Director of fundraising jobs

Make a real difference to life after brain injury. Join us as Headway’s Events Fundraising Manager and lead a dynamic, impactful events programme that raises vital funds and increases national visibility, 

Headway – the brain injury association, supports thousands of people every year. Our events are a crucial part of how we raise awareness, generate income, and build a passionate community of supporters. We’re now looking for an experienced, creative and highly organised Events Fundraising Manager to take our programme to the next level.

About the role

As Events Fundraising Manager, you will lead, shape and deliver an exciting portfolio of fundraising events, including virtual challenges, our annual Golf Day, and Headway’s prestigious Annual Awards. You will also steward supporters through major third‑party events such as the London Marathon, Great North Run and London Landmarks Half Marathon.

Working closely with the wider Fundraising Team and our Communications Team, you’ll ensure every event is safe, engaging and memorable, and that every supporter receives an exceptional journey with Headway.

With an established events calendar and opportunities for innovation, this role offers the chance to make a tangible impact while helping to grow an events income stream currently worth approximately £360,000.

What you’ll do

• Plan, manage and deliver Headway’s events programme from start to finish.
• Develop a forward‑thinking events strategy that increases participation and income.
• Deliver and champion outstanding supporter stewardship.
• Manage budgets, health & safety, logistics and evaluation.
• Build strong relationships with participants, volunteers, suppliers and corporate partners.
• Line manage and develop the Fundraising Coordinator (Events).
• Identify and test new fundraising opportunities to grow our reach and income.
• Work closely with the Communications Team to deliver effective, engaging marketing.

About you

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• Proven experience in planning and delivering a diverse range of Fundraising events.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
• Understanding of fundraising principles and supporter engagement
• Experience of budgets, evaluation and health & safety
• Creativity, problem‑solving skills and a passion for delivering high‑quality experiences
• Ability to lead, support and develop others
• A commitment to safeguarding, equality, and Headway’s values

You’ll be joining a supportive, passionate and collaborative charity committed to improving life after brain injury.

Benefits

As a valued member of the Headway team, you’ll have access to the following range of benefits:

Financial Security

• Competitive salaries

• Pension: You will be automatically enrolled into the People’s Pension, with Headway contributing between 3–6% depending on your contributions

• Occupational Sick Pay Scheme, increasing with length of service

• Death in Service Benefit, providing peace of mind for your loved ones

Flexible Working

• Hybrid working, with a minimum of one day in the office. 

• Flexible working arrangements promoting wellbeing and work-life balance

Wellbeing

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme including access to counselling services

• Eye test vouchers

• Mental Health First Aiders

Holidays and Leave

• 25 days annual leave, increasing incrementally to 30 days with service (pro rata for part-time roles), plus Bank Holidays, one day birthday leave and additional three days for Christmas closure. 

Additional Benefits

• Access to shopping and lifestyle benefits and discounts through IMHR Plus Privilege membership

If you’re excited by the opportunity to lead inspiring events that change lives, we’d love to hear from you. If you have any further questions about this role please contact Ruth Owens, Interim Fundraising Director. No recruitment agencies please. 

• Closing date: 25th February 2026 
• Interviews: 3rd 4th March (online)

To enable Operation Smile’s global surgical activities, OSUK’s Partnerships Team works to maximise high-potential income channels such as corporate partnerships, major donors, community fundraisers and trusts and foundations.

We have created an exciting new position in our team for an ambitious and confident relationship fundraiser. Working as part of the Partnership Team and line managing one Partnerships Officer, the Partnerships Manager position will secure critical income from new and existing corporate partners through compelling pitches and excellent stewardship.

