

Application deadline: 9am on 5 October
First interviews: w/c 12 October
Second interviews: w/c 19 October

Sightsavers is looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Major Donor Fundraising to lead the next phase of growth for our high value individual giving programme. This role can be worked full time or part time, with a minimum of four days per week, and is UK based with regular travel to our Haywards Heath office.

As part of the Fundraising and Marketing directorate, you will develop and deliver a long-term major donor strategy, lead a specialist team and personally manage a focused portfolio of high value donors and prospects. The role will focus on supporters giving £10,000 or more per year, while also strengthening nurture and loyalty programmes that help build a sustainable future pipeline of philanthropic support.

Working closely with colleagues across fundraising, technical leadership, programme delivery, finance, planning and senior leadership, you will identify compelling funding opportunities and help build strong cases for support. You will also represent Sightsavers externally with donors, prospects, philanthropy advisers, wealth advisers and sector networks.

We would like to hear from confident and collaborative senior fundraisers with experience of leading or managing a high value fundraising programme. You will bring a strong track record of securing, cultivating and stewarding significant gifts, including six-figure prospects, alongside the ability to use data and insight to manage pipelines, forecast income and support decision-making. You will also bring the relationship-building skills to work effectively with trustees, senior leaders, high net worth individuals and external advisers.

Application and interview process
To apply, please complete an application through our recruitment portal by uploading an up-to-date CV and answering the job-specific questions. We are particularly interested in understanding your motivation for applying. We anticipate a two-stage interview process, with first interviews from w/c 12 October and second-round interviews expected w/c 19 or 26 October 2026. The process will include a role-specific presentation task at first interview stage, and one interview will be held in person at our Haywards Heath office. We would like the successful candidate to start by the end of January 2027.

Sightsavers is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences and are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Worcester Community Trust (WCT) is looking for a Director of Services to provide strategic and operational leadership for our community-based services. The postholder will be responsible for ensuring services are high quality, responsive to local need, financially sustainable and delivered in line with contractual, legal and organisational requirements.

The role will provide leadership and oversight to relevant Contract Managers, Team Leads and service teams, ensuring effective performance management, contract delivery, budget control, risk management, partnership working and continuous improvement. The postholder will contribute to WCT-wide strategy and work closely with the CEO, fellow Senior Leadership Team members and the Board of Trustees.

About Worcester Community Trust

Worcester Community Trust (WCT) is a registered charity that runs six community centres across Worcester, providing facilities and services for people of all ages. We aim to be at the heart of thriving communities — connecting people, building confidence, and empowering positive change.

Our services aim to increase feelings of wellbeing, reduce loneliness and isolation, offer specialist support for survivors of domestic violence, support people into training, education and employment and work with people to deliver local services especially for young people, families and older people.

Vision: To work with residents to build communities where people feel connected, supported and empowered

Mission: Bringing Communities Together by enabling the provision of services and activities for all.

Our values:

• Collaborative – we acheive more together with local people and partners.
• Inclusive – we welcome diversity and value uniqueness.
• Ambitious – we drive progress through innovation and creativity.
• Delivering Excellence – we invest in our people and infrastructure to provide high-quality services.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Strategic Leadership and Service Development

• Contribute as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team to WCT’s organisational strategy, business planning and future development.
• Provide strategic leadership for the community-based services portfolio, ensuring services remain relevant, effective and aligned with WCT’s mission, values and strategic priorities.
• Use service data, community insight, evaluation and feedback to identify opportunities for improvement, innovation and growth.
• Work with the CEO and colleagues to identify funding and partnership opportunities that support the sustainability and development of services.

People Leadership and Management

• Lead, support and develop managers and team leads within the service area, setting clear expectations and ensuring effective supervision, performance management and communication.
• Promote a positive, accountable and inclusive culture that encourages teamwork, professional development, initiative and continuous improvement.
• Ensure staffing structures, deployment and resources are appropriate to contractual requirements, service demand and available budgets.
• Support recruitment, induction, development and, where required, formal peoplemanagement processes in line with WCT policy.

Contract, Performance and Quality Management

• Oversee the implementation and delivery of multiple contracts, grants and commissioned services across the community-based portfolio.
• Ensure clear systems are in place to monitor outputs, outcomes, quality, contractual milestones and service-user experience.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative information and produce clear, accurate reports for funders, commissioners, the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.
• Ensure subcontracted or partner-delivered activity is appropriately monitored and managed where applicable.
• Address underperformance promptly and support managers to implement effective improvement plans.

Financial Management and Sustainability

• Lead the development and management of service budgets, including budgets of significant value, ensuring expenditure remains within agreed funding and organisational parameters.
• Monitor income, expenditure, forecasts and variances in partnership with the Head of Finance & Resources and relevant managers.
• Ensure resources are used efficiently and that services demonstrate value for money and financial sustainability.
• Contribute to funding applications, tenders, business cases and service-costing activity where required.