The position will build on existing partner relationships with high-profile businesses like Superdrug, the Perfume Shop and Johnson & Johnson, aiming to grow their contributions, as well as making approaches to new prospects in relevant sectors, working closely with the Director of Partnerships.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Corporate Partnerships Development

• Ensure achievement of annual income target for corporate partnerships
• Take primary responsibility for managing the current pool of medium and large corporate partnerships, including global partners (working with Operation Smile Inc), to ensure their growth and longevity – strategic input into the growth of each partner will be essential
• Develop and implement plans for partner activity to maximise all income channels, including corporate philanthropy, employee engagement, cause-related marketing and more
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of new corporate fundraising prospects, creating propositions/proposals and making approaches, working with the Director of Partnerships
• Enhance our employee engagement and community fundraising offer with simple, easy-to-do fundraising activities, linked to key moments in the calendar
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to partners and internal stakeholders
• Represent Operation Smile UK in global corporate partner discussions, applying any global strategies to develop successful fundraising plans for the UK
• Lead on the development and management of any corporate partner cultivation events

Additional Responsibilities

• Line manage one Partnerships Officer, supporting them to manage inbound community fundraising requests and existing relationships, as well as smaller corporate partners
• Oversight of community fundraising income target delivered by the Officer
• Create and maintain annual corporate partnerships and community fundraising budgets and business plans, including activities from current supporters and forecasting new business income

Additional Information

• 2 years’ experience in a corporate partnerships or business development role
• We promote flexible and hybrid working, with 2 days per week in our London office in Battersea (nearest stations Clapham Junction and Wandsworth Town). There will also be some UK travel for meetings, conferences and events.
• Some overseas travel required to visit projects and partner countries, a highlight of the role!

First-round interviews are set for the week of 2nd March 2026. We strongly encourage early applications.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

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

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

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

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

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

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

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

This is a new role to sit in a fast paced and growing fundraising team.  Reporting to the Senior Philanthropy and Major Gifts Manager, this role will be responsible for managing a portfolio of mid-level funders, develop compelling funding applications, support the stewardship of high-value funders, and ensure accurate reporting and data compliance.

The role supports the Senior Philanthropy and Major Gifts Manager in delivering the Trusts & Foundations strategy, maintaining fundraising processes, and identifying new funding opportunities, while contributing to the overall success of the fundraising department.

The post holder will work closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Marketing, Care Teams, Finance, Senior Management, Trustees and the Director of Fundraising and Hospice Development.

This is a hybrid role however due to its collaborative nature and the need to regularly meet donors, team members and hospice colleagues on-site we ask that applicants are able to commute to St John’s Wood at least three days per week, with a preference for four.

What would be my responsibilities as a Senior Philanthropy and Gifts Executive?

• Support delivery of the Trusts & Foundations strategy, including prospect research and pipeline development.
• Lead on mid‑level funding applications (£5k–£50k) and contribute to high‑value bids.
• Produce accurate impact and financial reports, coordinating information across care, finance and service teams.
• Manage and steward a portfolio of funders, ensuring personalised communication and strong relationships
• Support high‑level donor engagement, including meetings, presentations and site visits.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and ensure compliance with GDPR and fundraising standards.
• Contribute to donor profiles, solicitation plans and stewardship schedules, working collaboratively across income streams.
• Provide guidance to junior staff and deputise for the Senior Philanthropy & Major Gifts Manager when required.

Am I the right person for this role?

• 2+ years in Trust & Foundation fundraising or equivalent bid‑writing role
• Proven experience in Trusts & Foundations fundraising, bid‑writing, and securing 4‑figure+ grants.
• Strong relationship‑management skills with internal and external stakeholders, including donors.
• Excellent written communication and analytical ability, with confidence interpreting financial information.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and contribute effectively to a team.
• Knowledge of the UK Trusts & Foundations sector and experience using CRM systems (ideally Salesforce).
• Collaborative and values‑driven approach, with willingness to support colleagues, mentor junior staff, and work flexibly (incl. occasional evenings/weekends).
• Comfortable leading meetings and building strong working relationships across hospice, fundraising, and external partners.

 Why apply for this role? 

At our organisation we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our employees a wide range of benefits; 

When you become part of the HJE Family, these are some of the benefits you will receive:

• Private healthcare scheme worth up to £20,000 per year
• 27 days annual leave
• Blue Light Card discounts
• Interest-free season ticket loans
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free eye check-up vouchers with contribution towards lenses
• Free newspaper and media subscriptions
• Local Business discounts
• Discount in our Hospice Charity shop
• Refer a Friend scheme
• Free Cinema Society Membership offering discounted tickets
• Personal development and training courses
• Annual events and recognition awards
• Career progression and increments
• For employees joining us from the NHS, we can provide continuation of your NHS pension

If you are ready for a new challenge and relish the chance to become part of a successful, forward thinking organisation then we would love to hear from you.

Director of Fundraising

Location: Hybrid working, with 1-2 days per week in London office - all staff in London office every Tuesday.

Salary: £85-90,000 per annum.

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Ovarian Cancer Action, the UK’s leading ovarian cancer research charity, is seeking an ambitious and strategic leader who can drive sustainable income growth and build high‑value partnerships and relationships that can change the lives of thousands of women and their families.  

Ovarian cancer hasn’t seen the scientific breakthroughs that some other cancers have, with survival rates that haven’t changed meaningfully in decades. Ovarian Cancer Action is working to address this, with an urgent mission that by 2032 at least half of women in the UK with ovarian cancer live for 10 years. To realise that goal, the charity is carrying out world-class scientific progress in prevention, early detection and treatment, funding more ovarian cancer research than any other gynaecological cancer charity in the UK.

This is an exciting time to be joining the charity, and the Director of Fundraising will play a key role capitalising on the huge potential of the charity’s current work to transform survival of ovarian cancer, including the possibility of a preventative vaccine this decade.

This is a senior leadership position responsible for driving OCA’s fundraising ambition and accelerating income growth, managing the development and delivery of an insight‑driven fundraising strategy and identifying major opportunities across mass fundraising, philanthropy, partnerships and influential networks. The post-holder will be responsible for personally cultivating and securing high‑value relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations and strategic partners, and leading and developing a high-performing fundraising team to secure significant multi‑year gifts and leverage milestone organisational moments to unlock transformational support.

The successful candidate will be a senior fundraising leader with a strong track record of securing significant 5‑ and 6‑figure gifts, partnerships and multi‑year commitments. You’ll bring deep experience managing high‑level philanthropic relationships and a track record of inspiring leadership, building high-performing teams. Strength in CRM systems, data‑driven pipeline management and cross‑organisational collaboration is essential, as is exceptional communication and influencing ability.

On a personal level, you will thrive in a mission‑driven and fast-paced environment, bringing strategic insight and an entrepreneurial, optimistic and solutions‑focused approach to life. You will be energised by opportunity, resilient in the face of challenge, and comfortable testing, learning and innovating. Above all, you’ll be motivated by improving women’s health and committed to aligning fundraising ambition with organisational strategy and research impact.

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

Closing date: Monday 2nd March 9.00am.

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

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. 

This is a demanding role where you will support the Fundraising Director in effective management of the fundraising teams across our UK centres and the central expertise in Trusts, Major Gifts and Partnerships.

You will assist the Fundraising Director to plan and organise a broad range of fundraising activities; formulating and adjusting plans as required.  Additionally, the Fundraising Director will depend on you to lead or assist on specific projects.   
 

You will act as gatekeeper regarding access for fundraising teams to the Fundraising Director which will involve utilising strong understanding and sound judgement skills across a number of activities.

Director of Fundraising
Salary: £70,000 to £75,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid – London EC1Y/Home

Join MQ and help transform mental health research.

At MQ, we champion and fund world-class research to transform the lives of everyone affected by a mental health condition. We strive to create a world where mental illness is better understood, diagnosed, treated and, hopefully someday, prevented. We believe research is the first step towards making that a reality.

We connect scientists with supporters, people with lived experience of mental health illnesses, policymakers, and practitioners, so together we can strive to understand mental health, improve treatments and prevent mental illnesses.