Risk, Governance and Compliance

• Identify, assess and manage risks relating to service delivery and ensure significant risks are escalated through WCT’s organisational risk-management arrangements.
• Ensure services comply with contractual requirements, WCT policies, data protection requirements, safeguarding arrangements and relevant legislation and guidance.
• Contribute to the development and review of organisational policies and procedures within the postholder’s areas of responsibility.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality and information-governance standards.

Partnerships and Representation

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with commissioners, funders, statutory agencies, VCSE organisations, local communities and other partners.
• Represent WCT professionally at strategic and operational partnership meetings, networks and forums.
• Promote collaboration across WCT services and with external partners to improve pathways, reduce duplication and strengthen outcomes for local people.
• Protect and enhance the reputation of WCT in all internal and external relationships.

Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Organisational Responsibilities

• Actively promote a culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and ensure
  concerns within the service area are managed and escalated in accordance with WCT
  procedures.
• Adhere to WCT’s safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR, equality, professional boundaries, social media and Code of Conduct requirements.
• Complete mandatory training and maintain the knowledge required for the responsibilities of the role.
• Promote equality of opportunity, dignity and respect for employees, volunteers, partners and service users.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the seniority and responsibilities of the post, as reasonably required by the CEO.

• Adhere to WCT’s safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR, equality, professional boundaries, social media and Code of Conduct requirements.
• Complete mandatory training and maintain the knowledge required for the responsibilities of the role.
• Promote equality of opportunity, dignity and respect for employees, volunteers, partners and service users.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the seniority and responsibilities of the post, as reasonably required by the CEO.

For full details including a Person Specification, please download the Recruitment Pack here

What you get…

• Be part of an amazing, welcoming passionate community.
• Put your skills to use to create positive social impact.
• A voice and input into shaping and influence services and decisions.

What we offer…

• Holiday – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for PT staff) plus an extra day of birthday leave and two additional self-care days
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Access to Westfield Health which provides a range of benefits towards health & wellbeing as well as support with essential healthcare (after completion of probationary period)
• Free Parking
• Life Assurance and a pension contribution of 3%
• Access to professional bereavement and probate support
• An annual celebration and investment review
• A blue light card scheme

Representing the City

WCT is committed to equality of opportunity, fairness and inclusion, and to being representative of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

To apply please visit our website.

Closing Date: Sunday 4th October 2026

The University of Southampton is a research‑intensive institution and a founding member of the Russell Group. Our aim is to change the world for the better through research, education and knowledge. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Within the Office of Development & Alumni Relations (ODAR), we build lifelong relationships with our global alumni and supporters, helping them stay connected to Southampton and make a difference through their time, expertise and philanthropy. If you're excited by the idea of shaping and strengthening these communities, this role is for you.

About the role

This is an opportunity to lead a wide-ranging programme of engagement across our alumni and supporter communities. You will lead and develop a team of four, working across ODAR and the wider University to identify opportunities and deliver impactful programmes.

Your portfolio spans engagement and volunteering that advances University priorities – including student recruitment, graduate employability and philanthropy – while strengthening relationships with our international and high‑profile supporters.

A central part of the role is leading the volunteering strand of our first University‑wide fundraising and engagement campaign, the £100m Campaign for Southampton. You will also contribute to projects supporting Southampton's brand and reputation, and international engagement in key countries such as China and India.

As a member of ODAR's senior team, you will represent alumni and supporter engagement on cross‑University working groups and build relationships with stakeholders across the institution.

This role is offered on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of two days a week at Highfield, plus international travel typically once or twice a year.

About you

You'll bring experience building meaningful relationships with alumni, supporters, volunteers, members or similar stakeholder groups, with a track record of delivering successful engagement programmes – ideally drawing on insight and creativity to reach diverse audiences.

An excellent communicator and relationship‑builder, you can influence and work collaboratively with people at all levels. You combine strong organisational and project‑management skills with sound judgement to turn plans into measurable outcomes. You're also an experienced people manager who enjoys developing others.

A background in higher education, fundraising, advancement, charity, membership or another relationship‑led environment would be valuable, but transferable experience is equally welcome.

About us

ODAR has enjoyed an exciting period of growth as we prepare for the Campaign for Southampton. With backing from University leadership, we are investing in the people and programmes needed to deepen alumni and supporter engagement and deliver greater impact for Southampton.

We're a friendly, hardworking team with a passion for making a difference, looking for colleagues with intellectual curiosity, fresh ideas and the confidence to shape something ambitious.

We welcome applicants with direct experience or transferable skills and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can thrive. 

Apply by uploading your CV and a cover letter of up to two sides of A4, outlining how your skills and experience meet the role's requirements and what attracts you to the opportunity.