Supported by our world-class Science Council, MQ funds research globally and works in partnership with leading organisations in the field including Wellcome Trust, the Mental Health Mission, DATAMIND, University of Oxford, Glasgow University and Kings College. In the US, we work through our sister charity the MQ Foundation.

What you'll be doing:

The Director of Fundraising is a senior, strategic leadership role responsible for driving significant and sustainable growth in income for MQ, with a target of achieving £10 million annual turnover over the next five years.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the postholder will set and deliver an ambitious, data-led fundraising strategy across philanthropy, trusts and foundations, partnerships and other income streams. They will personally steward high-value relationships while building a high-performing, commercially minded fundraising function capable of supporting MQ’s long-term mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Income Growth

• Develop and deliver MQ’s overall fundraising and income generation strategy, aligned to organisational priorities
• Set clear income targets and KPIs across all fundraising streams
• Personally lead and secure six- and seven-figure gifts, grants and contracts
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with major donors, funders and partners
• Ensure excellent stewardship, reporting and donor experience across all income streams

Pipeline, Performance & Data Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of the fundraising pipeline, ensuring a healthy balance of prospecting, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Use data, insight and CRM reporting to track performance, forecast income and manage risk
• Identify income concentration risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Drive continuous improvement in fundraising processes, systems and ways of working

Financial Management & Reporting

• Own the Fundraising budget, including income forecasting, expenditure control and cost-of-fundraising oversight
• Work closely with the Finance team to ensure accurate income phasing, reporting and financial planning
• Produce regular reports for the CEO, Executive Team and Board on income performance, pipeline health and risks
• Ensure all funding is managed in line with grant conditions, donor expectations and regulatory requirements

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide strategic leadership and line management to the team
• Build, develop and retain a high-performing, motivated fundraising team
• Foster a collaborative, ambitious and accountable fundraising culture
• Support succession planning and talent development within the Fundraising function

External Profile, Partnerships & Thought Leadership

• Represent MQ at high-level events, conferences and networking opportunities
• Strengthen MQ’s profile with funders, corporates, policymakers and partners
• Work closely with the Board and Science Council to maximise fundraising and partnership opportunities
• Undertake speaking engagements where appropriate to generate visibility & awareness

Executive Leadership & Governance

• Act as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy and decision-making
• Support the CEO with Board engagement, particularly around fundraising strategy and performance
• Ensure fundraising activity complies with all relevant legislation, regulation and best practice
• Uphold MQ’s values, reputation and commitment to ethical fundraising

Person Specification:

We'd love to hear from you, if you have:

• Significant senior leadership experience in fundraising or income generation, ideally within the charity, research or mission-driven sector
• Proven track record of delivering substantial income growth and securing high-value gifts
• Experience leading and developing high-performing fundraising teams
• Strong commercial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting and performance management
• Demonstrable experience of managing complex stakeholder relationships
• Strategic, analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, including at Board and senior stakeholder level
• Strong understanding of the UK research funding or philanthropic landscape
• Clear alignment with MQ’s mission and values

The following is highly desirable

• Knowledge of mental health research and lived-experience-led approaches
• Experience of US philanthropy or international fundraising
• Experience working with Boards, trustees or scientific advisory groups
• Familiarity with modern CRM systems and fundraising analytics

Why Join MQ?

We offer a great working experience within a friendly team. Hybrid working (in the London office Mondays and Tuesdays, with the remaining days from home). We are located near Barbican Tube.

Plus, we offer lots of generous benefits and training opportunities.

We're a Sunday Times Top Company to work for.

Benefits

• Flexible working: As a mental health charity, staff wellbeing is of paramount importance. We operate a core hours policy (10-4) to encourage flexible working and staff are mainly home based with the requirement to come into the office two days per week. A standard full-time working week is 35 hours, plus an hour for lunch breaks.
• Holidays: Annual holiday entitlement of 31 days (inc. office closure between Xmas and New Year) plus bank holidays.
• Wellbeing Allowance: MQ provides an allowance of up to £1200 per annum for each employee to spend on activities that increase their wellbeing. This is paid through payroll and is taxable.
• Virtual GP & Other wellbeing services - Get quick GP appointments and support with cancer and caring responsibilities through our Zurich benefits scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme: An interest-free loan is available to enable employees to purchase a bike and accessories, repaid via equal deductions from the employee’s salary over 12 months.
• Employee Assistance Programme: All employees and their families have access to a 24-hour confidential advice and support line.
• Counselling: Employees have access to a number of free face-to-face sessions, via the EAP scheme.
• Pension: MQ makes contributions of 5% and employees make contributions of 3%.
• Life Assurance - Up to 4 x your salary in the event of death in service.
• Season Ticket Loan: An interest free season ticket loan is available, repaid via equal deductions from the employee’s salary over 12 months.
• Personal Development: We value employee development and review individual training needs through our performance management system. HR also runs internal management development sessions for all staff.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Closing date: 22nd February 2026
Please note, we typically start interviewing within two weeks of the job advert going live. We reserve the right to close the job before the deadline based on the volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Interested?

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

We believe in equality and inclusion and we welcome job applications from everyone, provided you meet the criteria for the job.

Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration and undertake a DBS check.

No agencies please.

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

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

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

About Us

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

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

About You and The Role

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

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

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

Closing date: Sunday 15 February 2026

Interested?

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

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

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

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

No agencies please.

The Bikeability Trust is entering a new exciting phase of our strategy to 2035 to ensure more children can cycle with confidence. A year into our strategy we have reviewed Executive Team roles and responsibilities and are now looking for a creative Communications and Fundraising Director to lead our mission driven communications, income generation and impact reporting functions.

You will be an experience senior leader in communications, who has the drive to take our strategy to the next level. A key member of the Executive Team, working across the home based diverse staff team to bring together the impact of our work through corporate communications and influencing. We recommend reading our annual reviews on the Bikeability website to see a flavour of the work you could be leading.

Our income generation work is focussed on small impactful corporate partnerships, we have tested some individual giving and are planning to host a fundraising Ball in 2026. Experience in fundraising is desirable, with communications experience as essential as this role will ensure strong relationships with Government. 

If you would like to have a short discussion with the CEO before applying please contact Emily Cherry CEO. We are looking to interview shortlisted candidates on the 23rd or 25th February. We are looking for a candidate to start from 1st April or sooner. 

This is a part time role, responsible for leading the fundraising efforts of Canaan Project.

Working closely with the Director, the Fundraising Lead will contribute to strategic funding development and planning, support ongoing fundraising and reporting activities, and assist in the development of relevant policies and processes.

If this sounds like the right role for you, please send us your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Application closing date: 25th February 2026 at 5pm

Interviews will potentially be scheduled for the week beginning Monday 4th March. 

We have big ambition, and our organisation strategy reflects this. As Senior Trust Fundraising Manager, your role will focus on securing five- and six-figure gifts from grant-giving trusts and foundations. You will provide exceptional stewardship to those trusts with whom we have existing relationships, whilst researching and cultivating new prospects to maximise income, value, and influence for The Children’s Trust. This role will be key in enabling us to strengthen long term financial sustainability, through multi-year funding relationships and to drive restricted and unrestricted income to realise the strategy for 2030.

WHEN APPLYING PLEASE INCLUDE A COVERING LETTER

This role is not open for sponsorship.

Skills and Responsibilities

To develop relationships to secure gifts and grants from Corporate Foundations, Trusts and statutory grant makers to achieve income targets. Responsibilities include:

Prospect Research:

• Identify and develop a pipeline of opportunities from grant-giving trusts and foundations.
• Use internal database, online resources, desk research, and contact mapping to identify new funder opportunities.
• Review trusts’ and foundations’ funding criteria to grow the prospect pipeline.
• Develop a thorough understanding of our work and future developments to identify new funding opportunities.

Submitting grant applications:

• Create compelling and persuasive funding appeals.
• Complete grant application forms and follow application processes as required.
• Work closely with colleagues across the Directorate and the wider charity to articulate our work and build strong funding propositions.

Leadership & Relationship Management:

• Lead and manage the Trusts and Philanthropy Executive by developing skills, conducting appraisals and overseeing ongoing development.
• Lead & steward a portfolio of existing charitable trusts and foundations, and cultivate new potential donors, ensuring their support is recognised and celebrated.
• Ensure funders are thanked promptly and that grant terms and conditions are applied.
• Provide progress reports and manage all formal reporting requirements on time.
• Build relationships in person, by phone, email, or virtual meetings to secure long-term commitment.
• Identify opportunities for funders to meet key staff and attend events and site visits that strengthen their relationship with the charity.
• Implement the High Value Donor Stewardship Plan.
• Take a proactive role in developing assets such as appeals and cultivation events.
• Work with colleagues across the charity to monitor and evaluate funded projects, producing reports that demonstrate impact.

Administration and Reporting:

• Manage trust prospects and donors on the CRM database, ensuring records are accurate and compliant with fundraising regulations.
• Budget management, cost control forecasting and taking corrective action to achieve budgets.
• Use the CRM database to manage task “actions”, prioritise and evaluate opportunities, and record funder interactions.
• Manage and develop a portfolio of high value relationships.
• Liaise with colleagues to ensure grant applications are coordinated across the organisation.

Education & Qualifications:

• Educated to GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths
• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience

Experience:

• Significant experience and track record in trust fundraising.
• Experience of writing compelling proposals and appeals.
• Proven experience of working as part of a team to deliver ambitious income targets.
• Experience in undertaking prospect research and creating a pipeline of prospects through to cultivation, ask and stewardship.
• Experience of securing and managing statutory funding desirable.
• Demonstrable experience of using fundraising or relationship management databases.

Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional skills with excellent attention to detail and proof-reading ability
• Excellent research skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills whether on the phone, virtually, in person or in writing
• Excellent relationship building skills.
• Professional, positive, and committed
• Results focussed with strong analytical skill.
• Adaptable and flexible, tenacious, and persuasive
• Financially astute, with the ability to understand project budgets and read the accounts of grant giving trusts.

This is a senior, entrepreneurial, and hands-on role that combines strategic responsibility with delivery. You will lead the Fund’s fundraising activity while overseeing all communications, ensuring our work, values, and impact are communicated clearly and compellingly.

Working closely with the Executive Director, you will help shape the organisation’s future, contributing to long-term sustainability, visibility, and influence. The role is predominantly remote, with 3–4 office days per month based in Farringdon, London, to support collaboration, planning, and relationship-building.

You will bring experience in both fundraising and communications within the charity sector and enjoy working in a small organisation where you can make a visible and immediate difference. You will be motivated by the mission of benevolent funds and excited by the opportunity to shape the future of a national charity at a pivotal moment.

The Fundraising Officer will oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of all fundraising activities and events. This role involves developing and implementing strategies to maximise donations and enhance donor relationships, in line with the Central London Samaritans' fundraising strategy. Responsibilities include engaging with individual donors, businesses, and community partners to secure financial support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the Head of Branch Operations and Branch Director: Identify specific programs and funding priorities and organise targeted fundraising campaigns and events.
• Plan and Coordinate Fundraising Events and Campaigns: Oversee the planning and coordination of fundraising campaigns, events, and initiatives.
• Track and Process Pledges: Monitor, track, and process pledges made at events, ensuring records are regularly updated.
• Manage Online Donations: Oversee online donation activities, maintaining up-to-date records and ensuring relevant departments and donors are informed.
• Identify Funding Opportunities: Seek local and national funding opportunities and contribute to the development of the organisation's fundraising strategy.
• Manage Fundraising Income: Maintain reports, track donations, handle donor correspondence, and evaluate the success of fundraising activities.
• Identify Partnership Opportunities: Look for partnership opportunities for joint fundraising campaigns to expand the donor base.
• Represent Central London Samaritans: Positively represent the organisation in all aspects of work, adhering to its values.
• Additional Duties: Perform any other duties assigned by your line manager that are appropriate to your role.

ATTRIBUTES

Candidates should demonstrate:

• · Fundraising Experience: A demonstrable track record of fundraising or related activities
• · Communication Skills: High standard of verbal and written communication skills.
• · Organisational Skills: Ability to multi-task, stay organised, and prioritise workload.
• · Independence and Teamwork: Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• · Flexibility: Adaptable and flexible in working style, as this role will require evening and weekend work to attend events and meet deadlines.
• · Relationship Building: Ability to communicate and develop relationships with volunteers, members of the public, and organisations.

The summary of responsibilities is neither exclusive nor exhaustive and responsibilities may vary from time-to-time in the light of changing circumstances and in conjunction with the post holder.

Hours of work:

The basic hours are 21 hours per week spread over Three working days. Within these hours there may be need to work some evenings and weekend days, so flexibility is essential. The core responsibilities should be carried out during weekdays. The amount of out of hours work will be agreed on an ongoing basis.

Time off in lieu will be allowed in agreement with the Head of Branch Operations and in line with the staff handbook and the European Working Time Directive.

Limitations:

The post holder will be required to work within the rules and regulations of Samaritans and accept the authority of the Director and the Chair of the branch’s Board of Trustees, who have discretion to delegate authority to the post holder and to withdraw it.

Equal Opportunities Policy:

Central London Samaritans is committed to eliminating any discrimination and promoting diversity and equality of opportunity in all it does. It is therefore Central London Samaritans' commitment to provide equal opportunities in employment and we will not unlawfully discriminate against job applicants, employees of the Company, volunteers, workers, or contract workers on the grounds of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

The Haberdashers’ Company is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, with a history dating back to 1371. While custodians of a remarkable heritage, we are firmly focused on the present and future. Our enduring purpose is to empower young people from every background to fulfil their potential through our schools and by supporting their communities.

Today, the Company is a thriving membership organisation of more than 1,000 members from a wide range of professions, united by a shared commitment to service and social impact. We are a modern, values-led funder, committed to flexible, relational and transparent grant-making, working in partnership with our schools, churches, communities and charity partners to create lasting change.

Central to our approach is the Haberdashers’ Advantage, a distinctive funder-plus model that combines grant funding with member-led governance support, volunteering, mentoring and capacity building. Each year, the Company distributes over £5.6 million to support schools, young people, churches and charities across North London, Southeast London, South Wales and the West Midlands, with a primary focus on education and community resilience.

The Role

We are seeking a Director for Charities to lead and further develop the Company’s grant-making, philanthropy and fundraising. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering charitable strategy and ensuring the Company’s resources create meaningful, long-term impact for young people and communities.

The Director for Charities will oversee our grant-making, steward key funding relationships and play a central role in developing fundraising with members, including growing individual giving, legacies and events-based income. The role is inherently relational, working closely with charity partners, schools, dioceses, Company members and colleagues. You will support and advise grant-making committees, convene learning and engagement events, and represent the Company within external funder networks to remain connected to best practice in modern philanthropy.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a values-driven leader with strong experience of flexible and responsive grant-making and fundraising in the charitable sector, and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for young people and communities. You will have excellent communication skills, a warm, engaging and reflective leadership style, and will thrive in a small but highly collaborative organisation. You will be comfortable engaging with grassroots charities, senior stakeholders, Company members and robust governance structures, combining an appreciation for heritage and service with a commitment to modern, progressive philanthropy.

To read more about the opportunity and our work, please download the full appointment brief.

Closing Date: 3 March 2026

People Beyond Profit Screening Conversations: 9-18 March 2026

The Haberdashers’ Company Panel Interviews:

• First Stage: 27 March 2026
• Second Stage: 13 April 2026